Income Taxes, Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 0		$ 0		$ 88,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	0	174,000	0	(116,000)
Cleco Power [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Interest payable associated with uncertain tax positions	0		0		11,000
Amounts expected to be recovered from customers under existing rate orders	6,100,000		6,100,000		8,400,000
Interest charges related to uncertain tax positions	0	113,000	0	354,000
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Charges Recoverable from Customers			$ 600,000	$ 2,200,000