Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ (11,638)	$ (11,291)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,501)	(347)	(1,458)
Balance	(28,139)	(11,638)	(11,291)
Cleco Power [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(4,734)	(5,671)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(15,896)	937	(495)
Balance	(20,630)	(4,734)	(5,671)
(Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(9,825)	(9,794)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,213	(31)
Balance	(8,612)	(9,825)
(Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(6,079)	(5,698)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	692	(381)
Balance	(5,387)	(6,079)
Net Loss Arising During Period [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(7,843)	(3,602)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,721)	(4,241)
Balance	(9,564)	(7,843)
Net Loss Arising During Period [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	(4,685)	(2,078)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(595)	(2,607)
Balance	(5,280)	(4,685)
Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	6,030	2,105
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(15,993)	3,925
Balance	(9,963)	6,030
Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	6,030	2,105
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(15,993)	3,925
Balance	$ (9,963)	$ 6,030