| Cover Page Cover Page | Dec. 09, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 9, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity File Number | 1-31447 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-0694415 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1111 Louisiana |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77002 |
| City Area Code | (713) |
| Local Phone Number | 207-1111 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001130310 |
| Common Stock | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CNP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Stock | Chicago Stock Exchange | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CNP |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
| Depositary Shares | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CNP/PB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
