XML 63 R2.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.4

Pay vs Performance Disclosure | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] | Information for each of the last three completed fiscal years is shown in the table below for each principal executive officer (“PEO”) and for our non-PEO named executive officers (“Non-PEO NEOs”) as averages.
|  | PEO Pay (1) |  |  | Non-PEO NEOs Pay (2) |  |  | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on: |  |  | Other Performance Measures |
|  | Summary Compensation Table Total ($) |  |  | Compensation “Actually Paid” ($) (3) |  |  | Average Summary Compensation Table Total Compensation ($) |  |  | Average Compensation “Actually Paid” (3) ($) |  |  | Total Shareholder Return (TSR) (4) ($) |  |  | “Peer Group” Total Shareholder Return (TSR) (4) ($) |  |  | Net Income (5) ($ in millions) |  |  | Company- Selected Measure– Adjusted EPS (6) |
Year |  | Lesar |  |  | Somerhalder |  |  | Prochazka |  |  | Lesar |  |  | Somerhalder |  |  | Prochazka |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2022 |  | $ | 13,868,875 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 29,552,666 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 2,551,102 |  |  | $ | 4,418,767 |  |  | $ | 119.5 |  |  | $ | 111.2 |  |  | $ | 1,008 |  |  | $ | 1.38 |
2021 |  | $ | 37,809,810 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 52,998,434 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,318,875 |  |  | $ | 10,539,727 |  |  | $ | 108.7 |  |  | $ | 113.9 |  |  | $ | 1,391 |  |  | $ | 1.27 |
2020 |  | $ | 11,946,295 |  |  | $ | 3,075,656 |  |  | $ | 6,656,290 |  |  | $ | 13,546,218 |  |  | $ | 3,066,727 |  |  | $ | 5,704,640 |  |  | $ | 2,812,497 |  |  | $ | 2,201,357 |  |  | $ | 82.1 |  |  | $ | 99.4 |  |  | ($ | 949 | ) |  | $ | 1.17 |
(1) | Our PEOs during the last three completed fiscal years were Scott Prochazka, John Somerhalder II, and David Lesar. Messrs. Prochazka, Somerhalder and Lesar were each PEOs in 2020. Mr. Lesar was the only PEO for years 2021 and 2022.
(2) | Our Non-PEO NEOs for the last three completed fiscal years are as follows:
| For 2020, Jason Wells, Milton Carroll, Kristie Colvin, Scott Doyle, Gregory Knight, Xia Liu, and Joseph Vortherms;
| For 2021, Jason Wells, Scott Doyle, Kenneth Mercado, Monica Karuturi, and Milton Carroll; and
| For 2022, Jason Wells, Scott Doyle, Monica Karuturi, and Gregory Knight.
(3) | Compensation “actually paid” for each fiscal year is the total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation table for that year adjusted by the following amounts. The amounts for the non-PEO NEOs are provided as averages. For purposes of these adjustments, PSUs based on a TSR performance objective, whether vested, unvested, or forfeited, were valued using Monte Carlo simulation. PSUs based on a non-TSR performance objective, whether vested, unvested, or forfeited, were valued using the closing trading price for CenterPoint Energy common stock on the applicable valuation date and assuming projected achievement as of the end of the fiscal year.
