Risk Management and Fair Values (Fair Values Of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Other Non-Current Liabilities [Member] | Electricity Forwards, Swaps And Options [Member] | Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member] | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative Liability, Fair Value			$ 1,000	[1]
Derivative liability as hedging instrument offset			(1,000)	[1]
Other Deferred Debits And Other Assets [Member] | Electricity Forwards, Swaps And Options [Member] | Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member] | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset, Fair value	196,000	[1]	112,000	[1]
Derivative asset as hedging instrument offset			(1,000)	[1]
Prepayments And Other [Member] | Electricity Forwards, Swaps And Options [Member] | Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member] | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset, Fair value	332,000	[1]	197,000	[1]
Derivative asset as hedging instrument offset	(46,000)	[1]	(25,000)	[1]
Prepayments And Other [Member] | Electricity Forwards, Swaps And Options [Member] | Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member] | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Assets:
Derivative Asset, Fair value	65,000	[1]	37,000	[1]
Derivative asset as hedging instrument offset	(19,000)	[1]	(8,000)	[1]
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Electricity Forwards, Swaps And Options [Member] | Entergy Wholesale Commodities [Member] | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	65,000	[1]	33,000	[1]
Derivative liability as hedging instrument offset	(65,000)	[1]	(33,000)	[1]
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Swap [Member] | Utility [Member] | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	45,000	[1]	30,000	[1]
Derivative liability as hedging instrument offset		[1]		[1]

[1] The balances of derivative assets and liabilities in these tables are presented gross. Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented on the Entergy Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for Derivatives and Hedging.