Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Options Excluded From Diluted Common Shares Outstanding Calculation		4,900,000	6,100,000
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		$ 156,073	$ 151,839
Shares, Issued		303,579
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)		$ 0.87	$ 0.85
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		$ 42,125
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.87