Alternater reads 14.5 V when the car is idling. The battery is getting about 14.0. Is that an acceptable loss?
If not, what could cause this?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even at 14.0 volts, you're still charging the battery just fine.

What's the voltage drop when you're at maximum current draw- lights, electric fans(?), stereo, etc.? If it's still above 13.0V, I'd leave it alone.

that's normal , i wouldn't worry about it !!:)

well, there is not such distance between Batt and Alt, less than 2 feet in any condition. I have installed extra, thick cables between Alt and Batt and I am happy about it.... I sugest you to do it as well! The More cable thickness, the less resistance!

Yup, get a nice high quality cable to go from Alternator to Battery (+), and from Battery (-) to ground. I used 4 gauge and gold plated connectors to prevent corrosion, probably one of the cheapest and best electrical upgrades you can make. Resistance = heat = lost energy.