v3.10.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - General (Narrative) (Details)
1 Months Ended
Dec. 12, 2018
operating_facility
May 22, 2018
Jul. 31, 2018
utility
Dec. 31, 2018
state
Nov. 05, 2018
MW
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Number of natural gas distribution utilities sold | utility     3    
Traditional Operating Companies          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Number of states in which entity provides utilities | state       4  
Southern Power          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Number of operating wind facilities | operating_facility 8        
Southern Power | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Mankato          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Expansion currently under construction (mw) | MW         385
Southern Power | SP Solar Holdings I, LP          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Sale of equity interest in limited partnership (percent)   33.00%      
Southern Company Gas          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Number of states in which entity provides utilities | state       4  
Number of natural gas distribution utilities sold | utility     3    
SP Solar Holdings I, LP | Southern Power | SP Solar Holdings I, LP          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]          
Sale of equity interest in limited partnership (percent)   33.00%