Comprehensive Income (ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Net income	$ 1,367,372	[1]	$ 1,270,305	[1]	$ 1,251,050	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(223,090)		(8,527)		(35,707)
Total comprehensive income	1,237,132		1,307,278		1,294,928
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	20,933	[1]	20,063	[1]	19,958	[1]
Comprehensive Income Applicable to Common Equity	1,216,199		1,287,215		1,274,970
Other comprehensive income, defined benefit plans, tax	131,198		14,387		34,415
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income	473,923		231,435		232,845
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(14,545)		577		(1,324)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,545)		577		(1,324)
Total comprehensive income	459,378		232,012		231,521
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	6,950		6,950		6,950
Comprehensive Income Applicable to Common Equity	452,428		225,062		224,571
Other comprehensive income, defined benefit plans, tax	$ 7,363		$ 1,818		$ 1,692

[1] Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for 2011, 2010 and 2009 include $13.3 million of preferred dividends on subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented as equity.