Proceeds from divestitures Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and capital securities, net Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Sale of Energy Systems Group Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Amount Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Entity File Number Entity File Number Additions Asset Retirement Obligation Addition Asset Retirement Obligation Addition Additional Paid-in-Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Increase (decrease) in other accrued unbilled revenues Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Asset, Other Accrued Unbilled Receivables Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Asset, Other Accrued Unbilled Receivables Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Target allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Debt Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Winter Storm Enzo Winter Storm Enzo [Member] Winter Storm Enzo Schedule of Financial Information on Investment in Time Warner Securities and Indexed Debt Security Obligation Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Regulatory assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] U.S. equity U.S. Equity [Member] U.S. Equity [Member] Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Fixed income Fixed Income [Member] Fixed Income [Member] Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Sale of stock, gross sale price Sale of Stock, Consideration Expected To Be Received on Transaction Sale of Stock, Consideration Expected To Be Received on Transaction Regulatory asset, authorized issuance costs Amount of Securitiztion Bonds Authorized To Issue Amount of Securitiztion Bonds Authorized To Issue Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Regulatory Matters Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2029 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2029 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2029 Regulatory liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Accounts Receivable Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Stock, Class of Stock [Table] Stock, Class of Stock [Table] Other Liabilities: Other Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Other Information Related To Leases Other Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Other Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Initial forward price (in dollar per share) Sale Of Stock, Forward Sale Agreement, Net Forward Price Sale Of Stock, Forward Sale Agreement, Net Forward Price Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] Total current income tax expense (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Pension and postretirement contributions Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Concentration risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Guarantor obligations, additional guarantee In relation to maximum exposure Guarantor Obligations, Additional Guarantee In Relation to Maximum Exposure Guarantor Obligations, Additional Guarantee In Relation to Maximum Exposure Schedule of LIFO Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested Total shareholders’ equity Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Attributable to Parent Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Materials and supplies Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized NYSE Texas NYSE CHICAGO, INC. [Member] Issuances of Common Stock (in shares) Stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] New Mexico NEW MEXICO Minnesota Service Territory Minnesota Service Territory [Member] Minnesota Service Territory Expenditures for Long-lived Assets Capital Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets Capital Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Held for Sale, Divestitures and Acquisition (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Maximum Maximum [Member] Accrued Unbilled Revenues (2) Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Long-term Debt, net: Long-Term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Medium Term Notes, Series F, Due 2028 Medium Term Notes, Series F, Due 2028 [Member] Medium Term Notes, Series F, Due 2028 Period end settlement price (in shares) Period End Settlement Price, Shares Period End Settlement Price, Shares Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Senior Notes Due 2028 to 2047 Senior Notes Due 2028 to 2047 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 to 2047 Restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Hurricane Beryl Class Action 2 Hurricane Beryl Class Action 2 [Member] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 2 Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Benefit Plan Contributions Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Carrying value Investment Owned, Fair Value Carrying amount Debt, Long-Term and Short-Term, Combined Amount Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Securitization Bonds Transition And System Restoration Bonds [Member] Represents the amount of transition and system restoration bonds maturing. Income Before Income Taxes Income Before Income Taxes Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] State income taxes Income Tax Paid, State and Local, after Refund Received [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Accounting and ratemaking project relief, approved capital costs Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Capital Costs Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Capital Costs Electric Electric Electric [Member] Electric reportable segment consists of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas Gulf Coast area and electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Property, plant and equipment increase Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease) Unrecognized prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Texas TEXAS Current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current Number of individuals plaintiffs, two Loss Contingency, Number Of Individuals Plaintiffs, Two Loss Contingency, Number Of Individuals Plaintiffs, Two Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Finance lease cost Finance Lease, Interest Expense Other Other [Member] Other Number of supplemental testimony proposing removal Nomber Of Supplemental Testimony Proposing Removal Medium Nomber Of Supplemental Testimony Proposing Removal Medium Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Increase in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible as a result of a lapse in statutes Increase in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Face amount of each indexed debt security notes issued by CenterPoint Energy in September 1999 Dollar Face Amount Of Individual Note The dollar denomination for each individual note Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Tranche Two Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche Two Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Award Type [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol 2029 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Aggregate intrinsic value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Nonvested Gas recovery costs Gas Recovery [Member] Gas Recovery Electric transmission and distribution Electric Transmission and Distribution Equipment [Member] Excess deferred income tax amortization Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Issuance related to benefit and investment plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Schedule of Target Allocation of Plan Assets Target Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular presentation of the weighted average allocation targets maintained Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Statement of Income Location, Balance [Domain] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Domain] Cost of recovery for non customer specific, maximum Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Maximum Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Maximum Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company 2028 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three Other Texas Lawsuits Brought By Assignee vs. Company Other Texas Lawsuits Brought By Assignee vs. Company [Member] Other Texas Lawsuits Brought By Assignee vs. Company Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event [Member] Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event Transaction costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent Energy products and services Energy Products Or Services [Member] Represents revenue from energy products and services Natural gas distribution Gas Distribution Equipment [Member] 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated Capital Expenditure To Clean Ash Ponds Estimated Capital Expenditure to Clean Ash Ponds Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Loss on sale Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) CNP First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 3.45% Due 2025 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Workforce Subject to Collective-Bargaining Arrangements [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Event February 2021 Winter Storm Event [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Event Consideration receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Receivable Maximum transition term Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Maximum Transition Term Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Maximum Transition Term Schedule of Disaggregate Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Loss contingency, number of insurers denial of indemnity coverage Loss Contingency, Number Of Insurers Denying Indemnity Coverage Loss Contingency, Number Of Insurers Denying Indemnity Coverage Current income tax expense (benefit): Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Other non-current assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit) Total income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Basis spread (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Convertible Notes Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Unamortized discount and premium, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Current Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Current Interest expense on Securitization Bonds Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds Interest and debt related expenses associated with transition and system restoration bonds. Intersegment revenues Revenue from Internal Customers, Intersegment Revenues Revenue from Internal Customers, Intersegment Revenues Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Transmission-related costs Storm Restoration, Transmission-Related Costs Storm Restoration, Transmission-Related Costs Fair value of plan assets measurement [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] VIE Securitization Bonds, net Transition And System Restoration Bonds Long Term Debt Non Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of transition and system restoration bond debt (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion. Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Working capital and other adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital And Other Adjustments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital And Other Adjustments Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Public Utility Commission Of Texas Public Utility Commission Of Texas [Member] Public Utility Commission Of Texas Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Number of megawatts of mobile generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Remaining amounts of regulatory assets for which no return on investment during recovery period is provided Remaining Amounts of Regulatory Assets for which No Return on Investment During Recovery Period is Provided Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization IGC IGC [Member] IGC Schedule of Other Employee Matters Other Employee Matters [Table Text Block] Other Employee Matters [Table Text Block] Federal income taxes Income Tax Paid, Federal, after Refund Received Benefit obligations Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares) Nonvested, end of period (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Minnesota and Indiana Minnesota and Indiana [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Years to resolve contingency Site Contingency, Years To Resolve Contingency This represents the estimated years necessary to resolve the contingency. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table] Weighted Average Useful Lives (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Cumulative preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Maximum number of times annual salary included in severance benefits Maximum Number Of Times Annual Salary Included In Severance Benefits Maximum number of times annual base salary included in severance benefits for certain officers in a change of control (in number of times) Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] A.B. Brown A.B. Brown Facility [Member] A.B. Brown Facility Interest income Interest Income (Expense), Operating Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Depreciation Depreciation Additional first mortgage bonds and general mortgage bonds that could be issued Additional first mortgage bonds and general mortgage bonds that could be issued Amount of additional first mortgage bonds and general mortgage bonds that could be issued on the basis of retired bonds and 70% of property additions as of the balance sheet date. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2026 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2026 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2026 Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-65 Defined Benefit Plan Prescription Drug Cost Trend Rate Assumed For Next Fiscal Year The assumed prescription drug cost trend rate for the next year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of prescription drugs currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status. Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Convertible Debt Convertible Debt [Member] Amounts currently recovered in customer earning a return Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Earning Return [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Earning Return Number of customers (more than) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Number of Customers Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Number of Customers Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] General mortgage bonds, 2.35% to 6.95%, due 2026 to 2053 General Mortgage Bonds, 2 Point 35 Percent to 6 Point 95 Percent, Due 2026 to 2053 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds, 2 Point 35 Percent to 6 Point 95 Percent, Due 2026 to 2053 Unamortized discount and premium, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net 5.99% Senior Notes, Series C, Due 2041 Notes 5.99% Senior Notes, Series C, Due 2041 Notes [Member] 5.99% Senior Notes, Series C, Due 2041 Notes Period end net share settlement price (in shares) Period End Net Share Settlement, Share Period End Net Share Settlement, Share Regulatory liability, approximate total gas cost Regulatory Asset, Approximate Total Gas Cost Regulatory Asset, Approximate Total Gas Cost Hurricane Beryl Personal Injury Hurricane Beryl Personal Injury [Member] Hurricane Beryl Personal Injury Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Collective-Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 11) Dividends, Common Stock 2029 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four Regulatory Liability [Abstract] Regulatory Liability [Abstract] Environmental remediation investigation studies agreed upon number of sites Environmental Remediation Investigation Studies Agreed Upon Number of Sites Environmental Remediation Investigation Studies Agreed Upon Number of Sites Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation And Amortization [Table Text Block] This element can be used to encapsulate the entire disclosure for depreciation and amortization expense for the period. Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Individual: Individual [Axis] CenterPoint Energy senior notes 1.45% to 5.25% due 2026 to 2049 Senior Notes, 1 Point 45 Percent to 5 Point 989 Percent, Due 2024 to 2049 [Member] Senior Notes, 1 Point 45 Percent to 5 Point 989 Percent, Due 2024 to 2049 Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change In Tax Expense, Amount Represents the increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from various reconciling items. Savings plan benefit expenses Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, gross Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Income Tax Jurisdiction [Domain] Income Tax Jurisdiction [Domain] Payment of dividends on Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2026 Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2026 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2026 Other amortization Amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Payments of long-term debt and term loans, including make-whole premiums Payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-Term Debt Securitization Bonds Securitization Bonds [Member] Securitization Bonds Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Catastrophic Event [Domain] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Number of days until commercial paper maturity Number of days until commercial paper maturity Number of days until commercial paper maturity. Funded status, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan CERC Senior Notes 4.10% - 5.40% Due 2033 - 2047 CERC Senior Notes 4.10% To 5.40% Due 2033 To 2047 [Member] CERC Senior Notes 4.10% To 5.40% Due 2033 To 2047 Schedule of Purchase Obligations Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Contribution from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Lease liabilities incurred Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Lease Liabilities Incurred Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Lease Liabilities Incurred Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Finance lease right of use assets, accumulated amortization Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Schedule of Maturities of Undiscounted Operating Lease Payments Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Recovery of Extraordinary Gas Costs Recovery of Extraordinary Gas Costs [Member] Recovery of Extraordinary Gas Costs Other expense (income), net Other Miscellaneous Non Operating Income (Expense), Net Other Miscellaneous Non Operating Income (Expense), Net Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power Utility natural gas Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Auditor [Table] Auditor [Table] 2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Interest accrued Interest Payable, Current Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Remaining weighted average period for which no return on investment during recovery period is provided Remaining Recovery Period of Regulatory Assets for which No Return on Investment During Recovery Period is Provided PEO Name PEO Name Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollar per shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Beginning balance Ending balance Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Total Revenues Total Revenues Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] 2027 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Estimated removal costs Removal Costs [Member] Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Other comprehensive loss: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan [Table] Defined Benefit Plan [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Non-qualified pension plans Nonqualified Plan [Member] Customer deposits ($2 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) Customer deposits Customer deposits ($2 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective-Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Tranche Three Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche Three [Member] Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche Three Equity purchase agreement, purchase price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration CenterPoint Energy Ohio CenterPoint Energy Ohio [Member] CenterPoint Energy Ohio Total long-term debt, net Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Nonrelated Party Nonrelated Party [Member] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis] Bonds Bonds [Member] Authorized trackers and cost deferrals Deferred Project Costs [Member] Qualified pension plans Qualified Plan [Member] Indiana Gas Service Territory Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member] Represents the areas in Indiana serviced by Indiana Gas Service Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Indexed Debt Securities Derivative Derivative Component Of ZENS [Member] Represents the bifurcated derivative component of the ZENS obligation Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Purchase price Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Purchase Price of Natural Gas Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Purchase Price of Natural Gas Held for sale Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Changes in unrecognized tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Restricted stock (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Granted (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Utility revenues Regulated Operating Revenue Total Costs and Expenses Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance and stock awards Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Forfeited or cancelled (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Short Term Borrowings: Short-Term Debt, Noncurrent Short-Term Debt, Noncurrent Indiana Gas senior notes 6.34% to 7.08% due 2025 to 2029 Indina Gas Senior Notes 6 Point 34 Percent to 7 Point 08 Percent, Due 2025 to 2029 [Member] Indina Gas Senior Notes 6 Point 34 Percent to 7 Point 08 Percent, Due 2025 to 2029 Earnings per Common Share: Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Retail electric sales Retail Electric Sales [Member] Retail Electric Sales [Member] AFUDC Equity Other Income [Member] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount 2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2028 Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2028 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2028 Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Reimbursement of transition services Transition Services Agreement, Charges Transition Services Agreement, Charges Allowed equity return recognized Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized In Period Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that was recognized in the period Interest income Interest Income, Other Preferred stock dividend rate Preferred Stock, 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Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Deferred income tax expense: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Common Stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Consecutive period for system restoration costs to exceed $100 million (in months) Consecutive Period for System Restoration Costs to Exceed $100 million (in months) Consecutive Period for System Restoration Costs to Exceed $100 million (in months) Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pre-tax loss Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-Sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Schedule of Registrants’ Bad Debt Expense Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Estimated remediation costs Site Contingency Loss Exposure Estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. Regulatory Asset, Type [Axis] Regulatory Asset, Type [Axis] Regulatory Asset, Type CNP Senior Notes 2.65% - 5.40% Due 2026 - 2049 CNP Senior Notes 2.65% To 5.40% Due 2026 To 2049 [Member] CNP Senior Notes 2.65% To 5.40% Due 2026 To 2049 Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.77% Due 2040 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.77% Due 2040 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.77% Due 2040 Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] General Mortgage Bonds General Mortgage Bonds [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Common Collective Trust Funds Common Collective Trust Funds Member Consists of common collective trust funds invested in equities and fixed income securities. Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements, Expiring in October 2024 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements, Expiring in October 2024 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements, Expiring in October 2024 Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-Term Debt Pension benefits that have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Purchase Obligations Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] 2026 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross 2030 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five Contract Balances [Line Items] Contract Balances [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contract Balances [Table] Performance Awards Performance Shares [Member] Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 4.80% Due 2030 General Mortgage Bonds 4.80% Due 2030 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 4.80% Due 2030 Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Reclassification of deferred (gain) loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Other Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Other The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from other temporary differences not otherwise specified in the taxonomy that are not expected to be resolved within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Minimum Minimum [Member] Percentage of investment in common stocks (in hundredths) Percentage Of Investment In Company Common Stock Percentage of investments held by the Savings Plan in the Entity's common stock. Counterparty Two Counterparty Two [Member] Counterparty Two Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Amount accrued for remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Period end settlement price in cash Period End Settlement Price, Cash Period End Settlement Price, Cash Operating cash flows from operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Income available to common shareholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted WBD Common WBD Common [Member] WBD Common Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Remaining average contractual life of nonvested shares outstanding (in years) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Number of leases entered into Number Of Leases Commenced Number Of Leases Commenced Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 2029 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Long-term Debt Long-Term Debt [Member] Payments of commercial paper, net Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.69% Due 2055 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.69% Due 2055 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.69% Due 2055 Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Schedule of Savings Plan Benefit Expense Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Table Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Rounded, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Rounded, Amount CenterPoint Energy Junior Subordinated Notes 5.95% to 7.00% due 2055 to 2056 Junior Subordinated Notes, 5 Point 95 Percent to 7 Point 00 Percent, Due 2055 [Member] Junior Subordinated Notes, 5 Point 95 Percent to 7 Point 00 Percent, Due 2055 Regulatory assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value, Obligation To Return Cash Received As Collateral From Securities Lending Represents the fair value of an obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending Short-term lease cost Short-Term Lease, Cost Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] LIFO inventory LIFO Inventory Amount Document Type Document Type Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Taxes accrued Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Tax Payable, Current Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Schedule of Net Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Consideration transferred Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred Total current assets Assets, Current Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Range [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Variable lease income Operating Lease, Variable Lease Income Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Securitization Bonds, 4.255% - 4.826%, Due 2035 to 2040 Securitization Bonds, 4.255% To 4.826%, Due 2035 To 2040 [Member] Securitization Bonds, 4.255% To 4.826%, Due 2035 To 2040 Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Interest expense and other finance charges Interest expense and other finance charges Interest and Debt Expense and Other Charges Interest and Debt Expense and Other Charges Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Indiana Electric Indiana Electric [Member] Operations of SIGECO 's electric transmission and distribution services , including power generation and wholesale power operations [Member] Investment in equity securities Beginning balance Ending balance Marketable Securities, Current Income Available to Common Shareholders Income available to common shareholders - basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Louisiana and Mississippi Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses Louisiana and Mississippi Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses [Member] Louisiana and Mississippi Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses Regulatory assets Total Current Regulatory Assets Regulatory Asset, Current Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Reduction in transmission-related costs Storm Restoration, Reduction In Transmission-Related Costs Storm Restoration, Reduction In Transmission-Related Costs Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive loss Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Long term lease, number of small power generating units Long Term Lease, Number Of Small Power Generating Units Long Term Lease, Number Of Small Power Generating Units Weighted average interest rate Money Pool Investments Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of outstanding investments in money pool. Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Loans Long-Term Line of Credit Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Other Assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Table] Related Party Transaction [Table] Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted 2030 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current CERC Term Loan 6.36% Due 2028 CERC Term Loan 6.36% Due 2028 [Member] CERC Term Loan 6.36% Due 2028 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2026 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2026 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2026 Hurricane Francine Hurricane Francine [Member] Hurricane Francine Schedule of Assumptions Used Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Series A Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 11) Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities Gain (loss) on Indexed Debt Securities This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period related to indexed debt securities. Hurricane Harvey Hurricane [Member] State income taxes Income Tax Paid, State and Local, after Refund Received Income tax rate reconciliation, state deferred remeasurement, net of federal income tax Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State Deferred Remeasurement, Net of Federal Income Tax Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State Deferred Remeasurement, Net of Federal Income Tax Junior Subordinated Notes Junior Notes [Member] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Auditor Location Auditor Location Subordinated borrowing, interest rate (in percent) Subordinated Borrowing, Interest Rate Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Pension And Postretirement Benefits And Share Based Payments Disclosure Text Block [Text Block] Description containing the entire pension and other postretirement benefits and share-based compensation disclosures as a single block of text. Goodwill Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.52% Due 2035 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.52% Due 2035 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.52% Due 2035 Retail gas sales Retail Gas Sales [Member] Represents revenue from retail gas sales Senior notes 1.75% to 6.625% due 2026 to 2047 Senior Notes, 1 Point 75 Percent to 6 Point 625 Percent, Due 2026 to 2047 [Member] Senior Notes, 1 Point 75 Percent to 6 Point 625 Percent, Due 2026 to 2047 Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Cash proceeds received from government grants Cash Proceeds Received From Government Grants Cash Proceeds Received From Government Grants Accrued unbilled revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Federal Tax Jurisdiction Domestic Tax Jurisdiction [Member] Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Regulatory Liability [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Financial instruments Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value, Obligation, Financial Instrument Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value, Obligation, Financial Instrument Total income tax payments (refunds), net Income Taxes Paid, Net Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent Wholesale electric sales Wholesale Electric Sales [Member] Wholesale Electric Sales [Member] Current assets held for sale Total current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Long-term debt, gross Long-Term Debt, Gross Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer IURC IURC [Member] IURC Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts receivable—affiliated companies Accounts and Notes Receivable, Current Accounts and Notes Receivable, Current Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, net Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies Increase decrease in Accounts receivable payable affiliates The increase (decrease) in net accounts receivables and payables due to/from affiliates. 