Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Successor [Member]
Net tax expense (benefit) on post-retirement benefits	$ (2,764)
Net tax expense on amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings	0
Predecessor [Member]
Net tax expense (benefit) on post-retirement benefits			$ 3,670
Net tax expense on amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings			132
Cleco Power [Member]
Net tax expense (benefit) on post-retirement benefits	(296)	$ 2,163	(9)
Net tax expense on amortization of interest rate derivatives to earnings	$ 132	$ 132	$ 132