Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Contributions To Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) (Defined Contribution Plans [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	$ 3,223	$ 3,183	$ 3,177
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	1,842	1,804	1,792
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	2,327	2,260	2,289
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	1,875	1,894	1,886
Entergy New Orleans [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	740	725	683
Entergy Texas [Member]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	$ 1,601	$ 1,613	$ 1,626