Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Waterford Three [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE	9.30%
Grand Gulf [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE	11.50%
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 37.6	$ 25.3
System Energy [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 47.4	$ 45.7