<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?><InstanceReport xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"><Version>2.2.0.25</Version><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><ReportLongName>06015 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</ReportLongName><DisplayLabelColumn>true</DisplayLabelColumn><ShowElementNames>false</ShowElementNames><RoundingOption>In Millions</RoundingOption><HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports><Columns><Column><Id>1</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)

USD ($) / shares

</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>Jan-01-2010_Dec-31-2010</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000092122</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments /><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Pure</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>pure</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>USDEPS</UnitID><UnitType>Divide</UnitType><NumeratorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></NumeratorMeasure><DenominatorMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></DenominatorMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty><UnitProperty><UnitID>Shares</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>shares</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>xbrli</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="12 Months Ended" /><Label Id="2" Label="Dec. 31, 2010" /></Labels></Column></Columns><Rows><Row><Id>2</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole /><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]</Label></Row><Row><Id>3</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>true</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodstartlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-88000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-88</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>4</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>so_IncreaseDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossbalancesNetOfTaxEffects</ElementName><ElementPrefix>so</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>totallabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>18000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>18</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>true</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Current period change</Label></Row><Row><Id>5</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>true</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodendlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-70000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-70</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>6</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://southerncompany.com/role/summaryofsignificantaccountingpoliciesdetails5</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>2</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Qualifying Hedges [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Accumulated_Net_Gain_Loss_From_Designated_Or_Qualifying_Cash_Flow_Hedges_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000092122</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Qualifying Hedges [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Qualifying Hedges [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Qualifying Hedges [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>7</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole /><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]</Label></Row><Row><Id>8</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>true</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodstartlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-49000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-49</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>9</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>so_IncreaseDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossbalancesNetOfTaxEffects</ElementName><ElementPrefix>so</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>totallabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>14000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>14</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>true</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Current period change</Label></Row><Row><Id>10</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>true</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodendlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-35000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-35</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>11</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://southerncompany.com/role/summaryofsignificantaccountingpoliciesdetails5</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>3</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Marketable Securities [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Accumulated_Net_Unrealized_Investment_Gain_Loss_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000092122</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Marketable Securities [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Marketable Securities [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Marketable Securities [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>12</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole /><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]</Label></Row><Row><Id>13</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>true</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodstartlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>10000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>10</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>14</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>so_IncreaseDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossbalancesNetOfTaxEffects</ElementName><ElementPrefix>so</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>totallabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-3000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-3</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>true</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Current period change</Label></Row><Row><Id>15</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>true</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodendlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>7000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>7</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>16</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName /><ElementPrefix>na</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>na</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>true</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>http://southerncompany.com/role/summaryofsignificantaccountingpoliciesdetails5</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Columns><Id>4</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><LabelColumn>false</LabelColumn><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><FootnoteIndexer /><hasSegments>true</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios><MCU><KeyName>{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Pension and Other Postretirement [Member]
