XML 284 R231.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.0.1

SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION - Traditional Electric Companies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2024 | Jun. 30, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | $ 26,724 | $ 25,253 | $ 29,279
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 6,539 | 6,093 | 6,824
Other segment items |  |  | 13,995 | 13,954 | 19,426
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 4,755 | 4,525 | 3,663
Interest expense |  |  | 2,743 | 2,446 | 2,022
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 969 | 496 | 795
Net Income |  |  | 4,260 | 3,849 | 3,428
Estimated Loss On Plant Vogtle Units 3 And 4 |  |  | (21) | (68) | 183
Alabama Power |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | 7,554 | 7,050 | 7,817
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 1,895 | 1,769 | 1,935
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 1,459 | 1,401 | 875
Interest expense |  |  | 448 | 425 | 382
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 360 | 81 | 423
Net Income |  |  | 1,403 | 1,370 | 1,351
Impairment charges | $ 36 |  |  |  |
Impairment charges, after tax | $ 27 |  |  |  |
Alabama Power | Reportable Segment |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | 7,554 | 7,050 | 7,817
Rate RSE expenses |  |  | 1,480 | 1,421 | 1,645
Rate CNP Compliance expenses |  |  | 279 | 254 | 237
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 1,759 | 1,675 | 1,882
Other segment items |  |  | 2,125 | 2,098 | 2,915
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 1,459 | 1,401 | 875
Interest expense |  |  | 448 | 425 | 382
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 360 | 81 | 423
Net Income |  |  | 1,403 | 1,370 | 1,340
Capital expenditures |  |  | 2,114 | 2,159 | 2,206
Georgia Power |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | 11,331 | 10,118 | 11,584
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 2,372 | 2,083 | 2,349
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 1,774 | 1,681 | 1,430
Interest expense |  |  | 725 | 626 | 485
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 603 | 448 | 370
Net Income |  |  | 2,543 | 2,080 | 1,813
Estimated Loss On Plant Vogtle Units 3 And 4 |  | $ (21) | (21) | (68) | 183
Estimated loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, net of tax |  | (16) |  |  |
Georgia Power | Reportable Segment |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | 11,331 | 10,118 | 11,584
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 2,210 | 1,901 | 2,237
Other segment items |  |  | 3,476 | 3,382 | 5,249
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 1,774 | 1,681 | 1,430
Interest expense |  |  | 725 | 626 | 485
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 603 | 448 | 370
Net Income |  |  | 2,543 | 2,080 | 1,813
Capital expenditures |  |  | 5,355 | 5,394 | 4,219
Georgia Power | Traditional Electric Operating Companies | Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Estimated Loss On Plant Vogtle Units 3 And 4 |  |  | (21) | (68) | 183
Estimated loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, net of tax |  |  | (16) | (50) | 137
Southern Company And Georgia Power | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Gain on sale |  | 114 |  |  |
Gain on sale, after tax |  | $ 84 |  |  |
Mississippi Power |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total operating revenues |  |  | 1,463 | 1,474 | 1,694
Total utility operations and maintenance |  |  | 370 | 362 | 376
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 193 | 190 | 181
Interest expense |  |  | 77 | 71 | 56
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 47 | 36 | 37
Net Income |  |  | 199 | 188 | 164
Mississippi Power | Reportable Segment |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Other segment items |  |  | $ 900 | $ 1,000 | $ 1,300

X
- Definition Asset Impairment Charges, Net Of Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_AssetImpairmentChargesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale to allocate or recognize the cost of assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset. Excludes amortization of nuclear fuel. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_DepreciationAndAmortizationExcludingNuclearFuel
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Estimated Loss On Plant Vogtle Units 3 And 4 + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_EstimatedLossOnPlantVogtleUnits3And4
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Estimated Loss On Plant Vogtle Units 3 And 4, Net Of Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_EstimatedLossOnPlantVogtleUnits3And4NetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Property Plant Equipment, Net Of Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_GainLossOnDispositionOfPropertyPlantEquipmentNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Utilities Operating Expense, Rate CNP Expenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseRateCNPExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Utilities Operating Expense, Rate RSE Expenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | so_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseRateRSEExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | so_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482130/360-10-45-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, including oil and gas property and timber property. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-12 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 231 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482663/740-10-55-231 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 6.I.7) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479360/740-10-S99-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-10 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(9)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -SubTopic 20 -Topic 740 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482659/740-20-45-2 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 235 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(8)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-6 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 60 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (g) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147476176/805-60-65-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 323 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478666/740-323-65-2 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-1 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 815 -SubTopic 40 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480175/815-40-65-1 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 830 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 11 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479168/946-830-55-11 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 205 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478009/946-205-45-3 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479105/946-220-45-7 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(16)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(9)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479134/946-220-S99-1 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-09(1)(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479134/946-220-S99-3 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-19 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482765/220-10-50-6 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477314/942-235-S99-1 Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483499/205-20-50-7 Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481175/810-10-55-4J Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 4K -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481175/810-10-55-4K Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1A Reference 34: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1B Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-2 Reference 36: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A Reference 37: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (c)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-42 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-40 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477314/942-235-S99-1 Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expenditure for addition to long-lived assets included in determination of segment assets by chief operating decision maker (CODM) or otherwise regularly provided to CODM. Excludes expenditure for addition to financial instrument, long-term customer relationship of financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition cost, and deferred tax assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-49 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-25 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentExpenditureAdditionToLongLivedAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of other expense (income) and loss (gain) calculated as difference between segment revenue and separately disclosed expense category to arrive at segment profit (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 26C -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-26C Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 26B -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-26B + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of operating expense for routine plant maintenance, repairs and operations of regulated operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(2)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=so_AlabamaPowerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=so_ReportableSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=so_GeorgiaPowerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=so_TraditionalElectricOperatingCompaniesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PublicUtilityAxis=so_PlantVogtleUnits3And4Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=so_SouthernCompanyAndGeorgiaPowerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis=us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=so_MississippiPowerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |