Coughlin Transfer Coughlin Transfer (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014 Cleco Power [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Cleco Power [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Transfer of assets from affiliate [Member] Evangeline [Member] Cleco Power [Member]
Related Party [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 3,026,890	$ 2,975,299	$ 3,021,372	$ 2,791,931	$ 176,000