Rate and Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Payments based on previous year production costs		$ 77
Receipts based on previous year production costs	(157)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Receipts based on previous year production costs	82	(12)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Receipts based on previous year production costs	0	0
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Receipts based on previous year production costs	21	(40)
Entergy New Orleans [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Receipts based on previous year production costs	0	(25)
Entergy Texas [Member]
Payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies to achieve rough production cost equalization
Receipts based on previous year production costs	$ 54	$ 0