Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income	$ 195,848	$ 255,391	$ 106,307
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Amortization of postretirement benefit net loss (gain) (net of tax)	1,213	(31)	(160)
Postretirement benefit loss incurred during the year (net of tax)	(1,721)	(4,241)	(3,403)
Cash flow hedges:
Net derivatives (loss) gain (net of tax)	(15,788)	2,916	1,930
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(16,501)	(347)	(1,458)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	179,347	255,044	104,849
Interest Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	(205)	315	175
Other Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	0	694	0
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	142,835	147,405	111,166
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Amortization of postretirement benefit net loss (gain) (net of tax)	692	(381)	(433)
Postretirement benefit loss incurred during the year (net of tax)	(595)	(2,607)	(2,167)
Cash flow hedges:
Net derivatives (loss) gain (net of tax)	(15,788)	2,916	1,930
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(15,896)	937	(495)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	126,939	148,342	110,671
Cleco Power [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	(205)	315	175
Cleco Power [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	$ 0	$ 694	$ 0