Consolidated Entities and Equity Method Investments - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) investor	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 1,414	$ 1,368
Assets	143,956	139,331
Liabilities	107,051	104,106
Southern Holdings Company
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries	127	126
SOUTHERN POWER CO
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	12,646	12,761
Liabilities	$ 6,044	6,063
SP Solar Holdings I, LP | SOUTHERN POWER CO
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid, percentage	67.00%
SP Solar Holdings I, LP | Global Atlantic
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid, percentage	33.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | SP Solar Holdings I, LP | SOUTHERN POWER CO
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	$ 5,600	5,600
Liabilities	378	399
Noncontrolling interests related to other partners' interests	1,000	1,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | SP Wind | SOUTHERN POWER CO
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	2,100	2,100
Liabilities	184	187
Noncontrolling interests related to other partners' interests	$ 36	38
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid, percentage	60.00%
Number of financial investors | investor	3
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | SP Wind | Financial Investors
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distribution made to limited partner, cash distributions paid, percentage	40.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other Variable Interest Entities | SOUTHERN POWER CO
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,700	1,700
Liabilities	240	230
Noncontrolling interests related to other partners' interests	$ 710	$ 761