Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,136	$ 3,455	$ 1,173
Additions	828	1,992	3,756
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	859	4,311	1,474
Balance at end of period	1,105	1,136	3,455
Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,403	1,454	1,146
Additions	10,968	2,000	543
Deductions	10,579	2,051	235
Balance at end of period	1,792	1,403	1,454
Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	24,880	25,993	25,434
Additions	1,485	887	857
Deductions	10,080	2,000	298
Balance at end of period	16,285	24,880	25,993
Cleco Power [Member] | Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,136	3,395	1,173
Additions	828	1,972	3,696
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	859	4,231	1,474
Balance at end of period	1,105	1,136	3,395
Cleco Power [Member] | Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,403	1,454	1,146
Additions	10,968	2,000	543
Deductions	10,579	2,051	235
Balance at end of period	1,792	1,403	1,454
Cleco Power [Member] | Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	24,880	25,993	25,434
Additions	1,485	887	857
Deductions	10,080	2,000	298
Balance at end of period	$ 16,285	$ 24,880	$ 25,993