Common and Preferred Stock, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Classification
Common stock equivalent units	$ 3,509,000		$ 2,812,000		$ 3,545,000
Total pre-tax compensation expense	7,003,000		5,139,000		5,680,000
Tax benefit (excluding income tax gross-up)	2,695,000		1,977,000		2,186,000
Compensation expense charged against income for non-forfeitable dividends paid on non-vested stock not expected to vest and stock options	103,000	[1]	100,000		100,000
Stock-based compensation capitalized in property, plant and equipment	2,300,000		1,800,000
Cash received from options exercised under all stock-based compensation plans	900,000		3,200,000
Tax benefit realized from exercise of options	200,000		400,000
Cash paid to settle equity instruments under stock-based compensation plans	0		0
Cleco Power [Member]
Classification
Common stock equivalent units	1,118,000		1,271,000		1,306,000
Total pre-tax compensation expense	1,796,000		1,846,000		1,855,000
Tax benefit (excluding income tax gross-up)	691,000		710,000		714,000
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	3,391,000		2,276,000		2,084,000
Non-vested Stock [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	678,000		575,000		549,000
Stock Options [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	103,000	[1]	51,000	[1]	51,000	[1]
Stock Options [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Equity Classification [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	3,494,000		2,327,000		2,135,000
Equity Classification [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Classification
Total pre-tax compensation expense	$ 678,000		$ 575,000		$ 549,000

[1] (1) For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 compensation expense charged against income for non-forfeitable dividends paid on non-vested stock not expected to vest and stock options was $0.1 million.