Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (17,199)	$ (57,231)	$ (43,803)	$ (40,012)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	10,301	3,643	22,055	17,998
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	20,819	29,657	65,805	67,046
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	380	170	(25)	224
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	778	703	2,342	8,247
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 542	$ 493	$ 1,631	$ 1,480