Common Equity (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 OptionPlan	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2005
Common Equity (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity Unit Transaction					10,000,000
Stated amount of Equity units sold					$ 50
Annual interest rate of equity	5.75%
Purchase of shares, minimum	0.5705
Purchase of shares, maximum	0.7074
Contract adjustment payment rate	1.875%
Equity units sold description	An equity unit consisted of (1) a note, initially due February 2011 and initially bearing interest at an annual rate of 5.75%, and (2) a purchase contract that obligated the holder of the equity unit to purchase for $50 between 0.5705 and 0.7074 shares of Entergy Corporation common stock on or before February 17, 2009. Entergy paid the holders quarterly contract adjustment payments of 1.875% per year on the stated amount of $50 per equity unit.
Number of equity ownership plans	2
Authorization of repurchase of common stock	$ 350	$ 750	$ 500	$ 1,500
Dividend payments received from subsidiaries	595	580	417
Entergy Arkansas
Restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution	394.9
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution	$ 68.5