Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,455	$ 1,173	$ 1,632
Additions	1,992	3,756	1,657
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	4,311	1,474	2,116
Balance at end of period	1,136	3,455	1,173
Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,454	1,146	210
Additions	2,000	543	3,643
Deductions	2,051	235	2,707
Balance at end of period	1,403	1,454	1,146
Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	25,993	25,434	27,410
Additions	887	857	825
Deductions	2,000	298	2,801
Balance at end of period	24,880	25,993	25,434
Cleco Power [Member] | Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,395	1,173	1,632
Additions	1,972	3,696	1,657
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	4,231	1,474	2,116
Balance at end of period	1,136	3,395	1,173
Cleco Power [Member] | Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,454	1,146	210
Additions	2,000	543	3,643
Deductions	2,051	235	2,707
Balance at end of period	1,403	1,454	1,146
Cleco Power [Member] | Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	25,993	25,434	27,410
Additions	887	857	825
Deductions	2,000	298	2,801
Balance at end of period	$ 24,880	$ 25,993	$ 25,434