CenterPoint Energy (CNP) 10-Q 5 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Supplementa

Document and Entity Supplemental Information Document - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,130,310
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		430,964,722
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 10,273,144,728

Condensed Statements of Consoli

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Utility revenues	$ 1,546	$ 1,548
Non-utility revenues	1,189	436
Total	2,735	1,984
Expenses:
Utility natural gas	450	438
Non-utility natural gas	1,129	414
Operation and maintenance	560	521
Depreciation and amortization	226	260
Taxes other than income taxes	96	101
Total	2,461	1,734
Operating Income	274	250
Other Income (Expense):
Gain (loss) on marketable securities	44	90
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities	(10)	(56)
Interest and other finance charges	(78)	(87)
Interest on securitization bonds	(20)	(24)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net	72	60
Other, net	17	7
Total	25	(10)
Income Before Income Taxes	299	240
Income tax expense	107	86
Net Income	$ 192	$ 154
Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.45	$ 0.36
Diluted Earnings Per Share	0.44	0.36
Dividends Declared Per Share	$ 0.2675	$ 0.2575
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Basic	430,794,000	430,407,000
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted	433,348,000	432,594,000

Condensed Statements of Consol3

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 192	$ 154
Other comprehensive income:
Adjustment related to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1 and $1)	1	1
Net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0- and $-0-)	(1)	0
Total	0	1
Comprehensive income	$ 192	$ 155

Condensed Statements of Consol4

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax benefit (expense) on adjustment related to pension and postretirement plans	$ (1)	$ (1)
Tax expense on net deferred gain from cash flow hedges	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($240 and $340 related to VIEs, respectively)	$ 254	$ 341
Investment in marketable securities	997	953
Accounts receivable ($44 and $52 related to VIEs, respectively), less bad debt reserve of $20 and $15, respectively	840	740
Accrued unbilled revenues	227	335
Natural gas inventory	138	131
Materials and supplies	178	181
Non-trading derivative assets	64	51
Taxes receivable	14	30
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($35 and $40 related to VIEs, respectively)	184	161
Total current assets	2,896	2,923
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	18,070	17,831
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,618	5,524
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,452	12,307
Other Assets:
Goodwill	867	862
Regulatory assets ($1,863 and $1,919 related to VIEs, respectively)	2,601	2,677
Non-trading derivative assets	46	19
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	2,502	2,505
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate	363	363
Other	204	173
Total other assets	6,583	6,599
Total Assets	21,931	21,829
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	0	35
Current portion of VIE securitization bonds long-term debt	421	411
Indexed debt, net	116	114
Current portion of other long-term debt	250	500
Indexed debt securities derivative	727	717
Accounts payable	634	657
Taxes accrued	108	172
Interest accrued	90	108
Non-trading derivative liabilities	29	41
Other	267	325
Total current liabilities	2,642	3,080
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	5,351	5,263
Non-trading derivative liabilities	8	5
Benefit obligations	916	913
Regulatory liabilities	1,298	1,298
Other	287	278
Total other liabilities	7,860	7,757
Long-term Debt:
VIE securitization bonds, net	1,702	1,867
Other long-term debt, net	6,190	5,665
Total long-term debt, net	7,892	7,532
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 430,958,032 shares and 430,682,504 shares outstanding, respectively	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	4,195	4,195
Accumulated deficit	(591)	(668)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(71)	(71)
Total shareholders’ equity	3,537	3,460
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 21,931	$ 21,829

Condensed Consolidated Balance6

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 254	$ 341
Bad debt reserve	20	15
Accounts receivable, net	840	740
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	184	161
Regulatory assets	$ 2,601	$ 2,677
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	430,958,032	430,682,504
Cumulative preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Cumulative preferred stock authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Cumulative preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 240	$ 340
Accounts receivable, net	44	52
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35	40
Regulatory assets	$ 1,863	$ 1,919

Condensed Statements of Consol7

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 192	$ 154
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	226	260
Amortization of deferred financing costs	6	6
Deferred income taxes	85	65
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	(44)	(90)
Loss on indexed debt securities	10	56
Write-down of natural gas inventory	0	1
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net of distributions	(72)	(60)
Pension contributions	(2)	(3)
Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	114	67
Inventory	74	112
Taxes receivable	16	169
Accounts payable	(122)	(82)
Fuel cost recovery	(6)	(3)
Non-trading derivatives, net	(32)	8
Margin deposits, net	(46)	27
Interest and taxes accrued	(82)	(66)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	15	2
Other current assets	(3)	2
Other current liabilities	(27)	(2)
Other assets	(4)	0
Other liabilities	15	8
Other, net	6	6
Net cash provided by operating activities	319	637
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(312)	(332)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(132)	0
Decrease in notes receivable – unconsolidated affiliate	0	363
Investment in preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate	0	(363)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings	74	74
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash of Bond Companies	4	(4)
Other, net	(4)	(7)
Net cash used in investing activities	(370)	(269)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Decrease in short-term borrowings, net	(35)	(40)
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net	227	(111)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net	298	0
Payments of long-term debt	(405)	(147)
Debt issuance costs	(2)	(4)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(115)	(110)
Other, net	(4)	(2)
Net cash used in financing activities	(36)	(414)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(87)	(46)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	341	264
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	254	218
Cash Payments/Receipts:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	112	113
Income tax refunds, net	(2)	(158)
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures	$ 73	$ 72

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Background and Basis of Presentation General. Included in this Form 10-Q are the Interim Condensed Financial Statements of CenterPoint Energy. The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the 2016 Form 10-K. Background. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy’s operating subsidiaries own and operate electric transmission and distribution and natural gas distribution facilities, supply natural gas to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities and own interests in Enable as described below. CenterPoint Energy’s indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries include: • Houston Electric, which engages in the electric transmission and distribution business in the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston; • CERC Corp., which owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states; and • CES, which obtains and offers competitive variable and fixed-price physical natural gas supplies and services primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities in 33 states. As of March 31, 2017 , CenterPoint Energy also owned an aggregate of 14,520,000 Series A Preferred Units in Enable, which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets, and CERC Corp. owned approximately 54.1% of the common and subordinated units representing limited partner interests in Enable. As of March 31, 2017 , CenterPoint Energy had VIEs consisting of the Bond Companies, which it consolidates. The consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed specifically for the purpose of securitizing transition and system restoration-related property. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the Bond Companies. The bonds issued by these VIEs are payable only from and secured by transition and system restoration property, and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy. Basis of Presentation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. CenterPoint Energy’s Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests. For a description of CenterPoint Energy’s reportable business segments, see Note 15 .

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method to be measured at fair value and to recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception. It does not change the guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-01 also changes certain disclosure requirements and other aspects related to recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. As of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted, a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings will be made, with two features that will be adopted prospectively. CenterPoint Energy does not believe this standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 provides a comprehensive new lease model that requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases and would change certain aspects of lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective adoption approach is required. CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). The new guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. CenterPoint Energy adopted this standard as of January 1, 2017. The adoption did not have a material impact on CenterPoint Energy’s financial position or results of operations. However, CenterPoint Energy’s statement of cash flows reflects a decrease in financing activity and a corresponding increase in operating activity of $4 million and $3 million as of March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively, due to the retrospective application of the requirement that cash paid to a tax authority when shares are withheld to satisfy statutory income tax withholding obligations should be presented as a financing rather than as an operating activity. In 2016, the FASB issued ASUs which amended ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09, as amended, provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Early adoption is permitted, and entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective adoption approach. CenterPoint Energy is currently evaluating its revenue streams under these ASUs and has not yet identified any significant changes as the result of these new standards. A substantial amount of CenterPoint Energy’s revenues are tariff and derivative based, which we do not anticipate will be significantly impacted by these ASUs. CenterPoint Energy expects to adopt these ASUs on January 1, 2018 and is evaluating the method of adoption. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 provides clarifying guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows and eliminates the variation in practice related to such classifications. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. A retrospective adoption approach is required. CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its statement of cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 , Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. As a result, the statement of cash flows will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. A retrospective adoption approach is required. CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its statement of cash flows and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01). ASU 2017-01 revises the definition of a business. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then under ASU 2017-01, the asset or group of assets is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs to be more closely aligned with how outputs are described in ASC 606. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted in certain circumstances. A prospective adoption approach is required. ASU 2017-01 could have a potential impact on CenterPoint Energy’s accounting for future acquisitions. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A prospective adoption approach is required. ASU 2017-04 will have an impact on CenterPoint Energy’s future calculation of goodwill impairments if an impairment is identified. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies when and how to apply ASC 610-20 Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets , which was issued as part of ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2017-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Companies can elect a retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adoption. CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 requires an employer to report the service cost component of the net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost in the same line item(s) as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period; all other components will be presented separately from the line item(s) that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2017-07 should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component. CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. Management believes that other recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

Acquisition

Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition [Text Block]	Acquisition On January 3, 2017, CES, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, closed the previously announced agreement to acquire AEM. After working capital adjustments, the final purchase price was $147 million and was allocated to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation and the fair value amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition: (in millions) Total purchase price consideration $ 147 Cash $ 15 Receivables 140 Natural gas inventory 78 Derivative assets 35 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5 Property and equipment 8 Identifiable intangibles 25 Total assets acquired 306 Accounts payable 113 Derivative liabilities 43 Other current liabilities 7 Other liabilities 1 Total liabilities assumed 164 Identifiable net assets acquired 142 Goodwill 5 Net assets acquired $ 147 The goodwill of $5 million resulting from the acquisition reflects the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the complementary operational and geographic footprints, scale and expanded capabilities provided by the acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets were recorded at estimated fair value as determined by management based on available information, which includes a preliminary valuation prepared by an independent third party. The significant assumptions used in arriving at the estimated identifiable intangible asset values included management’s estimates of future cash flows, the discount rate which is based on the weighted average cost of capital for comparable publicly traded guideline companies and projected customer attrition rates. The useful lives for the identifiable intangible assets were determined using methods that approximate the pattern of economic benefit provided by the utilization of the assets. The estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and related useful lives as included in the final purchase price allocation include: Estimate Fair Value Estimate Useful Life (in millions) (in years) Customer relationships $ 25 15 Amortization expense related to the above identifiable intangible assets was less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Revenues of approximately $359 million and operating income of approximately $17 million attributable to the acquisition are included in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of CenterPoint Energy, assuming the AEM acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2016. Adjustments to pro forma net income include intercompany sales, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of fixed assets, interest expense associated with debt financing to fund the acquisition, and related income tax effects. The pro forma information does not include the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated purchases and sales at index prices. The effective portion of these hedges are excluded from earnings and reported as changes in Other Comprehensive Income. Additionally, the pro forma information does not include the mark-to-market impact of physical forward transactions that were previously accounted for as normal purchase and sale transactions. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the dates indicated or the future consolidated results of operations of the combined company. Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Operating Revenue $ 2,735 $ 2,244 Net Income 192 153

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Employee Benefit Plans CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement (in millions) Service cost $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ 1 Interest cost 22 4 23 4 Expected return on plan assets (24 ) (1 ) (25 ) (2 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 2 (1 ) 2 — Amortization of net loss 14 — 16 — Net periodic cost (1) $ 23 $ 2 $ 25 $ 3 (1) Net periodic cost in this table is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes. CenterPoint Energy’s changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Pension and Postretirement Plans (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (72 ) $ (65 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial losses (1) 2 2 Tax expense (1 ) (1 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 1 1 Ending Balance $ (71 ) $ (64 ) (1) This accumulated other comprehensive component is included in the computation of net periodic cost. CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a minimum of approximately $46 million to its pension plans in 2017 , of which approximately $2 million was contributed during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a total of approximately $16 million to its postretirement benefit plan in 2017 , of which approximately $4 million was contributed during the three months ended March 31, 2017 .

