Income Taxes, Net Operating Losses (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Federal [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 64.0
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2031
State [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	57.1
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2026
Cleco Power [Member] | Federal [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	40.6
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2031
Cleco Power [Member] | State [Member]
Net Operating Losses [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 33.2
Year that net operating losses begin to expire	2026