Variable Interest Entities - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total equity investment in investee	$ 2,072		$ 2,072		$ 2,072
Operating revenue	284,795	$ 384,753	605,377	$ 697,380
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	288,816	388,799	613,505	705,304
CLECO POWER | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenue	108	85	233	151
Operating expenses	(108)	(85)	(233)	(151)
Income before taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0