Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 17,072		$ 17,072		$ 17,072
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	(2,200)		(2,200)		(2,200)
Total equity investment in investee	17,072		17,072		$ 17,072
Operating revenue	29,110	$ 2,381	30,991	$ 4,339
Operating expenses	29,110	2,381	30,991	4,339
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0