Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,344	$ 1,585	$ 4,798	$ 4,488
Tax benefit	517	610	1,846	1,727
Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,344	1,585	4,798	4,487
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,344	1,585	4,798	4,487
Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	1
Cleco Power [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	528	492	1,461	1,205
Tax benefit	203	189	562	463
Cleco Power [Member] | Equity Classification [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	528	492	1,461	1,204
Cleco Power [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	528	492	1,461	1,204
Cleco Power [Member] | Common Stock Equivalent Units [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1
LTICP [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Line Items]
Non-vested stock granted during the period (in shares)			122,222