Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 13,843	$ 41,018
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(25,795)	3,930	8,239
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	102,785	129,235	84,918
Reduction for tax positions of current period	(4,129)	(5,738)	(15,126)
Additions for tax positions of prior years	11,031	511	59,443
Reduction for tax positions of prior years	(8,670)	(6,146)	0
Reduction for settlement with tax authority	(44,782)	(15,077)
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	56,235	102,785	129,235
Cleco Power [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	17,327	15,211
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	3,495	(5,448)	3,336
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	60,975	84,360	60,536
Reduction for tax positions of current period	(4,018)	(2,202)	(11,499)
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4,271	3	35,323
Reduction for tax positions of prior years	(8,670)	(6,109)	0
Reduction for settlement with tax authority	0	(15,077)
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 52,558	$ 60,975	$ 84,360