Mississippi Power (MSPWP) 10-K 25 Feb 10 2009 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Company Informatio

Document and Company Information (USD $)
In Billions, except Share data	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009	Jan. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2009
Document and Company Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SOUTHERN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000092122
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	2009-12-31
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			24.8
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		820,372,722

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007
Operating Revenues:
Retail revenues	$13,307	$14,055	$12,639
Wholesale revenues	1,802	2,400	1,988
Other electric revenues	533	545	513
Other revenues	101	127	213
Total operating revenues	15,743	17,127	15,353
Operating Expenses:
Fuel	5,952	6,818	5,856
Purchased power	474	815	515
Other operations and maintenance	3,526	3,748	3,670
MC Asset Recovery litigation settlement	202	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	1,503	1,443	1,245
Taxes other than income taxes	818	797	741
Total operating expenses	12,475	13,621	12,027
Operating Income	3,268	3,506	3,326
Other Income and (Expense):
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	200	152	106
Interest income	23	33	45
Equity in (losses) income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(1)	11	(24)
Leveraged lease income (losses)	31	(85)	40
Gain on disposition of lease termination	26	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(17)	0	0
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(905)	(866)	(886)
Other income (expense), net	(21)	(29)	10
Total other income and (expense)	(664)	(784)	(709)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	2,604	2,722	2,617
Income taxes	896	915	835
Consolidated Net Income	1,708	1,807	1,782
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries	65	65	48
Consolidated Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries	$1,643	$1,742	$1,734
Earnings per share (EPS) -
Basic EPS	2.07	2.26	2.29
Diluted EPS	2.06	2.25	2.28
Average number of shares of common stock outstanding - (in millions)
Basic	795	771	756
Diluted	796	775	761
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock	1.7325	1.6625	1.595

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007
Operating Activities:
Consolidated net income	$1,708	$1,807	$1,782
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided from operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization, total	1,788	1,704	1,486
Deferred income taxes	25	215	7
Deferred revenues	(54)	120	(2)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	(200)	(152)	(106)
Equity in (income) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	1	(11)	24
Leveraged lease (income) losses	(31)	85	(40)
Gain on disposition of lease termination	(26)	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	17	0	0
Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits	(3)	21	39
Stock based compensation expense	23	20	28
Hedge settlements	(19)	15	10
Other, net	79	(97)	80
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities -
-Receivables	585	(176)	165
-Fossil fuel stock	(432)	(303)	(39)
-Materials and supplies	(39)	(23)	(71)
-Other current assets	(47)	(36)	0
-Accounts payable	(125)	(74)	105
-Accrued taxes	(95)	293	(19)
-Accrued compensation	(226)	36	(40)
-Other current liabilities	334	20	25
Net cash provided from operating activities	3,263	3,464	3,434
Investing Activities:
Property additions	(4,670)	(3,961)	(3,546)
Investment in restricted cash from pollution control revenue bonds	(55)	(96)	(157)
Distribution of restricted cash from pollution control revenue bonds	119	69	78
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases	(1,234)	(720)	(783)
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales	1,228	712	775
Proceeds from property sales	340	34	33
Cost of removal, net of salvage	(119)	(123)	(108)
Change in construction payables	215	83	38
Other investing activities	(143)	(124)	(39)
Net cash used for investing activities	(4,319)	(4,126)	(3,709)
Financing Activities:
Decrease in notes payable, net	(306)	(314)	(669)
Proceeds -
Long-term debt issuances	3,042	3,687	3,826
Preferred and preference stock	0	0	470
Common stock issuances	1,286	474	538
Redemptions -
Long-term debt	(1,234)	(1,469)	(2,565)
Redeemable preferred stock	0	(125)	0
Payment of common stock dividends	(1,369)	(1,280)	(1,205)
Payment of dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries	(65)	(66)	(40)
Other financing activities	(25)	(29)	(46)
Net cash provided from financing activities	1,329	878	309
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	273	216	34
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	417	201	167
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$690	$417	$201