Regulatory Accounting

Regulatory Accounting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Regulatory Accounting [Text Block]	Regulatory Accounting As of March 31, 2017 , Houston Electric has not recognized an allowed equity return of $322 million because such return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , Houston Electric recognized approximately $7 million and $13 million , respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments [Text Block]	Derivative Instruments CenterPoint Energy is exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. CenterPoint Energy utilizes derivative instruments such as physical forward contracts, swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices, weather and interest rates on its operating results and cash flows. Such derivatives are recognized in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value unless CenterPoint Energy elects the normal purchase and sales exemption for qualified physical transactions. A derivative may be designated as a normal purchase or sale if the intent is to physically receive or deliver the product for use or sale in the normal course of business. CenterPoint Energy has a Risk Oversight Committee composed of corporate and business segment officers that oversees commodity price, weather and credit risk activities, including CenterPoint Energy’s marketing, risk management services and hedging activities. The committee’s duties are to establish CenterPoint Energy’s commodity risk policies, allocate board-approved commercial risk limits, approve the use of new products and commodities, monitor positions and ensure compliance with CenterPoint Energy’s risk management policies, procedures and limits established by CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors. CenterPoint Energy’s policies prohibit the use of leveraged financial instruments. A leveraged financial instrument, for this purpose, is a transaction involving a derivative whose financial impact will be based on an amount other than the notional amount or volume of the instrument. (a) Non-Trading Activities Derivative Instruments. CenterPoint Energy enters into certain derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of commodity price movements. Certain financial instruments used to hedge portions of the natural gas inventory of the Energy Services business segment are designated as fair value hedges for accounting purposes. All other financial instruments do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges. Weather Hedges. CenterPoint Energy has weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that mitigate the impact of weather on NGD in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Oklahoma. NGD and electric operations in Texas do not have such mechanisms, although fixed customer charges are historically higher in Texas for NGD compared to CenterPoint Energy’s other jurisdictions. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a positive or negative effect on NGD’s results in Texas and on Houston Electric’s results in its service territory. CenterPoint Energy entered into weather hedges for the Houston Electric service territory to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather on its results of operations and cash flows, which contained bilateral dollar caps of $7 million and $9 million for the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 winter seasons, respectively. The swaps are based on cooling degree days and heating degree days at 10 -year normal weather. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , CenterPoint Energy recognized gains of $1 million and $3 million , respectively, related to these swaps. Weather hedge gains and losses are included in revenues in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Hedging of Interest Expense for Future Debt Issuances. In January 2017, Houston Electric entered into forward interest rate agreements with several counterparties, having an aggregate notional amount of $150 million . These agreements were executed to hedge, in part, volatility in the 10-year U.S. treasury rate by reducing Houston Electric’s exposure to variability in cash flows related to interest payments of Houston Electric’s $300 million issuance of fixed rate debt in January 2017. These forward interest rate agreements were designated as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of realized losses associated with the agreements, which totaled approximately $0.5 million , is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in 2017 and will be amortized over the life of the bonds. In March and April 2017, CenterPoint Energy entered into forward interest rate agreements with several counterparties, having an aggregate notional amount of $250 million . These agreements were executed to hedge, in part, volatility in the 5-year U.S. treasury rate by reducing CenterPoint Energy’s exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a forecasted issuance of fixed rate debt in 2017. These forward interest rate agreements were designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31, 2017, an approximately $1 million current non-trading derivative liability was recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to these agreements. Accordingly, the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses associated with the forward interest rate agreements will be recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion will be recorded in income. (b) Derivative Fair Values and Income Statement Impacts The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first four tables provide a balance sheet overview of CenterPoint Energy’s Derivative Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Fair Value of Derivative Instruments March 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities $ 1 $ 5 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 78 15 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 46 — Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 33 58 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 10 28 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 727 Total $ 168 $ 833 (1) The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,905 Bcf or a net 114 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 186 Bcf long position. (2) Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $74 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $12 million . (3) Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities March 31, 2017 Gross Amounts Recognized (1) Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2) (in millions) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 112 $ (48 ) $ 64 Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 56 (10 ) 46 Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (78 ) 50 (28 ) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (28 ) 20 (8 ) Total $ 62 $ 12 $ 74 (1) Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements. (2) The derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments December 31, 2016 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 79 $ 14 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 24 5 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 2 43 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities — 5 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 717 Total (4) $ 105 $ 784 (1) The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,035 Bcf or a net 59 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 126 Bcf long position. (2) Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $24 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $14 million . (3) Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. (4) No derivatives were designated as fair value hedges as of December 31, 2016. Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Recognized (1) Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2) (in millions) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 81 $ (30 ) $ 51 Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 24 (5 ) 19 Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (57 ) 16 (41 ) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (10 ) 5 (5 ) Total $ 38 $ (14 ) $ 24 (1) Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements. (2) The derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on natural gas derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as revenue for retail sales derivative contracts and as natural gas expense for financial natural gas derivatives and non-retail related physical natural gas derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on indexed debt securities are recorded as Other Income (Expense) in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Hedge ineffectiveness is recorded as a component of natural gas expense and primarily results from differences in the location of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. Basis ineffectiveness arises from natural gas market price differences between the locations of the hedged inventory and the delivery location specified in the hedge instruments. The impact of natural gas derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the related hedged item, and natural gas derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are presented in the table below. Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Three Months Ended March 31, Income Statement Location 2017 2016 (in millions) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas $ 3 $ — Fair value adjustments for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas (4 ) — Total increase in Expenses: Natural Gas (1) $ (1 ) $ — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Revenues $ 96 $ 20 Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas (67 ) (11 ) Indexed debt securities derivative Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) (10 ) (56 ) Total - derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 19 $ (47 ) (1) Hedge ineffectiveness results from the basis ineffectiveness discussed above, and excludes the impact to natural gas expense from timing ineffectiveness. Timing ineffectiveness arises due to changes in the difference between the spot price and the futures price, as well as the difference between the timing of the settlement of the futures and the valuation of the underlying physical commodity. As the commodity contract nears the settlement date, spot-to-forward price differences should converge, which should reduce or eliminate the impact of this ineffectiveness on natural gas expense. (c) Credit Risk Contingent Features CenterPoint Energy enters into financial derivative contracts containing material adverse change provisions. These provisions could require CenterPoint Energy to post additional collateral if the S&P or Moody’s credit ratings of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. or its subsidiaries are downgraded. The total fair value of the derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features that are in a net liability position as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $2 million and $1 million , respectively. CenterPoint Energy posted no assets as collateral towards derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features as of either March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . If all derivative contracts (in a net liability position) containing credit risk contingent features were triggered as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $1 million and $-0- , respectively, of additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows: Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are exchange-traded derivatives and equity securities, as well as natural gas inventory that has been designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge. Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. A market approach is utilized to value CenterPoint Energy’s Level 2 assets or liabilities. Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect CenterPoint Energy’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. CenterPoint Energy develops these inputs based on the best information available, including CenterPoint Energy’s own data. A market approach is utilized to value CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 assets or liabilities. As of March 31, 2017 , CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 assets and liabilities are comprised of physical forward contracts and options and its indexed debt securities. Level 3 physical forward contracts are valued using a discounted cash flow model which includes illiquid forward price curve locations (ranging from $1.90 to $6.05 per MMBtu) as an unobservable input. Level 3 options are valued through Black-Scholes (including forward start) option models which include option volatilities (all zero volatility options as of March 31, 2017 ) as an unobservable input. CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 physical forward contracts and options derivative assets and liabilities consist of both long and short positions (forwards and options) and their fair value is sensitive to forward prices and volatilities. If forward prices decrease, CenterPoint Energy’s long forwards lose value whereas its short forwards gain in value. If volatility decreases, CenterPoint Energy’s long options lose value whereas its short options gain in value. CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 indexed debt securities are valued using a Black-Scholes option model and a discounted cash flow model, which use option volatility ( 16% ) and a projected dividend growth rate ( 7% ) as unobservable inputs. An increase in either volatilities or projected dividends will increase the value of the indexed debt securities, and a decrease in either the volatilities or projected dividends will decrease the value of the indexed debt securities. CenterPoint Energy determines the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis and recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2. CenterPoint Energy also recognizes purchases of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at their fair market value at the end of the reporting period. The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by CenterPoint Energy to determine such fair value. March 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting Adjustments (1) Balance (in millions) Assets Corporate equities $ 1,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,000 Investments, including money market funds (2) 71 — — — 71 Natural gas derivatives (3) — 129 39 (58 ) 110 Hedged portion of natural gas inventory 86 — — — 86 Total assets $ 1,157 $ 129 $ 39 $ (58 ) $ 1,267 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ — $ 727 $ — $ 727 Natural gas derivatives (3) — 94 12 (70 ) 36 Total liabilities $ — $ 94 $ 739 $ (70 ) $ 763 (1) Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $12 million posted with the same counterparties. (2) Amounts are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) Natural gas derivatives include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting Adjustments (1) Balance (in millions) Assets Corporate equities $ 956 $ — $ — $ — $ 956 Investments, including money market funds (2) 77 — — — 77 Natural gas derivatives (3) 11 74 20 (35 ) 70 Total assets $ 1,044 $ 74 $ 20 $ (35 ) $ 1,103 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ — $ 717 $ — $ 717 Natural gas derivatives (3) 4 56 7 (21 ) 46 Total liabilities $ 4 $ 56 $ 724 $ (21 ) $ 763 (1) Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $14 million held by CES from the same counterparties. (2) Amounts are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) Natural gas derivatives include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which CenterPoint Energy has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Derivative assets and liabilities, net Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Beginning balance $ (704 ) $ 12 Purchases (1) — — Total gains 6 4 Total settlements (4 ) (5 ) Transfers into Level 3 1 5 Transfers out of Level 3 1 (1 ) Ending balance (2) $ (700 ) $ 15 The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date (3) $ 5 $ 8 (1) Mark-to-market value of Level 3 derivative assets acquired through the purchase of AEM was less than $1 million at the acquisition date. (2) CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 sales during either of the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016 . (3) During 2016, CenterPoint Energy transferred its indexed debt securities from Level 2 to Level 3 to reflect changes in the significance of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation. As of March 31, 2017, the indexed debt securities liability was $727 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there was a loss of $10 million on the indexed debt securities. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by the market price. These assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Amount Fair Value (in millions) Financial liabilities: Long-term debt $ 8,563 $ 8,986 $ 8,443 $ 8,846

Unconsolidated Affiliate

Unconsolidated Affiliate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Unconsolidated Affiliate [Text Block]	Unconsolidated Affiliate CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Enable, a publicly traded MLP, and, accordingly, accounts for its investment in Enable’s common and subordinated units using the equity method of accounting. CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable, a VIE in which CenterPoint Energy is not the primary beneficiary, is limited to its equity investment and Series A Preferred Unit investment as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and outstanding current accounts receivable from Enable. Transactions with Enable: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Reimbursement of transition services (1) $ 2 $ 3 Natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs 33 33 Interest income related to notes receivable from Enable — 1 (1) Represents amounts billed under the Transition Agreements for certain support services provided to Enable. Actual transition services costs are recorded net of reimbursement. March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Accounts receivable for amounts billed for transition services $ 2 $ 1 Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable 11 10 Limited Partner Interest in Enable (1) : March 31, 2017 CenterPoint Energy 54.1 % OGE 25.7 % (1) Excluding the Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy. In November 2016, Enable completed a public offering of 11,500,000 common units of which 1,424,281 were sold by ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC. The common units issued and sold by Enable resulted in dilution of both CenterPoint Energy’s and OGE’s limited partner interest in Enable. Enable Common, Subordinated and Preferred Units Held: March 31, 2017 Common Subordinated Series A Preferred CenterPoint Energy 94,151,707 139,704,916 14,520,000 OGE 42,832,291 68,150,514 — Sales of more than 5% of the aggregate of the common units and subordinated units CenterPoint Energy owns in Enable or sales by OGE of more than 5% of the aggregate of the common units and subordinated units it owns in Enable are subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal. Enable is controlled jointly by CERC Corp. and OGE, and each own 50% of the management rights in the general partner of Enable. Sale of CenterPoint Energy’s or OGE’s ownership interests in Enable’s general partner to a third party is subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal, and CenterPoint Energy is not permitted to dispose of less than all of its interest in Enable’s general partner. Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Operating revenues $ 666 $ 509 Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization 308 195 Operating income 140 103 Net income attributable to Enable 111 86 Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings, net: CenterPoint Energy’s interest $ 60 $ 48 Basis difference amortization (1) 12 12 CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net $ 72 $ 60 (1) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates includes CenterPoint Energy’s share of Enable’s earnings adjusted for the amortization of the basis difference of CenterPoint Energy’s original investment in Enable and its underlying equity in Enable’s net assets. The basis difference is amortized over approximately 33 years, the average life of the assets to which the basis difference is attributed. Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows: March 31, December 31, 2016 (in millions) Current assets $ 375 $ 396 Non-current assets 10,786 10,816 Current liabilities 279 362 Non-current liabilities 3,111 3,056 Non-controlling interest 12 12 Preferred equity 362 362 Enable partners’ equity 7,397 7,420 Reconciliation of Equity Method Investment in Enable: CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ capital $ 4,053 $ 4,067 CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1,551 ) (1,562 ) CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable $ 2,502 $ 2,505 Distributions Received from Unconsolidated Affiliate: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Investment in Enable’s common and subordinated units $ 74 $ 74 Investment in Enable’s Series A Preferred Units 9 — As of March 31, 2017 , CERC Corp. and OGE also own 40% and 60% , respectively, of the incentive distribution rights held by the general partner of Enable. Enable is expected to pay a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.2875 per unit on its outstanding units (other than the Series A Preferred Units) to the extent it has sufficient cash from operations after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to its general partner and its affiliates, within 60 days after the end of each quarter. If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per unit (other than the Series A Preferred Units) in any quarter, the general partner will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50% , of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances the general partner of Enable will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill [Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill by reportable business segment as of December 31, 2016 and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2016 AEM Acquisition (1) March 31, (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 746 $ — $ 746 Energy Services 105 (2) 5 110 (2) Other Operations 11 — 11 Total $ 862 $ 5 $ 867 (1) See Note 3. (2) Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $252 million recorded in 2012.

