Common Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain	$ 79,905	$ 177,497
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(590,712)	(499,556)
Net unrealized investment gains	214,547	150,939
Foreign currency translation	3,177	2,668
Total	(293,083)	(168,452)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(65,229)	(69,610)
Total	(65,229)	(69,610)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(46,132)	(39,507)
Total	$ (46,132)	$ (39,507)