Fair Value Accounting - Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Developing Fair Value of Level 3 Positions (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / MW	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / MW
Measured On A Recurring Basis
FAIR VALUE
ASSETS	$ 9,171	$ 23,355
LIABILITIES	1,361	468
Measured On A Recurring Basis | Level 3
FAIR VALUE
ASSETS	9,171	23,355
LIABILITIES	1,361	468
CLECO POWER | Measured On A Recurring Basis
FAIR VALUE
ASSETS	5,684	23,355
LIABILITIES	872	468
CLECO POWER | Measured On A Recurring Basis | Level 3
FAIR VALUE
ASSETS	5,684	23,355
LIABILITIES	$ 872	$ 468
Minimum
FAIR VALUE
FORWARD PRICE RANGE (usd per mwh) | $ / MW	(3.31)	(4.4)
Minimum | CLECO POWER
FAIR VALUE
FORWARD PRICE RANGE (usd per mwh) | $ / MW	(3.31)	(4.4)
Maximum
FAIR VALUE
FORWARD PRICE RANGE (usd per mwh) | $ / MW	8	15.1
Maximum | CLECO POWER
FAIR VALUE
FORWARD PRICE RANGE (usd per mwh) | $ / MW	8	15.1