Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 18,172		$ 18,172
CLECO POWER
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase price	12,873		12,873
Cash contributions	6,399		6,399
Dividends	(1,100)		(1,100)
Total equity investment in investee	18,172		$ 18,172
Operating revenue	1,958	$ 863
Operating expenses	1,958	863
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0