Litigation, Other Commitments and Contingencies, and Disclosures about Guarantees, Off-Balance Sheet Commitments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2006
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 4,225
Reductions	0
Net amount	4,225
Guarantee Issued to Entergy Mississippi on behalf of Attala [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Face amount	500
Reductions	0
Net amount	500	500
Cleco Power [Member] | Obligations Under Standby Letter of Credit Issued to the Louisiana Department of Labor [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Face amount	3,725
Reductions	0
Net amount	$ 3,725
Percentage of average losses on which letter of credit is based (in hundredths)	110.00%