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
</KeyName><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><contextRef><ContextID>TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Accumulated_Defined_Benefit_Plans_Adjustment_Member</ContextID><EntitySchema>http://www.sec.gov/CIK</EntitySchema><EntityValue>0000092122</EntityValue><PeriodDisplayName /><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><PeriodStartDate>2010-01-01T00:00:00</PeriodStartDate><PeriodEndDate>2010-12-31T00:00:00</PeriodEndDate><Segments><anyType xsi:type="Segment"><IsDefaultForEntity>false</IsDefaultForEntity><Name /><IsFromEntityGroup>false</IsFromEntityGroup><ValueName>Pension and Other Postretirement [Member]</ValueName><ValueType>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</ValueType><Namespace>xbrldi</Namespace><Schema>http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi</Schema><DimensionInfo><Id>us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember</Id><dimensionId>us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis</dimensionId><type>explicitMember</type></DimensionInfo></anyType></Segments><Scenarios /></contextRef><UPS><UnitProperty><UnitID>USD</UnitID><UnitType>Standard</UnitType><StandardMeasure><MeasureSchema>http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217</MeasureSchema><MeasureValue>USD</MeasureValue><MeasureNamespace>iso4217</MeasureNamespace></StandardMeasure><Scale>0</Scale></UnitProperty></UPS><CurrencyCode>USD</CurrencyCode><OriginalCurrencyCode>USD</OriginalCurrencyCode></MCU><CurrencySymbol>$</CurrencySymbol><Labels><Label Id="1" Label="Pension and Other Postretirement [Member]" /><Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010" /></Labels></Columns></OriginalInstanceReportColumns><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType /><SimpleDataType>na</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Pension and Other Postretirement [Member]</Label></Row><Row><Id>17</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>true</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>na</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole /><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>false</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>0</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>0</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Other</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:stringItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>string</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>No definition available.</ElementDefenition><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]</Label></Row><Row><Id>18</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>true</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodstartlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-49000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-49</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance</Label></Row><Row><Id>19</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>so_IncreaseDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossbalancesNetOfTaxEffects</ElementName><ElementPrefix>so</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>false</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>duration</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>false</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>totallabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>7000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>7</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>false</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Increase Decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of tax effects.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>No authoritative reference available.</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>true</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Current period change</Label></Row><Row><Id>20</Id><IsAbstractGroupTitle>false</IsAbstractGroupTitle><Level>0</Level><ElementName>us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax</ElementName><ElementPrefix>us-gaap</ElementPrefix><IsBaseElement>true</IsBaseElement><BalanceType>credit</BalanceType><PeriodType>instant</PeriodType><ShortDefinition>No definition available.</ShortDefinition><IsReportTitle>false</IsReportTitle><IsSegmentTitle>false</IsSegmentTitle><IsSubReportEnd>false</IsSubReportEnd><IsCalendarTitle>false</IsCalendarTitle><IsTuple>false</IsTuple><IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow>false</IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow><IsEquityAdjustmentRow>false</IsEquityAdjustmentRow><IsBeginningBalance>false</IsBeginningBalance><IsEndingBalance>true</IsEndingBalance><IsReverseSign>false</IsReverseSign><PreferredLabelRole>periodendlabel</PreferredLabelRole><FootnoteIndexer /><Cells><Cell><Id>1</Id><IsNumeric>true</IsNumeric><IsRatio>false</IsRatio><DisplayZeroAsNone>false</DisplayZeroAsNone><NumericAmount>-42000000</NumericAmount><RoundedNumericAmount>-42</RoundedNumericAmount><NonNumbericText /><NonNumericTextHeader /><FootnoteIndexer /><CurrencyCode /><CurrencySymbol /><IsIndependantCurrency>false</IsIndependantCurrency><ShowCurrencySymbol>true</ShowCurrencySymbol><DisplayDateInUSFormat>false</DisplayDateInUSFormat><hasSegments>false</hasSegments><hasScenarios>false</hasScenarios></Cell></Cells><OriginalInstanceReportColumns /><Unit>Monetary</Unit><ElementDataType>xbrli:monetaryItemType</ElementDataType><SimpleDataType>monetary</SimpleDataType><ElementDefenition>Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.</ElementDefenition><ElementReferences>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 04
 -Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher AICPA
 -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
 -Number 12
 -Paragraph 10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher FASB
 -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
 -Number 130
 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
 -Publisher SEC
 -Name Regulation S-X (SX)
 -Number 210
 -Section 02
 -Paragraph 31
 -Article 5

</ElementReferences><IsTotalLabel>false</IsTotalLabel><IsEPS>false</IsEPS><Label>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance</Label></Row></Rows><Footnotes /><NumberOfCols>1</NumberOfCols><NumberOfRows>19</NumberOfRows><ReportName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)</ReportName><MonetaryRoundingLevel>Millions</MonetaryRoundingLevel><SharesRoundingLevel>UnKnown</SharesRoundingLevel><PerShareRoundingLevel>UnKnown</PerShareRoundingLevel><ExchangeRateRoundingLevel>UnKnown</ExchangeRateRoundingLevel><HasCustomUnits>false</HasCustomUnits><SharesShouldBeRounded>true</SharesShouldBeRounded></InstanceReport>
