Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 2,072		$ 2,072		$ 2,072
Operating revenue, net	545,418	$ 378,749	994,598	$ 773,743
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	(17,200)		(17,200)		(17,200)
Total equity investment in investee	2,072		2,072		$ 2,072
Operating revenue, net	388,799	261,679	705,304	528,143
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	85	1,627	151	3,626
Operating expenses	85	1,627	151	3,626
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0