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Millions	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$690	$417
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	43	103
Receivables -
Customer accounts receivable	953	1,054
Unbilled revenues	394	320
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues	333	646
Other accounts and notes receivable	375	301
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts	(25)	(26)
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost	1,447	1,018
Materials and supplies, at average cost	794	757
Vacation pay	145	140
Prepaid expenses	508	302
Other regulatory assets, current	167	275
Other current assets	49	51
Total current assets	5,873	5,358
Property, Plant, and Equipment:
In service	53,588	50,618
Less accumulated depreciation	19,121	18,286
Plant in service, net of depreciation	34,467	32,332
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost	593	510
Construction work in progress	4,170	3,036
Total property, plant, and equipment	39,230	35,878
Other Property and Investments:
Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value	1,070	864
Leveraged leases	610	897
Miscellaneous property and investments	283	227
Total other property and investments	1,963	1,988
Deferred Charges and Other Assets:
Deferred charges related to income taxes	1,047	973
Unamortized debt issuance expense	208	208
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt	255	271
Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues	373	606
Other regulatory assets, deferred	2,702	2,636
Other deferred charges and assets	395	429
Total deferred charges and other assets	4,980	5,123
Total Assets	52,046	48,347
Current Liabilities:
Securities due within one year	1,113	617
Notes payable	639	953
Accounts payable	1,329	1,250
Customer deposits	331	302
Accrued taxes -
Accrued income taxes	13	197
Unrecognized tax benefits	166	131
Other accrued taxes	398	396
Accrued interest	218	196
Accrued vacation pay	184	179
Accrued compensation	248	447
Liabilities from risk management activities	125	261
Other regulatory liabilities, current	528	78
Other current liabilities	292	219
Total current liabilities	5,584	5,226
Long-Term Debt (See accompanying statements)	18,131	16,816
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes	6,455	6,080
Deferred credits related to income taxes	248	259
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits	448	455
Employee benefit obligations	2,304	2,057
Asset retirement obligations	1,201	1,183
Other cost of removal obligations	1,091	1,321
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred	278	262
Other deferred credits and liabilities	346	330
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	12,371	11,947
Total Liabilities	36,086	33,989
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries (See accompanying statements)	375	375
Total Stockholders' Equity (See accompanying statements)	15,585	13,983
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$52,046	$48,347

Consolidated Statements of Capi

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization (USD $)
In Millions	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 Adjustable Rates 2011	Dec. 31, 2008 Adjustable Rates 2011	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 Adjustable Rates 2010	Dec. 31, 2008 Adjustable Rates 2010	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 Adjustable Rates 2009	Dec. 31, 2008 Adjustable Rates 2009	Dec. 31, 2009 Preference Stock, $100 par or stated value	Dec. 31, 2008 Preference Stock, $100 par or stated value	Dec. 31, 2009 Preference Stock, $1 par value	Dec. 31, 2008 Preference Stock, $1 par value	Dec. 31, 2009 Noncumulative Preferred Stock	Dec. 31, 2008 Noncumulative Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2011 through 2049	Dec. 31, 2008 2011 through 2049	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2016 through 2048	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2016 through 2048	Jan. 01, 2010 2042	Dec. 31, 2009 2042	Dec. 31, 2008 2042	Dec. 31, 2009 2044	Dec. 31, 2008 2044	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2015 through 2048	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2015 through 2048	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2014	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2014	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2013	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2013	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2012	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2012	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2011	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2011	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2010	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2010	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2009
Maturity
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts, 2042 through 2044	$412	$412																		$206	$206	$206	$206
Interest Rates																			0.0335			0.0588	0.0588
Long-term senior notes and debt --
2009		128						440
2010	102	102			990	1,034
2011	304	303	790	490
2012	1,778	1,778
2013	936	936
2014	425	75
2015 through 2048	9,847	8,362
Total long-term senior notes and debt	15,172	13,648
Interest Rates, Minimum			0.0068		0.0035		0.023288								0.0018		0.014	0.014						0.0425	0.0425	0.0415	0.0415	0.0435	0.0435	0.0485	0.0485	0.04	0.04	0.047	0.047	0.041	0.041
Interest Rates, Maximum			0.0295		0.0097		0.0236								0.0044		0.06	0.06						0.082	0.082	0.049	0.049	0.06	0.06	0.0625	0.0625	0.0557	0.0557	0.047	0.047	0.07	0.07
Pollution control revenue bonds --
Long-term Pollution Control Bond, Total															1,612	1,257	1,973	2,030
Total other long-term debt	3,585	3,287
Capitalized lease obligations	98	106
Unamortized debt (discount), net	(23)	(20)
Total long-term debt (annual interest requirement -- $ 894 million)	19,244	17,433
Less amount due within one year	1,113	617
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year	18,131	16,816
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries:
Redeemable Preferred Stock	375	375
Common Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value $5 per share	4,101	3,888
Paid-in capital	2,995	1,893
Treasury, at cost	(15)	(12)
Retained earnings	7,885	7,612
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(88)	(105)
Total common stockholders' equity	14,878	13,276
Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries:
Preferred Stock	707	707							319	319	343	343	45	45
Total Stockholders' Equity (See accompanying statements)	15,585	13,983
Total Capitalization	$34,091	$31,174
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year, in Percent of Total Capitalization	0.532	0.539
Total redeemable preferred stock of subsidiaries, in Percent of Total Capitalization	0.011	0.012
Total common stockholders' equity, in percent of Total Capitalization	0.436	0.426
Total preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries, in Percent of Total Capitalization	0.021	0.023
Total Capitalization, in Percent	1	1

