2.2.0.25truefalse005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes In Common Shareholders' EquitytruefalseIn Thousands, except Share datafalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Common Stock {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $c00045http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_CommonStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommonStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu001Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0u000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Premium on Common Stock {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $c00046http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Retained Earnings {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $c00049http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Treasury Stock {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $c00048http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_TreasuryStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TreasuryStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170u001Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $c00050http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : CLECO CORP 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $c00047http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001089819na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberu000Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170u001Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0u002Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$1false0cnl_TotalCommonShareholdersEquitycnlfalsecreditinstantTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of...falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2008-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse5997200059972falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse391565000391565falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse567724000567724falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-530000-530falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-8391000-8391falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse10103400001010340falsetruefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes preferred stock and temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 20072false0us-gaap_SharesIssuedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2008-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse5997194559971945falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-28356-28356falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 20073false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse9400094falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse29320002932falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse30260003026falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans4false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse9440094400falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 5 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans (in shares)5false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse2000020falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse102000102falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse122000122falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of treasury stock reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, common and preferred stock are outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock6false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse45254525falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of treasury shares reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, these are common and preferred shares outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock (in shares)7false0us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for preferred shareholders during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l falsefalseDividend requirements, preferred stock, net8false0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-54305000-54305falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-54305000-54305falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCommon stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseDividends on common stock9false0cnl_NetIncomecnlfalsecreditdurationThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse102141000102141falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse102141000102141falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income statement in accordance with GAAP.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet Income10false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-1442000-1442falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-1442000-1442falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax11false0cnl_TotalCommonShareholdersEquitycnlfalsecreditinstantTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of...falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2008-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6006600060066falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse394517000394517falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse615514000615514falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-428000-428falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-9833000-9833falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse10598360001059836falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes preferred stock and temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 200812false0us-gaap_SharesIssuedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2008-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6006634560066345falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-23831-23831falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 200813false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse211000211falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse46150004615falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse48260004826falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans14false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse211117211117falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 5 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans (in shares)15false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse1600016falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse117000117falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse133000133falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of treasury stock reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, common and preferred stock are outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock16false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse57375737falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of treasury shares reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, these are common and preferred shares outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock (in shares)17false0us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for preferred shareholders during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l falsefalseDividend requirements, preferred stock, net18false0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-54555000-54555falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-54555000-54555falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCommon stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseDividends on common stock19false0cnl_NetIncomecnlfalsecreditdurationThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse106307000106307falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse106307000106307falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income statement in accordance with GAAP.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet Income20false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-1458000-1458falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-1458000-1458falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax21false0cnl_TotalCommonShareholdersEquitycnlfalsecreditinstantTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of...falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6027700060277falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse399148000399148falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse667220000667220falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-311000-311falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-11291000-11291falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse11150430001115043falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes preferred stock and temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 200922false0us-gaap_SharesIssuedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6027746260277462falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-18094-18094falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 200923false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse263000263falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse61290006129falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse63920006392falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans24false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse262162262162falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 5 falsefalseCommon stock issued for compensatory plans (in shares)25false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse3600036falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse3700037falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse7300073falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of treasury stock reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, common and preferred stock are outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock26false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTreasuryStockReissuedus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse45964596falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of treasury shares reissued during the period. Upon reissuance, these are common and preferred shares outstanding.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseIssuance of treasury stock (in shares)27false0us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-46000-46falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for preferred shareholders during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l falsefalseDividend requirements, preferred stock, net28false0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-59328000-59328falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-59328000-59328falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCommon stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseDividends on common stock29false0cnl_NetIncomecnlfalsecreditdurationThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse255391000255391falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse255391000255391falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe profit or loss of the entity net of income taxes for the reporting period, calculated and presented in the income statement in accordance with GAAP.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet Income30false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-347000-347falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-347000-347falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax31false0cnl_TotalCommonShareholdersEquitycnlfalsecreditinstantTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of...falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6054000060540falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse405313000405313falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse863237000863237falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-274000-274falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-11638000-11638falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse13171780001317178falsetruefalsetruefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Common Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes preferred stock and temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 201032false0us-gaap_SharesIssuedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse6053962460539624falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-13498-13498falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity, Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010632Consolidated Statements of Changes In Common Shareholders' Equity (CLECO CORP, USD $)ThousandsNoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue