Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Public Utility, Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Regulated utility plants	$ 4,518,778	$ 4,495,490
Other	13,644	13,470
Total property, plant, and equipment	4,532,422	4,508,960
Accumulated depreciation	(1,465,504)	(1,442,960)
Net property, plant, and equipment	3,066,918	3,066,000
Cleco Power [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant, and equipment	4,518,778	4,495,490
Accumulated depreciation	(1,455,455)	(1,433,206)
Net property, plant, and equipment	$ 3,063,323	$ 3,062,284