1_Consolidated Statements of Ca

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Common stock, Par value	5	5
Common stock, shares Authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares Issued	820,000,000	778,000,000
Treasury shares	500,000	400,000
Annual interest requirement	$894
Annual dividend requirement	45
Preference stock
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	1	1
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	65,000,000	65,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	14,000,000	14,000,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $1 par value
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	1	1
Redeemable Cumulative preferred stock, Authorized	28,000,000	28,000,000
Redeemable Cumulative preferred stock, Outstanding	12,000,000	12,000,000
Annual dividend requirement	$20
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $1 par value | Cumulative Preferred Stock
Dividend Rate, Minimum	0.0495	0.0495
Dividend Rate, Maximum	0.0583	0.0583
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $25 stated value
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	25	25
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $100 par or stated value
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	100	100
Redeemable Cumulative preferred stock, Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Redeemable Cumulative preferred stock, Outstanding	1,000,000	1,000,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $100 par or stated value | Cumulative Preferred Stock
Dividend Rate, Minimum	0.042	0.042
Dividend Rate, Maximum	0.0544	0.0544
Preference Stock, $100 par or stated value
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	100	100
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,000,000	3,000,000
Dividend Rate, Minimum	0.06	0.06
Dividend Rate, Maximum	0.065	0.065
Preference Stock, $1 par value
Dividend Rate, Minimum	0.0563	0.0563
Dividend Rate, Maximum	0.065	0.065
Noncumulative Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	25	25
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,000,000	2,000,000
Dividend Rate, Minimum	0.06	0.06
Dividend Rate, Maximum	0.0613	0.0613

Consolidated Statements of Comm

Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders Equity (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid In Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries	Total
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2006	751,864		(5,594)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2006	$3,759	$1,096	($192)	$6,765		($57)	$246	$11,617
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries				1,734				1,734
Other comprehensive income						27		27
Cumulative effect of new accounting standards				(140)	[1]			(140)	[1]
Stock issued	58	356	183				461	1,058
Stock issued, shares	11,639		5,255
Cash dividends				(1,204)				(1,204)
Other		2	(2)					0
Other, shares			(60)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2007	3,817	1,454	(11)	7,155		(30)	707	13,092
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2007	763,503		(399)
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries				1,742				1,742
Other comprehensive income						(75)		(75)
Stock issued	71	438						509
Stock issued, shares	14,113
Cash dividends				(1,279)				(1,279)
Other		1	(1)	(6)				(6)
Other, shares			(25)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	3,888	1,893	(12)	7,612		(105)	707	13,983
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2008	777,616		(424)
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries				1,643				1,643
Other comprehensive income						17		17
Stock issued	213	1,100						1,313
Stock issued, shares	42,536
Cash dividends				(1,369)				(1,369)
Other		2	(3)	(1)				(2)
Other, shares			(81)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$4,101	$2,995	($15)	$7,885		($88)	$707	$15,585
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009	820,152		(505)
[1]In 2007 Southern Company recorded two adjustments net of tax in respect of new accounting guidance; a $125 million adjustment in respect of leverage lease transactions and a $15 million adjustment in respect of uncertain tax positions.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated Net Income	$1,708	$1,807	$1,782
Qualifying hedges:
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(3), $(19), and $(3), respectively	(4)	(30)	(5)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $18, $7, and $6, respectively	28	11	9
Marketable securities:
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $1, $(4), and $3, respectively	4	(7)	4
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $-, $-, and $-, respectively	0	0	(1)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Benefit plan net gain (loss),net of tax of $(8), $(32) and $13, respectively	(12)	(51)	20
Additional prior service costs from amendment to non-qualified plans, net of tax of $-, $-, and $(2), respectively	0	0	(2)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $1, $1, and $1, respectively	1	2	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17	(75)	27
Dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries	(65)	(65)	(48)
Consolidated Comprehensive Income	$1,660	$1,667	$1,761

2_Consolidated Statements of Co

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007
Qualifying hedges:
Changes in fair value of qualifying hedges, tax	($3)	($19)	($3)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts of qualifying hedges included in net income, tax	18	7	6
Marketable securities:
Change in fair value of marketable securities, tax	1	(4)	3
Reclassification adjustment for amounts of marketable securities included in net income, tax	0	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Benefit plan net gain (loss), tax	(8)	(32)	13
Additional prior service costs from amendment to non-qualified plans, tax	0	0	(2)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts of pension and other post retirement benefit plans included in net income, tax	$1	$1	$1

