Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Waterford Three [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE			9.30%
Grand Gulf [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage in power plant owned by VIE			11.50%
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 12.8	$ 9.8	$ 50.4	$ 35.1
System Energy [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments on lease, including interest	$ 2.0	$ 2.9	$ 49.4	$ 48.6