Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended																						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 (Loss) Gain and Prior Service Cost [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Net Loss Arising During Period [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cleco Power [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ (28,139)	$ (11,638)	$ (11,291)	$ (20,630)	$ (4,734)	$ (5,671)	$ (6,495)	$ (8,612)	$ (9,825)	$ (9,794)	$ (4,227)	$ (5,387)	$ (6,079)	$ (5,698)	$ (18,246)	$ (9,564)	$ (7,843)	$ (3,602)	$ (8,565)	$ (5,280)	$ (4,685)	$ (2,078)	$ (9,963)	$ 6,030	$ 2,105	$ (9,963)	$ 6,030	$ 2,105
Amortization of postretirement benefit net loss (gain) (net of tax)	2,117	1,213	(31)	1,160	692	(381)
Postretirement benefit loss incurred during the year (net of tax)	(8,682)	(1,721)	(4,241)	(3,285)	(595)	(2,607)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax																							2,334	(15,993)	3,925	2,334	(15,993)	3,925
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4,231)	(16,501)	(347)	209	(15,896)	937
Balance	$ (32,370)	$ (28,139)	$ (11,638)	$ (20,421)	$ (20,630)	$ (4,734)	$ (6,495)	$ (8,612)	$ (9,825)	$ (9,794)	$ (4,227)	$ (5,387)	$ (6,079)	$ (5,698)	$ (18,246)	$ (9,564)	$ (7,843)	$ (3,602)	$ (8,565)	$ (5,280)	$ (4,685)	$ (2,078)	$ (7,629)	$ (9,963)	$ 6,030	$ (7,629)	$ (9,963)	$ 6,030