Consolidated Statement of Changes in Member's Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Cleco Power [Member]	Cleco Power [Member] Member's Equity [Member]	Cleco Power [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,627,270	$ (32,665)	$ 1,545,858	$ 1,563,146	$ (17,288)
Increase (Decrease) in Member's Equity [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	662	662	(34)		(34)
Distribution to parent			(25,000)	(25,000)
Net income	26,922		28,605	28,605
Balances at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 1,631,253	$ (32,003)	$ 1,549,429	$ 1,566,751	$ (17,322)