|  | 2022 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 13,867,875 |  |  |  | 2,551,102 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,481,240 | ) |  |  | (1,336,621 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | 31,373 |
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 15,906 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 12,542,520 |  |  |  | 1,976,680 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,550,496 |  |  |  | 127,670 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 5,034,164 |  |  |  | 523,494 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 5,038,851 |  |  |  | 529,165 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 29,552,666 |  |  |  | 4,418,767 |
|  | 2021 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 37,809,810 |  |  |  | 8,318,875 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (33,359,999 | ) |  |  | (1,563,500 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (31,811 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 16,623 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 41,286,596 |  |  |  | 2,575,657 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,063,262 |  |  |  | 143,224 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 53,451 |  |  |  | 173,972 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 6,145,315 |  |  |  | 968,869 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | (62,183 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 52,998,434 |  |  |  | 10,539,727 |
|  | 2020 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non- PEO NEOs |
| Lesar |  |  | Somerhalder |  |  | Prochazka |  |  |  |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 11,946,295 |  |  |  | 3,075,656 |  |  |  | 6,656,290 |  |  |  | 2,812,497 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,169,996 | ) |  |  | (2,272,619 | ) |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,608,708 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (8,929 | ) |  |  | 1,008,367 |  |  |  | (59,849 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 140,749 |  |  |  | 14,403 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 9,382,862 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 1,305,346 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 149,996 |  |  |  | 2,272,619 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 71,428 |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 237,061 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 528,003 |  |  |  | 79,014 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (777,086 | ) |  |  | (82,302 | )
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,283,285 | ) |  |  | (117,485 | )
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (568,399 | ) |  |  | (212,986 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 13,546,218 |  |  |  | 3,066,727 |  |  |  | 5,704,640 |  |  |  | 2,201,357 |
(4) | Cumulative TSR is determined for the measurement period starting 12/31/2019 and ending on 12/31/2022, 12/31/2021, and 12/31/2020, respectively. Peer group TSR is weighted based on market capitalization as of 12/31/2019 and is based on PHLX Utility Sector Index (UTY) TSR sourced from FactSet.
(5) | Amounts shown are consolidated net income reported pursuant to GAAP in our annual report on Form 10-K.
(6) | The company-selected measure represents what the company believes is the most important financial performance measure (other than company TSR or net income) used to link company performance and the compensation actually paid to our named executive officers. The company-selected measure is Adjusted EPS. An EPS financial measure aligns with our commitment to return value to investors through earnings and dividends paid. Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP metric which includes net income from electric and natural gas segments, as well as after tax corporate and other operating income and corporate overhead and adjusted for certain factors to reflect what we consider to be our fundamental business performance. Adjusted EPS excludes, among other items, earnings and losses from the change of value of ZENS and related securities, income and expenses related to ownership and disposal of certain midstream units, a corresponding amount of debt related to the units and allocation of associated corporate overhead, gain and impact including expenses associated with certain mergers and divestitures and other potential impact, such as changes in accounting standards, impairments or unusual items, which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results. For a full list of adjustments and reconciliation of Adjusted GAAP to consolidated income (loss) available to common shareholders and diluted EPS, the nearest GAAP metrics, please see Appendix A.
Company Selected Measure Name | Adjusted EPS |  |
Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] |
(2) | Our Non-PEO NEOs for the last three completed fiscal years are as follows:
| For 2020, Jason Wells, Milton Carroll, Kristie Colvin, Scott Doyle, Gregory Knight, Xia Liu, and Joseph Vortherms;
| For 2021, Jason Wells, Scott Doyle, Kenneth Mercado, Monica Karuturi, and Milton Carroll; and
| For 2022, Jason Wells, Scott Doyle, Monica Karuturi, and Gregory Knight.
Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] |
(4) | Cumulative TSR is determined for the measurement period starting 12/31/2019 and ending on 12/31/2022, 12/31/2021, and 12/31/2020, respectively. Peer group TSR is weighted based on market capitalization as of 12/31/2019 and is based on PHLX Utility Sector Index (UTY) TSR sourced from FactSet.
