| Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2017 |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| Entergy Arkansas [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| Entergy Louisiana [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| Entergy Mississippi [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| Entergy New Orleans [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| Entergy Texas [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
| System Energy [Member] | |
| Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits | RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) Qualified Pension Plans Entergy has eight qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment. Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan IV) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan II. At the close of business on December 31, 2016, the liabilities for the accrued benefits and the assets attributable to such liabilities of all participants in Non-Bargaining Plan IV were assumed by and transferred to Non-Bargaining Plan II. There was no loss of vesting or benefit options or reduction of accrued benefits to affected participants as a result of this plan merger. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan). The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan. The assets of the six final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust. The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers. For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis. Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly. Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments. A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions. Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $133,641 $143,244 $175,046 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 260,824 261,613 302,777 Expected return on assets (408,225 ) (389,465 ) (394,618 ) Amortization of prior service cost 261 1,079 1,561 Recognized net loss 227,720 195,298 235,922 Curtailment loss — 3,084 374 Special termination benefit — — 76 Net periodic pension costs $214,221 $214,853 $321,138 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $368,067 $203,229 $50,762 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service cost (261 ) (1,079 ) (1,561 ) Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment — (1,045 ) (374 ) Amortization of net loss (227,720 ) (195,298 ) (235,922 ) Total $140,086 $5,807 ($187,095 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $354,307 $220,660 $134,043 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year: Prior service cost $398 $261 $1,079 Net loss $274,104 $227,720 $195,321 The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,358 $27,698 $5,890 $2,500 $5,455 $6,145 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Expected return on assets (81,707 ) (92,067 ) (24,526 ) (11,199 ) (24,722 ) (18,650 ) Recognized net loss 46,560 49,417 12,213 6,632 9,241 11,857 Net pension cost $36,987 $44,283 $8,504 $5,096 $3,543 $11,716 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $51,569 $57,510 $14,681 $8,601 $1,109 $27,733 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (46,560 ) (49,417 ) (12,213 ) (6,632 ) (9,241 ) (11,857 ) Total $5,009 $8,093 $2,468 $1,969 ($8,132 ) $15,876 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $41,996 $52,376 $10,972 $7,065 ($4,589 ) $27,592 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $53,650 $57,800 $14,438 $7,816 $10,503 $14,859 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $20,724 $28,194 $6,250 $2,625 $5,664 $6,263 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Expected return on assets (79,087 ) (88,383 ) (23,923 ) (10,748 ) (24,248 ) (17,836 ) Recognized net loss 43,745 47,783 11,938 6,460 9,358 10,415 Net pension cost $37,601 $47,072 $9,510 $5,593 $5,002 $10,808 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net loss $60,968 $46,742 $10,942 $5,463 $3,816 $20,805 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (43,745 ) (47,783 ) (11,938 ) (6,460 ) (9,358 ) (10,415 ) Total $17,223 ($1,041 ) ($996 ) ($997 ) ($5,542 ) $10,390 Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/ cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $54,824 $46,031 $8,514 $4,596 ($540 ) $21,198 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $46,560 $49,417 $12,213 $6,632 $9,241 $11,857 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,646 $34,396 $7,929 $3,395 $6,582 $7,827 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 61,885 69,465 18,007 8,432 17,414 13,970 Expected return on assets (80,102 ) (90,803 ) (24,420 ) (10,899 ) (24,887 ) (18,271 ) Recognized net loss 54,254 59,802 14,896 8,053 12,950 13,055 Net pension cost $62,683 $72,860 $16,412 $8,981 $12,059 $16,581 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss $16,687 $16,618 $6,329 $1,853 ($4,488 ) $101 