Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 50.4	$ 35.1	$ 32.5
System Energy [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 49.4	$ 48.6	$ 47.8
Waterford Three [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE	9.30%
Grand Gulf [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE	11.50%