Indexed debt securities derivative Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Total lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Number of pending lawsuits Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Authorised issuance costs (up to) Regulatory Asset, Authorized Issuance Costs Regulatory Asset, Authorized Issuance Costs Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Contribution to parent for sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses Contribution To Parent For Sale Of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Contribution To Parent For Sale Of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Long-term debt, gross Outstanding debt balance Long-Term Debt, Gross Preferred stock convertible threshold (in days) Preferred stock convertible threshold (in days) Threshold period of specified days within which entity has option to redeem preferred stock. Finance ROU assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Bad debt expense deferred as regulatory asset Regulatory Asset, Deferred Credit Expense (Reversal) Regulatory Asset, Deferred Credit Expense (Reversal) 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 [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cumulative preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of period (in shares) Balance, end of year (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Payment of dividends on Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock VUH PPNs VUH PPNs [Member] VUH PPNs Schedule of Net Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Summarized Financial Information on Investment in Time Warner Securities and Indexed Debt Security Obligation Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Materials and supplies Public Utilities, Inventory Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Indexed Debt Securities [Abstract] Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Southern Indiana Gas and Electric [Member] Southern Indiana Gas and Electric U.S. equity U.S. Equity [Member] U.S. Equity [Member] Fixed income Fixed Income [Member] Fixed Income [Member] Lease income Lease Income Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue 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 (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Depreciation Depreciation 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 Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Solar array asset, useful life Solar Array Assets, Useful Life Solar Array Assets, Useful Life State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Third Party Third Party Debt [Member] Third Party Debt Amount of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share 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] 2028 and beyond Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Term Loan Secured Debt [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Tax impact of sale of Energy Services and Infrastructure Services Disposal Groups Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member] Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets Capital Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets Capital Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year Fair value of plan assets, end of year Plan assets, fair value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] General Mortgage Bonds 2.25% Due 2022 General Mortgage Bonds 2.25% Due 2022 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 2.25% Due 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Frozen Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Frozen [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Frozen Benefit Plan Contributions Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block] Loans Long-Term Line of Credit Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Securitization Bonds Transition And System Restoration Bonds [Member] Represents the amount of transition and system restoration bonds maturing. Common stock issued per share price Shares Issued, Price Per Share Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Award Type [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) 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. 2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Proceeds from divestitures (Note 4) Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses CNP First Mortgage Bonds 0.82% 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 Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Payment of debt issuance costs Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs 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] Other Other [Member] Other Total long-term debt, net Long-Term Debt, net Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Face amount of each indexed debt security notes issued by CenterPoint Energy in September 1999 Dollar Face Amount Of Individual Note The dollar denomination for each individual note 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items] Senior Note and GMBs SeniorNote and GMBs [Member] SeniorNote and GMBs Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair value of plan assets measurement [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Gas recovery costs Gas Recovery [Member] Gas Recovery Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CERC Corp. Senior Notes CERC Corp. Senior Notes [Member] CERC Corp. Senior Notes Current income tax expense (benefit): Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate [Member] Weighted Average Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Components of net periodic costs [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Target Allocation of Plan Assets Target Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular presentation of the weighted average allocation targets maintained Preferred stock, basis spread (as a percent) Preferred Stock, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Preferred Stock, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Nonvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Nonvested, end of period (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds Estimated Capital Expenditure to Clean Ash Ponds CNP Senior Notes 4.25% Due 2028 CNP Senior Notes 4.25% Due 2028 [Member] CNP Senior Notes 4.25% Due 2028 Deferred income taxes Total deferred expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-current assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Impairment on equity method investment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Impairment Of Equity Method Investment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Impairment Of Equity Method Investment Disposal group, not discontinued operations, transaction costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs Energy products and services Energy Products Or Services [Member] Represents revenue from energy products and services Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Interest income Interest Income, Other February 2021 Winter Storm Event February 2021 Winter Storm Event [Member] February 2021 Winter Storm Event Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Employer contributions Contributions in 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Disallowance of reimbursement clause exercised Disallowance Of Reimbursement Clause Exercised Disallowance Of Reimbursement Clause Exercised Current portion of long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] No Trading Symbol Flag No Trading Symbol Flag Long-term debt: Long-Term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Miles of pipeline Length Of Pipeline Length Of Pipeline Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Temporary Equity (Note 12) Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Gain on sale Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES Contribution to parent for sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses Cash Dividend To Parent Associated With Sale Of Business Cash Dividend To Parent Associated With Sale Of Business Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Shares expected to be received Sale Of Stock, Shares Received Sale Of Stock, Shares Received Interest expense on Securitization Bonds Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds Interest and debt related expenses associated with transition and system restoration bonds. Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Closed Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Closed [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Plan, Closed Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Workforce Subject to Collective-Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Preferred stock dividends declared 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] Income Tax Expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] 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 Weighted average period of recognition (in years) Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Settlement 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 Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Series C Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Public Utility Commission Of Texas Public Utility Commission Of Texas [Member] Public Utility Commission Of Texas Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Debt Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative, Name [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 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four IGC IGC [Member] IGC Current Assets Current Assets [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Nonqualified Plan Nonqualified Plan [Member] Other Employee Matters Other Employee Matters [Table Text Block] Other Employee Matters [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in September 2021 WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinSeptember2021 [Member] WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinSeptember2021 [Member] Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Other current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Infrastructure Services Disposal Group [Member] Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum number of times annual salary included in severance benefits Maximum Number Of Times Annual Salary Included In Severance Benefits Maximum number of times annual base salary included in severance benefits for certain officers in a change of control (in number of times) 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) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Credit Facility Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-65 Defined Benefit Plan Prescription Drug Cost Trend Rate Assumed For Next Fiscal Year The assumed prescription drug cost trend rate for the next year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of prescription drugs currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity File Number Entity File Number Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility [Axis] Ash Pond Facility Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Earning Return Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Earning Return [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Earning Return Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Interest accrued Interest Payable, Current Ownership (percentage) Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction A.B. Brown A.B. Brown [Member] A.B. Brown Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Regulatory Liability, Approximate Total Gas Cost Regulatory Asset, Approximate Total Gas Cost Regulatory Asset, Approximate Total Gas Cost Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Granted (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Schedule of Revolving Credit Facilities and Utilization of Such Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Borrowings from revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Loss from Catastrophes Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Expected Minimum Contributions in 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Pretax gain (loss) Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Accounts and notes receivable—affiliated companies Due from Related Parties, Current Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments, Including Gains (Losses) Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments, Including Gains (Losses) Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation And Amortization [Table Text Block] This element can be used to encapsulate the entire disclosure for depreciation and amortization expense for the period. Concentration risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Postemployment Benefits, Period Expense Postemployment Benefits, Period Expense Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Gain on divestitures Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets 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] Preferred stock, value outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax Loss on dilution, net of proportional basis difference recognition Dilution Loss, Equity Method Investment Dilution Loss, Equity Method Investment Net regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Secured Overnight Financing Rate Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Number of days until commercial paper maturity 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. Net loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Impairment charge on investment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Impairment Charge Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Impairment Charge Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Natural gas expense Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Excess deferred income tax amortization Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Amount 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 Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Issuances related to benefit and investment plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Equity Securities (CenterPoint Energy) Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Write-down of natural gas inventory Inventory Write-down, Discontinued Operations Inventory Write-down, Discontinued Operations Goodwill transferred Goodwill, Transfers Cash received related to Enable Merger Merger Related Transactions, Cash Acquired Merger Related Transactions, Cash Acquired 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] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accrued unbilled revenue, less allowance for credit losses Unbilled Receivables, Current Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Increase in notes payable–affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Settlement cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario [Domain] General Mortgage Bonds 3.60% Due 2052 General Mortgage Bonds 3.60% Due 2052 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 3.60% Due 2052 Fair Value, Measurements, 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] ZENS debt Subordinated Debt ZENS Member 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 Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] 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 and NAV [Axis] Fair value of plan assets measurement [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Derivative Component Of ZENS Derivative Component Of ZENS [Member] Represents the bifurcated derivative component of the ZENS obligation Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized Discontinued Operations, Capitalized Fees Discontinued Operations, Capitalized Fees Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] CERC Senior notes 4.40% due 2032 CERC Senior notes 4.40% due 2032 [Member] CERC Senior notes 4.40% due 2032 Total current expense (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Financed qualified costs Regulatory Asset, Financed Qualified Costs Regulatory Asset, Financed Qualified Costs Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Other Assets: Noncurrent Assets, Other Than Property Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets, Other Than Property Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Enable Midstream Partners Enable Midstream Partners [Member] Enable Midstream Partners, LP Share-Based Compensation, Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Activity [Table Text Block] Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Unamortized discount and premium, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Number of credit facilities Number Of Credit Facilities Number Of Credit Facilities Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Balance, beginning of year (in shares) Balance, end of year (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Goodwill 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Actual investment return Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Corporate service charges Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Mutual funds Equity Funds [Member] Income tax expense Total income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Retail electric sales Retail Electric Sales [Member] Retail Electric Sales [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas Cost of Goods and Services Sold Beginning balance Ending balance Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation TEEEF costs Emergency Generation Costs [Member] Emergency Generation Costs Indiana INDIANA Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Accumulated Depreciation & Amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Dividends, Distributions, Change [Domain] Dividends, Distributions, Change [Domain] Dividends, Distributions, Change 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 Estimated qualified costs Regulatory Asset, Estimated Qualified Costs Regulatory Matters, Estimated Qualified Costs Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Reimbursement of transition services Transition Services Agreement, Charges Transition Services Agreement, Charges 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] 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 Fair value of units received Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Lump sum cash payment for separation Payments for Postemployment Benefits Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Total Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Tax Expense Represents the increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from various reconciling items. Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] IGC and VEDO IGC and VEDO [Member] IGC and VEDO Cumulative 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] Current liabilities — other Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current 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) Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Other property Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Other Information Related to Leases [Abstract] Site Contingency Loss Exposure Site Contingency Loss Exposure Estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. Change in benefit obligation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease), Percent Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease), Percent Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Regulatory Asset, Type [Axis] Regulatory Asset, Type [Axis] Regulatory Asset, Type 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 (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic State valuation allowance, net of federal income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Board of Directors Chairman Board of Directors Chairman [Member] 2023 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One General Mortgage Bonds General Mortgage Bonds [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Common Collective Trust Funds Common Collective Trust Funds Member Consists of common collective trust funds invested in equities and fixed income securities. 