0001130310 cnp:DepositarysharesMember cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 0001130310 us-gaap:CommonStockMember cnp:ChicagoStockExchangeMember 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 0001130310 us-gaap:CommonStockMember cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 0001130310 cnp:A6.625SeniorNotesdue2037Member cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember cnp:CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 0001130310 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 0001130310 cnp:CenterPointEnergyResourcesCorp.Member 2020-06-01 2020-06-01 false 0001130310 0001042773 CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. Common Stock, $0.01 par value CNP 8-K 2020-06-01 TX 1-31447 74-0694415       1111 Louisiana Houston TX 77002 (713) 207-1111 DE 1-13265 76-0511406       1111 Louisiana Houston TX 77002 (713) 207-1111 false false false false Common Stock, $0.01 par value CNP NYSE CHX Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value CNP/PB NYSE 6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 n/a NYSE false