Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,474	$ 1,599	$ 2,903	$ 2,847
Tax benefit	567	615	1,117	1,095
Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,474	1,081	2,902	2,141
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,474	1,076	2,902	2,132
Stock Options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	5	0	9
Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	518	1	706
Cleco Power [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	381	487	712	785
Tax benefit	146	187	274	302
Cleco Power [Member] | Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	381	277	711	491
Cleco Power [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	381	277	711	491
Cleco Power [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Cleco Power [Member] | Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 210	$ 1	$ 294
LTIP [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Shares of non-vested stock granted during the period			139,048