Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Options Excluded From Diluted Common Shares Outstanding Calculation		2,500,000	3,500,000	3,300,000	4,600,000
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 468,396	$ 455,993
Shares, Issued		496,177		496,177
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)		$ 0.87	$ 0.85	$ 2.61	$ 2.55
Entergy Louisiana [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 91,250	$ 215,000
Entergy Mississippi [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				10,500	24,000
System Energy [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 85,610	$ 139,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89