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES General The Southern Company (the Company) is the parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Power Company (Southern Power), Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating companies, Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power), Georgia Power Company (Georgia Power), Gulf Power Company (Gulf Power), and Mississippi Power Company (Mississippi Power), are vertically integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. Southern Power constructs, acquires, owns, and manages generation assets and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. SCS, the system service company, provides, at cost, specialized services to Southern Company and its subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications for use by Southern Company and its subsidiary companies and also markets these services to the public and provides fiber cable services within the Southeast. Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in leveraged leases. Southern Nuclear operates and provides services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants. The financial statements reflect Southern Companys investments in the subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The equity method is used for entities in which the Company has significant influence but does not control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and certain of their subsidiaries are subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)and the traditional operating companies are also subject to regulation by their respective state public service commissions (PSC). The companies follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and comply with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by their respective commissions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual results may differ from those estimates. Related Party Transactions Alabama Power and Georgia Power purchased synthetic fuel from Alabama Fuel Products, LLC (AFP), an entity in which Southern Holdings held a 30% ownership interest until July2006, when its ownership interest was terminated. Synfuel Services, Inc. (SSI), another subsidiary of Southern Holdings, provided fuel transportation services to AFP that were ultimately reflected in the cost of the synthetic fuel billed to Alabama Power and Georgia Power. Subsequent to the termination of Southern Companys membership interest

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
RETIREMENT BENEFITS	2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS Southern Company has a defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year ending December31, 2010. Southern Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for a selected group of management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified pension plans are funded on a cash basis. In addition, Southern Company provides certain medical care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The traditional operating companies fund related trusts to the extent required by their respective regulatory commissions. For the year ending December31, 2010, postretirement trust contributions are expected to total approximately $43million. The measurement date for plan assets and obligations for 2009 and 2008 was December31 while the measurement date for prior years was September30. Pursuant to accounting standards related to defined postretirement benefit plans, Southern Company was required to change the measurement date for its defined postretirement benefit plans from September30 to December31 beginning with the year ended December31, 2008. As permitted, Southern Company adopted the measurement date provisions effective January1, 2008, resulting in an increase in long-term liabilities of $28 million and an increase in prepaid pension costs of approximately $16million. Pension Plans The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $6.3billion in 2009 and $5.5 billion in 2008. Changes during the plan year ended December31, 2009 and the 15-month period ended December31, 2008 in the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows: 2009 2008 (in millions) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 5,879 $ 5,660 Service cost 146 182 Interest cost 387 435 Benefits paid (282 ) (324 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 628 (74 ) Balance at end of year 6,758 5,879 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 5,093 7,624 Actual return (loss)on plan assets 792 (2,234 ) Employer contributions 24 27 Benefits paid (282 ) (324 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 5,627 5,093 Accrued liability $ (1,131 ) $ (786 ) At December31, 2009, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension plans were $6.3billion and $0.4billion, respectively. All pension plan assets are related to the qualified pension plan. Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). In 2009, in determining the optimal asset allocation for the pension fund, the Company performed an extensive s

Contingencies and Regulatory Ma

Contingencies and Regulatory Matters
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Contingencies and Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS	3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS General Litigation Matters Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the business activities of Southern Companys subsidiaries are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Southern Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on Southern Companys financial statements. Mirant Matters Mirant Corporation (Mirant) was an energy company with businesses that included independent power projects and energy trading and risk management companies in the U.S. and selected other countries. It was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company until its initial public offering in October 2000. In April2001, Southern Company completed a spin-off to its shareholders of its remaining ownership, and Mirant became an independent corporate entity. In July2003, Mirant and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. The Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming Mirants plan of reorganization in December2005, and Mirant announced that this plan became effective in January2006. As part of the plan, Mirant transferred substantially all of its assets and its restructured debt to a new corporation that adopted the name Mirant Corporation (Reorganized Mirant). Under the terms of the separation agreements entered into in connection with the spin-off, Mirant agreed to indemnify Southern Company for certain costs. As a result of Mirants bankruptcy, Southern Company sought reimbursement as an unsecured creditor in Mirants Chapter11 proceeding. If Southern Companys claims for indemnification with respect to these costs are allowed, then Mirants indemnity obligations to Southern Company would constitute unsecured claims against Mirant entitled to stock in Reorganized Mirant. As a result of the $202million settlement on March31, 2009 of another suit related to Mirant (MC Asset Recovery litigation), the maximum amount Southern Company can assert by proof of claim in the Mirant bankruptcy is capped at $9.5million. See Note 5 under Effective Tax Rate for more