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS)

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Indexed Debt Securities [Text Block]	Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (a) Investment in Securities Related to ZENS In 1995, CenterPoint Energy sold a cable television subsidiary to TW and received TW securities as partial consideration. A subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy now holds 7.1 million shares of TW Common, 0.9 million shares of Time Common and 0.9 million shares of Charter Common, which are classified as trading securities and are expected to be held to facilitate CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the TW Securities are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. (b) ZENS In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1 billion of which $828 million remain outstanding as of March 31, 2017 . Each ZENS was originally exchangeable at the holder’s option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares of TW Common attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events. As of March 31, 2017 , the reference shares for each ZENS consisted of 0.5 share of TW Common, 0.0625 share of Time Common and 0.061382 share of Charter Common, and the contingent principal balance was $512 million . On October 22, 2016, AT&T announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TW in a stock and cash transaction. On February 15, 2017, TW shareholders approved the announced transaction with AT&T. Pursuant to the merger agreement, upon closing of the merger, TW shareholders would receive for each of their shares of TW Common an estimated implied value of $107.50 , comprised of $53.75 per share in cash and $53.75 per share in AT&T Common. The stock portion will be subject to a collar such that TW shareholders will receive 1.437 shares of AT&T Common if AT&T Common’s average stock price is below $37.411 at closing and 1.3 shares of AT&T Common if AT&T Common’s average stock price is above $41.349 at closing. Cash received for the TW Common reference shares would subsequently be distributed to ZENS holders, which is expected to reduce the contingent principal balance, and reference shares would consist of Charter Common, Time Common and AT&T Common. AT&T has publicly announced that the merger is expected to close by the end of 2017.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt [Text Block]	Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (a) Short-term Borrowings Inventory Financing . NGD currently has AMAs associated with its utility distribution service in Arkansas, north Louisiana and Oklahoma that extend through 2020. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, NGD sells natural gas and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas during the winter heating seasons at the same cost, plus a financing charge. These transactions are accounted for as an inventory financing and had an associated principal obligation of $-0- and $35 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (b) Long-term Debt Debt Retirements . In February 2017, CenterPoint Energy retired $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.95% senior notes at their maturity. The retirement of senior notes was financed by the issuance of commercial paper. Debt Issuances. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, Houston Electric issued the following general mortgage bonds: Issuance Date Aggregate Principal Amount Interest Rate Maturity Date (in millions) January 2017 $ 300 3.00% 2027 The proceeds from the issuance of these bonds were used to repay short-term debt and for general limited liability company purposes. Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC Corp. had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Size of Loans Letters Commercial Loans Letters Commercial (in millions) CenterPoint Energy $ 1,600 $ — $ 6 $ 1,032 (1) $ — $ 6 $ 835 (1) Houston Electric 300 — 4 — — 4 — CERC Corp. 600 — — 599 (2) — 4 569 (2) Total $ 2,500 $ — $ 10 $ 1,631 $ — $ 14 $ 1,404 (1) Weighted average interest rate was 1.24% and 1.04% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (2) Weighted average interest rate was 1.27% and 1.03% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Execution Date Company Size of Facility Draw Rate of LIBOR plus (1) Financial Covenant Limit on Debt to Capital Ratio Debt to Capital Ratio as of March 31, 2017 (2) Termination Date (in millions) March 3, 2016 CenterPoint Energy $ 1,600 1.250% 65% (3) 56.6% March 3, 2021 March 3, 2016 Houston Electric 300 1.125% 65% (3) 50.2% March 3, 2021 March 3, 2016 CERC Corp. 600 1.250% 65% 35.8% March 3, 2021 (1) Based on current credit ratings. (2) As defined in the revolving credit facility agreement, excluding Securitization Bonds. (3) The financial covenant limit will temporarily increase from 65% to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive twelve -month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC Corp. were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of March 31, 2017 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes The effective tax rate reported for both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 36% . CenterPoint Energy reported no uncertain tax liability as of March 31, 2017 and expects no significant change to the uncertain tax liability over the next twelve months. Tax years through 2014 have been audited and settled with the IRS. For the 2015-2017 tax years, CenterPoint Energy is a participant in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies (a) Natural Gas Supply Commitments Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution and Energy Services business segments, which have various quantity requirements and durations, that are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 as these contracts meet an exception as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments also include natural gas transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative. As of March 31, 2017 , minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are approximately: (in millions) Remaining nine months of 2017 $ 298 2018 490 2019 334 2020 169 2021 78 2022 and beyond 87 (b) Legal, Environmental and Other Matters Legal Matters Gas Market Manipulation Cases. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric or their predecessor, Reliant Energy, and certain of their former subsidiaries have been named as defendants in certain lawsuits described below. Under a master separation agreement between CenterPoint Energy and a former subsidiary, RRI, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are entitled to be indemnified by RRI and its successors for any losses, including certain attorneys’ fees and other costs, arising out of these lawsuits. In May 2009, RRI sold its Texas retail business to a subsidiary of NRG and RRI changed its name to RRI Energy, Inc. In December 2010, Mirant Corporation merged with and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of RRI, and RRI changed its name to GenOn. In December 2012, NRG acquired GenOn through a merger in which GenOn became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. None of the sale of the retail business, the merger with Mirant Corporation, or the acquisition of GenOn by NRG alters RRI’s (now GenOn’s) contractual obligations to indemnify CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries, including Houston Electric, for certain liabilities, including their indemnification obligations regarding the gas market manipulation litigation. A large number of lawsuits were filed against numerous gas market participants in a number of federal and western state courts in connection with the operation of the natural gas markets in 2000–2002. CenterPoint Energy and its affiliates have since been released or dismissed from all such cases. CES, a subsidiary of CERC Corp., was a defendant in a case now pending in federal court in Nevada alleging a conspiracy to inflate Wisconsin natural gas prices in 2000–2002. On May 24, 2016, the district court granted CES’s motion for summary judgment, dismissing CES from the case. The plaintiffs have appealed that ruling. CenterPoint Energy and CES intend to continue vigorously defending against the plaintiffs’ claims. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. GenOn has publicly disclosed that it may be unable to continue as a going concern and is exploring various options, including negotiations with creditors and lessors, refinancing, potential sale of assets, as well as the possibility of filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. If GenOn were unable to meet its indemnity obligations or satisfy a liability that has been assumed in the gas market manipulation litigation, then CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric or CERC could incur liability and be responsible for satisfying the liability. Environmental Matters MGP Sites. CERC and its predecessors operated MGPs in the past. With respect to certain Minnesota MGP sites, CERC has completed state-ordered remediation and continues state-ordered monitoring and water treatment. As of March 31, 2017 , CERC had a recorded liability of $7 million for continued monitoring and any future remediation required by regulators in Minnesota. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CERC believes it may have responsibility was $5 million to $30 million based on remediation continuing for 30 to 50 years. The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will depend on the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other PRPs, if any, and the remediation methods used. In addition to the Minnesota sites, the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CERC or may have been owned by one of its former affiliates. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC. Asbestos. Some facilities owned by CenterPoint Energy or its predecessors contain or have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are from time to time named, along with numerous others, as defendants in lawsuits filed by a number of individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos, and CenterPoint Energy anticipates that additional claims may be asserted in the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, CenterPoint Energy does not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Environmental. From time to time CenterPoint Energy identifies the presence of environmental contaminants during its operations or on property where its predecessor companies have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. CenterPoint Energy has and expects to continue to remediate identified sites consistent with its legal obligations. From time to time CenterPoint Energy has received notices from regulatory authorities or others regarding its status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, CenterPoint Energy has been named from time to time as a defendant in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, CenterPoint Energy does not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Proceedings CenterPoint Energy is involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, CenterPoint Energy is also a defendant in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. CenterPoint Energy regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, provides accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Share The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions, except share and per share amounts) Net income $ 192 $ 154 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 430,794,000 430,407,000 Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Restricted stock 2,554,000 2,187,000 Diluted weighted average shares 433,348,000 432,594,000 Basic earnings per share Net income $ 0.45 $ 0.36 Diluted earnings per share Net income $ 0.44 $ 0.36

