Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Basic earnings per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation	$ (479,113)	$ 398,198	$ 409,922	$ 82,605	$ (1,769,068)	$ 388,170	$ 567,314	$ 229,966	$ 411,612	$ (583,618)	$ (176,562)
Net Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation, Shares									179,671,797	178,885,660	179,176,356
Basic earnings per share (in usd per share)	$ (2.67)	$ 2.22	$ 2.28	$ 0.46	$ (9.89)	$ 2.17	$ 3.17	$ 1.29	$ 2.29	$ (3.26)	$ (0.99)
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options, Shares									200,000	0	0
Stock options $/share									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Average Dilutive Effect Of Restricted Stock Shares									600,000	0	0
Average Dilutive Effect Of Restricted Stock Per Share									$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ 0
Diluted earnings per share, Shares									180,535,893	178,885,660	179,176,356
Diluted earnings per share (in usd per share)	$ (2.66)	$ 2.21	$ 2.27	$ 0.46	$ (9.86)	$ 2.16	$ 3.16	$ 1.28	$ 2.28	$ (3.26)	$ (0.99)