Schedule of Regulatory Assets [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Assets [Table] Revision of Prior Period [Axis] Revision of Prior Period [Axis] Total lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Pending lawsuits Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Outstanding debt balance Long-Term Debt, Gross Finance ROU assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current 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 Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of period (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Payment of dividends on Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross VUH PPNs VUH PPNs [Member] VUH PPNs Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Lease income Lease Income Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Regulatory liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Accounts Receivable Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Schedule of Other Information Related To Leases Other Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Other Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Operating Leases, Lease Income [Abstract] Operating Lease, Lease Income [Abstract] Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases (as a percent) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent ZENS annual interest rate (as a percent) Interest rate of debt (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Schedule of Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Total contributions expected in current year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Current Fiscal Year Amount of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Materials and supplies Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Increase (decrease) in notes payable–affiliated companies Repayments of Related Party Debt Economic hedge Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member] Minnesota Service Territory Minnesota Service Territory [Member] Minnesota Service Territory Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Notes Payable, Related Parties Notes Payable, Related Parties Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Schedule of Benefit Plan Contributions Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Long-term line of credit Long-Term Line of Credit Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] 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. Current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Proceeds from divestitures Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses CNP First Mortgage Bonds Due 2022 CNP First Mortgage Bonds 0.82% Due 2022 [Member] CNP First Mortgage Bonds 0.82% Due 2022 Net assets acquired in the Restructuring Contribution From Parent For Restructuring Activities Contribution From Parent For Restructuring Activities Expenses: Expenses: Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Line of credit facility restated amount Line Of Credit Facility Restated Amount Line Of Credit Facility Restated Amount Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Total long-term debt, net Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Liabilities Liabilities Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Senior Note and GMBs SeniorNote and GMBs [Member] SeniorNote and GMBs Allowed equity return not recognized Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized In Period Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized In Period Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CERC Corp. senior notes CERC Corp. Senior Notes [Member] CERC Corp. Senior Notes Revenues from Contract with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated Capital Expenditure to Clean Ash Ponds CNP Senior Notes Due 2028 CNP Senior Notes 4.25% Due 2028 [Member] CNP Senior Notes 4.25% Due 2028 Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Transaction costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Schedule of Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability and Receivable Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] February 2021 Winter Storm Event February 2021 Winter Storm Event [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Event Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Total contributions to the plans during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities No Trading Symbol Flag No Trading Symbol Flag Miles of pipeline (in miles) Length Of Pipeline Length Of Pipeline Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Temporary Equity (Note 18) Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Shares received (in shares) Sale Of Stock, Shares Received Sale Of Stock, Shares Received Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Interest expense on Securitization Bonds Interest expense on Securitization Bonds Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds Interest and debt related expenses associated with transition and system restoration bonds. Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Preferred stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share) Preferred stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared 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. Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Aggregate fair value of derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features in a liability position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value REP Bad Debt Expense REP Bad Debt Expense [Member] REP Bad Debt Expense Settlement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) From Settlement, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) From Settlement, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Series C Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Number of megawatts of mobile generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Current Assets Current Assets [Member] Current Assets Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) Subsequent Events [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block] Minimum Minimum [Member] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 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. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Lease not yet commenced, amount of megawatts Lessor, Direct Financing Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Amount Of Megawatts Lessor, Direct Financing Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Amount Of Megawatts Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity File Number Entity File Number Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Interest accrued Interest Payable, Current Stock representing share of new company (as a percent) Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Number of surety bond obligations outstanding Number of surety bond obligations outstanding Represents the absolute number of surety bonds the wholly owned subsidiary has outstanding in its role as general contractor Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] A.B. Brown A.B. Brown [Member] A.B. Brown Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Loss from Catastrophes Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies Due from Related Parties, Current Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average interest rate of debt (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Non-current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Number of days until commercial paper maturity (in days) Number of days until commercial paper maturity Number of days until commercial paper maturity. Years to resolve contingency Site Contingency, Years to Resolve Contingency This represents the estimated years necessary to resolve the contingency. Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Expense Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Total Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Issuances related to benefit and investment plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Goodwill transferred Goodwill, Transfers Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Cash Distribution Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Distribution Received, Cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Distribution Received, Cash Basis difference amortization Basis Difference Accretion Gain Basis Difference Accretion Gain Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accrued unbilled revenues Unbilled Receivables, Current Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Equity securities Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Corporate Equities This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties Retained earnings Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Settlement cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement General Mortgage Bonds Due 2051 General Mortgage Bonds 3.60% Due 2052 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 3.60% Due 2052 Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power Utility natural gas Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Subordinated Debt ZENS Subordinated Debt ZENS 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. Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Payment of obligation for finance lease Payment of obligation for finance lease Financing cash flows from finance leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities Finance Lease, Principal Payments Indiana Gas Service Territory Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member] Represents the areas in Indiana serviced by Indiana Gas Service Distribution received (in dollars per unit) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Distribution Received, Per Unit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Distribution Received, Per Unit Fair Value Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] CERC Senior Notes. 4.40% due 2031 CERC Senior Notes 4.40% due 2032 [Member] CERC Senior Notes 4.40% due 2032 Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Enable Midstream Partners Enable Midstream Partners [Member] Enable Midstream Partners, LP Restoration costs Restoration Costs Restoration Costs Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of period (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Goodwill Goodwill Cash payment Long Term Lease, Cash Payment For Additional Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Long Term Lease, Cash Payment For Additional Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Corporate service charges Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Cost of Goods and Services Sold Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Transition services agreement charges 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 Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] IGC and VEDO IGC and VEDO [Member] IGC and VEDO Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Net uncertain tax liability Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent 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] Estimated remediation costs Site Contingency Loss Exposure Estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. 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 Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Income available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic and diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Customer deposits Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current 2023 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One General Mortgage Bonds General Mortgage Bonds [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Number of warranty obligations outstanding Number of warranty obligations outstanding Represents the number of warranties the wholly owned subsidiary has outstanding in its role as general contractor. Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Energy Related Derivative Natural gas derivatives Energy Related Derivative [Member] Contract Balances [Line Items] Contract Balances [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contract Balances [Table] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Preferred stock dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement Preferred stock dividend requirement Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Income available to common shareholders - basic and diluted 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 Total redemption price Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-Term Debt Remainder of 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year Energy Transfer Common Units Energy Transfer Common Units [Member] Energy Transfer Common Units 2024 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two VUHI VUHI [Member] VUHI [Member] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Income allocated to preferred shareholders Income allocated to preferred shareholders Total income allocated to preferred shareholders Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments WBD Common WBD Common [Member] WBD Common Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Operating cash flows from operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Accumulated other comprehensive loss Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Payments of long-term debt, including make-whole premiums Payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-Term Debt Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Schedule of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-Term Debt [Member] Gain on sale Gain on divestitures Gain on sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Description of Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Maximum Maximum [Member] Other Assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Regulatory assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block] Interest expense and other finance charges Interest expense and other finance charges Interest expense and other finance charges Interest and Debt Expense Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Gain (loss) on equity securities Loss (gain) on equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Net income (loss) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Common and preferred units acquired (as a percent) Common Units Acquired, Percentage Common Units Acquired, Percentage Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other long-term debt, net Other Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Short-term borrowings Short-Term Debt Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Background and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Operation and maintenance agreements Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Indiana Electric Indiana Electric [Member] Operations of SIGECO's electric transmission and distribution services, including power generation and wholesale power operations. [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Non-trading derivative assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Previously Reported Previously Reported [Member] Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Citizens Utility Board Citizens Utility Board [Member] Citizens Utility Board Units sold (in shares) Equity Securities Sold During Period Equity Securities Sold During Period Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current 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. Natural Gas and Coal Natural Gas and Coal [Member] Natural Gas and Coal Accrued unbilled revenues, allowance for credit losses Accrued Unbilled Revenues, Allowance for Credit Losses, Current Allowance for credit losses on accrued unbilled revenues Basic earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Ratio of indebtedness to net capital (as a percent) Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Cash contribution from parent Non-cash contribution from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Percentage of property additions (as a percent) Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Additional MW of mobile generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Additional Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Long Term Lease, Number Of Additional Megawatts Of Mobile Generation Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Accrued unbilled revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosure [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Percentage of work yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds (as a percent) Percentage of work yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds Percentage of work yet to be completed by wholly owned subsidiary on projects with open surety bonds. Comprehensive income available to common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss) Available To Common Stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss) Available To Common Stockholders Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Contract Liabilities Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] 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. Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Notes payable–affiliated companies Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Series C Preferred Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Non-utility revenues Unregulated Operating Revenue 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract] Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Regulatory Assets [Line Items] Regulatory Asset [Line Items] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Number of acres (in acres) Number Of Acres Number Of Acres Investment in equity securities Marketable Securities, Current Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current 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. Posey Solar Posey Solar [Member] Posey Solar Dividend to parent Dividends, Cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Lease Disclosure [Line Items] Lease Disclosure [Line Items] [Line Items] for Lease Disclosure [Table] Revenue expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Property Plant and Equipment, Net, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Property Plant and Equipment, Net, Current Other Income (Expense): Other Income (Expense): Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Unrealized losses Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Fair value of collateral already posted Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization Cost of Revenue Other financing activities, net Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities 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. CenterPoint Energy’s interest Equity Method Investment, Gross Equity In Earnings (Losses) This represents the gross equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investment, excluding any basis difference. Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of June 30, 2022 Unbilled Contracts Receivable Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Recovery of costs Recovery of Direct Costs Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Shareholders’ Equity: Equity [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Retention incentive agreement, shares issued Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 [Member] CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 General mortgage bonds used as collateral General mortgage bonds used as collateral General mortgage bonds used as collateral Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] 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. Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Cash paid to parent for property, plant and equipment below Cash Paid To Parent For Property, Plant And Equipment Cash Paid To Parent For Property, Plant And Equipment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Natural gas and coal inventory Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage City Area Code City Area Code ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Other current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Total liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] AT&T AT&T [Member] AT&T Regulatory assets Regulatory Asset Preferred stock aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Interest rate contract Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 General Mortgage Bonds 3.00% Due 2032 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 3.00% Due 2032 Regulatory Matters Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Increase (decrease) in notes payable–affiliated companies Proceeds from Related Party Debt Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Inventory financings Other Short-Term Borrowings Customer deposits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 [Member] CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Short term borrowings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Short Term Debt, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Short Term Debt, Current Investments, including money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Size of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units [Member] Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units 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 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Pension contributions Payment for Pension Benefits Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Proceeds from sale of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of lapse of communication Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Indexed debt securities derivative Indexed debt securities derivative Net periodic cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Net Income Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Utility revenues Regulated Operating Revenue Secured debt Secured Debt Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Undiscounted minimum payment obligation, term Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Term Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other Liabilities: Other Liabilities [Abstract] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Ownership Interest In Partners' Equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Ownership Interest In Partners' Equity Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Remainder of 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Houston Electric Houston Electric [Member] Houston Electric [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Current Liabilities Current Liabilities [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Warranty obligations outstanding face amount Warranty obligations outstanding face amount Warranty obligations outstanding face amount Performance guarantee obligations outstanding face amount Performance guarantee obligations outstanding face amount Face amount of individual surety bonds the wholly-owned subsidiary has outstanding Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Current portion of other long-term debt Other Long-Term Debt, Current Natural gas derivatives Derivative Asset Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Third Party AMAs Third Party AMAs [Member] Third Party AMAs Enable Common Units Common Units [Member] Common Units [Member] Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Department Of Commerce Department Of Commerce [Member] Department Of Commerce Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of June 30, 2022 Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Number of megawatts of mobile generation, amount delivered Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation, Amount Delivered Long Term Lease, Number Of Megawatts Of Mobile Generation, Amount Delivered Number of owned coal ash ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Attorney General's Office Alternative Attorney General's Office Alternative [Member] Attorney General's Office Alternative Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax 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. Benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Issuances of Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues VUHI PPNs VUHI PPNs [Member] VUHI PPNs Finance lease, not yet commenced, amount Lessor, Direct Financing Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Assumption and Judgment, Value of Underlying Asset, Amount Schedule of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized [Table Text Block] Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 18) Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Basic earnings per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share SIGECO SIGECO [Member] SIGECO [Member] Non-current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent 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. Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 [Member] Accounts and notes receivable (payable) - affiliate companies Accounts and notes receivable (payable) - affiliate companies [Member] Accounts and notes receivable (payable) - affiliate companies [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date 2027 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five Prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Total Assets Total Assets Assets Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Make-whole premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Proceeds from sale of units Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Securities Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Securities Carrying amount or fair value Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt: Long-Term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Segments [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] F.B. Culley East F.B. Culley East [Member] F.B. Culley East Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Anti-dilutive Incremental Shares Excluded from Denominator for Diluted Earnings Computation: Anti-dilutive Incremental Shares Excluded from Denominator for Diluted Earnings (Loss) Computation [Abstract] Anti-dilutive Incremental Shares Excluded from Denominator for Diluted Earnings (Loss) Computation Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Issuances of Common Stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] 2027 and beyond Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, After Year Four Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, After Year Four Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Catastrophic Event [Domain] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Chicago Stock Exchange NYSE Chicago [Member] NYSE Chicago Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 2026 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] 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. Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, tax OCI, Equity Method Investment, Tax New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange [Member] New York Stock Exchange [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 and 2051 General Mortgage Bonds Due 2032 and 2052 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2032 and 2052 Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Series B and Series C Preferred Stock Series B and Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series B and Series C Preferred Stock Economic hedge Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Parent Company Parent Company [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Total Revenues Operating revenues Total revenues Revenues 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. Contract Assets Change in Contract Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Asset [Roll Forward] Regulatory assets Regulatory Asset, Current Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Restricted stock units granted (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted 2028 and beyond Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Schedule of Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock [Table Text Block] Table of dividend requirement on preferred stock Total shareholders’ equity Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Investments Investments [Member] 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. Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member] Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member] Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Increase in notes receivable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Dividend to parent Payments of Dividends Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 18) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Total lease cost Lease, Cost Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Accrued and unpaid interest Debt, Accrued and Unpaid Interest Debt, Accrued and Unpaid Interest Schedule of Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Other Technology Hardware and Software [Member] Technology Hardware and Software Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Non-current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Energy Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group [Member] Energy Services Disposal Group Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $4, $-0-, $4 and $-0-) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] ESG ESG [Member] ESG Other operating activities, net Other operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Indexed debt, net Indexed Debt Current CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Equity Method Investment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Equity Method Investment Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Revision of Prior Period [Domain] Revision of Prior Period [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] First Mortgage Bonds First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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] Carrying Value Investment Owned, at Fair Value Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Total Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Schedule of Operating Lease Income Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Operating ROU assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Remaining shares available to be awarded (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Remaining Shares Available For Grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Remaining Shares Available For Grant Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Operating Income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment [Abstract] Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Actuarial losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income, Lease Payments Decrease in short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Preferred Stock Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Preferred Stock Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus 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. Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Common Share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Cash dividends paid to parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Attorney General's Office Attorney General's Office [Member] Attorney General's Office Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement Regulatory assets Non-current regulatory asset Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table Text Block] Common Stock dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Carrying amount Reported Value Measurement [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] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Taxes accrued Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Tax Payable, Current Short-term lease cost Short-Term Lease, Cost Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized 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] Balance of investment owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Money pool investments (borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Income Available to Common Shareholders Net income attributable to Enable Common Units Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Current liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities held for sale Current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Fair value of guarantees Guarantees, Fair Value Disclosure Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Schedule of Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table Text Block] 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] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Principal amount of ZENS issued or outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount Aggregate Principal Debt Instrument, Face Amount Solar array generating capacity (in MW) Solar Array Generating Capacity Solar Array Generating Capacity Schedule of Credit-risk-related Contingent Features Credit-risk-related contingent features [Table Text Block] Credit-risk-related contingent features Corporate and Other Corporate and Other [Member] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Guarantor obligation, current carrying value Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current F.B. Culley F.B. Culley [Member] F.B. Culley Income from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense of $-0-, $16, $-0- and $41, respectively) Net income from discontinued