PEO Total Compensation Amount | $ 13,867,875 | $ 37,809,810 |
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount | $ 29,552,666 | 52,998,434 | $ 2,812,497
Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] |
|  | 2022 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 13,867,875 |  |  |  | 2,551,102 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,481,240 | ) |  |  | (1,336,621 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | 31,373 |
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 15,906 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 12,542,520 |  |  |  | 1,976,680 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,550,496 |  |  |  | 127,670 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 5,034,164 |  |  |  | 523,494 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 5,038,851 |  |  |  | 529,165 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 29,552,666 |  |  |  | 4,418,767 |
|  | 2021 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 37,809,810 |  |  |  | 8,318,875 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (33,359,999 | ) |  |  | (1,563,500 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (31,811 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 16,623 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 41,286,596 |  |  |  | 2,575,657 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,063,262 |  |  |  | 143,224 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 53,451 |  |  |  | 173,972 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 6,145,315 |  |  |  | 968,869 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | (62,183 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 52,998,434 |  |  |  | 10,539,727 |
|  | 2020 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non- PEO NEOs |
| Lesar |  |  | Somerhalder |  |  | Prochazka |  |  |  |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 11,946,295 |  |  |  | 3,075,656 |  |  |  | 6,656,290 |  |  |  | 2,812,497 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,169,996 | ) |  |  | (2,272,619 | ) |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,608,708 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (8,929 | ) |  |  | 1,008,367 |  |  |  | (59,849 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 140,749 |  |  |  | 14,403 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 9,382,862 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 1,305,346 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 149,996 |  |  |  | 2,272,619 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 71,428 |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 237,061 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 528,003 |  |  |  | 79,014 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (777,086 | ) |  |  | (82,302 | )
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,283,285 | ) |  |  | (117,485 | )
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (568,399 | ) |  |  | (212,986 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 13,546,218 |  |  |  | 3,066,727 |  |  |  | 5,704,640 |  |  |  | 2,201,357 |
Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount | $ 2,551,102 | 8,318,875 | 2,812,497
Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount | $ 4,418,767 | 10,539,727 | 2,201,357
Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] |
|  | 2022 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 13,867,875 |  |  |  | 2,551,102 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,481,240 | ) |  |  | (1,336,621 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | 31,373 |
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 15,906 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 12,542,520 |  |  |  | 1,976,680 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,550,496 |  |  |  | 127,670 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 5,034,164 |  |  |  | 523,494 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 5,038,851 |  |  |  | 529,165 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 29,552,666 |  |  |  | 4,418,767 |
|  | 2021 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non-PEO NEOs |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 37,809,810 |  |  |  | 8,318,875 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (33,359,999 | ) |  |  | (1,563,500 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (31,811 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | 16,623 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 41,286,596 |  |  |  | 2,575,657 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 1,063,262 |  |  |  | 143,224 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 53,451 |  |  |  | 173,972 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 6,145,315 |  |  |  | 968,869 |
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | (62,183 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 52,998,434 |  |  |  | 10,539,727 |
|  | 2020 |
Actually Paid Adjustments |  | PEO |  |  | Average Non- PEO NEOs |
| Lesar |  |  | Somerhalder |  |  | Prochazka |  |  |  |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) |  |  | 11,946,295 |  |  |  | 3,075,656 |  |  |  | 6,656,290 |  |  |  | 2,812,497 |
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns in the SCT |  |  | (8,169,996 | ) |  |  | (2,272,619 | ) |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,608,708 | )
Deduction for Amounts Reported under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the SCT |  |  | — |  |  |  | (8,929 | ) |  |  | 1,008,367 |  |  |  | (59,849 | )
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 140,749 |  |  |  | 14,403 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | 9,382,862 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 1,305,346 |
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year |  |  | 149,996 |  |  |  | 2,272,619 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 71,428 |
Increase for Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares/Share Units & Stock Options in Year |  |  | 237,061 |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | 528,003 |  |  |  | 79,014 |
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Vesting Date of Awards Granted Prior to Year that Vest During Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (777,086 | ) |  |  | (82,302 | )
Increase/Deduction for Change in Fair Value from Prior Year-End to Current Year-End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested as of Year-End |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,283,285 | ) |  |  | (117,485 | )
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year |  |  | — |  |  |  | — |  |  |  | (568,399 | ) |  |  | (212,986 | )
Total Compensation Actually Paid |  |  | 13,546,218 |  |  |  | 3,066,727 |  |  |  | 5,704,640 |  |  |  | 2,201,357 |
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] | The following graphics show the relationships between executive compensation actually paid and cumulative TSR, net income, and adjusted EPS for the last three completed fiscal years. Compensation actually paid to Non-PEO NEOs are shown as averages. The graphic that shows the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and cumulative TSR includes a comparison of cumulative TSR of the Company and cumulative TSR of the peer group over the same period. |  |
