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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Capital Leased Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Capital Leased Assets, Accumulated Amortization $ (49)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation $ (48)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation
Capital Leased Assets, Net of Amortization 161us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet 164us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet
Office Building [Member]    
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Capital Leased Assets, Gross 61us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_BuildingMember
61us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_BuildingMember
Nitrogen Plant [Member]    
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Capital Leased Assets, Gross 83us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= so_NitrogenPlantMember
83us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= so_NitrogenPlantMember
Computer-Related Equipment [Member]    
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Capital Leased Assets, Gross 60us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember
62us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember
Gas Pipeline [Member]    
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Capital Leased Assets, Gross $ 6us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PipelinesMember
$ 6us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PipelinesMember