Pension Plan and Employee Benefits - Current and Non-Current Portions of the Other Benefits Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current	$ 249,638	$ 249,264
Other Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current	4,130	4,130
Non-current	35,805	36,325
CLECO POWER
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current	183,318	182,721
CLECO POWER | Other Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current	3,584	3,584
Non-current	$ 31,274	$ 31,694