Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Depreciation and property basis differences	$ (594,135)	$ (527,014)
Net operating loss	18,542	0
Fuel costs	(6,135)	(6,500)
Mark-to-market	0	1,845
Deferred carrying charges	11,327	26,567
SERP - other comprehensive income	16,621	6,274
Regulated operations regulatory liability	(83,965)	(75,080)
Postretirement benefits other than pension	(9,486)	9,902
New market tax credit	36,398	16,667
Other	(9,844)	(1,766)
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes	(620,677)	(549,105)
Cleco Power [Member]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Depreciation and property basis differences	(592,634)	(551,909)
Net operating loss	16,390	0
Fuel costs	(6,125)	(6,490)
Mark-to-market	0	1,628
Deferred carrying charges	11,327	26,567
SERP - other comprehensive income	11,984	2,019
Regulated operations regulatory liability	(83,965)	(75,080)
Postretirement benefits other than pension	(22,461)	(2,503)
Other	9,478	7,005
Accumulated deferred federal and state income taxes	$ (656,006)	$ (598,763)