Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	$ 16,984		$ 26,155		$ 24,919
Additions Charged to Income	36,788		35,305		66,641
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	35,917	[1]	44,476	[1]	65,405	[1]
Balance at End of Period	17,855		16,984		26,155
Alabama Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	8,450		9,856		9,602
Additions Charged to Income	12,327		10,537		16,415
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	12,427	[1]	11,943	[1]	16,161	[1]
Balance at End of Period	8,350		8,450		9,856
Georgia Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	6,259		13,038		11,098
Additions Charged to Income	18,362		20,995		45,267
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	19,547	[1]	27,774	[1]	43,327	[1]
Balance at End of Period	5,074		6,259		13,038
Gulf Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	1,490		1,962		2,014
Additions Charged to Income	1,900		2,611		3,332
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	2,259	[1]	3,083	[1]	3,384	[1]
Balance at End of Period	1,131		1,490		1,962
Mississippi Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	373		547		638
Additions Charged to Income	3,757		628		1,235
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	1,112	[1]	802	[1]	1,326	[1]
Balance at End of Period	$ 3,018		$ 373		$ 547

[1] Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts previously written off.