Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cleco Power [Member] | Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 849	$ 1,105	$ 1,136
Additions charged to costs and expenses	1,980	1,232	828
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	1,907	1,488	859
Balance at end of period	922	849	1,105
Cleco Power [Member] | Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,236	1,792	1,403
Additions	4,133	0	10,968
Deductions	2,047	556	10,579
Balance at end of period	3,322	1,236	1,792
Cleco Power [Member] | Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	17,646	16,285	24,880
Additions	1,414	1,593	1,485
Deductions	4,144	232	10,080
Balance at end of period	14,916	17,646	16,285
Cleco Corporation [Member] | Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	849	1,105	1,136
Additions charged to costs and expenses	1,980	1,232	828
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	1,907	1,488	859
Balance at end of period	922	849	1,105
Cleco Corporation [Member] | Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,236	1,792	1,403
Additions	4,133	0	10,968
Deductions	2,047	556	10,579
Balance at end of period	3,322	1,236	1,792
Cleco Corporation [Member] | Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	17,646	16,285	24,880
Additions	1,414	1,593	1,485
Deductions	4,144	232	10,080
Balance at end of period	$ 14,916	$ 17,646	$ 16,285