Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Schedule Of Accumulated Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	$ 144,700	$ 151,000
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	7,400,000	6,700,000
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	3,825	3,439
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	1,492,876	1,379,265
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	2,061	2,134
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	1,652,939	1,513,884
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	2,250	1,961
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	430,268	396,081
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	519	452
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	205,316	186,247
Entergy Texas [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	8,602	8,333
Entergy Texas [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	387,083	365,251
System Energy [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	$ 359,258	$ 315,131