XML 34 R55.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			$ 35,828,000	$ 41,048,000
Diversified Lands Mitigation Escrow Agreement [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			97,000	97,000
Katrina/Rita Bond Payments [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			8,761,000	8,822,000
Collection net of operating expenses			19,700,000
Bond principal payments	6,000,000	6,300,000
Bond interest payments	3,700,000	3,800,000
Future Storm Restoration Costs [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			24,876,000	25,992,000
Renewable Energy Grant [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			381,000	0
GO Zone Project Costs [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			0	6,137,000
Nox Allowance Escrow [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted cash			1,713,000	0
Cleco Power [Member]
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Renewable energy grant			$ 600,000

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element.

+ References+ Details