Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,540)	$ (17,199)	$ 1,913	$ (43,803)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	1,345	10,301	20,928	22,055
Net unrealized investment gains, tax expense	(3,501)	20,819	31,827	65,805
Foreign currency translation, tax expense	(356)	380	(144)	(25)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	86	778	272	2,342
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, tax expense	$ (179)	$ 542	$ (523)	$ 1,631