Reportable Business Segments

Reportable Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Business Segments [Text Block]	Reportable Business Segments CenterPoint Energy’s determination of reportable business segments considers the strategic operating units under which CenterPoint Energy manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. CenterPoint Energy uses operating income as the measure of profit or loss for its business segments other than Midstream Investments, where it uses equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. CenterPoint Energy’s reportable business segments include the following: Electric Transmission & Distribution, Natural Gas Distribution, Energy Services, Midstream Investments and Other Operations. The electric transmission and distribution function (Houston Electric) is reported in the Electric Transmission & Distribution business segment. Natural Gas Distribution consists of intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Energy Services represents CenterPoint Energy’s non-rate regulated gas sales and services operations. Midstream Investments consists of CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable. Other Operations consists primarily of other corporate operations which support all of CenterPoint Energy’s business operations. Financial data for business segments is as follows: For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenues from External Customers Net Intersegment Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Total Assets as of March 31, 2017 (in millions) Electric Transmission & Distribution $ 639 (1) $ — $ 78 $ 10,245 Natural Gas Distribution 907 9 164 5,975 Energy Services 1,185 11 35 1,326 Midstream Investments (2) — — — 2,502 Other Operations 4 — (3 ) 2,679 (3) Eliminations — (20 ) — (796 ) Consolidated $ 2,735 $ — $ 274 $ 21,931 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Revenues from Net Operating Total Assets as of December 31, 2016 (in millions) Electric Transmission & Distribution $ 660 (1) $ — $ 83 $ 10,211 Natural Gas Distribution 888 7 160 6,099 Energy Services 432 7 6 1,102 Midstream Investments (2) — — — 2,505 Other Operations 4 — 1 2,681 (3) Eliminations — (14 ) — (769 ) Consolidated $ 1,984 $ — $ 250 $ 21,829 (1) Electric Transmission & Distribution revenues from major customers are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 152 $ 145 Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. 47 45 (2) Midstream Investments’ equity earnings are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Enable $ 72 $ 60 (3) Included in total assets of Other Operations as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $745 million and $759 million , respectively.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events On April 27, 2017 , CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2675 per share of common stock payable on June 9, 2017 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 16, 2017 . On May 2, 2017 , Enable declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.318 per unit on all of its outstanding common and subordinated units for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 . Accordingly, CERC Corp. expects to receive a cash distribution of approximately $74 million from Enable in the second quarter of 2017 to be made with respect to CERC Corp.’s investment in common and subordinated units of Enable for the first quarter of 2017. On May 2, 2017 , Enable declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.625 per Series A Preferred Unit for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 . Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy expects to receive a cash distribution of approximately $9 million from Enable in the second quarter of 2017 to be made with respect to CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Series A Preferred Units of Enable for the first quarter of 2017.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation and the fair value amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition: (in millions) Total purchase price consideration $ 147 Cash $ 15 Receivables 140 Natural gas inventory 78 Derivative assets 35 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5 Property and equipment 8 Identifiable intangibles 25 Total assets acquired 306 Accounts payable 113 Derivative liabilities 43 Other current liabilities 7 Other liabilities 1 Total liabilities assumed 164 Identifiable net assets acquired 142 Goodwill 5 Net assets acquired $ 147
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and related useful lives as included in the final purchase price allocation include: Estimate Fair Value Estimate Useful Life (in millions) (in years) Customer relationships $ 25 15
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of CenterPoint Energy, assuming the AEM acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2016. Adjustments to pro forma net income include intercompany sales, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of fixed assets, interest expense associated with debt financing to fund the acquisition, and related income tax effects. The pro forma information does not include the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated purchases and sales at index prices. The effective portion of these hedges are excluded from earnings and reported as changes in Other Comprehensive Income. Additionally, the pro forma information does not include the mark-to-market impact of physical forward transactions that were previously accounted for as normal purchase and sale transactions. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the dates indicated or the future consolidated results of operations of the combined company. Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Operating Revenue $ 2,735 $ 2,244 Net Income 192 153

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Pension Postretirement Pension Postretirement (in millions) Service cost $ 9 $ — $ 9 $ 1 Interest cost 22 4 23 4 Expected return on plan assets (24 ) (1 ) (25 ) (2 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 2 (1 ) 2 — Amortization of net loss 14 — 16 — Net periodic cost (1) $ 23 $ 2 $ 25 $ 3 (1) Net periodic cost in this table is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy’s changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Pension and Postretirement Plans (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (72 ) $ (65 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Actuarial losses (1) 2 2 Tax expense (1 ) (1 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 1 1 Ending Balance $ (71 ) $ (64 ) (1) This accumulated other comprehensive component is included in the computation of net periodic cost.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first four tables provide a balance sheet overview of CenterPoint Energy’s Derivative Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Fair Value of Derivative Instruments March 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities $ 1 $ 5 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 78 15 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 46 — Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 33 58 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 10 28 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 727 Total $ 168 $ 833 (1) The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,905 Bcf or a net 114 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 186 Bcf long position. (2) Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $74 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $12 million . (3) Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments December 31, 2016 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 79 $ 14 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 24 5 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities 2 43 Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities — 5 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 717 Total (4) $ 105 $ 784 (1) The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,035 Bcf or a net 59 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 126 Bcf long position. (2) Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $24 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $14 million . (3) Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. (4) No derivatives were designated as fair value hedges as of December 31, 2016.
Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Recognized (1) Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2) (in millions) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 81 $ (30 ) $ 51 Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 24 (5 ) 19 Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (57 ) 16 (41 ) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (10 ) 5 (5 ) Total $ 38 $ (14 ) $ 24 (1) Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements. (2) The derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default. Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities March 31, 2017 Gross Amounts Recognized (1) Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2) (in millions) Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets $ 112 $ (48 ) $ 64 Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets 56 (10 ) 46 Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (78 ) 50 (28 ) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities (28 ) 20 (8 ) Total $ 62 $ 12 $ 74 (1) Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements. (2) The derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.
Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity [Table Text Block]	Realized and unrealized gains and losses on natural gas derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as revenue for retail sales derivative contracts and as natural gas expense for financial natural gas derivatives and non-retail related physical natural gas derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on indexed debt securities are recorded as Other Income (Expense) in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Hedge ineffectiveness is recorded as a component of natural gas expense and primarily results from differences in the location of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. Basis ineffectiveness arises from natural gas market price differences between the locations of the hedged inventory and the delivery location specified in the hedge instruments. The impact of natural gas derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the related hedged item, and natural gas derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are presented in the table below. Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Three Months Ended March 31, Income Statement Location 2017 2016 (in millions) Derivatives designated as fair value hedges: Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas $ 3 $ — Fair value adjustments for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas (4 ) — Total increase in Expenses: Natural Gas (1) $ (1 ) $ — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Revenues $ 96 $ 20 Natural gas derivatives Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas (67 ) (11 ) Indexed debt securities derivative Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) (10 ) (56 ) Total - derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 19 $ (47 ) (1) Hedge ineffectiveness results from the basis ineffectiveness discussed above, and excludes the impact to natural gas expense from timing ineffectiveness. Timing ineffectiveness arises due to changes in the difference between the spot price and the futures price, as well as the difference between the timing of the settlement of the futures and the valuation of the underlying physical commodity. As the commodity contract nears the settlement date, spot-to-forward price differences should converge, which should reduce or eliminate the impact of this ineffectiveness on natural gas expense.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by CenterPoint Energy to determine such fair value. March 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting Adjustments (1) Balance (in millions) Assets Corporate equities $ 1,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,000 Investments, including money market funds (2) 71 — — — 71 Natural gas derivatives (3) — 129 39 (58 ) 110 Hedged portion of natural gas inventory 86 — — — 86 Total assets $ 1,157 $ 129 $ 39 $ (58 ) $ 1,267 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ — $ 727 $ — $ 727 Natural gas derivatives (3) — 94 12 (70 ) 36 Total liabilities $ — $ 94 $ 739 $ (70 ) $ 763 (1) Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $12 million posted with the same counterparties. (2) Amounts are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) Natural gas derivatives include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable. December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting Adjustments (1) Balance (in millions) Assets Corporate equities $ 956 $ — $ — $ — $ 956 Investments, including money market funds (2) 77 — — — 77 Natural gas derivatives (3) 11 74 20 (35 ) 70 Total assets $ 1,044 $ 74 $ 20 $ (35 ) $ 1,103 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ — $ 717 $ — $ 717 Natural gas derivatives (3) 4 56 7 (21 ) 46 Total liabilities $ 4 $ 56 $ 724 $ (21 ) $ 763 (1) Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $14 million held by CES from the same counterparties. (2) Amounts are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) Natural gas derivatives include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Table Text Block]	The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which CenterPoint Energy has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Derivative assets and liabilities, net Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Beginning balance $ (704 ) $ 12 Purchases (1) — — Total gains 6 4 Total settlements (4 ) (5 ) Transfers into Level 3 1 5 Transfers out of Level 3 1 (1 ) Ending balance (2) $ (700 ) $ 15 The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date (3) $ 5 $ 8 (1) Mark-to-market value of Level 3 derivative assets acquired through the purchase of AEM was less than $1 million at the acquisition date. (2) CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 sales during either of the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016 . (3) During 2016, CenterPoint Energy transferred its indexed debt securities from Level 2 to Level 3 to reflect changes in the significance of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation. As of March 31, 2017, the indexed debt securities liability was $727 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there was a loss of $10 million on the indexed debt securities.
Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments [Table Text Block]	The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by the market price. These assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Amount Fair Value (in millions) Financial liabilities: Long-term debt $ 8,563 $ 8,986 $ 8,443 $ 8,846

