Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 92,000	$ 83,000	$ 78,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	11,000	7,000	9,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	14,000	21,000	37,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,421	2,500	3,951
Mississippi Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	54,118	32,816	10,065
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 9,178	$ 19,092	$ 18,001