Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income	$ 868,363	$ 1,367,372	$ 1,270,305
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)	(97,591)	71,239	(11,685)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(91,157)	(223,090)	(8,527)
Net unrealized investment gains	63,609	21,254	57,523
Foreign currency translation	508	357	(338)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(124,631)	(130,240)	36,973
Total comprehensive income	743,732	1,237,132	1,307,278
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	21,690	20,933	20,063
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation	722,042	1,216,199	1,287,215
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Net income	158,977	201,604	174,319
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	4,381	(29,306)	1,867
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,381	(29,306)	1,867
Total comprehensive income	163,358	172,298	176,186
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	825	825	827
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income	281,081	473,923	231,435
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(6,625)	(14,545)	577
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,625)	(14,545)	577
Total comprehensive income	274,456	459,378	232,012
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	$ 6,950	$ 6,950	$ 6,950