Rate And Regulatory Matters (Effects On Financial Statement Line Items) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income before income taxes									$ 899,218	$ 1,653,635	$ 1,887,544
Income taxes (benefit)									30,855	286,263	617,239
Net income	301,850	342,670	370,583	(146,740)	160,027	633,069	320,598	253,678	868,363	1,367,372	1,270,305
Accounts receivable-associated companies	1,001,715				1,001,868				1,001,715	1,001,868
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Income before income taxes									105,447	137,530	135,488
Income taxes (benefit)									58,679	28,801	50,111
Net income	(4,908)	27,080	15,914	8,682	34,417	33,169	23,829	17,314	46,768	108,729	85,377
Accounts receivable-associated companies	128,547				153,891				128,547	153,891
Entergy New Orleans [Member]
Income before income taxes									24,305	51,838	47,715
Income taxes (benefit)									7,240	15,862	16,601
Net income	(716)	10,555	7,186	40	(101)	18,943	8,207	8,927	17,065	35,976	31,114
Accounts receivable-associated companies	$ 83,261				$ 60,366				$ 83,261	$ 60,366