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] |  |  |
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] |  |  |
Tabular List [Table Text Block] | As required by Item 402 (v) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we are providing information about the relationship between compensation actually paid to our named executive officers and each of the following company performance measures, which, in t he company’s assessment, are also the most important financial performance measures used for the most recently completed fiscal year to link compensation ac tu ally paid to our named executive officers to company performance:
Most Important Financial Performance Measures
Cumulative total shareholder return (TSR)
Net income
Adjusted EPS (company-selected financial performance measure)
Total Shareholder Return Amount | $ 119.5 | 108.7 | 82.1
Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount | 111.2 | 113.9 | 99.4
Net Income (Loss) | $ 1,008,000,000 | $ 1,391,000,000 | $ (949,000,000)
Company Selected Measure Amount | 1.38 | 1.27 | 1.17
Value Of Initial Fixed Investment Based On Total Shareholder Return | $ 100 |  |
Value Of Initial Fixed Investment Based On Peer Group Total Shareholder Return | $ 100 |  |
Measure [Axis]: 1 |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Measure Name | Cumulative total shareholder return |  |
Measure [Axis]: 2 |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Measure Name | Net income |  |
Measure [Axis]: 3 |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Measure Name | Adjusted EPS |  |
Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] |
(6) | The company-selected measure represents what the company believes is the most important financial performance measure (other than company TSR or net income) used to link company performance and the compensation actually paid to our named executive officers. The company-selected measure is Adjusted EPS. An EPS financial measure aligns with our commitment to return value to investors through earnings and dividends paid. Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP metric which includes net income from electric and natural gas segments, as well as after tax corporate and other operating income and corporate overhead and adjusted for certain factors to reflect what we consider to be our fundamental business performance. Adjusted EPS excludes, among other items, earnings and losses from the change of value of ZENS and related securities, income and expenses related to ownership and disposal of certain midstream units, a corresponding amount of debt related to the units and allocation of associated corporate overhead, gain and impact including expenses associated with certain mergers and divestitures and other potential impact, such as changes in accounting standards, impairments or unusual items, which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results. For a full list of adjustments and reconciliation of Adjusted GAAP to consolidated income (loss) available to common shareholders and diluted EPS, the nearest GAAP metrics, please see Appendix A.
Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | $ (1,608,708)
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (59,849)
Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 79,014
Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (82,302)
Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 71,428
IncreaseDeduction for Change in Fair Value From Prior Year End to Current Year End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (117,485)
Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 14,403
Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 1,305,346
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (212,986)
David Lesar [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
PEO Total Compensation Amount | $ 13,868,875 | $ 37,809,810 | 11,946,295
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount | $ 29,552,666 | 52,998,434 | 13,546,218
PEO Name | David Lesar |  |
David Lesar [Member] | Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (8,169,996)
David Lesar [Member] | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
David Lesar [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 237,061
David Lesar [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
David Lesar [Member] | Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 149,996
David Lesar [Member] | IncreaseDeduction for Change in Fair Value From Prior Year End to Current Year End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
David Lesar [Member] | Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
David Lesar [Member] | Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 9,382,862
David Lesar [Member] | Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
PEO Total Compensation Amount |  |  | 3,075,656
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount |  |  | 3,066,727
PEO Name | John Somerhalder II |  |
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (2,272,619)
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (8,929)
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 2,272,619
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | IncreaseDeduction for Change in Fair Value From Prior Year End to Current Year End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
John SomerhalderIi [Member] | Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
Scott Prochazka [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
PEO Total Compensation Amount |  |  | 6,656,290
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount |  |  | 5,704,640
PEO Name | Scott Prochazka |  |
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 1,008,367
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 528,003
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (777,086)
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
Scott Prochazka [Member] | IncreaseDeduction for Change in Fair Value From Prior Year End to Current Year End of Awards Granted Prior to Year that were Outstanding and Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | (1,283,285)
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 140,749
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | 0
Scott Prochazka [Member] | Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount |  |  | $ (568,399)
PEO [Member] | Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | $ (8,481,240) | (33,359,999) |
PEO [Member] | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 0 | 0 |
PEO [Member] | Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 1,550,496 | 1,063,262 |
PEO [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 5,034,164 | 53,451 |
PEO [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 5,038,851 | 6,145,315 |
PEO [Member] | Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 0 | 0 |
PEO [Member] | Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 0 | 0 |
