Revolving Credit Facilities, Lines of Credit and Short-Term Borrowings (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
9% Series H due June 2013 [Member] | Entergy Arkansas VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	$ 30
5.69% Series I due July 2014 [Member] | Entergy Arkansas VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	70
3.23% Series J due July 2016 [Member] | Entergy Arkansas VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	55
5.56% Series N due May 2013 [Member] | Entergy Gulf States Louisiana VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	75
5.41% Series O due July 2012 [Member] | Entergy Gulf States Louisiana VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	60
5.69% Series E due July 2014 [Member] | Entergy Louisiana VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	50
6.29% Series F due September 2013 [Member] | System Energy VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	70
5.33% Series G due April 2015 [Member] | System Energy VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	60
3.30% Series F, due March 2016 [Member] | Entergy Louisiana VIE [Member]
Notes payable by variable interest entities
Long-Term Notes Payable	$ 20