Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 862	$ 1,105
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	61,047,006	60,961,570
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	60,449,214	60,355,545
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	597,792	606,025
Cleco Power [Member]
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 862	$ 1,105