Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ 75,494	$ (34,635)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	3,876	1,093
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	49,138	25,340
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	167	161
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	781	507
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 470	$ 366