Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 849	$ 1,105
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	61,047,006	60,961,570
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	60,454,520	60,355,545
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	592,486	606,025
Cleco Power [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 849	$ 1,105