Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Expected Employer Contributions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	$ 79,386
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	525
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	87,702
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	19,284
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	19,117
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	140
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	9,904
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	3,669
Entergy Texas [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	17,000
Entergy Texas [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	3,231
System Energy [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	18,096
System Energy [Member] | Other Postretirement [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	$ 690