Rate and Regulatory Matters (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Entergy Arkansas
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	$ 156
Entergy Arkansas | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	77
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(75)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(12)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	0
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	0
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(33)
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(40)
Entergy New Orleans [Member]
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(5)
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(25)
Entergy Texas [Member]
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	(43)
Entergy Texas [Member] | Production cost based on 2010
Estimate of Payments or Receipts among Utility Operating Companies Production Cost Based on 2010
Estimated Payments or (Receipts)	$ 0