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of net loss (54,254 ) (59,802 ) (14,896 ) (8,053 ) (12,950 ) (13,055 ) Total ($37,567 ) ($43,184 ) ($8,567 ) ($6,200 ) ($17,438 ) ($12,954 ) Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) $25,116 $29,676 $7,845 $2,781 ($5,379 ) $3,627 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Net loss $43,747 $47,809 $11,938 $6,460 $9,358 $10,414 Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $7,142,567 $6,848,238 Service cost 133,641 143,244 Interest cost 260,824 261,613 Curtailment — 2,039 Actuarial loss 767,849 209,360 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Balance at December 31 $7,987,087 $7,142,567 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $5,171,202 $4,707,433 Actual return on plan assets 808,007 395,596 Employer contributions 409,901 390,100 Employee contributions 40 23 Benefits paid (317,834 ) (321,950 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $6,071,316 $5,171,202 Funded status ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized in the balance sheet Non-current liabilities ($1,915,771 ) ($1,971,365 ) Amount recognized as a regulatory asset Net loss $2,418,206 $2,326,349 Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service cost $398 $659 Net loss 667,766 619,276 $668,164 $619,935 Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Service cost 20,358 27,698 5,890 2,500 5,455 6,145 Interest cost 51,776 59,235 14,927 7,163 13,569 12,364 Actuarial loss 131,729 147,704 38,726 19,507 25,339 45,471 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Balance at December 31 $1,580,756 $1,785,700 $457,549 $217,896 $410,720 $384,049 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Actual return on plan assets 161,868 182,261 48,572 22,104 48,952 36,387 Employer contributions 79,625 87,503 19,116 9,893 17,004 18,213 Benefits paid (77,417 ) (73,170 ) (21,195 ) (8,738 ) (20,009 ) (15,312 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,205,668 $1,365,741 $360,842 $165,747 $363,523 $274,432 Funded status ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($375,088 ) ($419,959 ) ($96,707 ) ($52,149 ) ($47,197 ) ($109,617 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $706,783 $701,324 $191,877 $96,913 $145,412 $185,774 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $44,765 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) Balance at January 1 $1,400,511 $1,564,710 $408,604 $191,064 $383,627 $311,542 Service cost 20,724 28,194 6,250 2,625 5,664 6,263 Interest cost 52,219 59,478 15,245 7,256 14,228 11,966 Actuarial loss 62,187 48,357 11,343 5,573 4,274 20,661 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Balance at December 31 $1,454,310 $1,624,233 $419,201 $197,464 $386,366 $335,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $959,618 $1,071,234 $292,297 $129,975 $298,378 $212,006 Actual return on plan assets 80,306 89,998 24,325 10,858 24,705 17,692 Employer contributions 82,999 84,421 19,968 10,709 15,920 20,497 Benefits paid (81,331 ) (76,506 ) (22,241 ) (9,054 ) (21,427 ) (15,051 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $1,041,592 $1,169,147 $314,349 $142,488 $317,576 $235,144 Funded status ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status) Non-current liabilities ($412,718 ) ($455,086 ) ($104,852 ) ($54,976 ) ($68,790 ) ($100,237 ) Amounts recognized as regulatory asset Net loss $701,774 $686,337 $189,409 $94,944 $153,544 $169,897 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Net loss $— $51,660 $— $— $— $— Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $7.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Entergy Arkansas $1,492,876 $1,379,265 Entergy Louisiana $1,652,939 $1,513,884 Entergy Mississippi $430,268 $396,081 Entergy New Orleans $205,316 $186,247 Entergy Texas $387,083 $365,251 System Energy $359,258 $315,131 Other Postretirement Benefits Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees. Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans. Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates. The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses. Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts. Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $26,915 $32,291 $45,305 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 55,838 56,331 71,934 Expected return on assets (37,630 ) (41,820 ) (45,375 ) Amortization of prior service credit (41,425 ) (45,490 ) (37,280 ) Recognized net loss 21,905 18,214 31,573 Net other postretirement benefit cost $25,603 $19,526 $66,157 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for period ($2,564 ) ($20,353 ) ($48,192 ) Net (gain)/loss (66,922 ) 49,805 (154,339 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 41,425 45,490 37,280 Amortization of net loss (21,905 ) (18,214 ) (31,573 ) Total ($49,966 ) $56,728 ($196,824 ) Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($24,363 ) $76,254 ($130,667 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year Prior service credit ($37,002 ) ($41,425 ) ($45,485 ) Net loss $13,729 $21,905 $18,214 Total 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,451 $6,373 $1,160 $567 $1,488 $1,278 Interest cost on APBO 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Expected return on assets (15,836 ) — (4,801 ) (4,635 ) (8,720 ) (2,869 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,110 ) (7,735 ) (1,823 ) (745 ) (2,316 ) (1,513 ) Recognized net loss 4,460 1,859 1,675 418 3,303 1,560 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($4,015 ) $12,598 ($1,030 ) ($2,521 ) ($1,751 ) $692 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Net (gain)/loss (29,534 ) (1,256 ) 506 (7,342 ) (22,255 ) (5,459 ) Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,110 7,735 1,823 745 2,316 1,513 Amortization of net loss (4,460 ) (1,859 ) (1,675 ) (418 ) (3,303 ) (1,560 ) Total ($28,884 ) $4,620 $654 ($7,015 ) ($23,242 ) ($5,506 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($32,899 ) $17,218 ($376 ) ($9,536 ) ($24,993 ) ($4,814 ) Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,735 ) ($1,823 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $1,154 $1,550 $1,508 $137 $823 $932 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $3,913 $7,476 $1,543 $622 $1,590 $1,337 Interest cost on APBO 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Expected return on assets (17,855 ) — (5,517 ) (4,617 ) (9,575 ) (3,257 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5,472 ) (7,787 ) (934 ) (745 ) (2,722 ) (1,570 ) Recognized net loss 4,256 2,926 893 146 2,148 1,149 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost ($5,861 ) $15,656 ($1,180 ) ($2,803 ) ($4,405 ) ($224 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($1,007 ) ($4,647 ) ($6,219 ) $— $— $— Net (gain)/loss 3,331 (13,117 ) 8,715 5,717 13,378 4,997 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 5,472 7,787 934 745 2,722 1,570 Amortization of net loss (4,256 ) (2,926 ) (893 ) (146 ) (2,148 ) (1,149 ) Total $3,540 ($12,903 ) $2,537 $6,316 $13,952 $5,418 Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($2,321 ) $2,753 $1,357 $3,513 $9,547 $5,194 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,110 ) ($7,739 ) ($1,824 ) ($745 ) ($2,316 ) ($1,513 ) Net loss $4,460 $1,859 $1,675 $418 $3,303 $1,560 2015 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Other postretirement costs: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $6,957 $9,893 $2,028 $818 $2,000 $1,881 Interest cost on APBO 12,518 16,311 3,436 2,608 5,366 2,511 Expected return on assets (19,190 ) — (6,166 ) (4,804 ) (10,351 ) (3,644 ) Amortization of prior service credit (2,441 ) (7,467 ) (916 ) (709 ) (2,723 ) (1,465 ) Recognized net loss 5,356 7,118 860 470 2,740 1,198 Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost $3,200 $25,855 ($758 ) ($1,617 ) ($2,968 ) $481 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax) Arising this period: Prior service credit for the period ($18,035 ) ($1,361 ) $— $— $— ($644 ) Net (gain)/loss (11,978 ) (47,043 ) 774 (5,810 ) (4,907 ) 305 Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year: Amortization of prior service credit 2,441 7,467 916 709 2,723 1,465 Amortization of net loss (5,356 ) (7,118 ) (860 ) (470 ) (2,740 ) (1,198 ) Total ($32,928 ) ($48,055 ) $830 ($5,571 ) ($4,924 ) ($72 ) Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax) ($29,728 ) ($22,200 ) $72 ($7,188 ) ($7,892 ) $409 Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year Prior service credit ($5,472 ) ($7,783 ) ($933 ) ($745 ) ($2,722 ) ($1,570 ) Net loss $4,256 $2,926 $893 $146 $2,148 $1,149 Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $1,568,963 $1,530,829 Service cost 26,915 32,291 Interest cost 55,838 56,331 Plan amendments (2,564 ) (20,353 ) Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Actuarial (gain)/loss (23,409 ) 46,201 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 493 455 Balance at December 31 $1,563,487 $1,568,963 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $596,660 $579,069 Actual return on plan assets 81,143 38,216 Employer contributions 44,273 56,166 Plan participant contributions 35,080 27,686 Benefits paid (97,829 ) (104,477 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $659,327 $596,660 Funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities ($45,237 ) ($45,255 ) Non-current liabilities (858,923 ) (927,048 ) Total funded status ($904,160 ) ($972,303 ) Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset Prior service credit ($40,461 ) ($54,896 ) Net loss 144,966 222,540 $104,505 $167,644 Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit ($65,047 ) ($89,474 ) Net loss 161,322 172,575 $96,275 $83,101 Other postretirement benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Service