Derivatives - Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives (Details) - Interest rate derivatives $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,960
Fair Value Gain (Loss) at June 30, 2021	7
MISSISSIPPI POWER CO | Cash Flow Hedges of Existing Debt
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 60
Weighted Average Interest Rate Paid	0.58%
Fair Value Gain (Loss) at June 30, 2021	$ 0
Southern Company parent | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt | March 2028
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 400
Interest Rate Received	1.75%
Fair Value Gain (Loss) at June 30, 2021	$ 0
Southern Company parent | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt | April 2030
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,000
Interest Rate Received	3.70%
Fair Value Gain (Loss) at June 30, 2021	$ 4
SOUTHERN Co GAS | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 500
Interest Rate Received	1.75%
Fair Value Gain (Loss) at June 30, 2021	$ 3
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Southern Company parent | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt | March 2028
Derivative [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate Paid	0.68%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Southern Company parent | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt | April 2030
Derivative [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate Paid	2.36%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | SOUTHERN Co GAS | Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt
Derivative [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate Paid	0.38%