PEO [Member] | Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 12,542,520 | 41,286,596 |
PEO [Member] | Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 0 | 0 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Stock Awards and Options Awards [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | (1,336,621) | (1,563,500) |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 31,373 | (31,811) |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Dividends Paid on Unvested Shares [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 127,670 | 143,224 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Vesting in Current Fiscal Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 523,494 | 173,972 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Change in Value of Awards Granted [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 529,165 | 968,869 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Vest During Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 0 | 0 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Increase for Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Plans [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 15,906 | 16,623 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Increase for Fair Value of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Unvested [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | 1,976,680 | 2,575,657 |
Non-PEO NEO [Member] | Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Forfeited During the Year [Member] |  |  |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] |  |  |
Adjustment to Compensation Amount | $ 0 | $ (62,183) |

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_ValueOfInitialFixedInvestmentBasedOnPeerGroupTotalShareholderReturn
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_ValueOfInitialFixedInvestmentBasedOnTotalShareholderReturn
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 3 + Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 3 + Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToNonPeoNeoCompFnTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 3 + Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToPeoCompFnTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph vi + Details
Name: | ecd_CoSelectedMeasureAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph vi + Details
Name: | ecd_CoSelectedMeasureName
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph iii + Details
Name: | ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsCoSelectedMeasureTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph ii + Details
Name: | ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsNetIncomeTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph i + Details
Name: | ecd_CompActuallyPaidVsTotalShareholderRtnTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph vi + Details
Name: | ecd_MeasureName
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 3 + Details
Name: | ecd_NamedExecutiveOfficersFnTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph vi + Details
Name: | ecd_NonGaapMeasureDescriptionTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii + Details
Name: | ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgCompActuallyPaidAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii + Details
Name: | ecd_NonPeoNeoAvgTotalCompAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv + Details
Name: | ecd_PeerGroupIssuersFnTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv + Details
Name: | ecd_PeerGroupTotalShareholderRtnAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii + Details
Name: | ecd_PeoActuallyPaidCompAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 3 + Details
Name: | ecd_PeoName
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii + Details
Name: | ecd_PeoTotalCompAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 1 + Details
Name: | ecd_PvpTable
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 1 + Details
Name: | ecd_PvpTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 6 + Details
Name: | ecd_TabularListTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K -Number 229 -Section 402 -Subsection v -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv + Details
Name: | ecd_TotalShareholderRtnAmt
Namespace Prefix: | ecd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22595-107794 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 40 -Section 65 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126732423&loc=SL123482106-238011 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124452729-227067 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126953954&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22499-107794 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22663-107794 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22583-107794 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126958026&loc=SL5780133-109256 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22658-107794 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126968391&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22694-107794 Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22694-107794 Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721683-107760 Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126968391&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 34: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8933-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_MeasureAxis=1
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_MeasureAxis=2
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_MeasureAxis=3
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_StockAwardsAndOptionsAwardsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_ChangeInPensionValueAndNonqualifiedDeferredCompensationEarningsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_ChangeInValueOfAwardsVestingInCurrentFiscalYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_ChangeInValueOfAwardsGrantedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_FairValueOfAwardsGrantedDuringYearThatVestDuringYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_IncreasedeductionForChangeInFairValueFromPriorYearEndToCurrentYearEndOfAwardsGrantedPriorToYearThatWereOutstandingAndUnvestedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_IncreaseForServiceCostAndPriorServiceCostForPensionPlansMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_IncreaseForFairValueOfAwardsGrantedDuringYearThatRemainUnvestedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_DeductionOfFairValueOfPriorYearAwardsForfeitedDuringTheYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_IndividualAxis=cnp_DavidLesarMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_IndividualAxis=cnp_JohnSomerhalderiiMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_IndividualAxis=cnp_ScottProchazkaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis=ecd_PeoMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_AdjToCompAxis=cnp_DividendsPaidOnUnvestedSharesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ecd_ExecutiveCategoryAxis=ecd_NonPeoNeoMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |