Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))(Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain	$ 108,704	$ 177,497
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(470,032)	(499,556)
Net unrealized investment gains	221,450	150,939
Foreign currency translation	3,085	2,668
Total	(136,793)	(168,452)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(57,213)	(69,610)
Total	(57,213)	(69,610)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(37,617)	(39,507)
Total	$ (37,617)	$ (39,507)