Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,031	$ 1,128
Other accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	26	8
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	60,956,882	60,702,342
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	60,350,481	60,291,939
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	606,401	410,403
Cleco Power [Member]
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	1,031	1,128
Other accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 26	$ 8