Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits (Expected Employer Contributions) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Change in Plan Assets
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	$ 170,500
Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	37,163
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	37,163
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	13,569
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	13,569
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	28,816
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	28,816
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	9,665
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	9,665
Entergy New Orleans
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	5,811
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	5,811
Entergy Texas [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	9,091
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	9,091
System Energy [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected 2012 pension contributions	9,771
Pension contributions made through Year To Date	$ 9,771