Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 166,982	$ (146,740)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)	(75,975)	145,435
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	9,795	6,266
Net unrealized investment gains	56,377	50,107
Foreign currency translation	(772)	311
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,575)	202,119
Total comprehensive income	156,407	55,379
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	5,582	4,943
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation	150,825	50,436
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Net income	27,165	28,358
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	955	1,028
Other comprehensive income (loss)	955	1,028
Total comprehensive income	28,120	29,386
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	206	206
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Net income	45,376	33,295
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	678	653
Other comprehensive income (loss)	678	653
Total comprehensive income	46,054	33,948
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries	$ 1,738	$ 1,738