Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 67,000	$ 62,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	8,000	5,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	10,000	17,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	2,291	1,846
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	53,450	45,079
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	37,882	22,131
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 7,682	$ 16,436