Pension Plan and Employee Benefits - Current and Non-Current Portions of the Other Benefits Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current	$ 238,392	$ 249,264
Other Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current	4,130	4,130
Non-current	35,090	36,325
CLECO POWER
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current	172,576	182,721
CLECO POWER | Other Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current	3,584	3,584
Non-current	$ 30,769	$ 31,694