Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Successor [Member]
Net income (loss)	$ 138,080
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	(4,421)
Amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings (net of tax expense)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(4,421)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	133,659
Predecessor [Member]
Net income (loss)			$ 133,669
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax			5,869
Amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings (net of tax expense)			211
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			6,080
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			139,749
Cleco Power [Member]
Net income (loss)	150,738	$ 39,128	141,350
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits gain (loss), net of tax	(472)	3,459	(15)
Amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings (net of tax expense)	211	211	211
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(261)	3,670	196
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 150,477	$ 42,798	$ 141,546