Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 27,133	$ 30,031
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net gain (loss) on prior service cost, net of tax	536	363
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,337	4,435
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,873	4,798
Comprehensive income, net of tax	29,006	34,829
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	27,793	26,805
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net gain (loss) on prior service cost, net of tax	251	204
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,337	4,435
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,588	4,639
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 29,381	$ 31,444