Unconsolidated Affiliate (Table

Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Transactions with Enable: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Reimbursement of transition services (1) $ 2 $ 3 Natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs 33 33 Interest income related to notes receivable from Enable — 1 (1) Represents amounts billed under the Transition Agreements for certain support services provided to Enable. Actual transition services costs are recorded net of reimbursement. March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Accounts receivable for amounts billed for transition services $ 2 $ 1 Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable 11 10 Limited Partner Interest in Enable (1) : March 31, 2017 CenterPoint Energy 54.1 % OGE 25.7 % (1) Excluding the Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy. Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Operating revenues $ 666 $ 509 Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization 308 195 Operating income 140 103 Net income attributable to Enable 111 86 Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings, net: CenterPoint Energy’s interest $ 60 $ 48 Basis difference amortization (1) 12 12 CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net $ 72 $ 60 (1) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates includes CenterPoint Energy’s share of Enable’s earnings adjusted for the amortization of the basis difference of CenterPoint Energy’s original investment in Enable and its underlying equity in Enable’s net assets. The basis difference is amortized over approximately 33 years, the average life of the assets to which the basis difference is attributed. Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows: March 31, December 31, 2016 (in millions) Current assets $ 375 $ 396 Non-current assets 10,786 10,816 Current liabilities 279 362 Non-current liabilities 3,111 3,056 Non-controlling interest 12 12 Preferred equity 362 362 Enable partners’ equity 7,397 7,420 Reconciliation of Equity Method Investment in Enable: CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ capital $ 4,053 $ 4,067 CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1,551 ) (1,562 ) CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable $ 2,502 $ 2,505 Distributions Received from Unconsolidated Affiliate: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Investment in Enable’s common and subordinated units $ 74 $ 74 Investment in Enable’s Series A Preferred Units 9 — Enable Common, Subordinated and Preferred Units Held: March 31, 2017 Common Subordinated Series A Preferred CenterPoint Energy 94,151,707 139,704,916 14,520,000 OGE 42,832,291 68,150,514 —

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Goodwill by reportable business segment as of December 31, 2016 and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2016 AEM Acquisition (1) March 31, (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 746 $ — $ 746 Energy Services 105 (2) 5 110 (2) Other Operations 11 — 11 Total $ 862 $ 5 $ 867 (1) See Note 3. (2) Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $252 million recorded in 2012.

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon30

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Debt Issuances. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, Houston Electric issued the following general mortgage bonds: Issuance Date Aggregate Principal Amount Interest Rate Maturity Date (in millions) January 2017 $ 300 3.00% 2027
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	Credit Facilities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC Corp. had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Size of Loans Letters Commercial Loans Letters Commercial (in millions) CenterPoint Energy $ 1,600 $ — $ 6 $ 1,032 (1) $ — $ 6 $ 835 (1) Houston Electric 300 — 4 — — 4 — CERC Corp. 600 — — 599 (2) — 4 569 (2) Total $ 2,500 $ — $ 10 $ 1,631 $ — $ 14 $ 1,404 (1) Weighted average interest rate was 1.24% and 1.04% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (2) Weighted average interest rate was 1.27% and 1.03% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Execution Date Company Size of Facility Draw Rate of LIBOR plus (1) Financial Covenant Limit on Debt to Capital Ratio Debt to Capital Ratio as of March 31, 2017 (2) Termination Date (in millions) March 3, 2016 CenterPoint Energy $ 1,600 1.250% 65% (3) 56.6% March 3, 2021 March 3, 2016 Houston Electric 300 1.125% 65% (3) 50.2% March 3, 2021 March 3, 2016 CERC Corp. 600 1.250% 65% 35.8% March 3, 2021 (1) Based on current credit ratings. (2) As defined in the revolving credit facility agreement, excluding Securitization Bonds. (3) The financial covenant limit will temporarily increase from 65% to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive twelve -month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]	Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution and Energy Services business segments, which have various quantity requirements and durations, that are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 as these contracts meet an exception as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments also include natural gas transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative. As of March 31, 2017 , minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are approximately: (in millions) Remaining nine months of 2017 $ 298 2018 490 2019 334 2020 169 2021 78 2022 and beyond 87

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions, except share and per share amounts) Net income $ 192 $ 154 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 430,794,000 430,407,000 Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Restricted stock 2,554,000 2,187,000 Diluted weighted average shares 433,348,000 432,594,000 Basic earnings per share Net income $ 0.45 $ 0.36 Diluted earnings per share Net income $ 0.44 $ 0.36

Reportable Business Segments (T

Reportable Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Financial data for business segments is as follows: For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenues from External Customers Net Intersegment Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Total Assets as of March 31, 2017 (in millions) Electric Transmission & Distribution $ 639 (1) $ — $ 78 $ 10,245 Natural Gas Distribution 907 9 164 5,975 Energy Services 1,185 11 35 1,326 Midstream Investments (2) — — — 2,502 Other Operations 4 — (3 ) 2,679 (3) Eliminations — (20 ) — (796 ) Consolidated $ 2,735 $ — $ 274 $ 21,931 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Revenues from Net Operating Total Assets as of December 31, 2016 (in millions) Electric Transmission & Distribution $ 660 (1) $ — $ 83 $ 10,211 Natural Gas Distribution 888 7 160 6,099 Energy Services 432 7 6 1,102 Midstream Investments (2) — — — 2,505 Other Operations 4 — 1 2,681 (3) Eliminations — (14 ) — (769 ) Consolidated $ 1,984 $ — $ 250 $ 21,829 (1) Electric Transmission & Distribution revenues from major customers are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 152 $ 145 Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. 47 45 (2) Midstream Investments’ equity earnings are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Enable $ 72 $ 60 (3) Included in total assets of Other Operations as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $745 million and $759 million , respectively.
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Electric Transmission & Distribution revenues from major customers are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 152 $ 145 Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. 47 45
Midstream Investments [Table Text Block]	Midstream Investments’ equity earnings are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Enable $ 72 $ 60

Background and Basis of Prese34

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	54.10%	[1]
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Units Held	14,520,000
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	6
Energy Services [Member]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	33
[1]	Excluding the Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy.

