Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,429	$ 1,248
Tax benefit	550	480
Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,428	1,060
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,428	1,055
Stock Options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	5
Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1	188
Cleco Power [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	331	297
Tax benefit	127	114
Cleco Power [Member] | Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	331	214
Cleco Power [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	331	214
Cleco Power [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	0
Cleco Power [Member] | Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 83
LTIP [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Shares of non-vested stock granted during the period	139,048