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Derivatives - Narrative (Details)
MMBTU in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]    
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value $ 76,000,000  
Southern Company    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Expected volume of natural gas subject to option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints | MMBTU 34  
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months $ (19,000,000)  
GEORGIA POWER CO    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Expected volume of natural gas subject to option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints | MMBTU 11  
ALABAMA POWER CO    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Expected volume of natural gas subject to option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints | MMBTU 5  
Gulf Power and Mississippi Power    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Expected volume of natural gas subject to option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints | MMBTU 3  
MISSISSIPPI POWER CO    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Expected volume of natural gas subject to option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints | MMBTU 4  
SOUTHERN POWER CO    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months $ 5,000,000  
Parent Company and Southern Power    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Foreign currency cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months (23,000,000)  
SOUTHERN Co GAS    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value 76,000,000 $ 62,000,000
Derivative Counterparties | Registrants    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value $ 0