Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	MEMBERSHIP INTEREST	RETAINED EARNINGS	AOCI	Cleco Power	Cleco Power MEMBER’S EQUITY	Cleco Power AOCI
Balances, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 2,096,357	$ 2,069,376	$ 29,902	$ (2,921)	$ 1,550,679	$ 1,564,362	$ (13,683)
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Distributions to member	(19,500)		(19,500)		(28,000)	(28,000)
Net income	10,861		10,861		26,004	26,004
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	43			43	297		297
Balances, end of period at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 2,087,761	$ 2,069,376	$ 21,263	$ (2,878)	$ 1,548,980	$ 1,562,366	$ (13,386)