Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 62,000	$ 54,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	5,000	7,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	17,000	27,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	1,846	2,826
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	45,079	19,092
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	22,131	5,136
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 16,436	$ 12,112