operations Income available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and diluted Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Property, plant and equipment from parent Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Bond Companies Bond Companies [Member] Bond Companies [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Non-cash contribution from parent Non-cash capital contribution from parent in payment for property, plant and equipment below Noncash Capital Contribution From Parent For Payments For Property, Plant And Equipment Noncash Capital Contribution From Parent For Payments For Property, Plant And Equipment Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Natural gas inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract] Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Preferred Stock [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosure [Abstract] Other income (expense), net Other income, net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Number of registrants Number of registrants Number of registrants Other Other Financial Instrument [Member] Other Financial Instrument Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive income Beginning Balance Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Charter Common Charter Common [Member] Charter Common [Member] Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses [Member] Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Contribution from parent Contribution From Parent Contribution From Parent Total current assets Assets, Current Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Income tax payments (refunds), net Income Taxes Paid, Net Revenue recognized included in the opening contract liability for the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Variable lease income Operating Lease, Variable Lease Income 2027 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Common stock, dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Indexed debt securities derivative IDS Derivative [Member] Derivative instrument related to indexed debt securities Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Net Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Electric Electric Segment [Member] Electric segment consists of Houston Electric T&D and Indiana Electric. Expected timing of satisfaction, period (in months) Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent 2026 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four Other comprehensive income from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-) OCI, Equity Method Investment, after Tax Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate - operating Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expenses Income available to common shareholders - basic and 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 Total Costs and Expenses Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Issuances related to benefit and investment plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Total leased liabilities Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Common Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosure [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] 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] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Total lease payments to be received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member] Other comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Liability recorded for environmental loss contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Write off of issuance costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Basis Difference Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Basis Difference Schedule of Money Pool Investment and Borrowing 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. Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Transition services agreement, accounts receivable Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Schedule of Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent Current assets held for sale Total current assets held for sale Current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Revenue from contracts Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost February 2021 Winter Storm February 2021 Winter Storm [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Contribution to parent for sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses Cash dividend paid to parent related to the sale of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses Capital Distribution To Parent Associated With Sale Of Business Capital Distribution To Parent Associated With Sale Of Business Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Enable Series A Preferred Units Series A Preferred Units [Member] Series A Preferred Units [Member] 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] Non-controlling interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Noncontrolling Interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Noncontrolling Interest Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases (as a percent) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in contract assets Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset Non-trading derivative assets Derivative Asset, Current 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] Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates OCI, Equity Method Investment, before Tax Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Enable partners’ equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Stockholders' Equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Preferred Stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two 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. 2028 and beyond Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five Schedule of Operating Lease Payments to be Received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Schedule of Operating Lease Liability Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One 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. Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of June 30, 2022 Contract with Customer, Liability Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Schedule of Subsequent Events Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block] Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] 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. Money pool weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Money Pool Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of outstanding transactions in money pool. Expenses associated with short-term lease Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset Short Term Lease, Expenses, Deferred To Regulatory Asset 2025 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Remaining six months of 2022 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Vectren Vectren [Member] Vectren [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Remaining six months of 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of June 30, 2022 Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Schedule of Amount Allowed equity return recognized in period Schedule of allowed equity return recognized [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] Schedule of allowed equity return recognized[Table] Dividends accrued Dividends Payable, Current 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. Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discounts and issuance expenses and fees Proceeds From Issuance Of Long-Term Debt, Net Of Discounts And Issuance Expenses And Fees Proceeds From Issuance Of Long-Term Debt, Net Of Discounts And Issuance Expenses And Fees Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] 2027 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five 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. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] 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. Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies Due to Related Parties, Current Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Taxes other than income taxes Taxes other than income taxes Taxes other than income taxes Taxes, Miscellaneous 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) Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent