Schedule I Financial Statements of Cleco Corporation Schedule I Financial Statements of Cleco Corporation, Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Partenthetical (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net tax expense (benefit) on post-retirement benefits	$ 3,137	$ (4,230)	$ (344)
Net tax expense (benefit) on cash flow hedges	925	1,460	(10,002)
CLECO CORPORATION (Parent Company Only) [Member]
Net tax expense (benefit) on post-retirement benefits	3,137	(4,230)	(344)
Net tax expense (benefit) on cash flow hedges	$ 925	$ 1,460	$ (10,002)