Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,585	$ 1,988	$ 4,488	$ 4,834
Tax benefit	610	765	1,727	1,860
Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,585	1,141	4,487	3,282
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,585	1,139	4,487	3,271
Stock Options [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	2	0	11
Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	847	1	1,552
Cleco Power [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	492	639	1,205	1,423
Tax benefit	189	246	463	548
Cleco Power [Member] | Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	492	301	1,204	792
Cleco Power [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	492	301	1,204	792
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	$ 338	$ 1	$ 631
LTIP [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Non-vested stock granted during the period (in shares)			139,048