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Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Accounting and ratemaking project relief, approved capital costs Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Capital Costs Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Capital Costs Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount 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. 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Brown A.B. Brown [Member] A.B. Brown Regulatory asset, 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 Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current General Mortgage Bonds 5.15% Due 2034 General Mortgage Bonds 5.15% Due 2034 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 5.15% Due 2034 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 Corporate service charges Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Total lease cost Lease, Cost Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment [Abstract] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Income Before Income Taxes Income Before Income Taxes Income (loss) Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Sale of stock, capacity available under program Sale of Stock, Capacity Available Under Program Sale of Stock, Capacity Available Under Program Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Contribution from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Payment of dividends on Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Revenues from Contract with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed 2027 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset Carrying Value Investment Owned, Fair Value Loss on sale Loss on divestitures Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Other Income (Expense): Other Income (Expense): Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Natural gas derivatives Derivative Asset 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. 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Loss contingency, new claims filed, number Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Loss contingency, number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Operating ROU assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Current portion of other long-term debt Other Long-Term Debt, Current Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, net: Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Dividends accrued Dividends Payable, Current Total liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 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 Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Expenses: Expenses: Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $0, $-0-, $1, and $-0-) Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Contract with customer, liability, current, budget billing programs Contract with Customer, Liability, Current, Budget Billing Programs Contract with Customer, Liability, Current, Budget Billing Programs Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Segments [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] 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) Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] PEO PEO [Member] Estimated remediation costs Site Contingency Loss Exposure Estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] General Mortgage Bonds General Mortgage Bonds [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Multi District Litigation (MDL) Proceeding Multi District Litigation (MDL) Proceeding [Member] Multi District Litigation (MDL) Proceeding 2028 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] Contract Balances [Line Items] Contract Balances [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contract Balances [Table] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] 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] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Income available to common shareholders - basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Including Adjustment For Preferred Stock, Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Including Adjustment For Preferred Stock, Basic Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Aggregate fair value of derivatives containing material adverse change provisions in a net liability position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset WBD Common WBD Common [Member] WBD Common Income Statement Location [Axis] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Axis] Interest accrued Interest Payable, Current Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Number of leases entered into Number Of Leases Commenced Number Of Leases Commenced Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Undiscounted minimum payment obligation, term (in years) Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Term Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Loss contingency, damages sought, value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Interest and penalties on uncertain tax liability Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Regulatory assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Tranche A Due 2055 Tranche A Due 2055 [Member] Tranche A Due 2055 Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Equity Equity [Text Block] Net affiliate service charges (billings) 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. 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[Member] 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 Cumulative Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Weighted average interest rate Money Pool Investments Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of outstanding investments in money pool. 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Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities: Other Liabilities [Abstract] 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] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Tranche A Due 2034 Tranche A Due 2034 [Member] Tranche A Due 2034 Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power Utility natural gas Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Bellwether Cases Bellwether Cases [Member] Bellwether Cases Short-term borrowings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Short Term Borrowing Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Short Term Borrowing Income Available to Common Shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Number of claims dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number 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. Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Before Preferred Stock Dividends Total comprehensive income before preferred stock dividend requirements. Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Stock, Class of Stock [Table] 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] Posey Solar Posey Solar [Member] Posey Solar Total Assets Total Assets Assets Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Cost of Goods and Services Sold Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies 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 Lease Disclosure [Line Items] Lease Disclosure [Line Items] [Line Items] for Lease Disclosure [Table] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Table] 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] Miles of pipeline (in miles) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Length of Pipeline Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operations, Length of Pipeline 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two 2028 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four 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. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Income allocated to preferred shareholders Income allocated to preferred shareholders Total income allocated to preferred shareholders Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Net Income Net Income Net income Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Debt Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] 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 Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Escrow deposit Escrow Deposit Entity File Number Entity File Number General mortgage bonds used as collateral General Mortgage Bonds Used As Collateral General Mortgage Bonds Used As Collateral Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] 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] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 18) Dividends, Common Stock Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Thereafter Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] 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. Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Natural gas and coal inventory Natural gas inventory Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Derivative Liability [Abstract] Derivative Liability [Abstract] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Reclassification of deferred gain from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-) Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Senior Notes Due 2034 Senior Notes Due 2034 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2034 Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 [Member] Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2024 Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0-, and $-0-) Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive income Beginning Balance Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Axis] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Total contributions expected in current year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Current Fiscal Year Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Schedule of Operating Lease Payments to be Received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Corporate and Other Corporate Segment and Other Operating Segment [Member] Customer deposits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Schedule of Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and capital securities, net Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Harris County Harris County [Member] Harris County Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Regulatory asset, revenue requirement amount Regulatory Asset, Revenue Requirement Amount Regulatory Asset, Revenue Requirement Amount Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Income tax payments (refunds), net Income Taxes Paid, Net Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Debt instrument, convertible, conversion ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Reclassification of deferred gain from cash flow hedges realized in net income net of 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 Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Current regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Current Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Current Regulatory Matters Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] 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 Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expenses Long-term Debt, net: Long-Term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] 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) Indexed debt securities derivative Indexed debt securities derivative Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of period (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Non-current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Estimated storm restoration costs Estimated Storm Restoration Costs Estimated Storm Restoration Costs Cash Flow Hedge Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Schedule of Regulatory Assets [Table] Regulated Operation, Regulatory Asset [Table] Customer deposits Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Cash proceeds Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company [Member] Bond Companies and Securitization Bond Company New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract] Secured debt Secured Debt Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Series B, 6 Point 850 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Series B, 6 Point 850 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 [Member] Series B, 6 Point 850 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Houston Electric Houston Electric [Member] Houston Electric [Member] Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Total Costs and Expenses Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities Current Liabilities [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Pension contributions Payment for Pension Benefits Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Expenses associated with long term lease Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five 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] Third Party AMAs Third Party AMAs [Member] Third Party AMAs Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] 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 Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Contributions in aid of construction Contributions in Aid of Construction 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 (in shares) 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. Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Schedule of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized [Table Text Block] Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Natural Gas Supply Natural Gas [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] Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] SIGECO SIGECO [Member] SIGECO [Member] Short-term lease cost Short-Term Lease, Cost Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Investment in equity securities Marketable Securities, Current 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. Percentage of property additions (as a percent) Percentage Of Property Additions Percentage Of Property Additions Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of period (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana Under the SCLRMA Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana Under the SCLRMA [Member] Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana Under the SCLRMA Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Loss contingency, pending claims, 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 Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. [Member] Predecessor Company, Primary Fuels, Inc. 