Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 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	674,543	$ 517,194	1,669,143	$ 1,290,937
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	500,839	380,552	1,206,144	908,695
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue, net	65	1,486	215	5,113
Operating expenses	65	1,486	215	5,113
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0