Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of period (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Asset, Other Accrued Unbilled Receivables Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Asset, Other Accrued Unbilled Receivables Capital expenditures Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations Common Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability and Receivable Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1, $1, $1 and $2) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] 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] Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Description of Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Impairment charges or adjustments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Impairment Loss, Annual Amount Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Regulatory liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Liabilities, Current Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Economic hedge (1) Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] CNP Senior Note 3.85% CNP Senior Note 3.85% [Member] CNP Senior Note 3.85% Amortization of intangible assets in non-utility cost of revenues Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amount of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Revenue recognized included in the opening contract liability for the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized 9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021 9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021 [Member] 9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021 [Member] Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. [Member] Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. Materials and supplies Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Materials and Supplies, Current Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Number of states in which entity operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Chicago Stock Exchange Chicago Stock Exchange [Member] Chicago Stock Exchange [Member] Minnesota Service Territory Minnesota Service Territory [Member] Minnesota Service Territory Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1) Equity Method Investment, Basis Difference This represents the basis difference of an equity method investment. Guarantor obligation, current carrying value Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Other Liabilities: Other Liabilities [Abstract] Amortization of net loss (2) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Management rights ownership (as a percent) Management Rights Ownership Percentage Represents the percentage of management rights in the general partner of Enable Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Benefit Plan Contributions Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Dividend to parent Dividends, Cash Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities 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. Pension contributions Payment for Pension Benefits Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, tax OCI, Equity Method Investment, Tax Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Expected cash distribution from equity method investment Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Gain (loss) on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Weighted average interest rate of debt (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Other Other [Member] Other Inventory financings Other Short-term Borrowings Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Nonconsolidated Entities Corporate and Other Corporate And Reconciling Items [Member] Corporate And Reconciling Items Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Preferred equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Preferred Equity Amount of preferred equity attributable to the equity method investment of the entity. SeniorNote and GMBs SeniorNote and GMBs [Member] SeniorNote and GMBs Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Amount of allowed equity return not recognized in the period Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized In Period Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized In Period Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Document Type Document Type Exposure period until increased fee Exposure Period Until Increased Fee Exposure Period Until Increased Fee Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Before Preferred Stock Dividend Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Before Preferred Stock Dividend Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract] Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Unrealized loss on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other-than-temporary Impairment Loss Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated Capital Expenditure to Clean Ash Ponds Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Secured Debt Secured Debt Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Vectren Proxy Statement Materially Incomplete Related to Merger Vectren Proxy Statement Materially Incomplete Related to Merger [Member] Vectren Proxy Statement Materially Incomplete Related to Merger Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] February 2021 Winter Storm Event February 2021 Winter Storm Event [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Event Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract] Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Other Assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Miles of pipeline Length of pipeline Length of pipeline Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Interest expense on Securitization Bonds Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds Interest and debt related expenses associated with transition and system restoration bonds. Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four 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. REP Bad Debt Expense REP Bad Debt Expense [Member] REP Bad Debt Expense Settlement cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Background and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Investment in marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Net uncertain tax liability Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Preferred Stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] CNP Senior Note 1.45% due 2026 CNP Senior Note 1.45% due 2026 [Member] CNP Senior Note 1.45% due 2026 Current Assets Current Assets [Member] Current Assets Non-trading derivative assets Derivative Asset, Current Non-utility revenues Unregulated Operating Revenue Maximum incentive distribution right Incentive Distribution Right, Maximum Maximum additional incentive right to the general partner with quarterly distribution per unit exceeding $0.330625 Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Infrastructure Services Disposal Group [Member] Infrastructure Services Disposal Group [Member] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 and 2051 General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 and 2051 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 and 2051 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. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax liability Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent CNP Senior Notes 1.45%, 2.65%, and Floating CNP Senior Notes 1.45%, 2.65%, and Floating [Member] CNP Senior Notes 1.45%, 2.65%, and Floating 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 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 A.B. Brown A.B. Brown [Member] A.B. Brown Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] COVID-19 ERP Regulatory Asset COVID-19 ERP Regulatory Asset COVID-19 ERP Regulatory Asset Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Restricted stock (2) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Loss on dilution, net of proportional basis difference recognition Dilution Loss, Equity Method Investment Dilution Loss, Equity Method Investment Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses Unbilled Receivables, Current Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Secured Overnight Financing Rate Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Transportation revenue Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Dividends declared per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Number of days until commercial paper maturity Number of days until commercial paper maturity Number of days until commercial paper maturity. Total contributions expected in current year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Current Fiscal Year Revenue from contracts Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Years to resolve contingency Site Contingency, Years to Resolve Contingency This represents the estimated years necessary to resolve the contingency. Undiscounted minimum payment obligation, term Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Term Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Exposure period after closing Exposure Period After Closing Exposure Period After Closing Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Shareholders' Equity : Equity [Abstract] Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Domain] Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Write-down of natural gas inventory Inventory Write-down, discontinued operations Inventory Write-down, discontinued operations Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Regulatory assets Regulatory Assets Basis difference amortization (1) Basis Difference Accretion Gain Basis Difference Accretion Gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Common Stock dividends paid per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Percentage of sales that trigger right of first refusal Sale of Units, Percentage, Trigger Right of First Refusal Sale of more than this percentage of aggregated common and subordinated units owned are subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal. Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Corporate equities 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. Borrowings from revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Carrying amount or fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value 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. Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Incentive distribution per unit (in dollars per unit) Incentive Distribution, Distribution Per Unit Maximum Maximum [Member] Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered (1) Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Indiana Gas Service Territory Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member] Represents the areas in Indiana serviced by Indiana Gas Service Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Total shareholders’ equity Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Enable Midstream Partners Enable Midstream Partners [Member] Enable Midstream Partners, LP Restoration costs Restoration Costs Restoration Costs Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Principal amount of ZENS issued or outstanding Principal amount of debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Net periodic cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Share price (in dollars per share) Share Price Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Recognized tax benefit from changes in tax laws, CARES act Recognized tax benefit from changes in tax laws Recognized tax benefit from changes in tax laws Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Investment in unconsolidated affiliates CenterPoint Energy's equity method investment in Enable Equity Method Investments Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] 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 Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Preferred stock dividends paid per share Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized Discontinued operation, Capitalized fees Discontinued operation, Capitalized fees Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Number of claims dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number 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) Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Total current assets Current assets Assets, Current Estimated remediation costs Site Contingency Loss Exposure Estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. Remaining six months of 2021 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Change in valuation allowance, income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount 2025 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1) Add back: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1) Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] General Mortgage Bonds General Mortgage Bonds [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Small Business Entity Small Business 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. Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Contract Balances [Line Items] Contract Balances [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contract Balances [Table] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] AT&T Inc. AT&T Inc. [Member] AT&T Inc. Annualized fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure Annualized fee received for retained CES obligation guarantees Annualized fee received for retained CES obligation guarantees Revenue expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] VUHI VUHI [Member] VUHI [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Quarterly cash distribution declared per share Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Variable rate term loan Variable rate term loan [Member] Variable rate term loan [Member] Total Net current period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 [Member] Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 [Member] Deferred tax benefit Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Income (loss) available to common shareholders - basic and diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Ratio of indebtedness to net capital (as a percent) Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Shares of common stock issued (in shares) CommonSharesIssuedUponConversion Common Shares Issued Upon Conversion Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders Net income attributable to Enable common units Income (loss) available to common shareholders - basic and diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Preferred stock dividends declared Preferred stock dividends declared per share Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Regulatory assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Regulatory Assets, Current Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories ZENS annual interest rate Interest rate of debt (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 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 comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-) OCI, Equity Method Investment, after Tax Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Merger exchange ratio (share per common unit) Merger Exchange Ratio Energy Transfer will acquire all of Enable's outstanding equity interest, resulting in the exchange of Enable common units owned by CenterPoint Energy with this ratio Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Economic hedge (1) Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flow Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flow [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flow [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] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies Due to Related Parties, Current Estimated remaining exposure Estimated Remaining Exposure Estimated Remaining Exposure Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Total liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Pipeline construction and repair charges Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Pipeline construction and repair charges Operation and maintenance agreements Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) Subsequent Events [Text Block] Prior service cost (2) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Opening balance as of December 31, 2020 Closing balance as of June 30, 2021 Unbilled Contracts Receivable Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization Cost of Revenue Indiana Electric Indiana Electric [Member] Operations of SIGECO's electric transmission and distribution services, including power generation and wholesale power operations. [Member] Taxes accrued Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Tax Payable, Current Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings from investment in Enable Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Limited partner interest units held (in shares) Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares 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. Number of states in which the entity performs gas delivery services Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services Preferred Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock 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 Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Axis] Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Axis] Money Pool Investments Money Pool Investments Represents investments in the parent company's money pool. Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Accrued unbilled revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Corporate and Other, Net Corporate and Other, Net [Member] Corporate and Other, net of eliminations Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Interest expense and other finance charges Interest and Debt Expense Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Investments, including money market funds (1) Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Percentage of work yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds 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. Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Subsequent Events Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block] Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19) Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Held for sale criteria met, net state tax benefit Disposal Group, Held-For-Sale, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Disposal Group, Held-For-Sale, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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. Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Accounts payable related to capital expenditures, discontinued operations Accounts payable related to capital expenditures, discontinued operations Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total Revenues Revenues Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] 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] Current portion of other long-term debt Other Long-term Debt, Current Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Potential disallowance of recovery of costs Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs 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 Regulatory assets Non-current regulatory asset Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent Opening balance as of December 31, 2020 Closing balance as of June 30, 2021 Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Balance of investment owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Total distributions received from Enable Total distributions received from Enable Represents the total amount of distributions received related to both equity method investments and cost method investments from Enable. Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Derivative liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Revenues from Contract with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] 2022 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to 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. Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Regulatory Matters Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Coronavirus Aid Relief And Economic Security Act Coronavirus Aid Relief And Economic Security Act [Member] Coronavirus Aid Relief And Economic Security Act (CARES) [Member] CNP Floating Senior Note CNP Floating Senior Note [Member] CNP Floating Senior Note Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy for Uncollectible Amounts [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] General mortgage bonds used as collateral General mortgage bonds used as collateral General mortgage bonds used as collateral Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $4, $-0- and $4) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassification To Regulatory Asset After Tax Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges net of tax to regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Total current liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Margin deposits, net Increase (Decrease) in Margin Deposits Outstanding Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Target Annual Yield On Reference Shares 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. Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Liability recorded for environmental loss contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Non-trading derivatives, net Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Net intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Public unitholders Public unitholders [Member] Public unitholders [Member] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Incentive distribution rights (as a percent) Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage Entity's interest in incentive distribution rights held by the general partner. Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate fair value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Customer deposits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Customer Deposits, Current Held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 [Member] CERC Senior Notes Floating Rate due 2023 Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Net Income (Loss) Net income (Loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Short term borrowings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Short Term Debt, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Short Term Debt, Current Interest cost (2) Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest rate contract Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Intangible assets accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Expected return on plan assets (2) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage 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 Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract] Held for Sale and Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Indexed debt securities derivative Indexed debt securities derivative Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Board of Directors Chairman Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Non-utility cost of revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Dividends accrued Dividends Payable, Current Impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable Impairment of CenterPoint Energy's equity method investment in Enable Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Accounts receivable for amounts billed for services provided to Enable Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Accumulated goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Operation and maintenance Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operation and Maintenance Expense The amount of operating expenses for the period that are associated with the discontinued operation's normal revenue producing operation; including selling, general, and administrative expenses, costs incurred for routine plant repairs and maintenance, and operations. Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] CERC Senior notes .70% due 2023 CERC Senior notes .70% due 2023 [Member] CERC Senior notes .70% due 2023 Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Houston Electric Houston Electric [Member] Houston Electric [Member] Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] 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. 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 Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Amortization of prior service cost (2) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] CNP Senior Note 2.65% due 2031 CNP Senior Note 2.65% due 2031 [Member] CNP Senior Note 2.65% due 2031 Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Income tax benefit from discontinued operations Income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Common Units Common Units [Member] Common Units [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Opening balance as of December 31, 2020 Closing balance as of June 30, 2021 Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Quarterly increase of fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure Quarterly increase of fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure Quarterly increase of fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates OCI, Equity Method Investment, before Tax Number of owned coal ash ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Pending lawsuits Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of shares referenced in exchangeable subordinated note Number Of Shares Referenced In Exchangeable Subordinated Note Number of shares attributable to each note and referenced in determining the fair value of the cash to be exchange at behest of note holder. Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized [Table Text Block] Allowed Equity Return Not Recognized Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Taxes other than income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Taxes Other than Income Taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Taxes Other than Income Taxes SIGECO SIGECO [Member] SIGECO [Member] 2024 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three Retention incentive agreement, shares issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Current regulatory asset Regulatory Assets, Current Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current 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] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Outstanding debt balance Long-term Debt, Gross Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current 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] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Enable partners' equity Limited Partners' Capital Account Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Ownership percentage of equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Other long-term debt, net Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Minimum Minimum [Member] Energy Related Derivative Natural gas derivatives Energy Related Derivative [Member] Distribution per share of Series A preferred units (in dollars per share) Distribution per share of Series A preferred units Per share or per unit amount of distributions received from Enable Series A preferred units cost method investment. Long-term line of credit Long-term Line of Credit 2026 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2031 Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Payment of dividends on Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Corporate service charges Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues CERC Senior notes .70% and Floating Rate due 2023 CERC Senior notes .70% and Floating Rate due 2023 [Member] CERC Senior notes .70% and Floating Rate due 2023 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. Depositary shares Depositary shares [Member] Depositary shares representing a 1/20th interest in a share of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock. Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Income allocated to preferred shareholders Total income allocated to preferred shareholders Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Financing Commitments Term, Days Financing Commitments Term, Days Financing Commitments Term, Days New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange [Member] New York Stock Exchange [Member] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14) Commitments and Contingencies Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Beginning Balance Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Write-down of natural gas inventory Inventory Write-down Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] 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. Change in Contract Assets [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Asset [Roll Forward] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies Due from Related Parties, Current Total Costs and Expenses Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Maximum contractual exposure under Securities Purchase Agreement Discontinued Operation, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (3) Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets (3) Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges to regulatory asset and regulatory liability, before tax Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement on Preferred Stock [Table Text Block] Table of dividend requirement on preferred stock Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Total Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense 2023 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two Dividend to parent Cash dividends paid to parent Payments of Dividends 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] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Natural gas expense Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Expense Operating Income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Preferred stock to be converted to common stock (in shares) Preferred Stock Shares To Be Converted To Common Preferred Stock Shares To Be Converted To Common Technology Hardware and Software Technology Hardware and Software [Member] Technology Hardware and Software 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Energy Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group [Member] Energy Services Disposal Group Financing Commitments Financing Commitments Financing Commitments Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share 2027 and beyond Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five ESG ESG [Member] ESG Indexed debt, net Indexed Debt Current Income tax benefit, change in tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current First Mortgage Bonds First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 19) Preferred stock dividend requirement Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Total contributions to the plans during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] CenterPoint Energy and OGE CenterPoint Energy and OGE [Member] CenterPoint Energy and OGE collectively own 79.2% of Enable common units 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Preferred Stock [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Lease Income Lease Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] OGE OGE [Member] OGE [Member] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] CNP Senior Note 3.60% CNP Senior Note 3.60% [Member] CNP Senior Note 3.60% Money Pool Borrowings Money Pool Borrowings Represents borrowings from the parent company's money pool. Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Operation and maintenance Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expenses 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. City Area Code City Area Code Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Construction Backlog Order or Production Backlog [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Payments of revolving credit facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block] Preferred units held (in shares) Preferred Units Held Represents the number of Series A Preferred Units held as of the balance sheet date. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Distributions received from Enable cost method investment Expected cash distribution from cost method investment Cost Method Investment, Dividends Or Distributions This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Investments Investments [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Receivable from sale of disposal group Receivable from sale of disposal group Receivable from sale of disposal group Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Entity File Number Entity File Number Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] 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] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] First Mortgage Bond Outstanding First Mortgage Bond Outstanding First Mortgage Bond Outstanding Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Solar array generating capacity (in MW) Solar Array Generating Capacity Solar Array Generating Capacity Issuances related to benefit and investment plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Credit-risk-related contingent features Credit-risk-related contingent features [Table Text Block] Credit-risk-related contingent features Recognition of beneficial conversion feature Beneficial conversion feature Non-cash transaction beneficial conversion feature Non-cash transaction beneficial conversion feature Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities F.B. Culley F.B. Culley [Member] F.B. Culley Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Bond Companies Bond Companies [Member] Bond Companies [Member] Issuances related to benefit and investment plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2021 General Mortgage Bonds Due 2021 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2021 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Fair value of guarantees Guarantees, Fair Value Disclosure Current liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Natural gas inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Accumulated other comprehensive loss Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Enable GP, LLC Enable GP, LLC [Member] Enable GP, LLC [Member] Employee Benefit Plans Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Total Assets Assets Assets Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Number of registrants Number of registrants Number of registrants Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses [Member] Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] IDS Derivative IDS Derivative [Member] Derivative instrument related to indexed debt securities Expected timing of satisfaction, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Electric Electric Segment [Member] Electric segment consists of Houston Electric T&D and Indiana Electric. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Proceeds from merger - interest Proceeds from Merger - Interest Cash Received in exchange for its interest in Enable GP Corporate and Other Corporate and Other [Member] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Segments [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Service cost (1) Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Income tax payments, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Public Utility Commission of Texas Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] No Trading Symbol Flag No Trading Symbol Flag Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Opening balance as of December 31, 2020 Closing balance as of June 30, 2021 Contract with Customer, Liability Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature Amortization of Beneficial Conversion feature of Series C Preferred Stock Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Fair value of collateral already posted Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Recovery of costs Recovery of Direct Costs Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Lump sum cash payment for separation Payments for Postemployment Benefits Natural gas and coal inventory Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Midstream Investments Midstream Investments Segment [Member] Midstream Investments [Member] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Remaining six months of 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year 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 Additional guarantees Additional Guarantees Provided Post Transaction Close Additional Guarantees Provided Post Transaction Close Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Stock representing share of new company (as a percent) Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Loss on classification to held for sale, net (1) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Cost of Goods and Services Sold 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. Proceeds from divestitures (Note 3) Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Incremental uncollectible receivables, regulatory asset Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset 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] Assets Held for Sale Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] February 2021 Winter Storm February 2021 Winter Storm [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Whole Market Premium Whole Market Premium [Member] Whole Market Premium Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent General Mortgage Bonds Due 2051 General Mortgage Bonds Due 2051 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Due 2051 Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Series A Preferred Units Series A Preferred Units [Member] Series A Preferred Units [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Natural gas derivatives Derivative Asset Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend Preferred stock dividend excluded The amount of preferred stock dividends that is an adjustment to net income apportioned to common shareholders, excluded from computation of earnings per share. Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Number of owned and operated utility companies Number of owned and operated utility companies Number of owned and operated utility companies Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock 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] Actuarial losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Series C Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Letters of credit swing line sublimit Letters of credit swing line sublimit Letters of credit swing line sublimit Total long-term debt, net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES Capital Distribution to Parent Associated with the sale of CES Capital Distribution to Parent Associated with the sale of CES Continuing Operations Numerator: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Aggregate liquidation preference Proceeds from Merger - Preferred Units Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units in Exchange for all of its Enable Series A Preferred Units Incentive distribution Incentive Distribution, Distribution 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Nonconsolidated Entities 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 Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share CERC Corp 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. Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Intangible assets gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Net loss from discontinued operations Loss available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and diluted Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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. Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Net regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Interest accrued Interest Payable, Current Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of lapse of communication Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant. Weighted average interest rate Money Pool Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of outstanding transactions in money pool. Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Vectren Vectren [Member] Vectren [Member] 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] Size of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Gain on indexed debt securities Indexed Debt Securities, Gain (Loss) This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period related to indexed debt securities. Taxes other than income taxes Taxes, Miscellaneous Current assets held for sale Total current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Subordinated note cash exchangeable percentage of fair value Subordinated Note Cash Exchangeable Percentage Of Fair Value The percentage of the fair value of the referenced TW Common shares attributable to each note and the percentage of composite fair value each note can be exchanged for cash. Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Payment upon termination of partnership Payment due partner upon termination of partnership Payment to OGE upon termination of partnership Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] 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: Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Charter Communications, Inc. Charter Communications, Inc. [Member] Charter Communications, Inc. Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Distribution per share of common units (in dollars per share) Distribution per share of common units Per share or per unit amount of distributions received from an equity method investment. Utility revenues Regulated Operating Revenue Non-utility cost of revenues Cost of Sales [Member] Net income (loss) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Interest and taxes accrued Increase Decrease Interest and taxes accrued Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes accrued. Preferred stock aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Natural Gas Expenses Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Represents natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs. Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths) 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) Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]