Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 7,322		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	394,995	$ 347,572
CLECO POWER
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase price	12,873		12,873
Cash contributions	6,399		6,399
Dividends	(11,950)		(10,200)
Total equity investment in investee	7,322		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	266,463	232,960
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	1,999	1,882
Operating expenses	1,999	1,882
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0