Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 2,069,000		$ 2,069,000		$ 1,420,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	174,000	(121,000)	(116,000)	(8,477,000)
Cleco Power [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	3,712,000		3,712,000		3,358,000
Amounts expected to be recovered from customers under existing rate orders	8,400,000		8,400,000		6,200,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	$ 113,000	$ 133,000	$ 354,000	$ (9,504,000)