Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 922	$ 849	$ 1,105
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,986	1,980	1,232
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	1,234	1,907	1,488
Balance at end of period	2,674	922	849
Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,322	1,236	1,792
Additions	0	4,133	0
Deductions	521	2,047	556
Balance at end of period	2,801	3,322	1,236
Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	14,916	17,646	16,285
Additions	1,261	1,414	1,593
Deductions	0	4,144	232
Balance at end of period	16,177	14,916	17,646
Cleco Power [Member] | Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	922	849	1,105
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,986	1,980	1,232
Uncollectible account write-offs less recoveries	1,234	1,907	1,488
Balance at end of period	2,674	922	849
Cleco Power [Member] | Unrestricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,322	1,236	1,792
Additions	0	4,133	0
Deductions	521	2,047	556
Balance at end of period	2,801	3,322	1,236
Cleco Power [Member] | Restricted Storm Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	14,916	17,646	16,285
Additions	1,261	1,414	1,593
Deductions	0	4,144	232
Balance at end of period	$ 16,177	$ 14,916	$ 17,646