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] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by 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. Remaining average contractual life of nonvested shares outstanding (in years) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Natural gas derivatives Energy Related Derivative [Member] Capital expenditures Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Contract Balances [Line Items] Contract Balances [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contract Balances [Table] Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Ash Pond Facility [Domain] Preferred stock, dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Other Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Other The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from other temporary differences not otherwise specified in the taxonomy that are not expected to be resolved within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Income allocated to preferred shareholders Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Percentage of investment in common stocks (in hundredths) Percentage Of Investment In Company Common Stock Percentage of investments held by the Savings Plan in the Entity's common stock. Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2023 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2023 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2023 Depreciation and amortization Total Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Energy Transfer Common Units Energy Transfer Common Units [Member] Energy Transfer Common Units VUH VUH [Member] VUH [Member] 2024 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two VUHI VUHI [Member] VUHI [Member] Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Income allocated to preferred shareholders Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement 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 Number of leases entered into Number Of Leases Commenced Number Of Leases Commenced 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 Repayments of Long-Term Debt Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Long-term Debt Long-Term Debt [Member] General mortgage bonds Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 [Member] Bonds General Mortgage Due Range 1 [Member] Total Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense General Mortgage Bonds 4.45% Due 2032 General Mortgage Bonds 4.45% Due 2032 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 4.45% Due 2032 Allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Recognition of beneficial conversion feature Non-Cash Transaction, Beneficial Conversion Feature Non-Cash Transaction, Beneficial Conversion Feature Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock issued upon conversion (in shares) Common Shares Issued Upon Conversion Common Shares Issued Upon Conversion 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 Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Interest expense and other finance charges Interest Expense Interest and Debt Expense Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value, Obligation To Return Cash Received As Collateral From Securities Lending Represents the fair value of an obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending Increase (decrease) in contract with customer, liability Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Gain (loss) on equity securities Loss (gain) on equity securities Gain (loss) on ZENS-related securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Regulatory liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Equity (CenterPoint Energy) Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Income (loss) from continuing operations 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 Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES Payments of Capital Distribution Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Plan assets, actual allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Income tax benefit recognized Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other long-term debt, net Other Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent 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 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Operation and maintenance agreements Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Operation and maintenance agreements [Member] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Tax CERC Senior Notes 6.10% due 2035 CERC Senior Notes 6.10% due 2035 [Member] CERC Senior Notes 6.10% due 2035 Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Indiana Electric Indiana Electric [Member] Operations of SIGECO 's electric transmission and distribution services , including power generation and wholesale power operations [Member] Non-trading derivative assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Schedule of Assumptions Used Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average interest rate Money Pool Investments Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of outstanding investments in money pool. Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table] Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Hurricane and February 2021 Winter Storm Event restoration costs Storm Costs [Member] Other Debt Other Debt [Member] Other Debt LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] U.S. treasuries and government agencies US Treasury Securities [Member] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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 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. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Number of states Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services Natural Gas and Coal Supply Natural Gas and Coal [Member] Natural Gas and Coal Accrued unbilled revenues, allowance for credit loss 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 Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Preferred Stock Dividends Stockholders' Equity Note, Redeemable Preferred Stock, Issue, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contribution from parent Contribution from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Percentage of property additions Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Pension And Postretirement Benefits And Share Based Payments Disclosure Text Block [Text Block] Description containing the entire pension and other postretirement benefits and share-based compensation disclosures as a single block of text. Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Retail gas sales Retail Gas Sales [Member] Represents revenue from retail gas sales Maximum contractual exposure under securities purchase agreement Discontinued Operation, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining Accrued unbilled revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Contract With Customer, Asset, Current Change in plan assets [Rollforward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Target allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Funding Status [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Funding Status [Axis] Cumulative preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Wholesale electric sales Wholesale Electric Sales [Member] Wholesale Electric Sales [Member] 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. Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Contract Liabilities Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] 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 Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Current debt Debt, Current Purchase Accounting Business Combinations and Other Purchase of Business Transactions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Settlement Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Settlement Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] IURC IURC [Member] IURC Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2025 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2025 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in April 2025 Minnesota Public Utility Commission Minnesota Public Utility Commission [Member] Minnesota Public Utility Commission 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. Transition bonds Bonds Transition Due Range 3 [Member] Bonds Transition Due Range 3 [Member] Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Preferred Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Non-utility revenues Unregulated Operating Revenue Preferred stock redemption price (per share) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Reduction in quarterly distribution (as a percent) Reduction in Quarterly Distribution, Percentage Reduction in Quarterly Distribution, Percentage Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Repayments of revolving credit facilities Repayments Of Revolving Lines Of Credit Repayments Of Revolving Lines Of Credit Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Basic 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] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Investment in equity securities Beginning balance Ending balance Marketable Securities, Current International equity International Developed Market Equity [Member] International Developed Market Equity [Member] Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Investment in equity securities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total other assets AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, excluding property, plant and equipment. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Before Preferred Stock Dividends Total comprehensive income before preferred stock dividend requirements. Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Posey Solar Posey Solar [Member] Posey Solar Proposed disallowance of regulatory asset Proposed Disallowance of Regulatory Asset Proposed Disallowance of Regulatory Asset Dividend to parent Dividends, Cash Finance lease right of use assets, gross Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Amortization Maximum limit of account balance in company stock (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Limit Of Account Balance In Company Stock, Percentage Represents the maximum percentage allowed of total account balance invested in company stock. Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - diluted Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Common Shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Common Shareholders Held for Sale and 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] Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 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): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Unrealized gains (loss) on equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) International government bonds Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] State law change, net of federal income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] 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 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. Other deferred interest Regulatory Asset, Other Deferred Debt Interest Regulatory Asset, Other Deferred Debt Interest Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of December 31, 2022 Unbilled Contracts Receivable Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term 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] Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Vested and released to participants (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Shares authorized for issuance under long-term incentive plans (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 [Member] CNP Senior Note 3.85% Due 2024 Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax expense of $-0-, $-0-, and $4, respectively) 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 Fair value of disposal group Fair Value Of Disposal Group Fair Value Of Disposal Group Benefits and compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits 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. Interest income from securitization bonds Interest Income From Securitization Bonds Interest Income From Securitization Bonds Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Transaction costs related to Enable Merger (Note 4) Payments For Merger Related Activities, Transaction Costs Payments For Merger Related Activities, Transaction Costs Maximum exposure amount Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Other Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) Other Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) [Member] Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Reconciliation of Expected Federal Income Tax Expense to Actual Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Audit Information [Abstract] Audit Information [Abstract] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2021 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2021 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in May 2021 MES MES [Member] MES State income tax expense, net of federal income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount 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. 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] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table] Amounts Deferred For Future Recovery Amounts Deferred For Future Recovery [Member] Amounts Deferred For Future Recovery Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Natural gas and coal inventory Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Current tax expense of cash taxes payable upon sale Current tax expense of cash taxes payable upon sale Current tax expense of cash taxes payable upon sale City Area Code City Area Code ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Auditor [Table] Auditor [Table] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Accounting Policies [Table] Total liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure 2023 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net Repayments of Short-Term Debt AT&T AT&T [Member] AT&T Total Regulatory Assets Total Regulatory Assets Regulatory Asset LIFO Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Cumulative preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Repayments of senior debt Repayments of Senior Debt Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Other Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings (losses), net before income taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 3.00% Due 2032 General Mortgage Bonds 3.00% Due 2032 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 3.00% Due 2032 Regulatory Matters Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Escrow deposit Escrow Deposit Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Not Earning A Return Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Not Earning A Return [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates, Not Earning A Return 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Benefit obligation, beginning of year Benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] 120 Days After Conclusion of Review or Appeal 120 Days After Conclusion of Review or Appeal [Member] 120 Days After Conclusion of Review or Appeal [Member] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Income tax reconciliation [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Outstanding obligations related to third party AMAs 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 Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Eatimated ongoing costs Regulatory Asset, Eatimated Ongoing Costs Regulatory Asset, Eatimated Ongoing Costs 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 Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Table Text Block] CenterPoint Energy senior notes 1.45% to 4.61% due 2024 to 2049 Senior Notes Due Range 1 [Member] Senior Notes Due Range 1 [Member] Current tax expense (benefit) of cash taxes payable upon sale Current tax expense (benefit) of cash taxes payable upon sale Current tax expense (benefit) recognized as a result of the cash taxes payable upon sale of business Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, excluding interest and penalties: Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] 2024 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two Proceeds from the issuance of convertible stock Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Regulatory liabilities related to TCJA Amounts related to TCJA [Member] Amounts related to TCJA [Member] Investments, including money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Long-Term Long-term Debt, Gross, Noncurrent Amount of long-term debt, noncurrent portion, before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Preferred stock dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Size of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Sales price of outstanding equity interests Sales price of outstanding equity interests Sales price of outstanding equity interests Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units [Member] Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units Total expense recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Amount Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before 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 Range [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Pension contributions Payment for Pension Benefits Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Proceeds from sale of equity securities, net of transaction costs Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] 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 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 (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Domestic Tax Authority Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, net Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Guarantees Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Other current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Net Income (Loss) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Utility revenues Regulated Operating Revenue Number of megawatts (in MW) Electric Generation Unit, Number Of Megawatts Electric Generation Unit, Number Of Megawatts Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Secured debt amount with asset liens Secured Debt System restoration bonds Bonds System Restoration Due Range 1 [Member] Bonds System Restoration Due Range 1 [Member] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Purchase obligation term Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Term Revisions in estimate Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Electric delivery Electric Delivery [Member] Represents revenues from electric transmission and distribution sales Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure AFUDC equity Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Cost of Equity Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Municipal bonds US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] 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] Decoupling Decoupling Costs [Member] Decoupling Costs Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [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, by Nature [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Regulated Operations [Abstract] Regulated Operations [Abstract] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC Houston Electric Houston Electric [Member] Houston Electric [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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. Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Public Utilities General Disclosures Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] 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 Expenses associated with long term lease Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Long Term Lease, Expense, Deferred Regulatory Asset Unrecognized prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Current portion of other long-term debt Other Long-Term Debt, Current Mortgage backed securities Mortgage-Backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] Natural gas derivatives Derivative Asset 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 6.625% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Enable Common Units Common Units [Member] Common Units [Member] Debt Component Of ZENS Debt Component Of ZENS [Member] Represents the bifurcated fixed rate debt component of the ZENS obligation Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of December 31, 2022 Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Accounts Receivable for Contracts with Customers Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Total recognized in comprehensive income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Public Utilities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Number of megawatts of mobile generation 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 coal ash ponds owned Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Number of Owned Coal Ash Ponds Conversion price (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Convertible, Conversion Price Amortization of securitized regulatory assets Amortization of Regulatory Asset Remaining weighted average period for which no return on investment during recovery period is provided Remaining Recovery Period of Regulatory Assets for which No Return on Investment During Recovery Period is Provided 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 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. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Benefit obligations Other liabilities — benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues VUHI PPNs VUHI PPNs [Member] VUHI PPNs Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Preferred stock dividends declared 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] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] 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 SIGECO SIGECO [Member] SIGECO [Member] Preferred stock converted to common stock (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares To Be Converted To Common Stock Preferred Stock, Shares To Be Converted To Common Stock Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Gas transportation and processing Gas Transportation and Processing [Member] Represents revenues from gas transportation and processing 2025 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Benefit obligations related to split-dollar life insurance arrangements Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Split Dollar Life Insurance This represents the noncurrent liability related to split-dollar life insurance arrangements within other non-qualified plans. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] 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. Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in excess of cumulative earnings Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Net deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Charge [Member] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Current Long-term Debt, Gross, Current Amount of long-term debt scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Decreases related to tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One 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] 2025 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Number Of Additional Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Number Of Additional Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Number Of Additional Plans Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Total grant date fair values of performance and stock awards which vested during the period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Grant Date Fair Value The total fair values as of grant dates pertaining to share-based award plans other than stock option plans for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date 2027 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five Pike Solar Pike Solar [Member] Pike Solar Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Dividends, Distributions, Change [Axis] Dividends, Distributions, Change [Axis] Dividends, Distributions, Change [Axis] Recovery of deferred costs sought Regulatory Asset, Asset Recovery Of Deferred Costs From Assessment Regulatory Asset, Asset Recovery Of Deferred Costs From Assessment Amortization of prior service cost 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 Auditor [Line Items] Auditor [Line Items] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Contract Balances [Table] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Debt instrument, unamortized premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Energy savings commitments not guaranteed Performance Awards Performance Shares [Member] Net liability, end of year Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Preferred stock liquidation preference (per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Proceeds from sale of units Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Securities Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Securities ZENS-Related Securities TW Securities [Member] Represents collectively TW Common, TWC Common, AOL Common and Time Common securities related to ZENS. Long-term debt, fair value Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest 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 SIGECO's share of cost of Warrick Unit 4 Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Gross Ownership Amount of Plant in Service Regulatory assets related to TCJA Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Costs [Member] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Costs Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] International equities International Equity [Member] International Equity [Member] Disallowance of regulatory asset Disallowance of Regulatory Asset Disallowance of Regulatory Asset Other non-qualified plans benefit obligations deferred compensation Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Anti-dilutive Incremental Shares Excluded from Denominator for Diluted Earnings (Loss) 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 Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Stock issued (in shares) Stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Other Tax Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] SIGECO first mortgage bonds SIGECO first mortgage bonds 0.875% to 6.72% due 2022 to 2055 [Member] SIGECO first mortgage bonds 0.875% to 6.72% due 2022 to 2055 Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Authorized trackers and cost deferrals Deferred Project Costs [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Issued In September 2022 General Mortgage Bonds Issued In September 2022 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Issued In September 2022 Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Catastrophic Event [Domain] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Total Regulatory Liabilities Total Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability The cash exchange amount from referenced shares per $1,000 face amount of individual notes Subordinated Note Cash Exchange Amount Per Each $1,000 Of Original Note The amount of cash each $1,000 original principal amount of ZENS can be exchanged for a the behest of the note holder. Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member] Goodwill Impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Cost of replacing inventories carried at LIFO cost less than carrying value Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] NYSE Chicago NYSE Chicago [Member] NYSE Chicago 2028-2032 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years Electric generation Electric Generation Equipment [Member] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] General Mortgage Bonds Issued In February 2022 General Mortgage Bonds Issued In February 2022 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds Issued In February 2022 Decrease in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) 2026 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Schedule of Segment Reporting [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Auditor Name Auditor Name Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards 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 Increases related to tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Principal payments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange [Member] New York Stock Exchange [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Other Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Other The cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to other temporary differences not otherwise specified in this taxonomy that are expected to reverse more than 12 months after the balance sheet date. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Future Amounts Recoverable From Ratepayers Future Amounts Recoverable From Ratepayers [Member] Future Amounts Recoverable From Ratepayers 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 Employees Subject To Collective Bargaining Agreements Employees Subject To Collective Bargaining Agreements [Member] Represents the employees subject to collective bargaining agreements. Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Stock Awards Stock Awards Member Stock awards within the entity's long-term stock incentive plan. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] Depreciation and amortization expense [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Benefit Obligation Benefit Obligation [Member] Represents the benefit obligation on the balance sheet. Total Revenues Operating 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 Total current regulatory assets Regulatory Asset, Current Income From Continuing Operations Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) RSUs 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 of intangible assets in Non-utility cost of revenues Amortization of Intangible Assets Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Goodwill by Reportable Segments 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] Transportation revenue Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Regulatory Liability, Amount Remaining Under Prudence Review Regulatory Liability, Amount Remaining Under Prudence Review Regulatory Liability, Amount Remaining Under Prudence Review Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Total shareholders’ equity Balance, beginning of year Balance, end of year Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred tax assets tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Deferred Tax Assets, Investment in Subsidiaries Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 12) Dividends, Common Stock 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 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 Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Collective-Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] 2027 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five Dividend to parent Payments of Dividends Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three Total lease cost Lease, Cost Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Debt, accrued and unpaid interest Debt, Accrued and Unpaid Interest Debt, Accrued and Unpaid Interest Additional debt issuable Additional Debt Issuable Additional Debt Issuable Lease, Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring June 2022, Additional Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring June 2022, Additional [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring June 2022, Additional Regulatory Liability [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Revenues Revenue [Policy Text Block] Technology Hardware and Software Technology Hardware and Software [Member] Technology Hardware and Software Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Vested and released to participants (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Gain on Enable Merger Gain on Enable Merger Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Investment in ZENS and equity securities related to ZENS Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Number of beneficiaries Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Modification, Number Of Beneficiaries Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Modification, Number Of Beneficiaries Non-current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Depositary Shares Depositary Share [Member] Each depositary Share represents 1/20th share of Series B Preferred Stock. Energy Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group [Member] Energy Services Disposal Group Adjustment to pension and other postemployment plans (net of tax expense of $2, $7 and $-0-, respectively) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Right to terminate, lease costs refunded (as a percent) Lease, Right To Terminate, Percentage Of Prepaid Lease Costs Refunded Lease, Right To Terminate, Percentage Of Prepaid Lease Costs Refunded Defined contribution plan cost Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Range [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Conversion rate per share (in shares) Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] 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 Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Annuity purchase Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Annuity Purchase On Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Annuity Purchase On Plan Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Annual Distribution Rate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Annual Distribution Rate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Annual Distribution Rate Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] SIGECO's share of accumulated depreciation of Warrick Unit 4 Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Ownership Amount of Plant Accumulated Depreciation Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [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] Loss on classification to held for sale, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges 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] Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares) Nonvested, end of period (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number 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 Nonoperating Income (Expense) COVID-19 incremental costs COVID-19 Incremental Costs [Member] COVID-19 Incremental Costs Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Pension benefits that have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Operating Lease, Lease Income Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Operating ROU assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash received as collateral from securities lending Cash Received As Collateral Member The fair value of cash collateral received against securities loaned to borrowers. Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member] Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member] Auditor Firm ID Auditor Firm ID Document Transition Report Document Transition Report 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Domain] Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Domain] [Domain] for Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Axis] Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss from reclassification to held for sale Loss from reclassification to held for sale Loss from reclassification to held for sale Expected restoration costs Restoration Cost Expected Cost The minimum amount of estimated restoration cost in a calendar year in order for a temporary increase in debt to EBITDA covenant Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment [Abstract] Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity [Abstract] Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity [Abstract] Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Estimated financial impact Regulatory Asset, Lease Assessment, Estimated Financial Impact Regulatory Asset, Lease Assessment, Estimated Financial Impact Contingent principal amount Long Term Debt, Contingent Principal Amount Long Term Debt, Contingent Principal Amount Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations Income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block] Amortization of net loss 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 Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt 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] Preferred equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Preferred Stock Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Preferred Stock Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Interest crediting rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Aggregate intrinsic value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Nonvested Cumulative 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 Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from Short-Term Debt Statements of Consolidated Income Income Statement [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Additional Paid-in-Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus 2% interest paid Interest Paid Debt Component Indexed Debt Securities The amount of stated interest paid during the current period for interest owed on debt component of ZENS. Earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Cash dividends paid to parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Payment Of Dividends To Parent Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement [Axis] Build Transfer Agreement Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent General Mortgage Bonds 4.85% Due 2052 General Mortgage Bonds 4.85% Due 2052 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 4.85% Due 2052 Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table Text Block] Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI CenterPoint Energy, Utility Holding and Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric [Member] CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric Common stock, dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Total current regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Current Carrying amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Utility Holding, LLC Utility Holding, LLC [Member] Utility Holding, LLC Granted (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair Value, Assets 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 Non-utility cost of revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Cumulative 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] Receivable from sale of disposal group Receivable from sale of disposal group Receivable from sale of disposal group Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Axis] Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Axis] Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period [Axis] Balance of investment owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Money pool investments (borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Money Pool