Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member's Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Cleco Power [Member]	Cleco Power [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Cleco Power [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 1,317,178	$ 863,237	$ (11,638)	$ 1,233,923	$ 1,238,657	$ (4,734)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,501)		(16,501)	(15,896)		(15,896)
Distribution to parent				(130,000)	(130,000)
Net income	195,848	195,848		142,835	142,835
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,419,857	990,605	(28,139)	1,230,862	1,251,492	(20,630)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4,231)		(4,231)	209		209
Distribution to parent				(58,000)	(58,000)
Net income	163,648	163,648		146,848	146,848
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,499,213	1,075,074	(32,370)	1,319,919	1,340,340	(20,421)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,494		6,494	5,244		5,244
Distribution to parent				(105,000)	(105,000)
Net income	160,685	160,685		150,410	150,410
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 1,586,197	$ 1,149,003	$ (25,876)	$ 1,370,573	$ 1,385,750	$ (15,177)