Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 54,663	$ 70,835	$ 111,819	$ 133,392
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits gain (net of tax)	586	318	1,851	1,600
Net gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	53	53	159	159
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	639	371	2,010	1,759
Comprehensive income, net of tax	55,302	71,206	113,829	135,151
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	58,661	65,544	119,080	124,509
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits gain (net of tax)	218	92	419	839
Net gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	53	53	159	159
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	271	145	578	998
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 58,932	$ 65,689	$ 119,658	$ 125,507