Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ (146,740)	$ 253,678
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)	145,435	(58,208)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	6,266	4,259
Net unrealized investment gains	50,107	24,685
Foreign currency translation	311	299
Other comprehensive income (loss)	202,119	(28,965)
Total comprehensive income	55,379	224,713
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	4,943	5,015
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation	50,436	219,698
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Net income (loss)	28,358	46,619
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	1,028	743
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,028	743
Total comprehensive income	29,386	47,362
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	206	206
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income (loss)	33,295	40,298
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	653	734
Other comprehensive income (loss)	653	734
Total comprehensive income	33,948	41,032
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	$ 1,738	$ 1,738