Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (58,275)	$ (7,208)	$ 17,219	$ (41,843)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	10,479	1,964	14,355	3,057
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	(11,749)	3,386	37,389	28,726
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	(113)	6	54	167
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	6,763	508	7,544	1,015
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ 517	$ 365	$ 987	$ 731