Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 3,822		$ 3,822		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	517,194	$ 417,451	1,290,937	$ 1,122,782
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	(15,450)		(15,450)		(10,200)
Total equity investment in investee	3,822		3,822		$ 9,072
Operating revenue, net	380,552	291,599	908,695	772,246
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	1,486	2,275	5,113	33,266
Operating expenses	1,486	2,275	5,113	33,266
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0