Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 2,522		$ 13,843
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(2,867)	1,415
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	56,235
Additions for tax positions of current period	(2)
Reductions for tax positions of current period	(674)
Additions for tax positions of proir periods	(1,769)
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods	10,418
Reduction for settlement with tax authority	0
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations	0
Balance at end of period	46,914
Cleco Power [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	4,113		17,327
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(4,593)	718
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	52,558
Additions for tax positions of current period	(2)
Reductions for tax positions of current period	(648)
Additions for tax positions of proir periods	(1,400)
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods	10,418
Reduction for settlement with tax authority	0
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations	0
Balance at end of period	$ 42,894