Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 2,287		$ 2,287		$ 13,843
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(2,716)	1,326	(8,355)	2,861
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			56,235
Additions for tax positions of current period			(480)
Reductions for tax positions of current period			0
Additions for tax positions of proir periods			(1,946)
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods			44,475
Reduction for settlement with tax authority			0
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations			0
Balance at end of period	14,186		14,186
Cleco Power [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	5,369		5,369		17,327
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(2,271)	938	(9,636)	1,776
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			52,558
Additions for tax positions of current period			(480)
Reductions for tax positions of current period			0
Additions for tax positions of proir periods			(1,946)
Reduction for tax positions of prior periods			43,384
Reduction for settlement with tax authority			0
Reduction for lapse of statute of limitations			0
Balance at end of period	$ 11,600		$ 11,600