Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risk Management (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013 MMBTU	Dec. 31, 2012 MMBTU
Cleco Power [Member] | Natural Gas Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Open natural gas positions	0	0
Energy risk management asset [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management asset	$ 9,020	$ 0
Energy risk management liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management liability	$ 382	$ 0