Business Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Write-Offs, Impairments, And Related Charges	$ 2,835,637	$ 2,104,906	$ 123,527
Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring costs incurred, pre-tax	95,500
Asset Write-Offs, Impairments, And Related Charges	2,800,000	$ 2,000,000
Projected Severance and Employee Retention Costs for 2017	100,000
Projected Severance and Employee Retention Costs for 2018-2021	$ 235,000