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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Risk Management (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014 MMBTU	Dec. 31, 2013 MMBTU	Dec. 31, 2012 MMBTU
Cleco Power [Member] \| Natural Gas Derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of open natural gas positions	0	0	0
Energy risk management assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management asset	10,776	9,020
Energy risk management liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
FTRs in Energy risk management liability	827	382