Joint Ownership Agreements

Joint Ownership Agreements
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Joint Ownership Agreements [Abstract]
JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS	4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS Alabama Power owns an undivided interest in units 1 and 2 of Plant Miller and related facilities jointly with Power South Energy Cooperative, Inc. Georgia Power owns undivided interests in Plants Vogtle, Hatch, Scherer, and Wansley in varying amounts jointly with OPC, MEAG Power, the City of Dalton, Georgia, Florida Power Light Company, and Jacksonville Electric Authority. In addition, Georgia Power has joint ownership agreements with OPC for the Rocky Mountain facilities and with Florida Power Corporation for a combustion turbine unit at Intercession City, Florida. Southern Power owns an undivided interest in Plant Stanton Unit A and related facilities jointly with the Orlando Utilities Commission, Kissimmee Utility Authority, and Florida Municipal Power Agency. At December31, 2009, Alabama Powers, Georgia Powers, and Southern Powers ownership and investment (exclusive of nuclear fuel) in jointly owned facilities with the above entities were as follows: Percent Amount of Accumulated Ownership Investment Depreciation (in millions) Plant Vogtle (nuclear) Units 1 and 2 45.7 % $ 3,285 $ 1,916 Plant Hatch (nuclear) 50.1 937 522 Plant Miller (coal) Units 1 and 2 91.8 1,063 449 Plant Scherer (coal) Units 1 and 2 8.4 133 70 Plant Wansley (coal) 53.5 696 195 Rocky Mountain (pumped storage) 25.4 175 106 Intercession City (combustion turbine) 33.3 12 3 Plant Stanton (combined cycle) Unit A 65.0 151 20 At December31, 2009, the portion of total construction work in progress related to Plants Miller, Scherer, Wansley, and Vogtle Units 3 and 4 was $244million, $247million, $5million, and $611 million, respectively. Construction at Plants Miller, Wansley, and Scherer relates primarily to environmental projects. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Georgia Power Nuclear Construction for information on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Southern Power have contracted to operate and maintain the jointly owned facilities, except for Rocky Mountain and Intercession City, as agents for their respective co-owners. The companies proportionate share of their plant operating expenses is included in the corresponding operating expenses in the statements of income and each company is responsible for providing its own financing.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Income Taxes [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	5. INCOME TAXES Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined state income tax returns for the States of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Under a joint consolidated income tax allocation agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with IRS regulations, each company is jointly and severally liable for the tax liability. Current and Deferred Income Taxes Details of income tax provisions are as follows: 2009 2008 2007 (in millions) Federal Current $ 771 $ 628 $ 715 Deferred 40 177 11 811 805 726 State Current 100 72 114 Deferred (15 ) 38 (5 ) 85 110 109 Total $ 896 $ 915 $ 835 Net cash payments for income taxes in 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $975million, $537million, and $732million, respectively. The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows: 2009 2008 (in millions) Deferred tax liabilities Accelerated depreciation $ 5,938 $ 5,356 Property basis differences 986 968 Leveraged lease basis differences 251 306 Employee benefit obligations 384 364 Under recovered fuel clause 271 516 Premium on reacquired debt 100 107 Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations 939 869 Regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations 486 480 Other 216 132 Total 9,571 9,098 Deferred tax assets Federal effect of state deferred taxes 302 354 State effect of federal deferred taxes 108 105 Employee benefit obligations 1,435 1,325 Over recovered fuel clause 119 Other property basis differences 132 144 Deferred costs 65 99 Cost of removal 109 Unbilled revenue 96 100 Other comprehensive losses 81 82 Asset retirement obligations 486 480 Other 458 279 Total 3,391 2,968 Total deferred tax liabilities, net 6,180 6,130 Portion included in prepaid expenses (accrued income taxes), net 229 (90 ) Deferred state tax assets 105 103 Valuation allowance (59 ) (63 ) Accumulated deferred income taxes $ 6,455 $ 6,080 At December31, 2009, Southern Company had a State of Georgia net operating loss (NOL) carryforward totaling $1.0billion, which could result in net state income tax benefits of $55 million, if utilized. However, Southern Company has established a valuation allowance for the potential $55million tax benefit due to the remote likelihood that the tax benefit will be realized. These NOLs expire between 2010 and 2021. D

