Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net income	$ 19,368	$ 26,922
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits gain (loss) (net of tax)	528	609
Net gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	53	53
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	581	662
Comprehensive income, net of tax	19,949	27,584
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income	20,879	28,605
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits gain (loss) (net of tax)	200	(87)
Net gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax)	53	53
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	253	(34)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 21,132	$ 28,571