Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Public Utility, Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Regulated utility plants	$ 4,534,234	$ 4,495,490
Other	14,217	13,470
Total property, plant, and equipment	4,548,451	4,508,960
Accumulated depreciation	(1,489,864)	(1,442,960)
Net property, plant, and equipment	3,058,587	3,066,000
Cleco Power [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant, and equipment	4,534,234	4,495,490
Accumulated depreciation	(1,479,472)	(1,433,206)
Net property, plant, and equipment	$ 3,054,762	$ 3,062,284