Coughlin Transfer Coughlin Transfer (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 2,955,036	$ 2,975,299
Cleco Power [Member]
Related Party [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	2,949,237	2,791,931
Transfer of assets from affiliate [Member] | Evangeline [Member] | Cleco Power [Member]
Related Party [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 176,000