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Income Taxes Income Taxes, Income Tax Examination (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Feb. 28, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
     
Summary of income tax examinations [Abstract]      
Deposits with IRS $ 60.4 $ 8.2 $ 52.2
Amounts deposited with IRS- remaining amount to offset tax and interest liabilities 43.2    
Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlement with the IRS 38.0    
Income tax years that remain subject to examination 2001 through 2011    
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
     
Summary of income tax examinations [Abstract]      
Income tax years that remain subject to examination 2001 through 2011    
Cleco Power [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
     
Summary of income tax examinations [Abstract]      
Maximum decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of settlement with the IRS $ 37.3