Investments (Borrowings) Bonds Pollution Control Due Bonds Pollution Control Due Range 1 [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due Range 1 [Member] 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 (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders Net income attributable to Enable Common Units Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Other Income (Expense) Other Income [Member] Interest and AFUDC debt Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Current liabilities held for sale Total current liabilities held for sale Current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedge, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] 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 basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cost recovery riders Cost Recovery Riders [Member] Cost Recovery Riders Adjustment to basis spread (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Adjustment Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Adjustment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Principal amount of debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Solar array generating capacity (in Megawatts) Solar Array Generating Capacity Solar Array Generating Capacity Equity method investment, fair value Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Corporate and Other Corporate and Other [Member] Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Unrecognized equity return Regulatory Assets, Unrecognized Equity Return Regulatory Assets, Unrecognized Equity Return Financial Data for Business Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Asset retirement obligations & other Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] 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 Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current F.B. Culley F.B. Culley [Member] F.B. Culley Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs Property, plant and equipment from parent Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Bond Companies Bond Companies [Member] Bond Companies [Member] Qualified Plan Qualified Plan [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Environmental Costs Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Federal statutory income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Interest income (expense), net Interest Income (Expense) Net, Related Party Net interest income (expense) related to affiliate investments or borrowings Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] A table of assets and liabilities that are created when regulatory agencies permit public utilities to defer certain costs and the recognition of certain revenues that are included in rate-setting to the balance sheet. Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Remeasurement due to Settlement Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Other Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans [Table Text Block] Other Benefit Plans [Table Text Block] Natural gas inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Natural Gas Inventory, Current Discount rate period Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Annualized Individual Rate, Period Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Annualized Individual Rate, Period Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Expected Return (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Property, Plant and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] Regulatory Asset, Type [Domain] LIFO Inventory Amount LIFO Inventory Amount Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Inventory Financing Inventory Financing [Member] Inventory Financing Regulatory assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Long-term debt Long-Term Debt Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in December 2025 Forfeited or cancelled (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Depositary share par value (in dollars per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] 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 Revenues by Products and Services Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Charter Common Charter Common [Member] Charter Common [Member] Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses [Member] Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash contribution from parent Contribution From Parent Contribution From Parent Total current assets Assets, Current Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Indiana Electric Integrated Indiana Electric Integrated [Member] Segment information for the Indiana Electric Integrated reportable segment which consists of electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations Income tax payments (refunds), net Income Taxes Paid, Net MISO Transactions MISO Transactions [Policy Text Block] With the IURC's approval, the Company is a member of the MISO, a FERC approved regional transmission organization. The MISO serves the electrical transmission needs of much of the Midwest and maintains operational control over the Company's electric transmission facilities as well as that of other Midwest utilities. MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on a net hourly position. Net Purchases are recorded in Cost of Fuel and Purchased Power, and net sales are recorded in Electric Utility Revenues. Any revenues received from MISO for transactions not specifically assigned to a unit of power, such as use of the transmission system or other administrative amounts, are reflected in Electric Utility revenues. Any expenses incurred within the MISO market by the Company that are not specifically identified with a unit of power purchased, such as socialized administrative costs, are treated as Other Operating expense. 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] Stub cash dividend (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 Accretion of debt component of ZENS Accretion Of Debt Component Indexed Debt Securities The amount of annual balance buildup of the debt portion of indexed debt securities up to the contingent principal amount on debt component of ZENS. Expected timing of satisfaction, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Net deferred tax liabilities on sale recognized as deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Regulatory liabilities Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Asset Retirement Obligation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance and stock awards Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Funding Status [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Funding Status [Domain] Summary of changes in shares outstanding under all long-term incentive plans [Rollforward] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Natural gas distribution Gas Distribution Equipment [Member] 2026 Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2023 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2023 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring December 2023 Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Public Utility Commission of Texas Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, and $-0-, respectively) OCI, Equity Method Investment, after Tax Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Finance lease right of use assets, accumulated amortization Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Operation and maintenance Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance, Operations, and Other Costs and Expenses Defined benefits plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding investments measured at net asset value Defined Benefits Plan, Fair Value Of Plan Assets, Excluding Investments Measured at Net Asset Value Fair value of assets that have been segregated and restricted to provide pension or postretirement benefits, excluding investments measured at net asset value per share or its equivalent. Total Costs and Expenses Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-Term Debt, Noncurrent Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature Amortization of Beneficial Conversion feature of Series C Preferred Stock Issuance related to benefit and investment plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds Due 2033 [Member] 6.95% General Mortgage Bonds Due 2033 [Member] Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Total leased liabilities Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability 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] Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in July 2022 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in July 2022 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in July 2022 Fixed income Fixed Income Funds [Member] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Labor Force Concentration Risk Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Total lease payments to be received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Loss and credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Other Tax Carryforwards Benefit obligations Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 5.60% Due 2023 General Mortgage Bonds 5.60% Due 2023 [Member] General Mortgage Bonds 5.60% Due 2023 Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Securitized regulatory assets Securitized Regulatory Assets [Member] Securitized Regulatory Assets Amount accrued for remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies 2026 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Auditor Location Auditor Location Write off of deferred debt issuance cost 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 Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Federal Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Savings Plan [Abstract] Savings Plan Abstract Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] LTIP compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)  Commitments