XML 278 R114.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.0.1

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | $ 8,643 | $ 8,696 | $ 9,321
Intersegment revenues | 0 | 0 |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 1,715 | 2,061 | 2,887
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 3 | 99 | 204
Operation and maintenance expenses | 2,949 | 2,850 | 2,833
Depreciation and amortization | 1,439 | 1,401 | 1,288
Taxes other than income taxes | 547 | 525 | 543
Interest expense | 838 | 701 | 524
Income tax expense (benefit) | 195 | 170 | 360
Interest income | 7 | 9 | 4
Other income, net | 55 | 19 | 371
Net Income | 1,019 | 917 | 1,057
Interest income from securitization bonds | 3 | 4 | 1
Total Assets | 43,768 | 39,715 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 4,649 | 4,370 | 4,418
Total Regulatory Assets | 3,347 | 2,674 |
Continuing Operations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Total Assets | 43,768 | 39,715 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 4,649 | 4,370 | 4,415
Divestitures |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Total Assets | 0 | 0 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 0 | 0 | 3
Natural Gas |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 4,046 | 4,276 | 4,946
Corporate and Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 7 | 130 | 267
Operating Segments |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 8,643 | 8,696 | 9,321
Intersegment revenues | 2 | 3 |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 1,717 | 2,064 | 2,887
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 3 | 99 | 204
Operation and maintenance expenses | 2,949 | 2,850 | 2,833
Depreciation and amortization | 1,439 | 1,401 | 1,288
Taxes other than income taxes | 547 | 525 | 543
Interest expense | 865 | 755 | 586
Income tax expense (benefit) | 195 | 170 | 360
Interest income | 34 | 63 | 66
Other income, net | 55 | 19 | 371
Net Income | 1,019 | 917 | 1,057
Operating Segments | Electric |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 4,590 | 4,290 | 4,108
Intersegment revenues | 0 | 0 |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 198 | 176 | 222
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 0 | 0 | 0
Operation and maintenance expenses | 2,072 | 1,880 | 1,864
Depreciation and amortization | 877 | 872 | 793
Taxes other than income taxes | 304 | 272 | 275
Interest expense | 372 | 303 | 235
Income tax expense (benefit) | 157 | 189 | 147
Interest income | 18 | 19 | 4
Other income, net | 43 | 37 | 27
Net Income | 671 | 654 | 603
Total Assets | 23,936 | 21,089 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 3,099 | 2,660 | 2,611
Operating Segments | Natural Gas |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 4,048 | 4,276 | 4,946
Intersegment revenues | 2 | 3 |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | 1,520 | 1,888 | 2,665
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 3 | 3 | 4
Operation and maintenance expenses | 881 | 949 | 919
Depreciation and amortization | 542 | 513 | 466
Taxes other than income taxes | 237 | 245 | 261
Interest expense | 207 | 188 | 137
Income tax expense (benefit) | 108 | (25) | 243
Interest income | 2 | 10 | 2
Other income, net | 12 | 5 | 239
Net Income | 566 | 533 | 492
Total Assets | 18,583 | 17,429 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 1,524 | 1,697 | 1,697
Operating Segments | Corporate and Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 5 | 130 | 267
Intersegment revenues | 0 | 0 |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | (1) | 0 | 0
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 0 | 96 | 200
Operation and maintenance expenses | (4) | 21 | 50
Depreciation and amortization | 20 | 16 | 29
Taxes other than income taxes | 6 | 8 | 7
Interest expense | 286 | 264 | 214
Income tax expense (benefit) | (70) | 6 | (30)
Interest income | 14 | 34 | 60
Other income, net | 0 | (23) | 105
Net Income | (218) | (270) | (38)
Total Assets | 1,249 | 1,197 |
Expenditures for Long-lived Assets | 26 | 13 | 107
Eliminations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 0 | 0 | 0
Intersegment revenues | (2) | (3) |
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power | (2) | (3) | 0
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas | 0 | 0 | 0
Operation and maintenance expenses | 0 | 0 | 0
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0 | 0
Taxes other than income taxes | 0 | 0 | 0
Interest expense | (27) | (54) | (62)
Income tax expense (benefit) | 0 | 0 | 0
Interest income | 27 | 54 | 62
Other income, net | 0 | 0 | 0
Net Income | 0 | 0 | $ 0
Benefit obligations | Corporate and Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Total Regulatory Assets | $ 384 | $ 385 |

X
- Definition Capital Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Interest Income From Securitization Bonds + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_InterestIncomeFromSecuritizationBonds
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Non-Utility Cost of Revenues, Including Natural Gas + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_NonUtilityCostOfRevenuesIncludingNaturalGas
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Revenue from Internal Customers, Intersegment Revenues + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cnp_RevenueFromInternalCustomersIntersegmentRevenues
Namespace Prefix: | cnp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of asset recognized for present right to economic benefit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-49 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (bb) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-3 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-25 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481372/852-10-55-10 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 830 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479168/946-830-55-12 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(12)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(8)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479170/946-210-S99-1 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(18)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481404/852-10-50-7 Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 30: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-49 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (e) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-12 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 231 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482663/740-10-55-231 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 6.I.7) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479360/740-10-S99-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482685/740-10-50-10 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(9)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -SubTopic 20 -Topic 740 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482659/740-20-45-2 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 235 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest expense classified as nonoperating. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest income (expense) classified as operating. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(10)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478524/942-220-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-6 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 805 -SubTopic 60 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (g) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147476176/805-60-65-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 323 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478666/740-323-65-2 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482765/220-10-50-6 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-3 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-1 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 815 -SubTopic 40 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480175/815-40-65-1 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-11 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-11 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-4 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 830 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479168/946-830-55-10 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479105/946-220-45-7 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(9)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479134/946-220-S99-1 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-09(1)(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479134/946-220-S99-3 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482689/260-10-45-60B Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483499/205-20-50-7 Reference 34: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1A Reference 36: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1B Reference 37: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478524/942-220-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income related to nonoperating activities, classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(7)(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount for the individual regulatory asset as itemized in a table of regulatory assets as of the end of the period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 980 -SubTopic 340 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478742/980-340-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-42 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-40 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477314/942-235-S99-1 Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition All taxes not related to income of the entity or excise or sales taxes levied on the revenue of the entity that are not reported elsewhere. These taxes could include production, real estate, personal property, and pump tax. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of operating expense for purchased gas and petroleum of regulated operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(2)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseGasAndPetroleumPurchased
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of operating expenses for the period that are associated with the utility's normal revenue producing operation; including selling, general, and administrative expenses, costs incurred for routine plant repairs and maintenance, and operations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsAndOtherCostsAndExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis=us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis=us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=cnp_NaturalGasSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=cnp_ElectricSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis=us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |