Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	MEMBERSHIP INTEREST	RETAINED EARNINGS/ (ACCUMULATED DEFICIT)	AOCI	CLECO POWER	CLECO POWER MEMBER’S EQUITY	CLECO POWER AOCI
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,046,763	$ 2,069,376	$ (24,113)	$ 1,500	$ 1,535,202	$ 1,548,624	$ (13,422)
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Distributions to member	(84,065)		(84,065)		(135,000)	(135,000)
Net income	138,080		138,080		150,738	150,738
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(4,421)			(4,421)	(261)		(261)
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2017	2,096,357	2,069,376	29,902	(2,921)	1,550,679	1,564,362	(13,683)
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Distributions to member	(71,350)		(71,350)		(121,400)	(121,400)
Net income	94,437		94,437		162,257	162,257
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	5,296			5,296	2,997		2,997
Reclassification of effect of tax rate change			589	(589)	(2,496)	2,496	(2,496)
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2018	2,124,740	2,069,376	53,578	1,786	1,594,533	1,607,715	(13,182)
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Distributions to member					(20,000)	(20,000)
Contributions from member	384,900		384,900
Net income	152,665		152,665		148,262	148,262
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(19,299)			(19,299)	(9,403)		(9,403)
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,643,006	$ 2,069,376	$ 591,143	$ (17,513)	$ 1,713,392	$ 1,735,977	$ (22,585)