Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Schedule Of Accumulated Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	$ 151,000	$ 137,600
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	6,700,000	6,300,000
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	3,439	4,495
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	1,379,265	1,309,903
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	2,134	2,538
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	1,513,884	1,436,535
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	1,961	1,802
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	396,081	379,775
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	452	417
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	186,247	176,692
Entergy Texas [Member] | Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	8,333	8,460
Entergy Texas [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	365,251	359,687
System Energy [Member] | Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation	$ 315,131	$ 286,917