Income Taxes, Net Operating Losses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Federal [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 47.3
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2031
State [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	40.1
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2026
Cleco Power [Member] | Federal [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	43.7
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2031
Cleco Power [Member] | State [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 36.0
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2026