Financing

Financing
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Financing [Abstract]
FINANCING	6. FINANCING Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts Certain of the traditional operating companies have formed certain wholly-owned trust subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing preferred securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were loaned back to the applicable traditional operating company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes totaling $412million, which constitute substantially all of the assets of these trusts and are reflected in the balance sheets as Long-term Debt. Such traditional operating companies each consider that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by it of the respective trusts payment obligations with respect to these securities. At December31, 2009, preferred securities of $400million were outstanding. See Note 1 under Variable Interest Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for these trusts and the related securities. Securities Due Within One Year A summary of scheduled maturities and redemptions of securities due within one year at December31 was as follows: 2009 2008 (in millions) Capitalized leases $ 21 $ 20 Senior notes 1,090 565 Other long-term debt 2 32 Total $ 1,113 $ 617 Maturities through 2014 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $1.1billion in 2010; $1.1billion in 2011; $1.8billion in 2012; $941million in 2013; and $430million in 2014. Bank Term Loans Certain of the traditional operating companies have entered into bank term loan agreements. In 2008, Georgia Power borrowed $300million under a three-year term loan agreement. In 2008, Gulf Power borrowed $110million under a three-year loan agreement. Mississippi Power also borrowed $80million under a three-year term loan agreement in 2008. The proceeds of these loans were used to repay maturing long-term and short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes. Senior Notes Southern Company and its subsidiaries issued a total of $2.4billion of senior notes in 2009. Southern Company issued $650million, and the traditional operating companies combined issuances totaled $1.8billion. The proceeds of these issuances were used to repay long-term and short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes. At December31, 2009 and 2008, Southern Company and its subsidiaries had a total of $14.7billion and $12.9billion, respectively, of senior notes outstanding. At December31, 2009 and 2008, Southern Company had a total of $1.8billion and $1.1billion, respectively, of senior notes outstanding. Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Pollution control obligations represent loans to the traditional operating companies from public authorities of funds derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities. The traditional operating companies have $3.6billion of outstanding pollution control revenue bonds and are required to make payments sufficient for

Commitments

Commitments
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Commitments [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS	7. COMMITMENTS Construction Program Southern Company is engaged in continuous construction programs, currently estimated to total $4.9 billion in 2010, $5.3billion in 2011, and $6.2billion in 2012. These amounts include $271 million, $157million, and $166million in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively, for construction expenditures related to contractual purchase commitments for nuclear fuel included herein under Fuel and Purchased Power Commitments. The construction programs are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; changes in nuclear plants to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered. At December31, 2009, significant purchase commitments were outstanding in connection with the ongoing construction program, which includes new facilities and capital improvements to transmission, distribution, and generation facilities, including those to meet environmental standards. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Georgia Power Nuclear Construction and Retail Regulatory Matters Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle for additional information. Long-Term Service Agreements The traditional operating companies and Southern Power have entered into Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) with General Electric (GE), Alstom Power, Inc., Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc., and Siemens AG for the purpose of securing maintenance support for the combined cycle and combustion turbine generating facilities owned or under construction by the subsidiaries. The LTSAs cover all planned inspections on the covered equipment, which generally includes the cost of all labor and materials. The LTSAs are also obligated to cover the costs of unplanned maintenance on the covered equipment subject to limits and scope specified in each contract. In general, these LTSAs are in effect through two major inspection cycles per unit. Scheduled payments under the LTSAs, which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals based on actual operating hours or number of gas turbine starts of the respective units. Total remaining payments under these agreements for facilities owned are currently estimated at $2.4billion over the remaining life of the agreements, which are currently estimated to range up to 24years. However, the LTSAs contain various cancellation provisions at the option of the purchasers. Georgia Power has also entered into an LTSA with GE through 2014 for neutron monitoring system parts and electronics at Plant Hatch. Total remaining payments to GE under this agreement are currently estimated at $8million. The contract contains cancellation provisions at the option of Georgia Power. Payment

Common Stock

Common Stock
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Common Stock [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	8. COMMON STOCK Stock Issued In 2009, Southern Company issued 22.6million shares of common stock for $673million through the Southern Investment Plan and employee and director stock plans. In addition, Southern Company issued 19.9million shares of common stock through at-the-market issuances pursuant to sales agency agreements related to Southern Companys continuous equity offering program and received cash proceeds of $613million, net of $6million in fees and commissions. In 2008, Southern Company raised $474million from the issuance of 14.1million new common shares through the Southern Investment Plan and employee and director stock plans. Shares Reserved At December31, 2009, a total of 91million shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to the Southern Investment Plan, the Employee Savings Plan, the Outside Directors Stock Plan, and the Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (which includes the stock option plan discussed below). Stock Option Plan Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of its employees ranging from line management to executives. As of December31, 2009, there were 7,563 current and former employees participating in the stock option plan, and there were 21million shares of common stock remaining available for awards under this plan. The prices of options granted to date have been at the fair market value of the shares on the dates of grant. Options granted to date become exercisable pro rata over a maximum period of three years from the date of grant. Southern Company generally recognizes stock option expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period which equates to the requisite service period; however, for employees who are eligible for retirement, the total cost is expensed at the grant date. Options outstanding will expire no later than 10years after the date of grant, unless terminated earlier by the Southern Company Board of Directors in accordance with the stock option plan. For certain stock option awards, a change in control will provide accelerated vesting. The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2009, 2008, and 2007 were derived using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. Southern Company used historical exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that options granted to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock options. The following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted: Year Ended December 31 2009 2008 2007 Expected volatility 15.6 % 13.1 % 14.8 % Expected term (in years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Interest rate 1.9 % 2.8 % 4.6 % Dividend yield 5.4 % 4.5 % 4.3 % Weighted average grant-date fair value $1.80 $ 2.37 $ 4.12 Southern Comp

