Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 723	$ 849
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, issued (in shares)	61,051,286	61,047,006
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	60,359,534	60,454,520
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	691,752	592,486
Cleco Power [Member]
Current assets
Customer accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 723	$ 849