Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Plant Acquisition Adjustments (Details) (Cleco Power [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Acadia Unit 1 and Facilities Acquisition [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Plant acquisition adjustment	$ 95,578	$ 95,578
Less: accumulated amortization	9,018	5,836
Net plant acquisition adjustment	86,560	89,742
Teche Unit 4 Acquisition [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Plant acquisition adjustment	5,359	5,359
Less: accumulated amortization	3,979	3,724
Net plant acquisition adjustment	$ 1,380	$ 1,635