Nuclear Insurance

Nuclear Insurance
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Nuclear Insurance [Abstract]
NUCLEAR INSURANCE	9. NUCLEAR INSURANCE Under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act (Act), Alabama Power and Georgia Power maintain agreements of indemnity with the NRC that, together with private insurance, cover third-party liability arising from any nuclear incident occurring at the companies nuclear power plants. The Act provides funds up to $12.6billion for public liability claims that could arise from a single nuclear incident. Each nuclear plant is insured against this liability to a maximum of $375million by American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), with the remaining coverage provided by a mandatory program of deferred premiums that could be assessed, after a nuclear incident, against all owners of commercial nuclear reactors. A company could be assessed up to $117.5million per incident for each licensed reactor it operates but not more than an aggregate of $17.5million per incident to be paid in a calendar year for each reactor. Such maximum assessment, excluding any applicable state premium taxes, for Alabama Power and Georgia Power, based on its ownership and buyback interests, is $235million and $237million, respectively, per incident, but not more than an aggregate of $35million per company to be paid for each incident in any one year. Both the maximum assessment per reactor and the maximum yearly assessment are adjusted for inflation at least every five years. The next scheduled adjustment is due no later than October29, 2013. Alabama Power and Georgia Power are members of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual insurer established to provide property damage insurance in an amount up to $500million for members nuclear generating facilities. Additionally, both companies have policies that currently provide decontamination, excess property insurance, and premature decommissioning coverage up to $2.25billion for losses in excess of the $500million primary coverage. This excess insurance is also provided by NEIL. In the event of a loss, the amount of insurance available may not be adequate to cover property damage and other incurred expenses. NEIL also covers the additional costs that would be incurred in obtaining replacement power during a prolonged accidental outage at a members nuclear plant. Members can purchase this coverage, subject to a deductible waiting period of up to 26weeks, with a maximum per occurrence per unit limit of $490million. After the deductible period, weekly indemnity payments would be received until either the unit is operational or until the limit is exhausted in approximately three years. Alabama Power and Georgia Power each purchase the maximum limit allowed by NEIL, subject to ownership limitations. Each facility has elected a 12-week deductible waiting period. Under each of the NEIL policies, members are subject to assessments if losses each year exceed the accumulated funds available to the insurer under that policy. The current maximum annual assessments for Alabama Power and Georgia Power under the NEIL policies would be $38million and $50million, respectively. Claims resulting from terrorist acts are covered under both the ANI and NEIL policies (subject to normal policy limits). The aggrega

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value measurements are based on inputs of observable and unobservable market data that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. The use of observable inputs is maximized where available and the use of unobservable inputs is minimized for fair value measurement and reflects a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used for fair value measurement. Level 1 consists of observable market data in an active market for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 consists of observable market data, other than that included in Level 1, that is either directly or indirectly observable. Level 3 consists of unobservable market data. The input may reflect the assumptions of the Company of what a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. If there is little available market data, then the Companys own assumptions are the best available information. In the case of multiple inputs being used in a fair value measurement, the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement represents the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurement is reported. As of December31, 2009, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period, together with the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall, are as follows: Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs As of December 31, 2009: (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total (in millions) Assets: Energy-related derivatives $ $ 7 $ $ 7 Interest rate derivatives 3 3 Nuclear decommissioning trusts:(a) Domestic equity 724 50 774 U.S. Treasury and government agency securities 11 36 47 Municipal bonds 23 23 Corporate bonds 137 137 Mortgage and asset backed securities 65 65 Other 22 22 Cash equivalents and restricted cash 623 623 Other 3 48 35 86 Total $ 1,361 $ 391 $ 35 $ 1,787 Liabilities: Energy-related derivatives $ $ 185 $ $ 185 Interest rate derivatives 6 6 Total $ $ 191 $ $ 191 (a) Excludes receivables related to investment income, pending investment sales, and payables related to pending investment purchases. Energy-related derivatives and interest rate derivatives primarily consist of over-the-counter contracts. See Note 11 for additional information. The nuclear decommissioning trust funds are invested in a diversified mix of equity and fixed income securities. See Note 1 under Nuclear Decommissioning for addit

