Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Expected Employer Contributions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	$ 52,300
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	64,062
Entergy Arkansas [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	472
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	71,917
Entergy Louisiana [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	18,962
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	14,933
Entergy Mississippi [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	110
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	7,250
Entergy New Orleans [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	3,669
Entergy Texas [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	10,883
Entergy Texas [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	3,231
System Energy [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	13,786
System Energy [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Plan Assets
Expected Employer Contributions	$ 16