Fair Value Accounting - Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / MW	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / MW
MINIMUM
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Forward price range (usd per MWh) | $ / MW	(2.57)	(4.40)
MAXIMUM
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Forward price range (usd per MWh) | $ / MW	2.86	15.10
Measured On A Recurring Basis | SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (LEVEL 3)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 6,822	$ 23,355
Liabilities | $	$ 1,044	$ 468
CLECO POWER | MINIMUM
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Forward price range (usd per MWh) | $ / MW	(2.04)	(4.40)
CLECO POWER | MAXIMUM
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Forward price range (usd per MWh) | $ / MW	2.86	15.10
CLECO POWER | Measured On A Recurring Basis | SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (LEVEL 3)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 6,311	$ 23,355
Liabilities | $	$ 586	$ 468