Rate and Regulatory Matters (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	$ 209,776	$ 64,659
Deferred fuel costs	(255,839)	(166,409)
Entergy Arkansas
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	209,776	61,502
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	2,900	77,800
Deferred fuel costs	(97,178)	(22,301)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	1,500	8,800
Deferred fuel costs	(66,535)	(59,227)
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	0	3,157
Deferred fuel costs	(15,841)	0
Entergy New Orleans [Member]
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	(7,500)	(2,800)
Deferred fuel costs	(11,621)	(6,927)
Entergy Texas [Member]
The amount of deferred fuel costs, that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review
Deferred fuel costs	(64,700)	(77,400)
Deferred fuel costs	$ (64,664)	$ (77,430)