and Contingencies Transition services receivables Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Transition Services Agreement, Accounts Receivable Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Incremental uncollectible receivables, regulatory asset Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Capitalization of Interest and AFUDC Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current assets held for sale Total current assets held for sale Current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Accrued penalties and interest not included Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Transaction costs related to the Enable Merger Payments for Merger Related Costs Revised Dividend or Distribution Revised Dividend or Distribution [Member] Revised Dividend or Distribution [Member] Revenue from contracts Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Electric transmission and distribution Electric Transmission and Distribution Equipment [Member] Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) 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 Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Fair value of goodwill Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Asset backed securities Asset-Backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] Other Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Extraordinary gas costs Extraordinary Gas Costs [Member] Extraordinary Gas Costs Goodwill impairment Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss 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] Asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations 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 Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in contract with customer, asset Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Annual revenue increase from lease agreements Regulatory Asset, Lease, Annual Revenue Increase Regulatory Asset, Lease, Annual Revenue Increase Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Decrease in benefit obligation from transfer Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Other Change Forecast Forecast [Member] Non-trading derivative assets Derivative Asset, Current Long term Debt Excluding ZENS Long term Debt Excluding ZENS [Member] Represents balances related to long-term debt excluding ZENS Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] 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. Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] Build Transfer Agreement [Domain] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Unamortized loss on reacquired debt and hedging Loss on Reacquired Debt [Member] Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Unrecognized equity return Unrecognized Equity Return Costs [Member] Unrecognized Equity Return Costs Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Net operating loss carryback Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities ROU Asset Obtained In Exchange for Operating Lease Liability, Including Transition Impact of ASC 842 Adoption ROU Asset Obtained In Exchange for Operating Lease Liability, Including Transition Impact of ASC 842 Adoption Estimated project costs Estimated Project Costs Estimated Project Costs Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Lease Disclosure [Table] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Preferred stock redemption percentage liquidation value Preferred Stock Redemption Percentage of Liquidation Value The percentage of the liquidation value per share of preferred stock of an entity that has priority over common stock in the distribution of dividends and in the event of liquidation of the entity is redeemed or may be called at. Accrued penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued CERC Term Loan due 2023 CERC Term Loan due 2023 [Member] CERC Term Loan due 2023 Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates OCI, Equity Method Investment, before Tax Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Income (loss) available to common shareholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Performance period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Enable partners’ equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Stockholders' Equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Stockholders' Equity Contribution from parent Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Increase From Noncash Contribution From Parent Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Increase From Noncash Contribution From Parent Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract] 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Balance, beginning of year Balance, end of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. 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. 2028 and beyond Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity 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] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in October 2021 WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinOctober2021 [Member] WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinOctober2021 [Member] Other amortization Amortization Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates [Member] Amounts Currently Recovered In Customer Rates Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Table] 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. Real estate Real Estate Funds [Member] Number of Common stock held by the savings plan (in shares) Number Of Shares In Common Stock Held By Savings Plan The number of shares of the entity's common stock held by the savings plan Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of December 31, 2022 Contract with Customer, Liability Long-term Debt, net: Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Abstract] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2022 WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinJune2022 [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring in June 2022 Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Equity Method and Investments Without a Readily Determinable Fair Value (CenterPoint Energy) Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Other Tax Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from: Change In Tax Expense Abstract Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Domain] Purchase Obligations Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] 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. Cost to sell Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Funded status, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan 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 Other Noncurrent Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] 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 Depreciation and amortization Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Depreciation And Amortization The amount of the depreciation and amortization reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Postemployment benefit obligations Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Estimated removal costs Removal Costs [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross CERC Term Loan Due 2024 CERC Term Loan Due 2024 [Member] CERC Term Loan Due 2024 Vectren Vectren [Member] Vectren [Member] Investment grade or above Corporate Debt Securities Investment Grade Or Above Member This category includes information about debt securities with an investment grade or higher rating issued by a corporate entity with a promise of repayment. Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Opening balance as of December 31, 2021 Closing balance as of December 31, 2022 Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective-Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Previous Dividend or Distribution Previous Dividend or Distribution [Member] Previous Dividend or Distribution [Member] Property plant and equipment and finance lease assets, gross Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Dividends accrued Dividends Payable, Current Participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant VUHI Senior Notes Senior Notes Due Range 2 [Member] Senior Notes Due Range 2 [Member] 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 Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] 2027 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation 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. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Distribution to ZENS holders Distribution To ZENS Holders This represents a distribution of cash to ZENS holders during the period in accordance with the terms of the ZENS. Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing [Member] Customer Rate Relief Bond Financing 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. Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Expected federal income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Accounts payable - affiliated companies Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies Due to Related Parties, Current Gain (Loss) on Securities Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Performance and Stock Awards Performance and Stock Awards [Member] Performance and Stock Awards [Member] Benefit expense related to deferred compensation plans Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Operating income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income (Loss) The amount of operating income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Non-utility cost of revenues Cost of Sales [Member] Taxes other than income taxes Taxes, Miscellaneous 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) Senior Notes and Term Loan Senior Notes and Term Loan [Member] Senior Notes and Term Loan Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] Non-trading derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]