| Cover Page Document | Jul. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2024 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 13, 2019 | |
| Entity File Number | 1-3526 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | The Southern Company | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-0690070 | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30308 | |
| City Area Code | 404 | |
| Local Phone Number | 506-5000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000092122 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Common Stock, par value $5 per share | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $5 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | SO | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Series 2015A 6.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2075 | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Series 2015A 6.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2075 | |
| Trading Symbol | SOJA | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Series 2016A 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2076 | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Series 2016A 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2076 | |
| Trading Symbol | SOJB | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Series 2017B 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2077 | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Series 2017B 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2077 | |
| Trading Symbol | SOJC | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Alabama Power Company | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000003153 | |
| Georgia Power Company | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000041091 | |
| Mississippi Power Company | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000066904 | |
| Southern Power Company | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001160661 | |
| Southern Company Gas | ||
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001004155 |
