Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net tax expense (benefit) of gain (loss) on prior service cost	$ 336	$ 165
Net tax expense (benefit) on cash flow hedges	836	2,774
Cleco Power [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net tax expense (benefit) of gain (loss) on prior service cost	157	75
Net tax expense (benefit) on cash flow hedges	$ 836	$ 2,774