Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 17,672		$ 17,672		$ 18,172
CLECO POWER
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase price	12,873		12,873		12,873
Cash contributions	6,399		6,399		6,399
Dividends	(1,600)		(1,600)		(1,100)
Total equity investment in investee	17,672		17,672		$ 18,172
Operating revenue	2,776	$ 2,214	7,114	$ 4,134
Operating expenses	2,776	2,214	7,114	4,134
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0