Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Waterford Three [Member] | Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 7.8	$ 7.8	$ 16.9	$ 28.8
Percentage In Power Plant Previously Owned By VIE			9.30%
Grand Gulf [Member] | System Energy [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 8.6	$ 14.6	$ 17.2	$ 52.3
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE			11.50%