Equity (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Competitive Energy Revenue	$ 317,255	$ 344,110	$ 870,622		$ 866,189
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6,872)	(8,377)	(1,371)		(18,963)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	76,256	323,617	170,070		698,805
Income taxes (benefits)	337,112	248,973	329,350		109,027
Consolidated net income	413,368	572,590	499,420	[1]	807,832	[1]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated net income	19,366	27,921	45,915		122,135
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated net income	22,174	3,061	24,219		5,024
Parent Company [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Competitive Energy Revenue	12,695	45,975	63,922		199,933
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(219)	30	(469)		(370)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	12,476	46,005	63,453		199,563
Income taxes (benefits)	(4,368)	(16,102)	(22,209)		(69,847)
Consolidated net income	8,108	29,903	41,244		129,716
Parent Company [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss)	43,479	6,000	47,489		9,850
Income taxes (benefits)	(21,305)	(2,939)	(23,270)		(4,826)
Parent Company [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior-service credit	6,564	7,355	13,126		14,710
Amortization of loss	(21,554)	(15,177)	(43,125)		(30,352)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	(1,765)	0	(1,765)		0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(16,755)	(7,822)	(31,764)		(15,642)
Income taxes (benefits)	5,839	2,779	12,216		3,037
Consolidated net income	(10,916)	(5,043)	(19,548)		(12,605)
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(2,650)	(1,870)	(5,674)		(5,615)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	181,215	168,235	318,518		329,583
Income taxes (benefits)	(56,736)	85,090	(99,661)		35,348
Consolidated net income	124,479	253,325	218,857		364,931
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior-service credit	1,934	1,947	3,868		3,894
Amortization of loss	(1,332)	(1,573)	(2,664)		(3,142)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	602	374	1,204		752
Income taxes (benefits)	(292)	(144)	(524)		(259)
Consolidated net income	$ 310	$ 230	$ 680		$ 493

[1] (a) Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for 2017 and 2016 include $6.9 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of preferred dividends on subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented within equity.