Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Plant Acquisition Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2010 Acadia Unit 1 and Facilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member] Acadia Unit 1 and Facilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Cleco Power [Member] Acadia Unit 1 and Facilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member] Teche [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Cleco Power [Member] Teche [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Purchase price for the acquisition	$ 304,000,000
Plant acquisition adjustment		95,578,000	95,578,000	5,359,000	5,359,000
Less: accumulated amortization		5,836,000	2,653,000	3,724,000	3,470,000
Net plant acquisition adjustment		$ 89,742,000	$ 92,925,000	$ 1,635,000	$ 1,889,000