Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$ 244,182	$ 342,670	$ 579,220	$ 566,513
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)	(31,663)	(106,138)	(80,048)	(68,793)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	15,430	6,197	35,004	29,524
Net unrealized investment gains	46,300	38,430	94,644	70,512
Foreign currency translation	706	315	(47)	416
Other comprehensive income (loss)	30,773	(61,196)	49,553	31,659
Total comprehensive income	274,955	281,474	628,773	598,172
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	4,332	5,582	14,247	16,108
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation	270,623	275,892	614,526	582,064
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Net income	62,642	50,210	119,528	128,958
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	963	862	2,880	12,397
Other comprehensive income (loss)	963	862	2,880	12,397
Total comprehensive income	63,605	51,072	122,408	141,355
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries			619	619
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income	100,597	80,208	207,350	244,217
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	684	630	2,045	1,890
Other comprehensive income (loss)	684	630	2,045	1,890
Total comprehensive income	101,281	80,838	209,395	246,107
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries			$ 5,213	$ 5,213