New Accounting Pronouncements D

New Accounting Pronouncements Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$ 4	$ 3

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 03, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill		$ 867		$ 862
Atmos Energy Marketing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date		359
Operating Income Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date		17
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Operating Revenue		2,735	$ 2,244
Net Income		192	$ 153
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Total purchase price consideration	$ 147
Cash	15
Receivables	140
Natural gas inventory	78
Derivative assets	35
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5
Property and equipment	8
Identifiable intangibles	25
Total assets acquired	306
Accounts payable	113
Derivative liabilities	43
Other current liabilities	7
Other liabilities	1
Total liabilities assumed	164
Identifiable net assets acquired	142
Goodwill	5
Net assets acquired	147
Amortization of intangible assets attributable to the acquisition		$ 1
Atmos Energy Marketing [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Finite-lived Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired, Fair Value	$ 25
Finite-lived Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired, Estimated Useful Life	15 years

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ (72)	$ (65)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial losses (1)	[1]	2	2
Tax expense		(1)	(1)
Net current period other comprehensive income		1	1
Ending Balance		(71)	(64)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		9	9
Interest cost		22	23
Expected return on plan assets		(24)	(25)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		2	2
Amortization of net loss		14	16
Net periodic cost	[2]	23	25
Total contributions expected in current year		46
Total contributions to the plans during the period		2
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		0	1
Interest cost		4	4
Expected return on plan assets		(1)	(2)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(1)	0
Amortization of net loss		0	0
Net periodic cost	[2]	2	$ 3
Total contributions expected in current year		16
Total contributions to the plans during the period		$ 4
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive component is included in the computation of net periodic cost.
[2]	Net periodic cost in this table is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes.

Regulatory Accounting (Details)

Regulatory Accounting (Details) - CenterPoint Houston [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that has not been recognized	$ 322
Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that was recognized in the period	$ 7	$ 13

Derivative Instruments Derivati

Derivative Instruments Derivatives and hedging (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedges Term	10 years
Non-trading derivative liabilities	$ 29		$ 41
Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member] | Weather Hedge Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1	$ 3
2015 To 2016 [Member] | Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Bilateral Cap Amount	7
2016 To 2017 [Member] | Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Bilateral Cap Amount	9
January [Member] | Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount	150
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	(0.5)
March and April [Member] | Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount	250
Non-trading derivative liabilities	$ 1

Derivative Instruments Deriva40

Derivative Instruments Derivative Fair Values (Details)		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)Bcf		Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Bcf
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		$ 168,000,000			$ 105,000,000	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		833,000,000			784,000,000	[1]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		19,000,000		$ (47,000,000)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative, Fair Value, Offsets, Net		12,000,000			(14,000,000)
Total fair value of the derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features that are in a net liability position		2,000,000			1,000,000
The aggregate fair value of assets already posted as collateral		0			0
Credit Risk Contingent Features assets		1,000,000			$ 0
Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge		(4,000,000)		0
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	[2]	$ (1,000,000)		0
Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | Bcf		1,905			1,035
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	[3]	$ 62,000,000			$ 38,000,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Offsets, Net		12,000,000			(14,000,000)
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[4]	74,000,000			24,000,000
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		96,000,000		20,000,000
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments		3,000,000		0
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		(67,000,000)		(11,000,000)
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Current Assets [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	[3]	112,000,000			81,000,000
Gross amounts offset		(48,000,000)			(30,000,000)
Derivative Asset	[4]	64,000,000			51,000,000
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	[3]	56,000,000			24,000,000
Gross amounts offset		(10,000,000)			(5,000,000)
Derivative Asset	[4]	46,000,000			19,000,000
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	[3]	(78,000,000)			(57,000,000)
Gross amounts offset		50,000,000			16,000,000
Derivative Liability	[4]	(28,000,000)			(41,000,000)
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Recognized	[3]	(28,000,000)			(10,000,000)
Gross amounts offset		20,000,000			5,000,000
Derivative Liability	[4]	(8,000,000)			(5,000,000)
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Designated as Fair Value Hedge [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[5],[6],[7]	1,000,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[5],[6],[7]	5,000,000
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[5]	78,000,000	[6],[7]		79,000,000	[8],[9]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[5]	15,000,000	[6],[7]		14,000,000	[8],[9]
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[5]	46,000,000	[6],[7]		24,000,000	[8],[9]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[5]	0	[6],[7]		5,000,000	[8],[9]
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[5]	33,000,000	[6],[7]		2,000,000	[8],[9]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[5]	58,000,000	[6],[7]		43,000,000	[8],[9]
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	[5]	10,000,000	[6],[7]		0	[8],[9]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	[5]	$ 28,000,000	[6],[7]		$ 5,000,000	[8],[9]
Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | Bcf		114			59
IDS Derivative [Member] | Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net		$ (10,000,000)		$ (56,000,000)
IDS Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		0			$ 0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		$ 727,000,000			$ 717,000,000
Swap [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | Bcf		186			126
[1]	No derivatives were designated as fair value hedges as of December 31, 2016.
[2]	Hedge ineffectiveness results from the basis ineffectiveness discussed above, and excludes the impact to natural gas expense from timing ineffectiveness. Timing ineffectiveness arises due to changes in the difference between the spot price and the futures price, as well as the difference between the timing of the settlement of the futures and the valuation of the underlying physical commodity. As the commodity contract nears the settlement date, spot-to-forward price differences should converge, which should reduce or eliminate the impact of this ineffectiveness on natural gas expense.
[3]	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.
[4]	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.
[5]	Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable.
[6]	Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $74 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $12 million.
[7]	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,905 Bcf or a net 114 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 186 Bcf long position.
[8]	Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading natural gas derivative assets and liabilities was a $24 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, impacted by collateral netting of $14 million.
[9]	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 1,035 Bcf or a net 59 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute a net 126 Bcf long position.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount		$ 0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount		0
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount		0
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount		0
Assets
Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment		(58,000,000)	[1]		$ (35,000,000)	[2]
Total assets		1,267,000,000			1,103,000,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Offsets, Net		12,000,000			(14,000,000)
Liabilities
Fair value derivative liabilities, netting adjustment		(70,000,000)	[1]		(21,000,000)	[2]
Total liabilities		763,000,000			763,000,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(704,000,000)		$ 12,000,000
Purchases (1)	[3]	0		0
Total gains		6,000,000		4,000,000
Total settlements		(4,000,000)		(5,000,000)
Transfers into Level 3		1,000,000		5,000,000
Transfers out of Level 3		1,000,000		(1,000,000)
Ending balance (2)	[4]	(700,000,000)		15,000,000
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date (3)		5,000,000		8,000,000
Gain (loss) on Indexed Debt Securities		(10,000,000)		$ (56,000,000)
Fair Value [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt		8,986,000,000			8,846,000,000
Carrying Value [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt		$ 8,563,000,000			8,443,000,000
Atmos Energy Marketing [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Mark-to-market value of Level 3 derivative assets acquired		less than $1 million
Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Assets
Derivative, Fair Value, Offsets, Net		$ 12,000,000			(14,000,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Total assets		1,157,000,000			1,044,000,000
Liabilities
Total liabilities		0			4,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Total assets		129,000,000			74,000,000
Liabilities
Total liabilities		94,000,000			56,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Total assets		39,000,000			20,000,000
Liabilities
Total liabilities		$ 739,000,000			724,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Options Held [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate		0.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Options Held [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate		0.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate		16.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Growth Rate		7.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Forward Contracts | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MMBtu		1.90
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Forward Contracts | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MMBtu		6.05
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		$ 1,000,000,000			956,000,000
Investments, including money market funds (2)	[5]	71,000,000			77,000,000
Hedged portion of natural gas inventory		86,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Assets
Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment	[6]	(58,000,000)	[1]		(35,000,000)	[2]
Derivative Asset	[6]	110,000,000			70,000,000
Liabilities
Fair value derivative liabilities, netting adjustment	[6]	(70,000,000)	[1]		(21,000,000)	[2]
Derivative Liabilities	[6]	36,000,000			46,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Fair value derivative liabilities, netting adjustment		0	[1]		0	[2]
Derivative Liabilities		727,000,000			717,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		1,000,000,000			956,000,000
Investments, including money market funds (2)	[5]	71,000,000			77,000,000
Hedged portion of natural gas inventory		86,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Assets
Natural gas derivatives (3)	[6]	0			11,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	[6]	0			4,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value		0			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0			0
Investments, including money market funds (2)	[5]	0			0
Hedged portion of natural gas inventory		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Assets
Natural gas derivatives (3)	[6]	129,000,000			74,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	[6]	94,000,000			56,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value		0			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0			0
Investments, including money market funds (2)	[5]	0			0
Hedged portion of natural gas inventory		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member]
Assets
Natural gas derivatives (3)	[6]	39,000,000			20,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	[6]	12,000,000			7,000,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value		$ 727,000,000			$ 717,000,000
[1]	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $12 million posted with the same counterparties.
[2]	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $14 million held by CES from the same counterparties.
[3]	Mark-to-market value of Level 3 derivative assets acquired through the purchase of AEM was less than $1 million at the acquisition date.
[4]	CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 sales during either of the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016.
[5]	Amounts are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[6]	Natural gas derivatives include no material amounts related to physical forward transactions with Enable.

