Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net income	$ 42,032	$ 46,686	$ 69,166	$ 76,718
Amortization of postretirement benefits (net of tax)	586	525	1,122	888
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	36	(3,774)	1,373	661
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	622	(3,249)	2,495	1,549
Comprehensive income, net of tax	42,654	43,437	71,661	78,267
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	34,464	37,284	62,257	64,089
Amortization of postretirement benefits (net of tax)	269	226	520	431
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	36	(3,774)	1,373	661
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	305	(3,548)	1,893	1,092
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 34,769	$ 33,736	$ 64,150	$ 65,181