Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			$ 318,000
Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			62,252
Settlement Charge Associated With Out Of Plan Payment Of Lump Sum Benefits	$ 10		173
Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year					$ 409,900
Subsequent Event [Member] | Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year					79,725
Defined Benefit Plan Remaining Contributions To Be Made In Current Fiscal Year					$ 17,473
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Net periodic benefit costs	15,800	$ 8,000	28,900	$ 16,500
Settlement Charge Associated With Out Of Plan Payment Of Lump Sum Benefits	11,600	3,700	15,500	3,700
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member] | Entergy Arkansas [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Net periodic benefit costs	$ 111	$ 105	$ 483	$ 317