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 [Member] Increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivable On Contracts With Customers Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivable On Contracts With Customers Pike Solar Pike Solar [Member] Pike Solar Short-term borrowings Short-Term Debt Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] CES CES [Member] CES Recovery of deferred costs sought Regulatory Asset, Asset Recovery Of Deferred Costs From Assessment Regulatory Asset, Asset Recovery Of Deferred Costs From Assessment Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Actuarial losses (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Series A, 7 Point Zero Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 [Member] Series A, 7 Point Zero Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Size of Facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Derivative liability Derivative Liability Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Additional borrowing capacity Long-Term Debt, Additional Borrowing Capacity Long-Term Debt, Additional Borrowing Capacity Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized F.B. Culley East F.B. Culley East [Member] F.B. Culley East Ratio of indebtedness to net capital (as a percent) Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Economic hedge Derivative Liability, Notional Amount First Mortgage Bonds 3.50% Due 2024 First Mortgage Bonds 3.50% Due 2024 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds 3.50% Due 2024 Regulatory asset, issued Amount Of Securitization Bonds Issued Amount Of Securitization Bonds Issued Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Statement of Financial Position Location, Balance [Axis] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Other comprehensive loss Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in dollar per shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Size of Facility Long-Term Debt Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Current liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Chicago Stock Exchange NYSE Chicago [Member] NYSE Chicago Series B, 2 Point 946 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Series B, 2 Point 946 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 [Member] Series B, 2 Point 946 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Regulatory asset, revenue requirement amount reduction Regulatory Asset, Revenue Requirement Amount Reduction Regulatory Asset, Revenue Requirement Amount Reduction Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] 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. Derivative gross volume (in MMBtu) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Series A, 3 Point 254 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 Series A, 3 Point 254 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 [Member] Series A, 3 Point 254 Percent, Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2030 New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange [Member] New York Stock Exchange [Member] Opening balance as of December 31, 2023 Closing balance as of September 30, 2024 Contract with Customer, Liability Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 18) Preferred stock dividend requirement Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2035 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2035 [Member] Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2035 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Axis] PEO Name PEO Name 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. Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Issuances related to benefit and investment plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Investments, including money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Additional Paid-in-Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Held For Sale Goodwill, Held-for-Sale Goodwill, Held-for-Sale New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accrued unbilled revenues Unbilled Receivables, Current Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Schedule of Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock [Table Text Block] Table of dividend requirement on preferred stock Name Measure Name Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current 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. Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [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 2027 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Other Technology Hardware and Software [Member] Technology Hardware and Software ZENS annual interest rate (as a percent) Annual interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans, tax Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Indexed debt, net Indexed Debt Current Change in valuation allowance, income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Fair Value Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Regulated Operations [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two-Class Method [Table] First Mortgage Bonds First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Dividends to parent Payments of Dividends Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts [Member] Suits Remanded to Louisiana Federal Couts Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Individual: Individual [Axis] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Schedule of Amount Allowed Equity Return Recognized in Period Schedule Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Energy Systems Group Energy Systems Group [Member] Energy Systems Group Opening balance as of December 31, 2023 Closing balance as of September 30, 2024 Accounts Receivable For Contracts With Customers Accounts Receivable For Contracts With Customers Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Restoration cost expected cost 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 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Loss from Catastrophes Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Restore the electric delivery facility cost Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Jefferson Parish Jefferson Parish [Member] Jefferson Parish Minimum Minimum [Member] Common Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosure [Abstract] Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Multi District Litigation Multi District Litigation (MDL) [Member] Multi District Litigation (MDL) 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. Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 [Member] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 1 Cash dividends paid to parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] 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] Regulatory asset, amortization period Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Outstanding debt balance Long-Term Debt, Gross Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Utility Holding, LLC Utility Holding, LLC [Member] Utility Holding, LLC Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Other income, net Other income, net Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Money pool investments (borrowings), net Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Regulatory asset, lease, incremental revenue requirement increase Regulatory Asset, Lease, Incremental Revenue Requirement Increase Regulatory Asset, Lease, Incremental Revenue Requirement Increase Postretirement benefit plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Preferred stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Tranche B Due 2036 Tranche B Due 2036 [Member] Tranche B Due 2036 Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 18) Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Credits Related to Customers on Budget Billing Programs Credits Related to Customers on Budget Billing Programs [Member] Credits Related to Customers on Budget Billing Programs 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] Solar array generating capacity (in MW) Solar Array Generating Capacity Solar Array Generating Capacity Accrued unbilled revenues, allowance for credit losses Accrued Unbilled Revenues, Allowance For Credit Losses, Current Allowance for credit losses on accrued unbilled revenues Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Related Party [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock (in shares) Redemption of series A preferred stock (in shares) Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Deferral period Debt Instrument Consecutive Periods for which Interest Payment Can be Deferred Debt Instrument Consecutive Periods for which Interest Payment Can be Deferred Current tax expense of divestiture Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Tax Effect of Divestiture Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Tax Effect of Divestiture F.B. Culley F.B. Culley [Member] F.B. Culley Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net No Trading Symbol Flag No Trading Symbol Flag Payments of stock issuance costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Debt instrument, interest rate, period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period Measure: Measure [Axis] Issuances related to benefit and investment plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Issuances of common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Harris County vs. CERC - Putative Harris County vs. CERC - Putative [Member] Harris County vs. CERC - Putative Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Number of registrants Number of registrants Number of registrants Other Other Financial Instrument [Member] Other Financial Instrument Charter Common Charter Common [Member] Charter Common [Member] Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Utility revenues Regulated Operating Revenue TEEEF Lease One TEEEF Lease One [Member] TEEEF Lease One Contribution from parent Contribution From Parent Contribution From Parent Finance ROU assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Indexed debt securities derivative IDS Derivative [Member] Derivative instrument related to indexed debt securities Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Electric Electric Segment [Member] Electric segment consists of Houston Electric T&D and Indiana Electric. Schedule of Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table Text Block] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Schedule of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Series B Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 Series B Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 [Member] Series B Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] 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] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Public Utility Commission of Texas Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income available to common shareholders -diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Including Adjustment For Preferred Stock, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Including Adjustment For Preferred Stock, Diluted Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Electric Supply Electric Supply [Member] Electric Supply Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Total current assets Assets, Current Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Total contributions to the plans during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Inventory financings Other Short-Term Borrowings 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 Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 2028 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Number of classes of electric and natural gas customers Number Of Classes of Electric and Natural Gas Customers Number Of Classes of Electric and Natural Gas Customers Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Cost of recovery for power consumption Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Generating Capacity 32 Megawatt Generators Regulatory Asset, Cost Recovery and Return on Investment, Generating Capacity 32 Megawatt Generators Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Non-current regulatory assets and liabilities Non-current regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Non-Current Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Non-Current Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Long-term debt, fair value Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] At The Market Member At The Market [Member] At The Market Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Loss contingency, number of insurers Loss Contingency, Number of Insurers Loss Contingency, Number of Insurers Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Opening balance as of December 31, 2023 Closing balance as of September 30, 2024 Unbilled Contracts Receivable February 2021 Winter Storm February 2021 Winter Storm [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued February 2021 Putative Class Action February 2021 Putative Class Action [Member] February 2021 Putative Class Action Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Regulatory assets Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Natural Gas 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. Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] 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 Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL) Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL) [Member] Uninsured Risk Uninsured Risk [Member] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 [Member] Hurricane Beryl Class Action 3 Senior Notes Due 2024 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2024 Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Operating cash flows from operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Table] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term line of credit Long-Term Line of Credit 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 remeasurement benefit Deferred Remeasurement Benefit Deferred Remeasurement Benefit Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income, Lease Payments Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Total Revenues Revenues Revenues Non-utility revenues Unregulated Operating Revenue Conversion price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger 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. Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock May 2024 Storm Events May 2024 Storm Events [Member] May 2024 Storm Events Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Proceeds from long-term debt and term loans, net Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Held for Sale and Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (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. Senior Notes Due 2029 Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2029 Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies Accounts payable–affiliated companies Accounts and Notes Payable, Current Accounts and Notes Payable, Current 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] Expenses associated with short-term lease Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Remainder of 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid 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. Accounting and ratemaking project relief, approved annual O & M expenses Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Annual O & M Expenses Accounting and Ratemaking Project Relief, Approved Annual O & M Expenses Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Subordinated note cash exchangeable percentage of fair value (as a percent) 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. Other current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Revenue recognized included in the opening contract liability for the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Increase in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible as a result of a lapse in statutes Increase in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing [Member] Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Series 2024A Bond Series 2024A Bond [Member] Series 2024A Bond Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage, annual adjustment (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Annual Adjustment Debt Instrument, Annual Adjustment Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 [Member] Series A Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2055 Remainder of 2024 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Income Statement Location [Domain] Statement of Income Location, Balance [Domain] Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name 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)