cost 3,451 6,373 1,160 567 1,488 1,278 Interest cost 9,020 12,101 2,759 1,874 4,494 2,236 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Actuarial (gain)/loss (11,691 ) (1,256 ) 5,858 (899 ) (12,469 ) (2,233 ) Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 74 89 22 10 16 28 Balance at December 31 $249,019 $345,389 $84,621 $53,548 $116,702 $61,381 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Actual return on plan assets 33,679 — 10,153 11,078 18,506 6,095 Employer contributions 695 14,418 (2 ) 3,709 3,123 570 Plan participant contributions 7,875 7,855 2,160 1,151 2,453 1,779 Benefits paid (18,497 ) (22,273 ) (5,823 ) (4,670 ) (6,980 ) (4,205 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $274,678 $— $82,433 $85,504 $154,171 $49,124 Funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($18,794 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities 25,659 (326,595 ) (2,188 ) 31,956 37,469 (12,257 ) Total funded status $25,659 ($345,389 ) ($2,188 ) $31,956 $37,469 ($12,257 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($16,574 ) $— ($6,687 ) ($1,427 ) ($5,980 ) ($3,819 ) Net loss 42,394 — 25,247 4,269 24,478 16,386 $25,820 $— $18,560 $2,842 $18,498 $12,567 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($19,999 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 51,585 — — — — $— $31,586 $— $— $— $— 2016 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas System Energy (In Thousands) Change in APBO Balance at January 1 $258,900 $356,253 $77,382 $51,951 $114,582 $57,645 Service cost 3,913 7,476 1,543 622 1,590 1,337 Interest cost 9,297 13,041 2,835 1,791 4,154 2,117 Plan amendments (1,007 ) (4,647 ) (6,219 ) — — — Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Actuarial (gain)/loss 2,453 (13,117 ) 8,230 4,774 12,389 4,806 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Medicare Part D subsidy received 79 114 24 16 35 21 Balance at December 31 $258,787 $342,500 $78,485 $55,515 $127,700 $62,498 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of assets at January 1 $243,206 $— $75,538 $69,881 $130,374 $44,917 Actual return on plan assets 16,977 — 5,032 3,674 8,586 3,066 Employer contributions 5,591 16,620 685 4,320 3,159 330 Plan participant contributions 6,330 6,273 1,721 1,213 1,927 1,390 Benefits paid (21,178 ) (22,893 ) (7,031 ) (4,852 ) (6,977 ) (4,818 ) Fair value of assets at December 31 $250,926 $— $75,945 $74,236 $137,069 $44,885 Funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Current liabilities $— ($19,209 ) $— $— $— $— Non-current liabilities (7,861 ) (323,291 ) (2,540 ) 18,721 9,369 (17,613 ) Total funded status ($7,861 ) ($342,500 ) ($2,540 ) $18,721 $9,369 ($17,613 ) Amounts recognized in regulatory asset Prior service credit ($21,684 ) $— ($8,511 ) ($2,172 ) ($8,296 ) ($5,332 ) Net loss 76,388 — 26,416 12,029 50,036 23,405 $54,704 $— $17,905 $9,857 $41,740 $18,073 Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax) Prior service credit $— ($27,735 ) $— $— $— $— Net loss — 54,700 — — — — $— $26,965 $— $— $— $— Non-Qualified Pension Plans Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $37.6 million in 2017 , $24.9 million in 2016 , and $22.8 million in 2015 . In 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 Entergy recognized $20.3 million , $8.1 million , and $5.1 million , respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above. The projected benefit obligation was $162.3 million and $169.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation was $144.7 million and $151.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $136 million and $137.6 million , respectively; and its current liability was $26.4 million and $31.7 million , respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ( $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $59.8 million at December 31, 2016 ) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ( $35.9 million at December 31, 2017 and $31.6 million at December 31, 2016 ). The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees. The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $679 $185 $251 $73 $499 2016 $1,819 $231 $236 $65 $504 2015 $446 $377 $235 $64 $595 Included in the 2017 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $269 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2016 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1.4 million and $1 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $4,221 $2,061 $2,737 $583 $8,913 2016 $3,897 $2,134 $2,296 $514 $8,665 The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) 2017 $3,825 $2,061 $2,250 $519 $8,602 2016 $3,439 $2,134 $1,961 $452 $8,333 The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Entergy Arkansas Entergy Louisiana Entergy Mississippi Entergy New Orleans Entergy Texas (In Thousands) Current liabilities ($376 ) ($231 ) ($135 ) ($21 ) ($788 ) Non-curre |
