Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 30,031	$ 29,016
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Amortization of postretirement benefit net loss (gain) (net of tax)	363	338
Cash flow hedges:
Net derivatives gain (net of tax)	2,865	0
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	4,798	283
Comprehensive income, net of tax	34,829	29,299
Interest Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	(1)	(55)
Regulatory Asset [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	1,571	0
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	26,805	30,030
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Amortization of postretirement benefit net loss (gain) (net of tax)	204	186
Cash flow hedges:
Net derivatives gain (net of tax)	2,865	0
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	4,639	131
Comprehensive income, net of tax	31,444	30,161
Cleco Power [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	(1)	(55)
Cleco Power [Member] | Regulatory Asset [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification of net (gain) loss (net of tax)	$ 1,571	$ 0