Debt, Capital Lease Agreements (Details) (Barge lease obligations, ending December 31, 2017 [Member], Capital Lease Obligations [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2013	$ 2,171
2014	2,305
2015	2,448
2016	2,607
2017	1,819
Cleco Power [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2013	2,171
2014	2,305
2015	2,448
2016	2,607
2017	$ 1,819

Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Due, Current

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Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Due, in Five Years

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Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Due, in Four Years

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Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Due, In Three Years

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Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Due, In Two years

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