Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.56	$ 0.5600	$ 0.5600	$ 0.5600	$ 0.5425	$ 2.3000	$ 2.2225	$ 2.1525
Other comprehensive income (loss)									$ (9)	$ (50)	$ (2)
SOUTHERN POWER CO
Other comprehensive income (loss)									$ (10)	$ 31	$ 1