Schedule I Financial Statements of Cleco Holdings (Parent Company Only) - Condensed Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating expenses
Total operating expenses	$ 1,179,323	$ 1,205,091	$ 934,321
Operating income	59,468	399,389	292,003
Other income (expense), net	(694)	(11,240)	(15,061)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(94,942)	253,183	161,346
Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense	(65,073)	20,035	1,333
Net (loss) income	(15,227)	188,811	194,966
Parent Company
Operating expenses
Administrative and general	1,206	1,088	1,644
Merger transaction costs	665	228	436
Other operating expense	268	246	247
Total operating expenses	2,139	1,562	2,327
Operating income	(2,139)	(1,562)	(2,327)
Equity income from subsidiaries, net of tax	39,874	231,702	234,512
Interest, net	(74,578)	(62,267)	(60,461)
Other income (expense), net	2,568	(724)	8,788
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(34,275)	167,149	180,512
Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense	(19,048)	(21,662)	(14,454)
Net (loss) income	$ (15,227)	$ 188,811	$ 194,966