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2042 Notes 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2042 Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2042 Notes Balance of investment owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Schedule of Lease Income Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Tom Green County Tom Green County [Member] Tom Green County Decrease in short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt Corporate service charges Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction International government bonds Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] ZENS debt, due 2029 Subordinated Debt, ZENS, Due 2029 [Member] Issued debt obligation as zero-premium exchangeable subordinated notes. Obligation is bifurcated between a debt component and an embedded derivative component. Exchangeable for cash at any time at the option of the holder, and as such are classified as a current portion of long-term debt. Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Investments Investments [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance ROU asset Finance Right of Use Asset Mobile Generation [Member] Finance Right of Use Asset Mobile Generation Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] International equity International Developed Market Equity [Member] International Developed Market Equity [Member] Bellwether Cases Bellwether Cases [Member] Bellwether Cases State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Proceeds from long-term debt and term loans, net Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Before Preferred Stock Dividends Total comprehensive income before preferred stock dividend requirements. Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Posey Solar Posey Solar [Member] Posey Solar Maximum limit of account balance in company stock (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Limit Of Account Balance In Company Stock, Percentage Represents the maximum percentage allowed of total account balance invested in company stock. Amount of cancelled debt Debt Instrument, Amount Of Debt Cancelled Debt Instrument, Amount Of Debt Cancelled Indexed debt securities derivative Derivative Liability Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two-Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two-Class Method [Table] Comprehensive income available to common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Common Shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Common Shareholders Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Lease Disclosure [Line Items] Lease Disclosure [Line Items] [Line Items] for Lease Disclosure [Table] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in September 2024 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in September 2024 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in September 2024 Amortization of prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Cost of replacing inventories carried at LIFO cost less than carrying value Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value Schedule of Estimated Accrued Costs Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Miles of pipeline (in miles) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Length of Pipeline Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Length of Pipeline Balance, beginning of year Balance, end of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Capitalization and Deferral of Interest, including AFUDC Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Securities and Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) (CenterPoint Energy) Indexed Debt Securities [Text Block] This item represents the entire disclosure related to Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Time Warner Securities. 2027 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two Deferred debt interest Regulatory Asset, Other Deferred Debt Interest Regulatory Asset, Other Deferred Debt Interest Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] F.B. Culley F.B. Culley Facility [Member] F.B. Culley Facility Net cash provided by financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Measure: Measure [Axis] Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Schedule of Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance expenses Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expenses Environmental remediation, number of sites sites owned or operated by bormer affiliate Environmental Remediation, Number of Sites Sites Owned or Operated By Former Affiliate Environmental Remediation, Number of Sites Sites Owned or Operated By Former Affiliate Total recognized in net periodic costs and other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Amount Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Cost of Product and Service Sold Actuarial (losses) gain Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Forward purchasing contract, number of shares (in shares) Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other regulatory assets Other Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) [Member] Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Interest income from securitization bonds Interest Income From Securitization Bonds Interest Income From Securitization Bonds Audit Information [Abstract] Audit Information [Abstract] Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Target annual yield on reference shares (as a percent) Target Annual Yield On Reference Shares The target annual yield from interest and cash dividends on reference shares, before any adjustment to increase or decrease principal amount of subordinated note is made. Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term 2029 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four Total Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability Debt Instrument, Issuance [Axis] Debt Instrument, Issuance [Axis] Debt Instrument, Issuance Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Mortgage-backed securities Mortgage-Backed Security, Issued by US Government-Sponsored Enterprise [Member] Dividends accrued Dividends Payable, Current Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Interest expense and other finance charges Interest Expense, Nonoperating Schedule of Goodwill by Reportable Segments Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Amounts deferred for future recovery related to: Amounts Deferred For Future Recovery [Member] Amounts Deferred For Future Recovery Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Total lease income Lease Income Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] 2027 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Intervenor disallowance positions cost Disaster Recovery Expense, Disallowed Amount Disaster Recovery Expense, Disallowed Amount Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Size of Facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Contributions in aid of construction Contributions in Aid of Construction Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Percentage of posey solar assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Percentage Of Assets Acquired Asset Acquisition, Percentage Of Assets Acquired Benefit obligations Benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Distribution-related costs Storm Restoration, Distribution-Related Costs Storm Restoration, Distribution-Related Costs Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Natural gas inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Amounts currently recovered in customer not earning a return Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Not Earning A Return [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Not Earning A Return Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Vested and released to participants (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Total recognized in comprehensive income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Common Stock dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Range [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Customer deposits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Houston Electric Senior Notes 4.25% - 4.50% Due 2044 - 2049 Houston Electric Senior Notes 4.25% To 4.50% Due 2044 To 2049 [Member] Houston Electric Senior Notes 4.25% To 4.50% Due 2044 To 2049 Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Remaining amounts of regulatory assets with return on investments Remaining Amounts of Regulatory Assets for which Return on Investment During Recovery Period is Provided Remaining Amounts of Regulatory Assets for which Return on Investment During Recovery Period is Provided Labor Force Concentration Risk Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Goodwill Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Percent Harris County Harris County [Member] Harris County Assets Held for Sale Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Regulatory liabilities related to TCJA Amounts related to TCJA [Member] Amounts related to TCJA [Member] Opening balance as of December 31, 2024 Closing balance as of December 31, 2025 Unbilled Contracts Receivable 2029 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Long-Term Long-term Debt, Gross, Noncurrent Amount of long-term debt, noncurrent portion, before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Schedule of Dividends Declared and Dividend Paid Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Total CenterPoint Energy Senior Notes, Term Loan, Securitization Bonds, FMBs and GMBs [Member] Senior Notes, Term Loan, Securitization Bonds, FMBs and GMBs Schedule of Revolving Credit Facilities and Utilization of Such Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Number of reportable segments NumberOfReportableSegmentsNotDisclosedFlag NumberOfReportableSegmentsNotDisclosedFlag CenterPoint Energy commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss) Realized In Net Income, Reclassification, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss) Realized In Net Income, Reclassification, Tax Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Preferred stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Alternative Energy Alternative Energy [Member] Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Changes in unrecognized tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent Environmental remediation number of sites with potential remedial responsibility Environmental remediation number of sites with potential remedial responsibility Number of sites identified where the entity may potentially have some remedial responsibility Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit Accrued unbilled revenue, less allowance for credit losses Accrued unbilled revenues ($3 and $0 related to VIEs, respectively) Unbilled Receivables, Current Schedule of Financial Data for Business Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Short-term borrowings Short-Term Debt Conversion price percentage Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Cases Transferred to the Multi District Litigation (MDL) Cases Transferred to the Multi District Litigation (MDL) [Member] Cases Transferred