Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 160,685	$ 163,648	$ 195,848
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	5,016	(6,565)	(508)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,478	2,334	(15,993)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,494	(4,231)	(16,501)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	167,179	159,417	179,347
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	150,410	146,848	142,835
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	3,766	(2,125)	97
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,478	2,334	(15,993)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,244	209	(15,896)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 155,654	$ 147,057	$ 126,939