Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (57,231)	$ (9,041)	$ (40,012)	$ (50,884)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	3,643	1,647	17,998	4,704
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	29,657	(52,740)	67,046	(24,014)
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	170	59	224	226
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	703	507	8,247	1,522
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 493	$ 366	$ 1,480	$ 1,097