2.2.0.25truefalse060205 - Disclosure - Retirements Benefits (Details 6)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$1true0so_AmountsRelatedToOtherPostretirementBenefitPensionPlansThatHadNotYetBeenRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostAlongWithEstimatedAmortizationAbstractsofalsenadurationAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Along With Estimated Amortization.falsefalseAmounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income and regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans2false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3400000034falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4100000041falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalsePrior Service Cost3false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse236000000236falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse303000000303falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss4false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2500000025falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3500000035falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOf the original amount of transition assets as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost in excess of (b) the benefit obligation, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Of the original amount of transition obligations as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the benefit obligation in excess of (b) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. This amount is pretax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalseTransition Obligation5false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditsofalsecreditinstantPrior Service Cost, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPrior Service Cost, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePrior Service Cost, Estimated6false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainsLossessofalsecreditinstantNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated7false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssetssofalsecreditinstantDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseTransition Obligation, Estimated9true0so_ReclassificationAdjustmentsAbstractsofalsenadurationReclassification adjustments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringReclassification adjustments.falsefalseReclassification adjustments:10false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-20000000-20falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-25000000-25falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-31000000-31falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit costReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalseAmortization of net gain11false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse8200000082falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse103000000103falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse111000000111falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalseTotal change12false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://southerncompany.com/role/retirementsbenefitsdetails51falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] {us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis} : Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Accumulated_Other_Comprehensive_Income_Member_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAccumulated Other Comprehensive Incomeus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] {us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis} : Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Accumulated_Other_Comprehensive_Income_Member_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAccumulated Other Comprehensive Incomeus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income13true0so_AmountsRelatedToOtherPostretirementBenefitPensionPlansThatHadNotYetBeenRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostAlongWithEstimatedAmortizationAbstractsofalsenadurationAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Along With Estimated Amortization.falsefalseAmounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income and regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans14false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalsePrior Service Cost15false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss16false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOf the original amount of transition assets as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost in excess of (b) the benefit obligation, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Of the original amount of transition obligations as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the benefit obligation in excess of (b) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. This amount is pretax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalseTransition Obligation17false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditsofalsecreditinstantPrior Service Cost, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPrior Service Cost, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePrior Service Cost, Estimated18false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainsLossessofalsecreditinstantNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated19false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssetssofalsecreditinstantDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseTransition Obligation, Estimated20true0so_ComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeAlongWithChangesInBalanceOfRegulatoryAssetsRelatedToOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAbstractsofalsenadurationComponents of other comprehensive income along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets related to other...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringComponents of other comprehensive income along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets related to other postretirement benefit plans abstract.falsefalseComponents of other comprehensive income, along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets, related to the other postretirement benefit plans21false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax total of net (gain) loss, prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i falsefalseBeginning Balance22false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a falsefalseNet gain23false0so_ChangeInPriorServiceCostsRegulatoryAssetssofalsedebitdurationChange in prior service costs regulatory assets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3000000-3falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in prior service costs regulatory assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseChange in prior service costs/transition obligation24true0so_ReclassificationAdjustmentsAbstractsofalsenadurationReclassification adjustments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringReclassification adjustments.falsefalseReclassification adjustments:25false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3000000-3falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalseTotal change26false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax total of net (gain) loss, prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i falsefalseEnding Balance27false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://southerncompany.com/role/retirementsbenefitsdetails51falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] {us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis} : Regulatory Assets [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Regulatory_Assets_Member_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseRegulatory Assets [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiso_RegulatoryAssetsMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] {us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis} : Regulatory Assets [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Regulatory_Assets_Member_Other_Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_Defined_Benefit_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000092122duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseOther Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseRegulatory Assets [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiso_RegulatoryAssetsMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRegulatory Assets [Member]28true0so_AmountsRelatedToOtherPostretirementBenefitPensionPlansThatHadNotYetBeenRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostAlongWithEstimatedAmortizationAbstractsofalsenadurationAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmounts Related To Other Postretirement Benefit Pension Plans That Had Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost Along With Estimated Amortization.falsefalseAmounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income and regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans29false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3400000034falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4100000041falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalsePrior Service Cost30false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse233000000233falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse298000000298falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss31false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2500000025falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3500000035falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOf the original amount of transition assets as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost in excess of (b) the benefit obligation, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Of the original amount of transition obligations as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, (a) the benefit obligation in excess of (b) the fair value of plan assets plus any recognized accrued pension or other postretirement benefit cost or less any recognized prepaid pension or other postretirement benefit cost, the portion of which has yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. This amount is pretax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 falsefalseTransition Obligation32false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditsofalsecreditinstantPrior Service Cost, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPrior Service Cost, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePrior Service Cost, Estimated33false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainsLossessofalsecreditinstantNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet (Gain) Loss, Estimated34false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssetssofalsecreditinstantDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDefined Benefit Plan Future Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseTransition Obligation, Estimated35true0so_ComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeAlongWithChangesInBalanceOfRegulatoryAssetsRelatedToOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAbstractsofalsenadurationComponents of other comprehensive income along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets related to other...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringComponents of other comprehensive income along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets related to other postretirement benefit plans abstract.falsefalseComponents of other comprehensive income, along with the changes in the balance of regulatory assets, related to the other postretirement benefit plans36false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse374000000374falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse489000000489falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax total of net (gain) loss, prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i falsefalseBeginning Balance37false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-60000000-60falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-33000000-33falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a falsefalseNet gain38false0so_ChangeInPriorServiceCostsRegulatoryAssetssofalsedebitdurationChange in prior service costs regulatory assets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-56000000-56falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in prior service costs regulatory assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseChange in prior service costs/transition obligation39true0so_ReclassificationAdjustmentsAbstractsofalsenadurationReclassification adjustments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringReclassification adjustments.falsefalseReclassification adjustments:40false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssetsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-13000000-13falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the transition obligation or asset recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalseAmortization of transition obligation41false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-8000000-8falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalseAmortization of prior service costs42false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit costReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalseAmortization of net gain43false0so_DefinedBenefitPlanReclassificationAdjustmentssofalsecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-20000000-20falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-26000000-26falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.truefalseTotal reclassification adjustment44false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-82000000-82falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-115000000-115falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalseTotal change45false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse292000000292falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse374000000374falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe pretax total of net (gain) loss, prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i falsefalseEnding Balance344Retirements Benefits (Details 6) (Other Post retirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue