Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 342,670	$ 633,069	$ 566,513	$ 1,207,346
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)	(106,138)	(12,598)	(68,793)	(84,321)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	6,197	2,657	29,524	9,255
Net unrealized investment gains	38,430	(53,349)	70,512	(25,478)
Foreign currency translation	315	109	416	419
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(61,196)	(63,181)	31,659	(100,125)
Total comprehensive income	281,474	569,888	598,172	1,107,221
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	5,582	5,015	16,108	15,046
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation	275,892	564,873	582,064	1,092,175
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Net income	50,210	53,170	128,958	150,197
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	862	486	12,397	1,715
Other comprehensive income (loss)	862	486	12,397	1,715
Total comprehensive income	51,072	53,656	141,355	151,912
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries			619	619
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income	80,208	337,722	244,217	453,125
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	630	366	1,890	1,467
Other comprehensive income (loss)	630	366	1,890	1,467
Total comprehensive income	80,838	338,088	246,107	454,592
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries			$ 5,213	$ 5,213