Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Options Excluded From Diluted Common Shares Outstanding Calculation		2,500,000	4,100,000	3,700,000	5,100,000
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 312,209	$ 303,843
Shares, Issued		390,013		390,013
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)		$ 0.87	$ 0.85	$ 1.74	$ 1.70
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 91,250	$ 105,500
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash					24,000
System Energy [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash					$ 139,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.87