Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Southern Company [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 80,000	$ 67,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	13,000	8,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	13,000	10,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,699	2,291
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	55,376	53,450
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	50,446	37,882
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ (113)	$ 7,682