Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 22,000	$ 17,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	4,000	3,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,000	3,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	1,262	601
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	16,903	16,001
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	13,875	11,141
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ (113)	$ 0