to the Multi District Litigation (MDL) Other transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Other Cost (Credit) Revisions in estimate Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Indexed debt securities derivative Beginning balance Ending balance Indexed debt securities derivative 4.36% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2045 Notes 4.36% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2045 Notes [Member] 4.36% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2045 Notes Benefits and compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Other transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred to (from) Plan Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Real estate Real Estate Funds [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] LTIP compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company [Member] Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Secured debt Secured Debt Operating Leases, Lease Income [Abstract] Operating Lease, Lease Income [Abstract] Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Electric delivery Electric Delivery [Member] Represents revenues from electric transmission and distribution sales Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Termination period Transition Services Agreement, Required Termination Notice Period Transition Services Agreement, Required Termination Notice Period Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Summary of changes in shares outstanding under all long-term incentive plans [Rollforward] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net liability, end of year Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Common Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosure [Abstract] 2028 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Maturity [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Decoupling Decoupling Costs [Member] Decoupling Costs Series 2026‑A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds Series 2026‑A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds [Member] Series 2026‑A Senior Secured System Restoration Bonds Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Weighted-Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Weighted-Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Weighted-Average Discount Rate Number of claims dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Total leased liabilities Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Houston Electric Houston Electric [Member] Houston Electric [Member] Total lease payments to be received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received Total liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Accrued penalties and interest not included Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Expenses associated with long term lease Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock (in shares) Redemption of series A preferred stock (in shares) Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Reduction in distribution-related costs Storm Restoration, Reduction In Distribution-Related Costs Storm Restoration, Reduction In Distribution-Related Costs Auditor [Line Items] Auditor [Line Items] Louisiana And Mississippi Natural Gas LDC Businesses Louisiana And Mississippi Natural Gas LDC Businesses [Member] Louisiana And Mississippi Natural Gas LDC Businesses Counterparty One Counterparty One [Member] Counterparty One Goodwill, impairment loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Reduction in cost Storm Restoration, Reduction In Cost Storm Restoration, Reduction In Cost Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount 2028 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Employer contributions Contributions in 2025 Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 6.625% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member] Indexed Debt, net Debt Component Of ZENS [Member] Represents the bifurcated fixed rate debt component of the ZENS obligation Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Name Measure Name Opening balance as of December 31, 2024 Closing balance as of December 31, 2025 Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Number of owned coal ash ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Number of shares referenced in exchangeable subordinated note Number Of Shares Referenced In Exchangeable Subordinated Note Number of shares attributable to each note and referenced in determining the fair value of the cash to be exchange at behest of note holder. Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2030 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2030 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2030 Long-term debt Long-Term Debt Estimated case processing expenses and carrying costs Storm Restoration, Case Processing Expenses and Carrying Costs Storm Restoration, Case Processing Expenses and Carrying Costs Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Total Assets Total Assets Assets Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract] Net deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Charge [Member] CenterPoint Energy And Houston Electric Entities CenterPoint Energy And Houston Electric Entities [Member] CenterPoint Energy And Houston Electric Entities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Vested and released to participants (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Axis] SIGECO SIGECO [Member] SIGECO [Member] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securitization bonds 4.26% to 4..83% due 2035 to 2040 Securitization Bonds 4 Point 26 Percent To 4 Point 83 Percent Due 2035 To 2040 [Member] Securitization Bonds 4 Point 26 Percent To 4 Point 83 Percent Due 2035 To 2040 Finance Lease, term of contract (in years) Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Gas transportation Gas Transportation and Processing [Member] Represents revenues from gas transportation and processing Asset retirement obligations & other Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Split-dollar life insurance arrangements Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Split Dollar Life Insurance This represents the noncurrent liability related to split-dollar life insurance arrangements within other non-qualified plans. Total leased assets Lease Right-Of-Use Asset Total Leased Right-Of-Use-Assets AT&T Common AT&T Common [Member] Common stock of AT&T Inc. Gross sales price Forward Sale Agreement Gross Sales Price Forward Sale Agreement Gross Sales Price Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Jefferson Parish Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana Under the SCLRMA [Member] Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana Under the SCLRMA Current Long-term Debt, Gross, Current Amount of long-term debt scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Number of lawsuits named as defendant Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number of Lawsuits Named as Defendant Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number of Lawsuits Named as Defendant Chevron Corporation Chevron Corporation [Member] Chevron Corporation Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. [Member] Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. General Mortgage Bonds 4.95% Due 2035 General Mortgage Bonds 4.95% Due 2035 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 4.95% Due 2035 Common stock, dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Vested grant date fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Grant Date Fair Value The total fair values as of grant dates pertaining to share-based award plans other than stock option plans for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Schedule of Public Utilities General Disclosures Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table Text Block] Gain on sale Gain on sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Debt instrument, convertible, number of equity instruments (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Change in plan assets [Rollforward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Schedule of Income Tax Expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Number of individuals plaintiffs, one Loss Contingency, Number Of Individuals Plaintiffs, One Loss Contingency, Number Of Individuals Plaintiffs, One Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2027 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2027 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2027 PEO PEO [Member] CES CES [Member] CES Pending lawsuits Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Public Utilities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Corporate and Other Corporate Segment and Other Operating Segment [Member] Changes in other assets and liabilities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Excess deferred income tax amortization Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount 2030 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Increase (decrease) in notes payable–affiliated companies Increase in notes payable-affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] TEEEF Temporary Emergency Electric Energy Facility [Member] Temporary Emergency Electric Energy Facility Income Tax Jurisdiction [Axis] Income Tax Jurisdiction [Axis] Investment in Equity Securities TW Securities [Member] Represents collectively TW Common, TWC Common, AOL Common and Time Common securities related to ZENS. Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Statements of Consolidated Income Income Statement [Abstract] Thereafter Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Preferred stock dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Capitalized Interest and AFUDC Debt Interest Expense [Member] Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Investments, including money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure F.B. Culley East F.B. Culley East [Member] F.B. Culley East Regulatory assets related to TCJA Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Costs [Member] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Costs International equities International Equity [Member] International Equity [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Regulatory asset, issued Amount Of Securitization Bonds Issued Amount Of Securitization Bonds Issued Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net 2028 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Tax Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Business Combination [Table] Business Combination [Table] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Senior Notes Due 2026 to 2049 Senior Notes Due 2026 to 2049 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 to 2049 Payment for asset acquisition Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets AFUDC equity Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Cost of Equity City Area Code City Area Code Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Compensation received by counterparty Forward Sale Agreement, Compensation Received by Counterparty Forward Sale Agreement, Compensation Received by Counterparty Loss from Catastrophes Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Storm restoration, costs for legal expenses Storm Restoration, Costs For Legal Expenses Storm Restoration, Costs For Legal Expenses Power generation capacity, megawatts Asset Acquisition, Power Generation Capacity Acquired Asset Acquisition, Power Generation Capacity Acquired Schedule of Contract with Customers Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] The cash exchange amount from referenced shares per $1,000 face amount of individual notes Subordinated Note Cash Exchange Amount Per Each $1,000 Of Original Note The amount of cash each $1,000 original principal amount of ZENS can be exchanged for a the behest of the note holder. Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Amortization of net gain Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total lease cost Lease, Cost Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Investments in equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Interest crediting rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate Goodwill Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill Restore the electric delivery facility cost Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Schedule of Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Cash Defined Benefit Plan, Cash [Member] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, excluding interest and penalties: Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] Operation And Maintenance Expense Operation And Maintenance Expense Member Amount of share-based compensation cost reported in the period, allocated to operations and maintenance expense. Operations and maintenance expense are the costs associated with normal operations, including general and administrative expenses, and routine plant maintenance and repairs. Auditor Name Auditor Name Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Other long-term debt, net Other Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] Other Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Other The cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to other temporary differences not otherwise specified in this taxonomy that are expected to reverse more than 12 months after the balance sheet date. Accumulated goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Current debt Debt, Current Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Future amounts recoverable from ratepayers related to: Future Amounts Recoverable From Ratepayers [Member] Future Amounts Recoverable From Ratepayers Investments in Equity Securities (CenterPoint Energy) Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2026 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Related Party [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Equity Forward Sales Equity Forward Sales [Member] Equity Forward Sales Employees Subject To Collective Bargaining Agreements Employees Subject To Collective Bargaining Agreements [Member] Represents the employees subject to collective bargaining agreements. Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Amount Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect, Including Discontinued Operation Stock Awards Stock Awards Member Stock awards within the entity's long-term stock incentive plan. Storm restoration, costs for printing materials Storm Restoration, Costs For Printing Materials Storm Restoration, Costs For Printing Materials Capitalized interest and AFUDC debt Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Gain (loss) on equity securities Loss (gain) on equity securities Total unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net Gain (Loss) on ZENS-Related Securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Benefit Obligation Benefit Obligation [Member] Represents the benefit obligation on the balance sheet. Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid CenterPoint Energy CenterPoint Energy [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] 2026 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One Summary of Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Accounting Policies [Line Items] Loss on sale Gain on sale Gain (loss) on sale Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activity CNP First Mortgage Bonds 6.18% Due 2055 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 6.18% Due 2055 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 6.18% Due 2055 Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating ROU assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Period end net cash settlement price Period End Net Cash Settlement Price Period End Net Cash Settlement Price Total income tax expense tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Medium Term Notes, Series E, Due 2025 Medium Term Notes, Series E, Due 2025 [Member] Medium Term Notes, Series E, Due 2025 Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract] Carrying amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Removal of municipal legal fees and consulting and non-consulting fees Storm Restoration, Removal Of Municipal Legal Fees and Consulting And Non-Consulting Fees Storm Restoration, Removal Of Municipal Legal Fees and Consulting And Non-Consulting Fees Loss contingency, number of lawsuits progressed to state court Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Progressed To State Court Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Progressed To State Court Sale of stock, capacity available under program Sale of Stock, Additional Consideration Capacity Available Sale of Stock, Additional Consideration Capacity Available Weighted average period of recognition (in years) Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Taxes other than income taxes Taxes, Miscellaneous Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Shareholders’ Equity: Member’s Equity: Equity [Abstract] Total Purchase Obligation Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Table] Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt Transition And System Restoration Bonds Long Term Debt Current Long-term transition and system restoration bonds are securitization bonds issued to recover qualified stranded costs and qualified storm recovery costs. This represents the current portion. Fair Value, assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] U.S. treasuries and government agencies US Treasury Securities [Member] Affiliates of NRG Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member] Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member] Schedule of Other Benefit Plans Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year Fair value of plan assets, end of year Plan assets, fair value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Cost of recovery for non customer specific, minimum Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Minimum Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Minimum Cash consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Cash Other property Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Accrued unbilled revenues, after allowance for credit losses, current Accrued Unbilled Revenues, After Allowance For Credit Losses, Current Accrued Unbilled Revenues, After Allowance For Credit Losses, Current CERC Term Loan 6.53% Due 2025 CERC Term Loan 6.53% Due 2025 [Member] CERC Term Loan 6.53% Due 2025 Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Additional debt issuable Additional Debt Issuable Additional Debt Issuable Depreciation and amortization Total Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Debt instrument, convertible, conversion ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Other Technology Hardware and Software [Member] Technology Hardware and Software Convertible notes (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Anticipated future transaction one (or more) Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Anticipated Future Transaction Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Anticipated Future Transaction Loans Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Non-utility revenues Unregulated Operating Revenue Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Schedule of Securities Classified as Trading Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table Text Block] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Indexed debt, net Beginning balance Ending balance Indexed Debt Current Electric generation Electric Generation Equipment [Member] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Other investing activities, net Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Other operating activities, net Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Other Item Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Non-Utility Cost of Revenues, Including Natural Gas Non-Utility Cost of Revenues, Including Natural Gas Sale of Energy Systems Group Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Percent Equity AFUDC Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Equity Allowance For Funds Used During Construction, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Equity Allowance For Funds Used During Construction, Percent ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent First Mortgage Bonds First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts [Member] Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Components of net periodic costs [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet and Weighted-Average Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ohio Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses Ohio Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses [Member] Ohio Regulated Natural Gas LDC Businesses Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Business Combination [Line Items] Business Combination [Line Items] Gain on early extinguishment of debt Losses on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] 4.25% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2043 Notes 4.25% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2043 Notes [Member] 4.25% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2043 Notes Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Schedule of Revenues by Products and Services Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amount Allowed Equity Return Recognized in Period Schedule Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized Non-current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Cash received as collateral from securities lending Cash Received As Collateral Member The fair value of cash collateral received against securities loaned to borrowers. 5.02% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2026 Notes 5.02% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2026 Notes [Member] 5.02% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2026 Notes Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Energy Systems Group Energy Systems Group [Member] Energy Systems Group Property, Plant and Equipment, Net: Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Deferred compensation plans Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Net periodic cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Expected restoration costs Restoration Cost Expected Cost The minimum amount of estimated restoration cost in a calendar year in order for a temporary increase in debt to EBITDA covenant Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract] New York Stock Exchange NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] Jefferson Parish Jefferson Parish [Member] Jefferson Parish Regulated Operations [Abstract] Regulated Operations [Abstract] Regulatory liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Debt Instrument, Issuance [Domain] Debt Instrument, Issuance [Domain] Debt Instrument, Issuance Other states State and Local Tax Jurisdiction, Other [Member] Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Regulatory Asset [Abstract] Regulatory Asset [Abstract] Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (as a percent) Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Finance lease right of use assets, gross Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Amortization Multi District Litigation Multi District Litigation (MDL) [Member] Multi District Litigation (MDL) Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Hurricanes and February 2021 Winter Storm Event Restoration Costs Storm Costs [Member] Common Stock Shares Issued Not Disclosed Common Stock Shares Issued Not Disclosed Common Stock Shares Issued Not Disclosed Contingent principal amount of ZENS Debt Instrument Contingent Principal Amount Outstanding Amount of outstanding contingent principal under the zero premium exchangeable subordinated notes contract contingent principal clause. Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] 2% interest paid Interest Paid Debt Component Indexed Debt Securities The amount of stated interest paid during the current period for interest owed on debt component of ZENS. Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 [Member] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Granted (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Related Party [Axis] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Axis] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Short-Term Borrowings Current Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Short-Term Borrowings Current Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Accounting and ratemaking project relief, approved annual O & M expenses Accounting And Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Annual Operation & Maintenance Expenses Accounting And Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Annual Operation & Maintenance Expenses Issuances related to benefit and investment plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity CNP Senior Notes 2.65% - 3.70% Due 2030 - 2049 CNP Senior Notes 2.65% To 3.70% Due 2030 To 2049 [Member] CNP Senior Notes 2.65% To 3.70% Due 2030 To 2049 Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Aggregate Principal Aggregate Principal Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Activity [Table Text Block] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2025 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2030 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2030 Cumulative Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Mutual funds Equity Funds [Member] Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Nonvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Nonvested, end of period (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Money pool investments (borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Bonds Pollution Control Due Bonds Pollution Control Due Range 1 [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due Range 1 [Member] Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change In Tax Expense, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change In Tax Expense, Percent Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Fixed income Fixed Income Funds [Member] Cost recovery riders Cost Recovery Riders [Member] Cost Recovery Riders Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Auditor Firm ID Auditor Firm ID Gross state NOL carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Reporting Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Loss contingency, damages sought, value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Statement of Income Location, Balance [Axis] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Axis] Receivable for working capital and other customary adjustments Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Receivable Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Receivable Accrued unbilled revenues, allowance for credit loss Accrued Unbilled Revenues, Allowance For Credit Losses, Current Allowance for credit losses on accrued unbilled revenues CenterPoint Energy pollution control bonds 5.125% due 2028 Energy Pollution Control Bonds, 5 Point 125 Percent, Due 2028 [Member] Energy Pollution Control Bonds, 5 Point 125 Percent, Due 2028 Unrecognized equity return Regulatory Assets, Unrecognized Equity Return Regulatory Assets, Unrecognized Equity Return Fair value of plan assets measurement [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Benefit obligation, beginning of year Benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Investment in ZENS and equity securities related to ZENS Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Domain] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Domain] Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Current tax expense of divestiture Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Tax Effect of Divestiture Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Tax Effect of Divestiture Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation & Amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Revenues Revenue [Policy Text Block] Bond Companies Bond Companies [Member] Bond Companies [Member] Uninsured Risk Uninsured Risk [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Senior Notes, 3.00% Due 2028 CNP Convertible Senior Notes, 3.00% Due 2028 [Member] CNP Convertible Senior Notes, 3.00% Due 2028 Municipal bonds US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Subordinated debt Subordinated Debt Interest income, net Interest Income (Expense) Net, Related Party Net interest income (expense) related to affiliate investments or borrowings Federal Charitable Contribution Federal Charitable Contribution [Member] Federal Charitable Contribution All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Number of fleet capacity Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Number Of Fleet Capacity Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Number Of Fleet Capacity Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] A table of assets and liabilities that are created when regulatory agencies permit public utilities to defer certain costs and the recognition of certain revenues that are included in rate-setting to the balance sheet. Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Finance lease right of use assets, net Finance ROU assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Tranche One Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche One [Member] Debt Instrument, Issuance, Tranche One Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)  Commitments and Contingencies No Trading Symbol No Trading Symbol Flag Discount rate period Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Annualized Individual Rate, Period Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Annualized Individual Rate, Period Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Hurricane Beryl Hurricane Beryl [Member] Hurricane Beryl Number of registrants Number Of Registrants Number Of Registrants PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Plan assets, actual allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Forward Sales Agreement Forward Sales Agreement [Member] Forward Sales Agreement Other Other Financial Instrument [Member] Other Financial Instrument Charter Common Charter Common [Member] Charter Common [Member] Equity forwards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Equity Forward Agreements Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Contribution from parent Contribution From Parent Contribution From Parent SIGECO first mortgage bonds 3.450% to 6.00% due 2025 to 2055 First Mortgage Bonds, 3 Point 45 Percent to 6 Point 18 Percent, Due 2025 to 2055 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds, 3 Point 45 Percent to 6 Point 18 Percent, Due 2025 to 2055 Fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Staff disallowance positions cost Disaster Recovery Expense, Disallowance Staff Positions Disaster Recovery Expense, Disallowance Staff Positions Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] MISO Transactions MISO Transactions [Policy Text Block] With the IURC's approval, the Company is a member of the MISO, a FERC approved regional transmission organization. The MISO serves the electrical transmission needs of much of the Midwest and maintains operational control over the Company's electric transmission facilities as well as that of other Midwest utilities. MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on a net hourly position. Net Purchases are recorded in Cost of Fuel and Purchased Power, and net sales are recorded in Electric Utility Revenues. Any revenues received from MISO for transactions not specifically assigned to a unit of power, such as use of the transmission system or other administrative amounts, are reflected in Electric Utility revenues. Any expenses incurred within the MISO market by the Company that are not specifically identified with a unit of power purchased, such as socialized administrative costs, are treated as Other Operating expense. Amortization of securitized regulatory assets Amortization of Regulatory Asset Indexed debt securities derivative IDS Derivative [Member] Derivative instrument related to indexed debt securities Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Electric Electric Segment [Member] Electric Segment Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Accretion of debt component of ZENS Accretion Of Debt Component Indexed Debt Securities The amount of annual balance buildup of the debt portion of indexed debt securities up to the contingent principal amount on debt component of ZENS. Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 2030 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Consideration cash price (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition Cash Price Consideration Per Share Business Acquisition Cash Price Consideration Per Share Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Reset debt interest rate (in percent) Reset Debt Interest Rate Reset Debt Interest Rate Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Purchase obligation term Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Term Defined benefits plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding investments measured at net asset value Defined Benefits Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets, Excluding Investments Measured at Net Asset Value Fair value of assets that have been segregated and restricted to provide pension or postretirement benefits, excluding investments measured at net asset value per share or its equivalent. Electric Supply Electric Supply [Member] Electric Supply Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock Payments for Repurchase of Convertible Preferred Stock Loss and credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Other Tax Carryforwards Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds Due 2033 [Member] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds Due 2033 [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans (net of tax expense (benefit) of $0, $4 and $(1), respectively) Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $0, $0 and $0) Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax benefit of $1, $0 and $0) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Return on investment for power consumption Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Generating Capacity 5 Megawatt Generators Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Generating Capacity 5 Megawatt Generators Amortization term (in years) Regulatory Assets And Liabilities, Amortization Term Regulatory Assets And Liabilities, Amortization Term Forecast Forecast [Member] Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Long-lived Assets and Goodwill Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securitized regulatory assets Securitized Regulatory Assets [Member] Securitized Regulatory Assets Total other assets Total other assets Assets Non-Current Other Than Property Plant And Equipment Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, excluding property, plant and equipment. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 2030 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Schedule of Money Pool Activity Schedule of Money Pool Investment and Borrowing [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Tabular disclosure the investments and borrowing within the money pool activities. Asset-backed securities Asset-Backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] Deferred tax assets tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Rounded, Percentage Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Rounded, Percentage Held for Sale Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Sale of disposal Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Sale of Natural Gas Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Sale of Natural Gas Savings Plan [Abstract] Savings Plan Abstract Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Transition services receivables Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Income allocated to preferred shareholders Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Net actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Equity AFUDC Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Equity Allowance For Funds Used During Construction, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Equity Allowance For Funds Used During Construction, Amount Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Plus: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment [Abstract] Senior Notes Due 2030 to 2049 Senior Notes Due 2030 to 2049 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2030 to 2049 CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and Other Entities CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and Other Entities [Member] CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and Other Entities Unamortized loss on reacquired debt and hedging Loss on Reacquired Debt [Member] Impact of divestiture of Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDCs Asset Retirement Obligation, Impact Of Divestiture Asset Retirement Obligation, Impact Of Divestiture At The Market At The Market [Member] At The Market Number of insurers Loss Contingency, Number of Insurers Loss Contingency, Number of Insurers Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost February 2021 Winter Storm February 2021 Winter Storm [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Extraordinary gas costs Extraordinary Gas Costs [Member] Extraordinary Gas Costs Equity (CenterPoint Energy) Equity [Text Block] State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Indiana INDIANA Net Income Net income Net Income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income, Lease Payments Forward sale agreements percent Sale Of Stock, Forward Sale Agreements Percent Sale Of Stock, Forward Sale Agreements Percent Centerpoint Energy Long term Debt Excluding ZENS [Member] Represents balances related to long-term debt excluding ZENS Schedule of Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Natural Gas Natural Gas Segment [Member] Segment information for the Natural Gas segment which consists of intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Performance period (in years) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Unrecognized equity return Unrecognized Equity Return Costs [Member] Unrecognized Equity Return Costs Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Cumulative preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities ROU Asset Obtained In Exchange for Operating Lease Liability, Including Transition Impact of ASC 842 Adoption ROU Asset Obtained In Exchange for Operating Lease Liability, Including Transition Impact of ASC 842 Adoption Consideration stock price (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition Stock Price Consideration Per Share Business Acquisition Stock Price Consideration Per Share Other Tax Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Operating lease, term of contract (in months) Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Continuing Operation [Abstract] Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 [Member] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Retained earnings Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) CNP Junior Subordinated Notes 5.95% Due 2056 CNP Junior Subordinated Notes 5.95% Due 2056 [Member] CNP Junior Subordinated Notes 5.95% Due 2056 Schedule of CenterPoint Energy’s Expenses Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Deferred gain from cash flow hedges Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Environmental Costs Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Current liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other income, net Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Actual investment return Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) CERC CERC Corp [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Deferred income taxes Total deferred income tax expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Amounts currently recovered in customer rates related to: Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates Background and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other Other Revenue Excluding Assessed Tax Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of alternative revenue programs and leases revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. Number of Common stock held by the savings plan (in shares) Number Of Shares In Common Stock Held By Savings Plan The number of shares of the entity's common stock held by the savings plan All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Valuation allowance Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance May 2024 Storm Events May 2024 Storm Events [Member] May 2024 Storm Events Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Sale of stock (in dollars per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Income tax benefit recognized Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Shares authorized for issuance under long-term incentive plans (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Other non-current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Ratio of indebtedness to net capital (as a percent) Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant. Principal amount repurchased Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Principal Amount Repurchased Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Principal Amount Repurchased Accrued penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Accounts and notes payable—affiliated companies Accounts and Notes Payable, Current Accounts and Notes Payable, Current Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Expenses associated with short-term lease Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Investment grade or above Corporate Debt Securities Investment Grade Or Above Member This category includes information about debt securities with an investment grade or higher rating issued by a corporate entity with a promise of repayment. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Dividend to parent Dividends, Cash Senior Notes Due 2044 to 2049 Senior Notes Due 2044 to 2049 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2044 to 2049 Entitled to recover a total Storm Restoration, Aggregate Cost Recovery Storm Restoration, Aggregate Cost Recovery Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Minnesota MINNESOTA Loss (gain) on indexed debt securities Indexed Debt Securities, Gain (Loss) This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period related to indexed debt securities. Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current 2031-2035 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years Schedule of Debt Repayments and Redemptions Schedule of Debt Repayments and Redemptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Repayments and Redemptions Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net SIGECO securitization bonds 5.026% to 5.172% due 2036 to 2041 Securitization Bonds, 5 Point 026 Percent to 5 Point 172 Percent, Due 2036 to 2041 [Member] Securitization Bonds, 5 Point 026 Percent to 5 Point 172 Percent, Due 2036 to 2041 Subordinated note cash exchangeable percentage of fair value Subordinated Note Cash Exchangeable Percentage Of Fair Value The percentage of the fair value of the referenced TW Common shares attributable to each note and the percentage of composite fair value each note can be exchanged for cash. Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Total Regulatory Assets Total regulatory assets Regulatory Asset Dividend to parent Payments of Dividends Tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Distribution to ZENS holders Distribution To ZENS Holders This represents a distribution of cash to ZENS holders during the period in accordance with the terms of the ZENS. Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing [Member] Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing Affiliate service charges (billings), net Net affiliate service charges (billings) Amount of net service charges from (billings to) related party during the period, excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements. Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Total Current Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability, Current Current portion of other long-term debt Current portion of long-term debt Other Long-Term Debt, Current Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Term loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Long-term debt: Long-Term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Performance and Stock Awards Performance and Stock Awards [Member] Performance and Stock Awards [Member] Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Expected Minimum Contributions in 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Louisiana LOUISIANA CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.09% Due 2031 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.09% Due 2031 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 5.09% Due 2031 Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Cash tender offers Debt Instrument, Cash Tender Offer, Purchase Amount Debt Instrument, Cash Tender Offer, Purchase Amount Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Natural gas and coal inventory Natural gas inventory Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths) (as a percent) Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths) Temporary increased percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) Schedule of Additional Information Related to the Performance Awards and Stock Unit Awards Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]