Rate and Regulatory Matters (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana | Electric [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	9.90%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	11.40%
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana | Gas [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.00%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	11.00%
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	9.45%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	11.05%
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.54%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	12.72%
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Electric [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.70%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	11.50%
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Gas [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.25%
Authorized return on common equity, maximum	11.25%
Entergy Arkansas
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.20%
Entergy Texas [Member]
Utility Operating Companies Current Retail Base Rates [Abstract]
Authorized return on common equity, minimum	10.125%