Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012 Non-vested Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Non-vested Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Equity Classification [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Equity Classification [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cleco Power [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cleco Power [Member] Non-vested Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member] Non-vested Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cleco Power [Member] Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member] Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Cleco Power [Member] Equity Classification [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member] Equity Classification [Member]	Jan. 27, 2012 Certain Officers, Key Employees, and Directors [Member] Non-vested Stock [Member]	Mar. 17, 2012 Certain Officers [Member] Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Number of shares granted																	137,175	3,011
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,248	$ 2,358	$ 1,055	$ 1,151	$ 5	$ 13	$ 1,060	$ 1,164	$ 297	$ 753	$ 214	$ 322	$ 0	$ 0	$ 214	$ 322
Common stock equivalent units	188	1,194							83	431
Tax benefit (excluding income tax gross-up)	$ 480	$ 907							$ 114	$ 290