Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 133,669	$ 154,739	$ 160,685
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	5,869	(7,001)	5,016
Net gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	211	212	1,478
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,080	(6,789)	6,494
Comprehensive income, net of tax	139,749	147,950	167,179
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	141,350	154,316	150,410
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	(15)	(2,323)	3,766
Net gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	211	212	1,478
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	196	(2,111)	5,244
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 141,546	$ 152,205	$ 155,654