Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risk Management (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Energy risk management liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management liability	$ 64	$ 382
Energy risk management asset [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management asset	$ 3,972	$ 9,020
Cleco Power [Member] | Natural gas derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of open derivative positions	0	0