Intangible Asset

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Asset

Intangible Asset

During 2008, Cleco Katrina/Rita acquired a $177.5 million intangible asset which includes $176.0 million for the right to bill and collect storm recovery charges from customers of Cleco Power and $1.5 million of financing costs. This intangible asset is expected to have a life of 12 years, but could have a life of up to 15 years depending on the time period required to collect the required amount from Cleco Power’s customers. The intangible asset’s expected amortization expense is based on the estimated collections from Cleco Power’s customers. At the end of its life, this asset will have no residual value. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, Cleco Katrina/Rita recognized amortization expense of $11.8 million, $11.7 million, and $10.7 million, respectively, based on actual collections. The following tables provide more information about this intangible asset.

	AT DECEMBER 31,
(THOUSANDS)	2011		2010
Gross carrying amount	$	177,537	$	177,537
Accumulated amortization	43,942		32,163
Intangible asset	$	133,595	$	145,374

(THOUSANDS)
Expected amortization expense
For the year ending December 31, 2012	$	13,167
For the year ending December 31, 2013	$	14,026
For the year ending December 31, 2014	$	14,931
For the year ending December 31, 2015	$	15,876
For the year ending December 31, 2016	$	16,864
After 2016	$	58,731