Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risk Management (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014 MMBTU	Dec. 31, 2013 MMBTU
Cleco Power [Member] | Natural gas derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of open natural gas positions	0	0
Energy risk management assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management asset	$ 18,504	$ 9,020
Energy risk management assets | Cleco Power [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management asset	18,500	9,000
Energy risk management liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management liability	1,732	382
Energy risk management liabilities | Cleco Power [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management liability	$ 1,700	$ 400