Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ 14,531	$ (58,275)	$ (26,604)	$ 17,219
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	5,885	10,479	11,754	14,355
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	(9,325)	(11,749)	44,986	37,389
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	11	(113)	(405)	54
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	778	6,763	1,564	7,544
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 542	$ 517	$ 1,089	$ 987