Derivatives

Derivatives
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Derivatives [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES	11. DERIVATIVES Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are exposed to market risks, primarily commodity price risk and interest rate risk. To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, each company nets its exposures, where possible, to take advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to each companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Each companys policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis. Derivative instruments are recognized at fair value in the balance sheets as either assets or liabilities. Energy-Related Derivatives The traditional operating companies and Southern Power enter into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations, the traditional operating companies have limited exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. Each of the traditional operating companies manages fuel-hedging programs, implemented per the guidelines of their respective state PSCs, through the use of financial derivative contracts. Southern Power has limited exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity because its long-term sales contracts shift substantially all fuel cost responsibility to the purchaser. However, Southern Power has been and may continue to be exposed to market volatility in energy-related commodity prices as a result of sales of uncontracted generating capacity. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the Company enters into physical fixed-price or heat rate contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in gas prices, the Company may enter into fixed-price contracts for natural gas purchases; however, a significant portion of contracts are priced at market. Energy-related derivative contracts are accounted for in one of three methods: Regulatory Hedges Energy-related derivative contracts which are designated as regulatory hedges relate primarily to the traditional operating companies fuel hedging programs, where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as the underlying fuel is used in operations and ultimately recovered through the respective fuel cost recovery clauses. Cash Flow Hedges Gains and losses on energy-related derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are used to hedge anticipated purchases and sales and are initially deferred in other comprehensive income (OCI)before being recognized in income in the same period as the hedged transactions are reflected in earnings. Not Designated Gains and losses

Segment and Related Information

Segment and Related Information
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	12. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION Southern Companys reportable business segments are the sale of electricity in the Southeast by the four traditional operating companies and Southern Power. Southern Powers revenues from sales to the traditional operating companies were $544million, $638million, and $547million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The All Other column includes parent Southern Company, which does not allocate operating expenses to business segments. Also, this category includes segments below the quantitative threshold for separate disclosure. These segments include investments in telecommunications and leveraged lease projects. Also included are investments in synthetic fuels for 2007. In addition, see Note 1 under Related Party Transactions for information regarding revenues from services for synthetic fuel production that are included in the cost of fuel purchased by Alabama Power and Georgia Power. All other intersegment revenues are not material. Financial data for business segments and products and services are as follows: Electric Utilities Traditional Operating Southern All Companies Power Eliminations Total Other Eliminations Consolidated (in millions) 2009 Operating revenues $ 15,304 $ 947 $ (609 ) $ 15,642 $ 165 $ (64 ) $ 15,743 Depreciation and amortization 1,378 98 1,476 27 1,503 Interest income 21 21 3 (1 ) 23 Interest expense 749 85 834 71 905 Income taxes 902 86 988 (92 ) 896 Segment net income (loss)* 1,679 156 1,835 (193 ) 1 1,643 Total assets 48,403 3,043 (143 ) 51,303 1,223 (480 ) 52,046 Gross property additions 4,568 331 4,899 14 4,913 2008 Operating revenues $ 16,521 $ 1,314 $ (835 ) $ 17,000 $ 182 $ (55 ) $ 17,127 Depreciation and amortization 1,325 89 1,414 29 1,443 Interest income 32 1 33 33 Interest expense 689 83 772 94 866 Income taxes 944 93 1,037 (122 ) 915 Segment net income (loss)* 1,703 144 1,847 (104 ) (1 ) 1,742 Total assets 44,794 2,813 (139 ) 47,468 1,407 (528 ) 48,347 Gross property additions 4,058 50 4,108 14 4,122 2007 Operating revenues $ 14,851 $ 972 $ (683 ) $ 15,140 $ 380 $ (167 ) $ 15,353 Depreciation and amortization 1,141 74 1,215 30 1,245 Interest income 31 1 32 14

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) Summarized quarterly financial data for 2009 and 2008 are as follows: Consolidated Net Income After Dividends on Per Common Share Preferred and Trading Operating Operating Preference Stock Basic Price Range Quarter Ended Revenues Income of Subsidiaries Earnings Dividends High Low (in millions) March2009 $ 3,666 $ 490 $ 126 * $ 0.16 * $ 0.4200 $ 37.62 $ 26.48 June2009 3,885 886 478 0.61 0.4375 32.05 27.19 September2009 4,682 1,415 790 0.99 0.4375 32.67 30.27 December2009 3,510 477 249 0.31 0.4375 34.47 30.89 March2008 $ 3,683 $ 708 $ 359 $ 0.47 $ 0.4025 $ 40.60 $ 33.71 June2008 4,215 924 417 0.54 0.4200 37.81 34.28 September2008 5,427 1,405 780 1.01 0.4200 40.00 34.46 December2008 3,802 469 186 0.24 0.4200 38.18 29.82 Southern Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions. * Southern Companys MC Asset Recovery litigation settlement reduced earnings by $202 million, or 25 cents per share, during the first quarter of 2009.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009 USD / shares
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007 (Stated in Thousands of Dollars) Balance Additions at Beginning Charged to Charged to Balance at End Description of Period Income Other Accounts Deductions of Period Provision for uncollectible accounts 2009 $ 26,326 $ 58,722 $ $ 60,480 (Note) $ 24,568 2008 22,142 60,184 56,000 (Note) 26,326 2007 34,901 34,471 47,230 (Note) 22,142 (Note) Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts previously written off.