Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ 7,225	$ (41,135)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	17,761	5,869
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	5,748	54,311
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	40	(416)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	101	786
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ (164)	$ 547