Consolidated Balance Sheets (ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Securitization property	$ 1,009,103	$ 882,346
Securitization bonds	1,070,556	931,131
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	254,752,788	254,752,788
Entergy Arkansas
Securitization property	105,762	118,505
Securitization bonds	$ 113,761	$ 124,066
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	325,000,000	325,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	46,980,196	46,980,196
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,980,196	46,980,196