Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ (136,000)		$ (136,000)		$ 88,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	(594,000)	(221,000)	(565,000)	(290,000)
Cleco Power [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Customer Surcredits - Interest Expenses	600,000	1,400,000	600,000	1,400,000
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	13,000		13,000		11,000
Amounts expected to be recovered from customers under existing rate orders	7,200,000		7,200,000		8,400,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	$ 1,000	$ 121,000	$ 2,000	$ 242,000