Intangible Assets and Liabilities - Schedule of Amortization of Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
LTSA
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible liabilities	$ 871	$ 0	$ 1,452	$ 0
Power supply agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible liabilities	1,259	0	1,470	0
Cleco Katrina/Rita right to bill and collect storm recovery charges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	5,172	5,509	10,042	9,994
Cleco Katrina/Rita right to bill and collect storm recovery charges | CLECO POWER
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	5,172	5,509	10,042	9,994
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	64	64	127	128
Power supply agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 6,208	$ 2,420	$ 11,399	$ 4,840