Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Plant Acquisition Adjustments (Details) (Cleco Power [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acadia Unit 1 and Facilities Acquisition [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Plant acquisition adjustment	$ 95,578	$ 95,578
Less: accumulated amortization	12,201	9,018
Net plant acquisition adjustment	83,377	86,560
Teche Unit 4 Acquisition [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Plant acquisition adjustment	5,359	5,359
Less: accumulated amortization	4,234	3,979
Net plant acquisition adjustment	$ 1,125	$ 1,380