Unconsolidated Affiliate Descri

Unconsolidated Affiliate Description (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Nov. 22, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Sale of Units, Percentage, Trigger Right of First Refusal			5.00%
Enable and ArcLight [Member]
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering		1,424,281
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering		11,500,000
OGE [Member]
Sale of Units, Percentage, Trigger Right of First Refusal			5.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Management Rights Ownership Percentage			50.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | OGE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	[1]		25.70%
Management Rights Ownership Percentage			50.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | OGE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership, Shares			42,832,291
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares			139,704,916
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member] | OGE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership, Shares			68,150,514
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	[1]		54.10%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares			94,151,707
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Series A Preferred Units Held			14,520,000
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Interest income related to notes receivable from Enable			$ 0	$ 1
Transitional Service [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Reimbursement of transition services (1)	[2]		2	3
Accounts receivable for amounts billed for transition services			2		$ 1
Natural Gas Expenses [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs			33	$ 33
Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable			$ 11		$ 10
[1]	Excluding the Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy.
[2]	Represents amounts billed under the Transition Agreements for certain support services provided to Enable. Actual transition services costs are recorded net of reimbursement.

Unconsolidated Affiliate Financ

Unconsolidated Affiliate Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net		$ 72	$ 60
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable		$ 2,502		$ 2,505
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Basis Difference, Amortization Period		33 years
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating revenues		$ 666	509
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization		308	195
Operating income		140	103
Net income attributable to Enable		111	86
CenterPoint Energy’s interest		60	48
Basis difference amortization (1)	[1]	12	12
CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net		72	60
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets		375		396
Non-current assets		10,786		10,816
Current liabilities		279		362
Non-current liabilities		3,111		3,056
Non-controlling interest		12		12
Preferred equity		362		362
Enable partners’ equity		7,397		7,420
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ capital		4,053		4,067
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference		(1,551)		(1,562)
CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable		2,502		$ 2,505
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions		74	74
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Cost Method Investment, Dividends Or Distributions		$ 9	$ 0
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution Right, Maximum		50.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage		40.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | OGE [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage		60.00%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution, Distribution Per Unit		$ 0.2875
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution, Distribution Per Unit		$ 0.330625
[1]	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates includes CenterPoint Energy’s share of Enable’s earnings adjusted for the amortization of the basis difference of CenterPoint Energy’s original investment in Enable and its underlying equity in Enable’s net assets. The basis difference is amortized over approximately 33 years, the average life of the assets to which the basis difference is attributed.

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 862
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	5	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	867
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	746
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	746
Energy Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	105	[2]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	5	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	110	[2]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	252
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	11
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 11
[1]	See Note 3.
[2]	Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $252 million recorded in 2012.

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS45

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 22, 2016$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares
Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount | $		$ 1,000
Long-term Debt, Gross | $		$ 828
Subordinated Note Cash Exchangeable Percentage Of Fair Value		95.00%
Debt Instrument Contingent Principal Amount Outstanding | $		$ 512
TW Common [Member]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares		7,100,000
TW Common [Member] | Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Number Of Shares Referenced In Exchangeable Subordinated Note		0.5
Time Common [Member]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares		900,000
Time Common [Member] | Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Number Of Shares Referenced In Exchangeable Subordinated Note		0.0625
Charter Common [Member]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares		900,000
Charter Common [Member] | Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Number Of Shares Referenced In Exchangeable Subordinated Note		0.061382
AT&T To Acquire Time Warner [Member]
Implied value of consideration received by TW common stock shareholders, net | $ / shares	$ 107.50
Implied value of consideration received by TW common stock shareholders, Cash | $ / shares	53.75
Implied value of consideration received by TW common stock shareholders, Noncash | $ / shares	$ 53.75
Lower range of shares received by TW common shareholders | shares	1.437
Price of AT&T Common Stock, Lower Range | $ / shares	$ 37.411
Upper range of shares received by TW Common shareholders | shares	1.3
Price of AT&T Common Stock, Upper Range | $ / shares	$ 41.349

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon46

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Millions		Feb. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short term borrowings				$ 0	$ 35
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Total credit facility amount				2,500	2,500
CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Total credit facility amount				300	300
CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Total credit facility amount				600	600
Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Total credit facility amount				1,600	1,600
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				0	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				0	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				0	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				$ 0	0
Line of Credit [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[1]			65.00%
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	[2]			0.502
Line of Credit [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis Spread on LIBOR	[3]			1.125%
Line of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant				65.00%
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	[2]			0.358
Line of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis Spread on LIBOR	[3]			1.25%
Line of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[1]			65.00%
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths)				70.00%
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	[2]			0.566
System restoration costs threshold for increase in permitted debt to EBITDA covenant ratio				$ 100
Consecutive Period for System Restoration Costs to Exceed $100 million (in months)				12
Line of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis Spread on LIBOR	[3]			1.25%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				$ 10	14
Letter of Credit [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				4	4
Letter of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				0	4
Letter of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				6	6
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				1,631	1,404
Commercial Paper [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit				0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit	[4]			$ 599	$ 569
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				1.27%	1.03%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term Line of Credit	[5]			$ 1,032	$ 835
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				1.24%	1.04%
Product Financing Arrangement [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short term borrowings				$ 0	$ 35
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.95%
Bonds General Mortgage Due 2027 [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 300
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Feb. 1, 2027
[1]	The financial covenant limit will temporarily increase from 65% to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive twelve-month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification.
[2]	As defined in the revolving credit facility agreement, excluding Securitization Bonds.
[3]	Based on current credit ratings.
[4]	Weighted average interest rate was 1.27% and 1.03% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[5]	Weighted average interest rate was 1.24% and 1.04% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	36.00%	36.00%

Commitments and Contingencies48

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Environmental Matters
Liability recorded for remediation of Minnesota sites	$ 7
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Environmental Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites	$ 5
Site Contingency, Years to Resolve Contingency	30 years
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Environmental Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites	$ 30
Site Contingency, Years to Resolve Contingency	50 years
Natural Gas Supply Commitments [Member]
Natural Gas Supply Commitments
Remaining nine months of 2017	$ 298
2,018	490
2,019	334
2,020	169
2,021	78
2022 and beyond	$ 87

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 192	$ 154
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	430,794,000	430,407,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Diluted weighted average shares	433,348,000	432,594,000
Basic earnings per share
Net income	$ 0.45	$ 0.36
Diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 0.44	$ 0.36
Restricted Stock [Member]
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Restricted stock	2,554,000	2,187,000

Reportable Business Segments (D

Reportable Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		$ 2,735	$ 1,984
Operating Income (Loss)		274	250
Assets		21,931		$ 21,829
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net		72	60
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	[1]	639	660
Operating Income (Loss)		78	83
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member] | Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		152	145
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member] | Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		47	45
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		907	888
Operating Income (Loss)		164	160
Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		1,185	432
Operating Income (Loss)		35	6
Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	[2]	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)	[2]	0	0
Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		4	4
Operating Income (Loss)		(3)	1
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		(20)	(14)
Assets		(796)		(769)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		(9)	(7)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		(11)	(7)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	[2]	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers		0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		10,245		10,211
Operating Segments [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		5,975		6,099
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		1,326		1,102
Operating Segments [Member] | Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[2]	2,502		2,505
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	[3]	2,679		2,681
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net		72	60
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net		72	$ 60
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member] | Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets		$ 745		$ 759
[1]	Electric Transmission & Distribution revenues from major customers are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions)Affiliates of NRG $152 $145Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. 47 45
[2]	Midstream Investments’ equity earnings are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in millions)Enable $72 $60
[3]	Included in total assets of Other Operations as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $745 million and $759 million, respectively.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	May 02, 2017	Apr. 27, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared			$ 0.2675	$ 0.2575
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared		Apr. 27, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year		Jun. 9, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year		May 16, 2017
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.2675
Subsequent Event [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	May 2, 2017
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.318
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	$ 74
Subsequent Event [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	May 2, 2017
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared	$ 0.625
Cost Method Investment, Dividends Or Distributions	$ 9