Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs			$ 67,252	$ 2,369
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs	$ 33,000		5,090	0
Damages awarded for previously recorded operation and maintenance	8,000
Damages awarded for previously capitalized costs	5,000
Damages awarded for previously recorded nuclear fuel expense	$ 20,000
Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party		$ 80,000
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs			$ 55,001	$ 0
Entergy FitzPatrick Properties (Formerly Entergy Nuclear FitzPatrick) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party		$ 7,000