Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (55,750)	$ 34,411	$ (7,088)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	(61,223)	(131,198)	(14,387)
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	61,104	19,368	51,130
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	275	192	(182)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	8,732	(16,556)	(340)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 5,095	$ (7,363)	$ (1,818)