Leases - Analysis of Leased Property Under Finance Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Net finance lease	$ 15,680
CLECO POWER
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Barges	16,800	$ 16,800
Less: accumulated amortization	1,120	840
Net finance lease	$ 15,680	$ 15,960

Amount of lessee's right to use underlying asset under finance lease.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 842
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888419&loc=SL77918627-209977

Name:	us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant