Document and Entity Supplemental Information Document - USD ($) |
6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jul. 18, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Registrant Name | CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC. | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 0001130310 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | ||
Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2013 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2013 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 428,621,467 | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 8,760,880,387 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition If the value is true, then the document is an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word "Other". No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate number of shares or other units outstanding of each of registrant's classes of capital or common stock or other ownership interests, if and as stated on cover of related periodic report. Where multiple classes or units exist define each class/interest by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] or Partnership Interest [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate "Yes" or "No" whether registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, (4) Smaller Reporting Company (Non-accelerated) or (5) Smaller Reporting Accelerated Filer. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition State aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold, or average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The public float should be reported on the cover page of the registrants form 10K. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Is used on Form Type: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 20-F, 6-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q/A, 20-F/A, 6-K/A, N-CSR, N-Q, N-1A. No definition available.
|
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Revenues | $ 1,894 | $ 1,525 | $ 4,282 | $ 3,609 |
Expenses: | ||||
Natural gas | 852 | 409 | 2,076 | 1,378 |
Natural gas - affiliates | 28 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
Operation and maintenance | 446 | 451 | 930 | 906 |
Depreciation and amortization | 253 | 275 | 493 | 499 |
Taxes other than income taxes | 92 | 88 | 200 | 186 |
Total | 1,671 | 1,223 | 3,727 | 2,969 |
Operating Income | 223 | 302 | 555 | 640 |
Other Income (Expense): | ||||
Gain on marketable securities | 30 | 13 | 104 | 59 |
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities | (27) | 9 | (78) | (24) |
Interest and other finance charges | (85) | (104) | (183) | (214) |
Interest on transition and system restoration bonds | (34) | (38) | (69) | (75) |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 37 | 8 | 42 | 17 |
Other, net | 0 | 10 | 6 | 16 |
Total | (79) | (102) | (178) | (221) |
Income Before Income Taxes | 144 | 200 | 377 | 419 |
Income tax expense | 244 | 74 | 330 | 146 |
Net Income (Loss) | $ (100) | $ 126 | $ 47 | $ 273 |
Basic Earnings Per Share: | ||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ (0.23) | $ 0.29 | $ 0.11 | $ 0.64 |
Diluted earnings per share: | ||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | (0.23) | 0.29 | 0.11 | 0.64 |
Dividends Declared Per Share | $ 0.2075 | $ 0.2025 | $ 0.4150 | $ 0.4050 |
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Basic | 428,571,000 | 427,349,000 | 428,268,000 | 426,924,000 |
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted | 430,554,000 | 429,629,000 | 430,246,000 | 429,200,000 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cost of natural gas purchased and associated transportation and storage costs during the period from unconsolidated affiliates No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Gain (loss) on Indexed Debt Securities. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of operating expense for the period for recurring costs associated with normal operations including general and administrative expenses, and routine plant mainentnance and repairs. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate dividends declared during the period for each share of common stock outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cost of natural gas purchased and associated transportation and storage costs during the period. No definition available.
|
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. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Net income (loss) | $ (100) | $ 126 | $ 47 | $ 273 |
Other comprehensive income: | ||||
Adjustment related to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $2, $1, $4 and $3) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Total | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ (98) | $ 129 | $ 52 | $ 278 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Net of tax and reclassifications amount of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (gain) loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income Parentheticals - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax | $ 1 | $ 2 | $ 3 | $ 4 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tax effect, net of reclassification adjustments, of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (gain) loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Long-term transition and system restoration bonds are securitization bonds issued to recover qualified stranded costs and qualified storm recovery costs. This represents the current portion. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Excess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of additional paid-in capital associated with common and preferred stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only common stock, use the element additional paid in capital, common stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only preferred stock, use the element additional paid in capital, preferred stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards net of valuation allowances expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards net of valuation allowances expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date for all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments and which are expected to be converted into cash or otherwise disposed of within a year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments which are expected to exist longer than one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, and which are expected to be extinguished or otherwise disposed of within a year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, and which are expected to be extinguished or otherwise disposed of after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, due within 1 year (or 1 business cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, due after 1 year (or 1 business cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of payable due to an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of natural gas in storage, which is a mixture of gases (liquefied or otherwise), used for fuel and manufacturing purposes, which is ready for sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from tax authorities as of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Gross amount of unprocessed materials to be used in manufacturing or production process and supplies that will be consumed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items (or Partners' Capital, as applicable), including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that is expected to be repaid beyond the following twelve months or one business cycle. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity, (2) trading securities, and (3) securities available-for-sale which are intended to be held for less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount of current liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Includes costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of long-term debt not otherwise specified in the taxonomy that is scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of debt not otherwise defined (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and the aggregate carrying amount of current assets, as of the balance sheet date, not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs of regulated entities that are not expected to be recovered through revenue sources within one year or the normal operating cycle if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount for the individual regulatory noncurrent liability as itemized in a table of regulatory noncurrent liabilities as of the end of the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Reflects the total carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of debt having initial terms less than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for statutory income, sales, use, payroll, excise, real, property and other taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount due for services rendered or products shipped, but not yet billed, recognized in conformity with revenue recognition criteria. This element is distinct from unbilled contracts receivables because this is based on noncontract transactions. No definition available.
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance Sheets Parentheticals - USD ($) $ in Millions |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
---|---|---|
Total common stock outstanding (in shares) | 428,607,467 | 427,599,564 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 497 | $ 646 |
Accounts receivable, net | 694 | 768 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 116 | 216 |
Regulatory assets | 4,112 | 4,324 |
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 208 | 266 |
Accounts receivable, net | 89 | 68 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 53 | 54 |
Regulatory assets | $ 3,364 | $ 3,545 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and the aggregate carrying amount of current assets, as of the balance sheet date, not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs of regulated entities that are not expected to be recovered through revenue sources within one year or the normal operating cycle if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cash Contributed No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) in net accounts receivables and payables due to/from affiliates. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes accrued. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Redemption of Indexed Debt Securities No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Unrealized Loss Gain on Indexed Debt Securities. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to issue debt and obtain financing associated with the related debt instruments. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the undistributed income (or loss) of equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount due from customers for the credit sale of goods and services; includes accounts receivable and other types of receivables. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the assets (liabilities) created through trading commodity-based derivative instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in income taxes receivable, which represents the amount due from tax authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in money or securities placed with a broker or counterparty as security for a trading or derivative position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other current operating assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other current operating liabilities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other noncurrent operating assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other noncurrent operating liabilities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other assets used in operating activities less other operating liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current assets and liabilities, other noncurrent assets and liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of the asset or liability created by an over or under recovery. An over under-recovery means that the basic energy price based on the daily product price and exchange rate is less (over) or more (under) than the basic energy price used in the calculation of the monthly retail energy product. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of assets that are created when regulatory agencies permits public utilities to defer costs (revenues) to the balance sheet. This element is a the increase (decrease) of regulatory assets and liabilities combined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Charge to cost of goods sold that represents the reduction of the carrying amount of inventory, generally attributable to obsolescence or market conditions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The aggregate net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of marketable securities categorized as trading held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for the period, which may have arisen from (a) securities classified as trading, (b) the unrealized holding gain (loss) on held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category, and (c) the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) on available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to common shareholders, generally out of earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate cash payments for a combination of transactions that are classified as investing activities in which assets, which may include securities, other types of investments, or productive assets, are purchased from third-party sellers. This element can be used by entities to aggregate payments for all asset purchases that are classified as investing activities. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the investment in or advances to an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or cash outflow from issuing (borrowing) and repaying commercial paper. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow for borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of marketable securities (held-to-maturity or available-for-sale) during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Background and Basis of Presentation |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |||||||||
Background and Basis of Presentation | Background and Basis of Presentation General. Included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. are the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes (Interim Condensed Financial Statements) of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, CenterPoint Energy). The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of CenterPoint Energy for the year ended December 31, 2012 (CenterPoint Energy Form 10-K). Background. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company. CenterPoint Energy’s operating subsidiaries own and operate electric transmission and distribution facilities and natural gas distribution facilities and own an interest in a midstream partnership (Midstream Partnership) as described below. As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries included:
On March 14, 2013, CenterPoint Energy entered into a Master Formation Agreement (MFA) with OGE Energy Corp. (OGE) and affiliates of ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC (ArcLight), pursuant to which CenterPoint Energy, OGE and ArcLight agreed to form Midstream Partnership as a private limited partnership. On May 1, 2013, the parties closed on the formation of Midstream Partnership. In connection with the closing (i) CERC Corp. converted its direct wholly owned subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Field Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (CEFS), into a Delaware limited partnership that became Midstream Partnership and was subsequently renamed Enable Midstream Partners, LP, (ii) CERC Corp. contributed to Midstream Partnership its equity interests in each of CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Company, LLC (CEGT), CenterPoint Energy - Mississippi River Transmission, LLC (MRT), certain of its other midstream subsidiaries (Other CNP Midstream Subsidiaries), and a 24.95% interest in Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH and, collectively with CEFS, CEGT, MRT and Other CNP Midstream Subsidiaries, CenterPoint Midstream), and (iii) OGE and ArcLight indirectly contributed 100% of the equity interests in Enogex LLC to Midstream Partnership. CERC Corp. holds approximately 58.3% of the limited partner interests in Midstream Partnership and OGE and ArcLight hold approximately 28.5% and 13.2%, respectively, of the limited partner interests. Midstream Partnership is equally controlled by CERC Corp. and OGE; each own 50% of the management rights in the general partner of Midstream Partnership. CERC Corp. and OGE will also own a 40% and 60% interest, respectively, in any incentive distribution rights to be held by the general partner of Midstream Partnership following an initial public offering of Midstream Partnership. The general partner of Midstream Partnership is governed by a board made up of an equal number of representatives designated by each of CERC Corp. and OGE. See Note 7 for further discussion on the formation of Midstream Partnership. As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy had five variable interest entities (VIEs) consisting of transition and system restoration bond companies which it consolidates. The consolidated VIEs are wholly owned bankruptcy remote special purpose entities that were formed specifically for the purpose of securitizing transition and system restoration property. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the transition and system restoration bond companies. The bonds issued by these VIEs are payable only from and secured by transition and system restoration property and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy. Basis of Presentation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. CenterPoint Energy’s Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests. For a description of CenterPoint Energy’s reportable business segments, see Note 14. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
New Accounting Pronouncements |
6 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] | New Accounting Pronouncements Management believes that recently issued accounting standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption. |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for a new accounting pronouncement that has been issued but not yet adopted. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
Employee Benefit Plans |
6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee Benefit Plans | Employee Benefit Plans CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits:
________________
CenterPoint Energy's changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows:
________________
CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a total of approximately $92 million to its pension plans in 2013, of which approximately $29 million and $37 million, respectively, was contributed during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a total of approximately $17 million to its postretirement benefits plan in 2013, of which approximately $4 million and $8 million, respectively, was contributed during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Regulatory Accounting |
6 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Regulatory Matters | Regulatory Accounting As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy has not recognized an allowed equity return of $533 million because such return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates. During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $13 million and $12 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $21 million and $20 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized. |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for public utilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
Derivative Instruments |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments CenterPoint Energy is exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. CenterPoint Energy utilizes derivative instruments such as physical forward contracts, swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices and weather on its operating results and cash flows. Such derivatives are recognized in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value unless CenterPoint Energy elects the normal purchase and sales exemption for qualified physical transactions. A derivative may be designated as a normal purchase or sale if the intent is to physically receive or deliver the product for use or sale in the normal course of business. CenterPoint Energy has a Risk Oversight Committee composed of corporate and business segment officers that oversees all commodity price, weather and credit risk activities, including CenterPoint Energy’s marketing, risk management services and hedging activities. The committee’s duties are to establish CenterPoint Energy’s commodity risk policies, allocate board-approved commercial risk limits, approve the use of new products and commodities, monitor positions and ensure compliance with CenterPoint Energy’s risk management policies and procedures and limits established by CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors. CenterPoint Energy’s policies prohibit the use of leveraged financial instruments. A leveraged financial instrument, for this purpose, is a transaction involving a derivative whose financial impact will be based on an amount other than the notional amount or volume of the instrument.
Derivative Instruments. CenterPoint Energy enters into certain derivative instruments to manage physical commodity price risks and does not engage in proprietary or speculative commodity trading. These financial instruments do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges. Weather Hedges. CenterPoint Energy has weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that mitigate the impact of weather on its gas operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Gas Operations in Texas and Minnesota do not have such mechanisms. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a significant positive or negative effect on Gas Operations’ results in these jurisdictions and in CenterPoint Houston’s service territory. CenterPoint Energy enters into heating-degree day swaps for these jurisdictions to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather on its results of operations and cash flows for the winter heating season. The swaps are based on ten-year normal weather. During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013, CenterPoint Energy recognized gains of $-0- and losses of $3 million, respectively, related to these swaps. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013, CenterPoint Energy recognized gains of $6 million and losses of $6 million, respectively, related to these swaps. Weather hedge gains and losses are included in revenues in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.
The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first four tables provide a balance sheet overview of CenterPoint Energy’s Derivative Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013.
________________
________________
________________
________________
For CenterPoint Energy’s price stabilization activities of the Natural Gas Distribution business segment, the settled costs of derivatives are ultimately recovered through purchased gas adjustments. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with these contracts are recorded as net regulatory assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on other derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as revenue for physical natural gas sales derivative contracts and as natural gas expense for financial natural gas derivatives and other physical natural gas derivatives. Unrealized gains and losses on indexed debt securities are recorded as Other Income (Expense) in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.
________________
CenterPoint Energy enters into financial derivative contracts containing material adverse change provisions. These provisions could require CenterPoint Energy to post additional collateral if the Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. credit ratings of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. or its subsidiaries are downgraded. The total fair value of the derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features that are in a net liability position at December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013 was $5 million and $3 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of assets that were posted as collateral was less than $1 million at both December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013. If all derivative contracts (in a net liability position) containing credit risk contingent features were triggered at December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, $5 million and $3 million, respectively, of additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Fair Value Measurements |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] | Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows: Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are exchange-traded derivatives and equity securities. Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. A market approach is utilized to value CenterPoint Energy’s Level 2 assets or liabilities. Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect CenterPoint Energy’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. CenterPoint Energy develops these inputs based on the best information available, including CenterPoint Energy’s own data. A market approach is utilized to value CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 assets or liabilities. Currently, CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 assets and liabilities are comprised of physical forward contracts and options. Level 3 physical forward contracts are valued using a discounted cash flow model which includes illiquid forward price curve locations (ranging from $2.89 to $4.57 per one million British thermal units) as an unobservable input. Level 3 options are valued through Black-Scholes (including forward start) option models which include option volatilities (ranging from 0 to 90%) as an unobservable input. CenterPoint Energy’s Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities consist of both long and short positions (forwards and options) and their fair value is sensitive to forward prices and volatilities. If forward prices decrease, CenterPoint Energy’s long forwards lose value whereas its short forwards gain in value. If volatility decreases, CenterPoint Energy’s long options lose value whereas its short options gain in value. CenterPoint Energy determines the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis and recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 with regard to Natural Gas derivatives. CenterPoint Energy also recognizes purchases of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at their fair market value at the end of the reporting period. The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by CenterPoint Energy to determine such fair value.
________________
________________
The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which CenterPoint Energy has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
________________
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The fair values of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029 (ZENS) indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by the market price. These assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Unconsolidated Affiliates (Notes) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] | Unconsolidated Affiliates As discussed in Note 1, on May 1, 2013 (the Closing Date) CERC Corp., OGE and ArcLight closed on the formation of Midstream Partnership. Midstream Partnership owns CenterPoint Midstream, which consists of substantially all of CERC Corp.’s former Interstate Pipelines and Field Services business segments. As a result, CenterPoint Energy no longer has Interstate Pipelines and Field Services business segments. Equity earnings associated with CenterPoint Energy's interest in Midstream Partnership and equity earnings associated with its retained 25.05% interest in SESH will be reported under a new Midstream Investments segment. For a further description of CenterPoint Energy's reportable business segments, see Note 14. The formation of Midstream Partnership by CenterPoint Energy has been considered a contribution of in-substance real estate to a limited partnership. CenterPoint Energy considers the CenterPoint Midstream assets to be in-substance real estate as the businesses are composed of, and reliant upon, substantial real estate assets and integral equipment. Real estate assets and integral equipment primarily includes gas transmission pipelines, compressor station equipment, rights of way, storage and processing assets, and long-term customer contracts. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy did not recognize a gain or loss upon contribution and recorded its investment in Midstream Partnership using the equity method of accounting based on the historical cost of the contributed assets and liabilities as of the Closing Date. Approximately $5.8 billion of assets and $1.5 billion of liabilities (which includes the Term Loan and the indebtedness owed to CERC, both discussed below, of $1.05 billion and $363 million, respectively) were contributed by CERC Corp. CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Midstream Partnership and, accordingly, recorded an equity method investment of $4.3 billion in Midstream Partnership on the Closing Date. Pursuant to the MFA, CenterPoint Energy retained certain assets and liabilities historically held by CenterPoint Midstream such as balances relating to federal income taxes and benefit plan obligations. Effective on the Closing Date, CenterPoint Energy and Midstream Partnership entered into a Services Agreement, Employee Transition Agreement, Transitional Services Agreement and other agreements (collectively, Transition Agreements) whereby CenterPoint Energy agreed to provide certain support services to Midstream Partnership such as accounting, legal, risk management and treasury functions. Additionally, to support the operations of Midstream Partnership, CenterPoint Energy provides seconded employees to Midstream Partnership. CenterPoint Energy does not anticipate extending the services provided to Midstream Partnership, including providing seconded employees, beyond December 31, 2014. CenterPoint Energy did not transfer any employees to Midstream Partnership at formation of the partnership or during the three months ended June 30, 2013. CenterPoint Energy billed Midstream Partnership for reimbursement of transitional services, including the costs of seconded employees, during the period from the Closing Date to June 30, 2013 of $28 million under the Transition Agreements. The reimbursement of the transitional services costs are recorded net against the actual expenses incurred in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Midstream Partnership, at its discretion, has the right to select and offer employment to seconded employees from CenterPoint Energy. As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy determined it cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the costs associated with the termination of employees related to the formation of Midstream Partnership or transfer of employees from CenterPoint Energy to Midstream Partnership, including the impact of the changes to the actuarial determination of employee benefit plan obligations. Pursuant to the Transition Agreements, Midstream Partnership has agreed to reimburse CenterPoint Energy for severance and terminations costs related to the termination of CenterPoint Energy's seconded employees, including any potential benefit-related costs, regardless of whether such seconded employees are offered employment by Midstream Partnership. On the Closing Date, Midstream Partnership entered into a $1.05 billion three-year senior unsecured term loan facility (the Term Loan) with third parties and repaid $1.05 billion of affiliated notes payable (Affiliated Notes Payable) owed to CERC. CERC provided a guarantee of Midstream Partnership's obligations under the Term Loan. The guarantee is subordinated to all senior debt of CERC. Certain of the entities contributed to Midstream Partnership by CERC are obligated on approximately $363 million of indebtedness owed to CERC bearing interest at an annual rate of 2.10% to 2.45% that is scheduled to mature in 2017. CERC has certain put rights, and Midstream Partnership has certain call rights, exercisable with respect to the 25.05% interest in SESH retained by CERC, under which CERC would contribute to Midstream Partnership CERC's retained interest in SESH, in exchange for a specified number of limited partnership units in Midstream Partnership and a cash payment, payable either from CERC to Midstream Partnership or from Midstream Partnership to CERC for changes in the value of SESH. As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy held an approximate 58.3% interest in Midstream Partnership and a 25.05% interest in SESH. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates:
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net:
Summarized income information for Midstream Partnership from formation on May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013, based on the contributed assets recorded at historical costs on the Closing Date, is as follows (in millions):
Midstream Partnership concluded that the formation of Midstream Partnership is considered a business combination, and CenterPoint Midstream is the acquirer for accounting purposes. Under this method, the fair value of the consideration paid by CenterPoint Midstream for Enogex is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the Closing Date based on their fair value. Enogex's assets, liabilities and equity will accordingly be adjusted to estimated fair value as of May 1, 2013. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Midstream Partnership is using appraisers to assist in the determination of fair value of certain assets. Midstream Partnership's valuation is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2013, and the estimated fair value of the assets as of June 30, 2013, and the related depreciation and amortization for the two month period ended June 30, 2013, may be significantly different from its initial estimate. CenterPoint Energy does not expect that its equity in earnings, net, of Midstream Partnership in the second quarter of 2013 will be materially different as a result of the fair value determination. As such, CenterPoint Energy has estimated its 58.3% interest in the net income for Midstream Partnership for the period May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013 to be approximately $33 million. CenterPoint Energy expects additional depreciation and amortization to be incurred by Midstream Partnership on the step-up of Enogex's assets which will inversely affect CenterPoint Energy's recognition of the basis difference between its equity method investment and its proportionate share of the interest in the equity of Midstream Partnership on the Closing Date. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Goodwill |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] | Goodwill Goodwill by reportable business segment as of December 31, 2012 and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of June 30, 2013 are as follows (in millions):
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Capital Stock |
6 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Capital Stock | Capital Stock CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has 1,020,000,000 authorized shares of capital stock, comprised of 1,000,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock and 20,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock. At December 31, 2012, 427,599,730 shares of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock were issued and 427,599,564 shares were outstanding. At June 30, 2013, 428,607,633 shares of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock were issued and 428,607,467 shares were outstanding. Outstanding common shares exclude 166 treasury shares at both December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt [Text Block] | Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
Inventory Financing. Gas Operations has asset management agreements associated with its utility distribution service in Arkansas, north Louisiana and Oklahoma that extend through 2015. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, Gas Operations sells natural gas and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas during the winter heating seasons at the same cost, plus a financing charge. These transactions are accounted for as a financing and had an associated principal obligation of $38 million and $37 million as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively.
Debt Repayments. In April 2013, CERC Corp. retired approximately $365 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.875% senior notes at their maturity. The retirement of senior notes was financed by CERC Corp. with the issuance of commercial paper. In May 2013, CERC Corp. applied proceeds from Midstream Partnership's May 1, 2013 debt repayment of $1.05 billion to the repayment of $357 million aggregate principal amount of its commercial paper and to the May 31, 2013 redemption of $160 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.95% senior notes due January 15, 2014 at 103.419% of their aggregate principal amount. On August 1, 2013, approximately $92 million aggregate principal amount of pollution control bonds issued on CenterPoint Energy's behalf are expected to be redeemed at 101% of their aggregate principal amount. These bonds were called for redemption on June 28, 2013, bear interest at 4%, mature on August 1, 2015, are collateralized by first mortgage bonds of CenterPoint Houston and are included in the current portion of long-term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston and CERC Corp. had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities (in millions):
CenterPoint Energy’s $1.2 billion credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate September 9, 2016, can be drawn at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 150 basis points based on CenterPoint Energy’s current credit ratings. The facility contains a debt (excluding transition and system restoration bonds) to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) covenant (as those terms are defined in the facility). The facility allows for a temporary increase of the permitted ratio in the financial covenant from 5 times to 5.5 times if CenterPoint Houston experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that CenterPoint Houston has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive twelve-month period, all or part of which CenterPoint Houston intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification. CenterPoint Houston’s $300 million credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate September 9, 2016, can be drawn at LIBOR plus 125 basis points based on CenterPoint Houston’s current credit ratings. The facility contains a debt (excluding transition and system restoration bonds) to total capitalization covenant which limits debt to 65% of the borrower’s total capitalization. CERC Corp.’s $950 million credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate September 9, 2016, can be drawn at LIBOR plus 150 basis points based on CERC Corp.’s current credit ratings. The facility contains a debt to total capitalization covenant which limits debt to 65% of CERC’s total capitalization. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Income Taxes |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes | Income Taxes The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was 169% and 88%, respectively, compared to 37% and 35%, respectively, for the same period in 2012. The higher effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily associated with the formation of Midstream Partnership. As a result of the formation of Midstream Partnership, a deferred tax liability of $225 million was recorded for the book-to-tax basis difference in CenterPoint Energy's investment resulting from the goodwill that was contributed by CenterPoint Energy. In addition, CenterPoint Energy recognized a tax benefit of $29 million associated with the remeasurement of state deferred taxes related to Midstream Partnership formation. The following table summarizes CenterPoint Energy’s unrecognized tax benefits (expenses) at December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013:
CenterPoint Energy does not expect the change to the amount of unrecognized tax expenses over the twelve months ending June 30, 2014 to materially impact the financial position of CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated federal income tax returns have been audited by the IRS and settled through the 2009 tax year. CenterPoint Energy has filed claims for income tax refunds that are pending review by the IRS for tax years 2002, 2003 and 2004. CenterPoint Energy is currently under examination by the IRS for tax years 2010 and 2011. CenterPoint Energy has considered the effects of these examinations in its accrual for settled issues and liability for uncertain income tax positions as of June 30, 2013. On July 9, 2013, CenterPoint Energy received notification that the Joint Committee of Taxation had approved its outstanding tax claims related to the 2002 and 2003 audit cycles. CenterPoint Energy will record the effects of the settlement in the third quarter of 2013. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Commitments and Contingencies |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies
Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments, which have various quantity requirements and durations, that are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013 as these contracts meet the exception to be classified as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments also include natural gas transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative. As of June 30, 2013, minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are approximately $134 million for the remaining six months in 2013, $277 million in 2014, $214 million in 2015, $150 million in 2016, $99 million in 2017 and $162 million after 2017.
Legal Matters Gas Market Manipulation Cases. CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston or their predecessor, Reliant Energy, Incorporated (Reliant Energy), and certain of their former subsidiaries have been named as defendants in certain lawsuits described below. Under a master separation agreement between CenterPoint Energy and a former subsidiary, Reliant Resources, Inc. (RRI), CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries are entitled to be indemnified by RRI and its successors for any losses, including certain attorneys’ fees and other costs, arising out of these lawsuits. In May 2009, RRI sold its Texas retail business to a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) and RRI changed its name to RRI Energy, Inc. In December 2010, Mirant Corporation merged with and became a wholly owned subsidiary of RRI, and RRI changed its name to GenOn Energy, Inc. (GenOn). In December 2012, NRG acquired GenOn through a merger in which GenOn became a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG. None of the sale of the retail business, the merger with Mirant Corporation, or the acquisition of GenOn by NRG alters RRI’s (now GenOn’s) contractual obligations to indemnify CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries, including CenterPoint Houston, for certain liabilities, including their indemnification obligations regarding the gas market manipulation litigation, nor does it affect the terms of existing guaranty arrangements for certain GenOn gas transportation contracts discussed below. A large number of lawsuits were filed against numerous gas market participants in a number of federal and western state courts in connection with the operation of the natural gas markets in 2000-2002. CenterPoint Energy’s former affiliate, RRI, was a participant in gas trading in the California and Western markets. These lawsuits, many of which were filed as class actions, allege violations of state and federal antitrust laws. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits are seeking a variety of forms of relief, including, among others, recovery of compensatory damages (in some cases in excess of $1 billion), a trebling of compensatory damages, full consideration damages and attorneys’ fees. CenterPoint Energy and/or Reliant Energy were named in approximately 30 of these lawsuits, which were instituted between 2003 and 2009. CenterPoint Energy and its affiliates have since been released or dismissed from all but one such case. CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES), a subsidiary of CERC Corp., is a defendant in a case now pending in federal court in Nevada alleging a conspiracy to inflate Wisconsin natural gas prices in 2000-2002. In July 2011, the court issued an order dismissing the plaintiffs’ claims against other defendants in the case, each of whom had demonstrated FERC jurisdictional sales for resale during the relevant period, based on federal preemption. The plaintiffs appealed this ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which reversed the trial court's dismissal of the plaintiffs' claims. The other defendants may seek further review by filing a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. CenterPoint Energy believes that CES is not a proper defendant in this case and will continue to pursue a dismissal. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of this matter to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy was a defendant in a lawsuit filed in state court in Nevada that was dismissed in 2007. In September 2012, the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal. In June 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States denied plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari and this matter is now concluded. Environmental Matters Manufactured Gas Plant Sites. CERC and its predecessors operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) in the past. In Minnesota, CERC has completed remediation on two sites, other than ongoing monitoring and water treatment. There are five remaining sites in CERC’s Minnesota service territory. CERC believes that it has no liability with respect to two of these sites. At June 30, 2013, CERC had recorded a liability of $13 million for remediation of these Minnesota sites. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CERC believes it may have responsibility was $6 million to $41 million based on remediation continuing for 30 to 50 years. The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will be dependent upon the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs), if any, and the remediation methods used. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission includes approximately $285,000 annually in rates to fund normal ongoing remediation costs. As of June 30, 2013, CERC had collected $6 million from insurance companies to be used for future environmental remediation. In addition to the Minnesota sites, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CERC or may have been owned by one of its former affiliates. CERC and CenterPoint Energy do not expect the ultimate outcome of these investigations will have a material adverse impact on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC. Asbestos. Some facilities owned by CenterPoint Energy contain or have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries have been named, along with numerous others, as a defendant in lawsuits filed by a number of individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos. Some of the claimants have worked at locations owned by subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy, but most existing claims relate to facilities previously owned by CenterPoint Energy’s subsidiaries. CenterPoint Energy anticipates that additional claims like those received may be asserted in the future. In 2004 and early 2005, CenterPoint Energy sold its generating business, to which most of these claims relate, to a company which is now an affiliate of NRG. Under the terms of the arrangements regarding separation of the generating business from CenterPoint Energy and its sale of that business, ultimate financial responsibility for uninsured losses from claims relating to the generating business has been assumed by the NRG affiliate, but CenterPoint Energy has agreed to continue to defend such claims to the extent they are covered by insurance maintained by CenterPoint Energy, subject to reimbursement of the costs of such defense by the NRG affiliate. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, CenterPoint Energy intends to continue vigorously contesting claims that it does not consider to have merit and, based on its experience to date, does not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Environmental. From time to time CenterPoint Energy identifies the presence of environmental contaminants on property where its subsidiaries conduct or have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. CenterPoint Energy has and expects to continue to remediate identified sites consistent with its legal obligations. From time to time CenterPoint Energy has received notices from regulatory authorities or others regarding its status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, CenterPoint Energy has been named from time to time as a defendant in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, CenterPoint Energy does not expect, based on its experience to date, these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Proceedings CenterPoint Energy is involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. CenterPoint Energy regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, provides accruals for probable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Prior to the distribution of CenterPoint Energy’s ownership in RRI to its shareholders, CERC had guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRI’s trading subsidiary. When the companies separated, RRI agreed to secure CERC against obligations under the guaranties RRI had been unable to extinguish by the time of separation. Pursuant to such agreement, as amended in December 2007, RRI (now GenOn) agreed to provide to CERC cash or letters of credit as security against CERC’s obligations under its remaining guaranties for demand charges under certain gas transportation agreements if and to the extent changes in market conditions expose CERC to a risk of loss on those guaranties based on an annual calculation, with any required collateral to be posted each December. The undiscounted maximum potential payout of the demand charges under these transportation contracts, which will be in effect until 2018, was approximately $66 million as of June 30, 2013. Based on market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2012 at the time the most recent annual calculation was made under the agreement, GenOn was not obligated to post any security. If GenOn should fail to perform the contractual obligations, CERC could have to honor its guarantee and, in such event, any collateral then provided as security may be insufficient to satisfy CERC’s obligations. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has provided guarantees (CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees) with respect to the performance of certain obligations of Midstream Partnership under long-term gas gathering and treating agreements with an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Encana Corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc. As of June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. had guaranteed Midstream Partnership's obligations up to an aggregate amount of $100 million under these agreements. CERC Corp. has provided guarantees (CERC Midstream Guarantees) with respect to the performance of certain obligations of Midstream Partnership, CEGT and MRT under certain contractual arrangements with third parties, which guarantees are scheduled to expire between July 2013 and December 2018. The maximum aggregate amount payable by CERC Corp. under these guarantees is $157.2 million. The aggregate dollar amount of the obligations covered by the CERC Midstream Guarantees varies over time. The obligations supported by the CERC Midstream Guarantees for the months of June and July 2013 totaled less than $1 million. Under the terms of the omnibus agreement entered into in connection with the closing of the formation of Midstream Partnership, Midstream Partnership and CenterPoint Energy, Inc. have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with each other to terminate the CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees and the CERC Midstream Guarantees, and to release CenterPoint Energy, Inc. or CERC Corp. from such guarantees on or prior to October 28, 2013 by causing Midstream Partnership or one of its subsidiaries to enter into substitute guarantees or to assume the CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees or CERC Midstream Guarantees, as applicable. CERC Corp. has also provided a guarantee of collection of Midstream Partnership's obligations under its $1.05 billion three-year unsecured term loan facility, which guarantee is subordinated to all senior debt of CERC Corp. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Earnings Per Share |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for earnings per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Reportable Business Segments |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable Business Segments | Reportable Business Segments CenterPoint Energy’s determination of reportable business segments considers the strategic operating units under which CenterPoint Energy manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. CenterPoint Energy uses operating income as the measure of profit or loss for its business segments. CenterPoint Energy’s reportable business segments include the following: Electric Transmission & Distribution, Natural Gas Distribution, Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services, Midstream Investments and Other Operations. The electric transmission and distribution function (CenterPoint Houston) is reported in the Electric Transmission & Distribution business segment. Natural Gas Distribution consists of intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services represents CenterPoint Energy’s non-rate regulated gas sales and services operations. Midstream Investments consists primarily of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Midstream Partnership and its retained interest in SESH. Other Operations consists primarily of other corporate operations which support all of CenterPoint Energy’s business operations. Prior to May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy also reported an Interstate Pipelines business segment, which included CenterPoint Energy’s interstate natural gas pipeline operations, and a Field Services business segment, which included CenterPoint Energy’s non-rate regulated natural gas gathering, processing and treating operations. As previously announced, the formation of CenterPoint Energy’s midstream partnership with OGE and ArcLight closed on May 1, 2013. Midstream Partnership now owns CenterPoint Energy’s former Interstate Pipelines and Field Services business segments, except the retained interest in SESH. As a result, effective May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy reports equity earnings associated with its interest in Midstream Partnership and equity earnings associated with its retained interest in SESH under a new Midstream Investments segment, and no longer has Interstate Pipelines and Field Services reporting segments prospectively. Financial data for business segments is as follows (in millions):
________________
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Subsequent Events |
6 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
Subsequent Events [Text Block] | Subsequent Events On July 25, 2013, CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2075 per share of common stock payable on September 10, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 16, 2013. |
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The entire disclosure for significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, catastrophic loss, significant foreign exchange rate changes, loans to insiders or affiliates, and transactions not in the ordinary course of business. No definition available.
|
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] | CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits:
________________
CenterPoint Energy's changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows:
________________
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Derivative Instruments (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Table | The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first four tables provide a balance sheet overview of CenterPoint Energy’s Derivative Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2013.
________________
________________
________________
________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity Table | For CenterPoint Energy’s price stabilization activities of the Natural Gas Distribution business segment, the settled costs of derivatives are ultimately recovered through purchased gas adjustments. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with these contracts are recorded as net regulatory assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on other derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as revenue for physical natural gas sales derivative contracts and as natural gas expense for financial natural gas derivatives and other physical natural gas derivatives. Unrealized gains and losses on indexed debt securities are recorded as Other Income (Expense) in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.
________________
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments) reported in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Fair Value Measurements (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, assets measured on a recurring basis | The following tables present information about CenterPoint Energy’s assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by CenterPoint Energy to determine such fair value.
________________
________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs | The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which CenterPoint Energy has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments | The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The fair values of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029 (ZENS) indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by the market price. These assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of assets, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in Unconsolidated Affilidates [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary of Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block] |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Equity in Earning of Unconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] |
Summarized income information for Midstream Partnership from formation on May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013, based on the contributed assets recorded at historical costs on the Closing Date, is as follows (in millions):
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Investment in Unconsolidated Affilidates [Abstract] No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Schedule of Equity in Earning of Unconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the summary of investment holdings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Goodwill (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] |
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Credit Facilities (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] | Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston and CERC Corp. had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities (in millions):
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of short-term or long-term contractual arrangements with lenders, including letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Income Taxes (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summary of unrecognized tax benefits | The following table summarizes CenterPoint Energy’s unrecognized tax benefits (expenses) at December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013:
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Earnings Per Share (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] |
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. No definition available.
|
Reportable Business Segments (Tables) |
6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial data for business segments | Financial data for business segments is as follows (in millions):
________________
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) |
1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended |
---|---|---|
Apr. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
|
Number Of Vies Consolidated In Financial Statements | 5 | |
Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 58.30% | |
OGE [Member] | ||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 28.50% | |
Nature of Common Ownership or Management Control Relationships | 0.5 | |
Incentive Distribution Right | 60.00% | |
ArcLight [Member] | ||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 13.20% | |
CERC Corp [Member] | ||
Nature of Common Ownership or Management Control Relationships | 0.5 | |
Incentive Distribution Right | 40.00% | |
CERC Corp [Member] | Southeast Supply Header Llc [Member] | ||
Equity Interest Contributed, Percentage | 24.95% | |
OGE ARCLIGHT [Member] | Enogex LLC [Member] | ||
Equity Interest Contributed, Percentage | 100.00% |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Equity Interest Contributed, Percentage No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Incentive Distribution Right No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The number of variable interest entities (VIE's) consolidated in the financials. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents a description of the nature of common ownership or management control relationships with other entities, regardless of there being transactions between the entities, when the existence of that control could result in operating results or financial position of the reporting entity significantly different from that which would have been obtained if the entities' were autonomous. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward] No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Actuarial gains, Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before tax No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost, Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before tax No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Before tax amount of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of the transition obligation or asset recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan in the current remaining fiscal period. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Tax effect, net of reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, attributable to the parent entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Net of tax and reclassifications amount of pension and other postretirement benefit plans (gain) loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Regulatory Accounting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that has not been recognized | $ 533 | $ 533 | ||
Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that was recognized in the period | $ 12 | $ 13 | $ 20 | $ 21 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that was recognized in the period No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of allowed equity return on the true-up balance that has not been recognized as it will be recognized as it is recovered in rates. No definition available.
|
Derivative Instruments (Details) MMcf in Thousands, $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
|
Jun. 30, 2012
USD ($)
|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
MMcf
|
Jun. 30, 2012
USD ($)
|
Dec. 31, 2012
USD ($)
MMcf
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | $ 65 | [1],[2] | $ 65 | [1],[2] | $ 49 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 388 | [1],[2] | 388 | [1],[2] | 300 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Liabilities, Physical Forwards Purchased | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | 13 | [5] | $ 13 | [5] | $ 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative gross volumes on natural gas contracts (MMcf) | MMcf | 695 | 489 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net long position (MMcf) | MMcf | 76 | 101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount of net long position constituted by basis swaps (MMcf) | MMcf | 63 | 73 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | [6] | 17 | $ 17 | $ 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 4 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | [7] | 21 | 21 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fair value of the derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features that are in a net liability position | 3 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The aggregate fair value of assets already posted as collateral | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Risk Contingent Features assets | 3 | $ 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Term of normal weather used as the basis for weather hedges (in years) | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (Losses) Recognized Related to Weather Hedges | (3) | $ 0 | $ (6) | $ 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | (18) | 14 | (67) | (49) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Assets [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | [6] | 38 | 38 | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | (11) | (11) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | [7] | 27 | 27 | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | [6] | 7 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 0 | 0 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | [7] | 7 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Liabilities [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | [6] | (25) | (25) | (28) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 13 | 13 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | [7] | (12) | (12) | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Liabilities [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | [6] | (3) | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | [7] | (1) | (1) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | 27 | (8) | 13 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments physical purchase | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | [8] | (18) | 13 | (2) | [9] | (68) | [9] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Costs associated with price stabilization activities of the Natural Gas Distribution business segment included in Expenses | 0 | (38) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indexed Debt Securities Derivative [Member] | Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net | (27) | $ 9 | (78) | $ (24) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Current Assets [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | 27 | [1],[2] | 27 | [1],[2] | 37 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 0 | [1],[2] | 0 | [1],[2] | 1 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | 7 | [1],[2] | 7 | [1],[2] | 6 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 0 | [1],[2] | 0 | [1],[2] | 0 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | 27 | [1],[2],[10] | 27 | [1],[2],[10] | 5 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 41 | [1],[2],[10] | 41 | [1],[2],[10] | 27 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Derivatives [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | 4 | [1],[2] | 4 | [1],[2] | 1 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 7 | [1],[2] | 7 | [1],[2] | 4 | [3],[4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Indexed Debt Securities Derivative [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets fair value | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities fair value | 340 | 340 | 268 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | $ 3 | $ 3 | $ 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net long position constituted by basis swaps. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Net long position volume amount taken by the company in its natural gas derivative contracts. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative Gross Volumes on Natural Gas Contracts No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative Instruments, Liabilities, Physical Forwards Purchased No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative Instruments Physical Forwards Purchased No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative activity in expenses includes costs associated with price stabilization activities of the Natural Gas Distribution business segment. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Period of time used as the basis for weather hedges entered into by the company. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The aggregate fair value of additional assets that would be required to be posted as collateral for derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features if the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered at the end of the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The aggregate fair value of assets that are already posted, at the end of the reporting period, as collateral for derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net amount as of the balance sheet date of the fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy were offset against collateral under a master netting arrangement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net amount as of the balance sheet date of the fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy were not offset against collateral under a master netting arrangement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair value of derivative liability, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount as of the balance sheet date of the fair value of derivative liabilities that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy were offset against the right to reclaim cash collateral under a master netting arrangement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative instrument obligations meeting the definition of a liability which the Company is a party to as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Net gain (loss) from the increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The aggregate fair value amounts of derivative instruments that contain credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a net liability position at the end of the reporting period. For nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the fair value amounts are the carrying value of the nonderivative hedging instrument, including the adjustment for the foreign currency transaction gain (loss) on that instrument. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
|||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | $ 637,000,000 | $ 637,000,000 | $ 542,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments, including money market funds | 73,000,000 | 73,000,000 | 76,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, assets | 34,000,000 | 34,000,000 | 42,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 744,000,000 | 744,000,000 | 660,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Indexed debt securities derivative | 340,000,000 | 340,000,000 | 268,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | 13,000,000 | [1] | 13,000,000 | [1] | 16,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 353,000,000 | 353,000,000 | 284,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Cash collateral posted with counterparties | 4,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 9,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments, Liabilities, Physical Forwards Purchased | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | 3,000,000 | $ 3,000,000 | 2,000,000 | $ 6,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total gains | [2] | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 4,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total settlements | [2] | 0 | (2,000,000) | (1,000,000) | (6,000,000) | ||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (1,000,000) | |||||||||||||||
Ending balance | [3] | 4,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 3,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date | 2,000,000 | $ 1,000,000 | 3,000,000 | $ 2,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure | 363,000,000 | 363,000,000 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt | 8,428,000,000 | 8,428,000,000 | 9,619,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair Value [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure | 360,000,000 | 360,000,000 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term Debt | 9,052,000,000 | 9,052,000,000 | 10,807,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | 637,000,000 | 637,000,000 | 542,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments, including money market funds | 73,000,000 | 73,000,000 | 76,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, assets | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 715,000,000 | 715,000,000 | 619,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Indexed debt securities derivative | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | 6,000,000 | [1] | 6,000,000 | [1] | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 6,000,000 | 6,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments, including money market funds | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, assets | 33,000,000 | 33,000,000 | 40,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 33,000,000 | 33,000,000 | 40,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Indexed debt securities derivative | 340,000,000 | 340,000,000 | 268,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | 19,000,000 | [1] | 19,000,000 | [1] | 21,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 359,000,000 | 359,000,000 | 289,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
Illiquid forward price low range (per mmbtu) | 2.89 | 2.89 | |||||||||||||||||
Illiquid forward price high range (per mmbtu) | $ 4.57 | $ 4.57 | |||||||||||||||||
Option volatilities low range | 0.00% | 0.00% | |||||||||||||||||
Option volatilities high range | 90.00% | 90.00% | |||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | $ 0 | $ 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments, including money market funds | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, assets | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Indexed debt securities derivative | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Netting Adjustments [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [5] | |||||||||||||
Investments, including money market funds | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [5] | |||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, assets | (11,000,000) | [4] | (11,000,000) | [4] | (6,000,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||
Total assets | (11,000,000) | [4] | (11,000,000) | [4] | (6,000,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Indexed debt securities derivative | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [5] | |||||||||||||
Natural gas derivatives, liabilities | (15,000,000) | [1],[4] | (15,000,000) | [1],[4] | (15,000,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ (15,000,000) | [4] | $ (15,000,000) | [4] | $ (15,000,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in assets still held at reporting period. Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those assets still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of cash that is posted, at the end of the reporting period, as collateral for derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative Instruments, Liabilities, Physical Forwards Purchased No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the net asset/liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Illiquid forward price per mmbtu - high range No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Illiquid forward price per mmbtu - low range No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Option volatilities high range No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Option volatilities low range No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Derivative instrument obligations meeting the definition of a liability which the Company is a party to as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (net) which have taken place in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregation of the liabilities reported on the balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the entity. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
2 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
May 01, 2013 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
|
Contributed Assets | $ 5,800 | ||||||
Contributed Liabilities | 1,500 | ||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | $ 4,485 | $ 4,485 | $ 4,485 | $ 405 | |||
Transitional Services Costs to be Reimbursed | 28 | ||||||
Term Loan of Affiliate | 1,050 | ||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 37 | $ 8 | 42 | $ 17 | |||
Midstream Partnership [Member] | |||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 33 | 0 | 33 | 0 | |||
Operating Revenues | 502 | ||||||
Gross Margin | 207 | ||||||
Operating Income | 75 | ||||||
Net Income | 65 | ||||||
CenterPoint Energy's 58.3% interest | 38 | ||||||
Amortization of basis difference | (5) | ||||||
CenterPoint Enegy's equity in earnings, net | $ 33 | 33 | |||||
SESH [Member] | |||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | |||
Other Entity [Member] | |||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | $ 0 | $ 2 | $ 0 | $ 5 | |||
Midstream Partnership [Member] | |||||||
Debt Repayment by Midstream Partnership | 1,050 | ||||||
Indebtedness to CERC | 363 | ||||||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 58.30% | 58.30% | 58.30% | ||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | $ 4,285 | $ 4,285 | $ 4,285 | $ 4,300 | 0 | ||
CERC Corp [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum | 2.10% | ||||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.45% | ||||||
SESH [Member] | |||||||
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 25.05% | 25.05% | 25.05% | ||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | $ 200 | $ 200 | $ 200 | 404 | |||
Other Entity [Member] | |||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 1 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Basis Difference Amortization No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Contributed Assets No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Contributed Liabilities No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Debt of Affiliate No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Debt repayment by affiliate No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Equity Earnings Net of Basis Difference Amortization No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Equity Method Investment, Summarized Fnancial Information, Operating Income No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Gross equity in earnings No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Term Loan of Affiliate No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Transitional Service Costs to be Reimbursed No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition When presenting a range of interest rates, the highest stated (contractual) rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition When presenting a range of interest rates, the lowest stated (contractual) rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of gross profit (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Goodwill (Details) $ in Millions |
6 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
| |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ 1,468 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 628 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | 840 |
Natural Gas Distribution [Member] | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 746 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 0 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | 746 |
Interstate Pipelines [Member] | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 579 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 579 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | 0 |
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services [Member] | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 83 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 0 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | 83 |
Field Services [Member] | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 49 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 49 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | 0 |
Corporate and Other [Member] | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 11 |
Contributed to Midstream Partnership | 0 |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | $ 11 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of other decrease (increase) in the carrying value of goodwill that is not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Capital Stock (Details) - $ / shares |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
---|---|---|
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Capital stock shares authorized (in shares) | 1,020,000,000 | |
Common stock shares authorized (in shares) | 1,000,000,000 | |
Common stock shares par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | |
Cumulative preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) | 20,000,000 | |
Cumulative preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | |
Total common stock issued (in shares) | 428,607,633 | 427,599,730 |
Total common stock outstanding (in shares) | 428,607,467 | 427,599,564 |
Treasury stock (in shares) | 166 | 166 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The maximum number of capital shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Face amount or stated value of common stock per share; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
|
May 01, 2013
USD ($)
|
Dec. 31, 2012
USD ($)
|
|
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Total short term borrowings | $ 37 | $ 37 | $ 38 | |
Long-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||
Total credit facility amount | 2,450 | 2,450 | 2,450 | |
Loans Outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Letters of Credit outstanding | 10 | 10 | 11 | |
Commercial Paper Outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | 0 | |
Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Debt Repayment by Midstream Partnership | $ 1,050 | |||
Bonds General Mortgage Due 2013 [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 7.875% | 7.875% | ||
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | $ 365 | |||
Commercial Paper [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | $ 357 | |||
Bonds General Mortgage Due January 2014 [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.95% | 5.95% | ||
Extinguishment Of Debt Purchase Price Percentage Of Principal | 103.419% | |||
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | $ 160 | |||
Bonds Pollution Control Due2015 Member | CenterPoint Energy [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | $ 92 | |||
Bonds General Mortgage Due August 2015 [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Extinguishment Of Debt Purchase Price Percentage Of Principal | 101.00% | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms | 0.04 | |||
Bank loans due 2016 [Member] | CenterPoint Houston [Member] | ||||
Long-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||
Total credit facility amount | $ 300 | $ 300 | 300 | |
Loans Outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Letters of Credit outstanding | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Commercial Paper Outstanding | 0 | $ 0 | 0 | |
Revolving credit facility borrowing rate | LIBOR plus 125 | |||
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) | 65.00% | |||
Bank loans due 2016 [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member] | ||||
Long-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||
Total credit facility amount | 1,200 | $ 1,200 | 1,200 | |
Loans Outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Letters of Credit outstanding | 6 | 6 | 7 | |
Commercial Paper Outstanding | 0 | $ 0 | 0 | |
Revolving credit facility borrowing rate | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 150 | |||
Debt to EBITDA covenant ratio, before amendment | 5 | |||
Debt to EBITDA covenant ratio, amendment | 5.5 | |||
System restoration costs threshold for increase in permitted debt to EBITDA covenant ratio | $ 100 | |||
Consecutive Period for System Restoration Costs to Exceed $100 million (in months) | 12 | |||
Bank loans due 2016 [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | ||||
Long-term Debt [Abstract] | ||||
Total credit facility amount | 950 | $ 950 | 950 | |
Loans Outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Letters of Credit outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Commercial Paper Outstanding | 0 | $ 0 | 0 | |
Revolving credit facility borrowing rate | LIBOR plus 150 | |||
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths) | 65.00% | |||
Product Financing Arrangement [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Total short term borrowings | $ 37 | $ 37 | $ 38 | |
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||
Debt Repayment by Midstream Partnership | $ 1,050 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Consecutive Period for System Restoration Costs to Exceed $100 million (in months) No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization permitted ratio under covenant. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization temporary permitted ratio under covenant. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Debt repayment by affiliate No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Repurchase price of debt obligations expressed as a percentage of principal amount No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The minimum amount of estimated restoration cost in a calendar year in order for a temporary increase in debt to EBITDA covenant No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Description of the interest rate as being fixed or variable, and, if variable, identification of the index or rate on which the interest rate is based and the number of points or percentage added to that index or rate to set the rate, and other pertinent information, such as frequency of rate resets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Gross amount of debt extinguished. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount borrowed under the credit facility as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Description of the interest rate for the amounts borrowed under the credit facility, including the terms and the method for determining the interest rate (for example, fixed or variable, LIBOR plus a percentage, increasing rate, timing of interest rate resets, remarketing provisions). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of long-term unsecured obligations issued by corporations and other borrowers to investors (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Reflects the total carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of debt having initial terms less than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
|
Effective tax rate (in hundredths) | 169.00% | 37.00% | 88.00% | 35.00% | |
Deferred Taxes, Business Combination, Valuation Allowance, Available to Reduce Goodwill | $ 225 | $ 225 | |||
Unrecognized tax expenses | (23) | (23) | $ (23) | ||
Portion of unrecognized tax expenses that, if recognized, would increase the effective income tax rate | (3) | (3) | (3) | ||
Interest accrued on unrecognized tax expenses | (9) | $ (9) | $ (8) | ||
Period of time for possible impact of unrecognized tax expenses (in months) | 12 | ||||
Deferred income taxes benefit | $ (257) | $ (128) | |||
Midstream Partnership [Member] | |||||
Deferred income taxes benefit | $ 29 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Period of time for possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (in months) No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The gross amount of unrecognized tax expense pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This element represents the amount of interest income as of the date of the statement of financial positioin for an overpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from intangible assets including goodwill. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition A ratio calculated by dividing the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the period by GAAP-basis pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) |
6 Months Ended | |
---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013
USD ($)
|
May 01, 2013
USD ($)
|
|
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation | ||
2013 | $ 134,000,000 | |
2014 | 277,000,000 | |
2015 | 214,000,000 | |
2016 | 150,000,000 | |
2017 | 99,000,000 | |
After 2017 | $ 162,000,000 | |
Legal Environmental And Other Regulatory Matters | ||
Recovery of compensatory damages sought by plaintiffs | in excess of $1 billion | |
Approximate number of gas market manipulation lawsuits naming CenterPoint and/or Reliant Energy (in number of lawsuits) | 30 | |
Number of gas market manipulation lawsuits pending for CenterPoint and its affiliates (in number of lawsuits) | 1 | |
Number of sites where remediation is complete, other than ongoing operations (in number of sites) | 2 | |
Number of remaining sites in the Minnesota service territory (in number of sites) | 5 | |
Number of the remaining sites in the Minnesota service territory where the company believes it has no liability (in number of sites) | 2 | |
Amount accrued for remediation of Minnesota sites (in number of sites) | $ 13,000,000 | |
Minimum estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites | 6,000,000 | |
Maximum estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites | $ 41,000,000 | |
Minimum years of remediation for the Minnesota sites (in years) | 30 | |
Maximum years of remediation for the Minnesota sites (in years) | 50 | |
Annual amount included in rates to fund normal on-going remediation costs | $ 285,000 | |
Amount collected from insurance companies to be used for future environmental remediation | 6,000,000 | |
Approximate amount of undiscounted maximum obligation under guarantee | 66,000,000 | |
CenterPoint Energy [Member] | ||
Legal Environmental And Other Regulatory Matters | ||
Guarantee Obligations Maximum Amount Upon Completion Of Gathering Systems | $ 100,000,000 | |
CERC Corp [Member] | ||
Legal Environmental And Other Regulatory Matters | ||
Approximate amount of undiscounted maximum obligation under guarantee | 157,200,000 | |
Guarantor Obligations, Current Amount | $ 1,000,000 | |
Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||
Legal Environmental And Other Regulatory Matters | ||
Unsecured Debt | $ 1,050,000,000 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Maximum amount of guarantees reduce to plus any additional amounts related to expansion of services upon completion of gathering systems. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Guarantor Obligations, Current Amount No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total number of pending lawsuits related to gas market manipulation. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The total amount of gas market manipulation lawsuits filed against a company. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of manufactured gas plant sites where remediation is complete, other than ongoing operations. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition High-end of the range estimated time frame for remediation to continue. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Low-end of the range estimated time frame for remediation to continue. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition High-end of the range estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Low-end of the range estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure at an individual site. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of other sites in the company's Minnesota service territory. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of sites in Minnesota where the company believes it has no liability. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of any recovery from third parties that is credited to environmental remediation costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Describes the form and magnitude of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter, which may include an unspecified amount of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Recorded amount of the individual components comprising the asset for third-party recoveries related to environmental remediation obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of the recorded unconditional purchase obligation maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of uncollateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
|
Net income (loss) | $ (100) | $ 126 | $ 47 | $ 273 |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 428,571,000 | 427,349,000 | 428,268,000 | 426,924,000 |
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: | ||||
Stock Options | 108,000 | 233,000 | 103,000 | 229,000 |
Restricted Stock | 1,875,000 | 2,047,000 | 1,875,000 | 2,047,000 |
Diluted weighted average shares | 430,554,000 | 429,629,000 | 430,246,000 | 429,200,000 |
Basic Earnings Per Share: | ||||
Net income | $ (0.23) | $ 0.29 | $ 0.11 | $ 0.64 |
Diluted earnings per share: | ||||
Net income | $ (0.23) | $ 0.29 | $ 0.11 | $ 0.64 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares. Contingently issuable shares are those shares that are issuable for little or no cash contingent on certain conditions being met. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- References No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
Reportable Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
1 Months Ended | 2 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 4 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr. 30, 2013 |
[2] | Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
Apr. 30, 2013 |
[2] | Jun. 30, 2013 |
Jun. 30, 2012 |
May 01, 2013 |
Dec. 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ 1,894 | $ 1,525 | $ 4,282 | $ 3,609 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 223 | 302 | 555 | 640 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | $ 21,658 | 21,658 | 21,658 | $ 22,871 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 37 | 8 | 42 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 4,485 | 4,485 | 4,485 | 405 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 4,285 | 4,285 | 4,285 | $ 4,300 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
SESH [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 200 | 200 | 200 | 404 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | [1] | 656 | 676 | 1,188 | 1,207 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 165 | 191 | 249 | 298 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 10,495 | 10,495 | 10,495 | 11,174 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member] | Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from major customers | 148 | 153 | 291 | 293 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member] | Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from major customers | 37 | 38 | 73 | 74 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Distribution [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 524 | 360 | 1,567 | 1,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 5 | 6 | 13 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 25 | 9 | 164 | 130 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 4,685 | 4,685 | 4,685 | 4,775 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 622 | 302 | 1,210 | 822 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 6 | 6 | 15 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 3 | (4) | 10 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 831 | 831 | 831 | 839 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interstate Pipelines [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | $ 41 | 88 | $ 133 | 170 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 13 | 37 | 53 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 20 | 52 | 72 | 112 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,004 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Field Services [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 48 | 96 | 178 | 195 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 7 | 8 | 18 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ 20 | 51 | $ 73 | 98 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,453 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream Investments [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | [3] | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | [3] | 4,485 | 4,485 | 4,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream Investments [Member] | Midstream Partnership [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 4,285 | 4,285 | 4,285 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream Investments [Member] | CERC Remaining Interest in SESH [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream Investments [Member] | SESH [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 200 | 200 | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other Operations [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | (10) | 3 | (13) | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | 3,002 | [4] | 3,002 | [4] | 3,002 | [4] | 2,600 | [3] | ||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postemployment related regulatory assets included in total assets of Other Operations | 802 | 802 | 802 | 832 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from External Customers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Intersegment Revenues | (31) | (57) | (99) | (118) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 0 | $ 0 | 0 | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | $ (1,840) | $ (1,840) | $ (1,840) | $ (2,974) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This represents the assets recognized in the Other Operations segment that are associated with the defined benefit plans. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of revenue generated from a single external customer that accounts for 10 percent or more of an entity's revenues. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of revenue from external customers for the reportable segment. Such disclosure is presented if the amount is: (a) included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
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. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|
Subsequent Events (Details) - Dividend Declared [Member] |
1 Months Ended |
---|---|
Jul. 31, 2013
USD ($)
| |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
Subsequent Event, Date | Jul. 25, 2013 |
Subsequent Event, Amount | $ 0.2075 |
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year | Sep. 10, 2013 |
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year | Aug. 16, 2013 |
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Date the declared dividend will be paid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Date the holder must own the stock to be entitled to the dividend, in CCYY-MM-DD format. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Reflects the known or estimated financial effect of the event, or transaction that occurred between the balance sheet date and the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Detail information of subsequent event by type. User is expected to use existing line items from elsewhere in the taxonomy as the primary line items for this disclosure, which is further associated with dimension and member elements pertaining to a subsequent event. No definition available.
|
X | ||||||||||
- Definition Date the event occurred after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issues or available to be issued, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
X | ||||||||||
- Details
|