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SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) state segment	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 25,941	$ 23,463	$ 21,097
Southern Power
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,805	1,605	1,119
Southern Company Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 5,905	6,293	5,039
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Number of states in which entity operates | state	4
Southern Company Gas | Southern Power
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues		18	26
Southern Natural Gas Company, LLC | Southern Company Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, equity method investment	50.00%
Dalton Pipeline | Southern Company Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, equity method investment	50.00%
PennEast Pipeline | Southern Company Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, equity method investment	20.00%			20.00%
Atlantic Coast Pipeline | Southern Company Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, equity method investment	5.00%
Wholesale revenues, affiliates | Southern Power | Traditional Electric Operating Companies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 875	$ 515	$ 364

X

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