Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 13,072		$ 13,072		$ 17,072
Operating revenue, net	417,451	$ 487,971	1,122,782	$ 1,230,030
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	(6,200)		(6,200)		(2,200)
Total equity investment in investee	13,072		13,072		$ 17,072
Operating revenue, net	291,599	344,977	772,246	886,693
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	2,275	2,776	33,266	7,114
Operating expenses	2,275	2,776	33,266	7,114
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0