Fair Value Accounting, Derivatives (Details) (Cleco Power [Member], Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 14, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cleco Power [Member] | Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest rate cash flow hedge [Abstract]
Notional amount	$ 50.0
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion		0.8
Rate basis	spot 30-year all-in swap
Fixed iterest rate	3.05%
Amount of original notional amount issuance delayed	50.0
Unrealized mark-to-market loss in other comprehensive income			(0.7)
Interest rate risk management asset		$ 4.1	$ 4.1	$ 3.3