Schedule I Financial Statements of Cleco Corporation, Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net tax (benefit) expense on post-retirement benefits	$ (4,378)	$ 3,137	$ (4,230)
Net tax expense on cash flow hedges	132	925	1,460
Cleco Corporation [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net tax (benefit) expense on post-retirement benefits	(4,378)	3,137	(4,230)
Net tax expense on cash flow hedges	$ 132	$ 925	$ 1,460