Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 5,572		$ 5,572		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	378,749	$ 357,758	773,743	$ 705,330
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
Distributions	(13,700)		(13,700)		(10,200)
Total equity investment in investee	5,572		5,572		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	261,679	247,687	528,143	480,647
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	1,627	29,110	3,626	30,991
Operating expenses	1,627	29,110	3,626	30,991
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0