Document and Entity Supplemental Information Document (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
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	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		429,795,830
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 9,975,930,939

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,807	$ 1,640	$ 6,854	$ 5,922
Expenses:
Natural gas	702	637	3,625	2,741
Operation and maintenance	493	422	1,441	1,352
Depreciation and amortization	293	248	784	741
Taxes other than income taxes	86	89	290	289
Total	1,574	1,396	6,140	5,123
Operating Income	233	244	714	799
Other Income (Expense):
Gain on marketable securities	31	54	73	158
Loss on indexed debt securities	(22)	(42)	(29)	(120)
Interest and other finance charges	(88)	(86)	(261)	(269)
Interest on transition and system restoration bonds	(30)	(32)	(90)	(101)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net	79	80	241	122
Other, net	10	11	28	17
Total	(20)	(15)	(38)	(193)
Income Before Income Taxes	213	229	676	606
Income tax expense	70	78	241	408
Net Income	$ 143	$ 151	$ 435	$ 198
Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.33	$ 0.35	$ 1.01	$ 0.46
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ 0.33	$ 0.35	$ 1.01	$ 0.46
Dividends Declared Per Share	$ 0.2375	$ 0.2075	$ 0.7125	$ 0.6225
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Basic	429,796,000	428,628,000	429,580,000	428,389,000
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted	431,573,000	430,867,000	431,357,000	430,624,000

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 143	$ 151	$ 435	$ 198
Other comprehensive income:
Adjustment related to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1, $2, $4 and $5)	2	3	5	8
Total	2	3	5	8
Comprehensive income	$ 145	$ 154	$ 440	$ 206

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

Comprehensive Income Parentheticals (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 1	$ 2	$ 4	$ 5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($212 and $207 related to VIEs, respectively)	$ 230	$ 208
Investment in marketable securities	840	767
Accounts receivable ($99 and $60 related to VIEs, respectively), less bad debt reserve of $22 and $28, respectively	712	851
Accrued unbilled revenues	174	398
Natural gas inventory	253	140
Materials and supplies	156	145
Non-trading derivative assets	34	24
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($49 and $41 related to VIEs, respectively)	177	125
Total current assets	2,576	2,658
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	14,975	14,138
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,770	4,545
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,205	9,593
Other Assets:
Goodwill	840	840
Regulatory assets ($2,824 and $3,179 related to VIEs, respectively)	3,372	3,726
Notes receivable - affiliated companies	363	363
Non-trading derivative assets	17	10
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	4,525	4,518
Other	150	162
Total other assets	9,267	9,619
Total Assets	22,048	21,870
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	80	43
Current portion of VIE transition and system restoration bonds long-term debt	370	354
Indexed debt	149	143
Current portion of other long-term debt	203	0
Indexed debt securities derivative	483	455
Accounts payable	441	689
Taxes accrued	139	184
Interest accrued	110	124
Non-trading derivative liabilities	11	17
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net	649	608
Other	373	402
Total current liabilities	3,008	3,019
Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net	4,606	4,542
Non-trading derivative liabilities	2	4
Benefit obligations	718	802
Regulatory liabilities	1,237	1,152
Other	207	205
Total other liabilities	6,770	6,705
Long-term Debt:
VIE transition and system restoration bonds	2,736	3,046
Other	5,061	4,771
Total long-term debt	7,797	7,817
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock (429,795,830 shares and 428,798,446 shares outstanding, respectively)	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	4,167	4,157
Retained earnings	387	258
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(85)	(90)
Total shareholders’ equity	4,473	4,329
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 22,048	$ 21,870

Balance Sheets Parentheticals (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 230	$ 208
Bad Debt Reserve	22	28
Accounts receivable, net	712	851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	177	125
Regulatory assets	3,372	3,726
Total common stock outstanding (in shares)	429,795,830	428,798,446
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	212	207
Accounts receivable, net	99	60
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49	41
Regulatory assets	$ 2,824	$ 3,179

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 435	$ 198
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	784	741
Amortization of deferred financing costs	21	23
Deferred income taxes	94	356
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	(73)	(158)
Unrealized loss on indexed debt securities	29	120
Write-down of natural gas inventory	2	4
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions	(6)	(65)
Pension contributions	(94)	(89)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	348	173
Inventory	(126)	(111)
Taxes receivable	0	(53)
Accounts payable	(237)	(151)
Fuel cost recovery	(57)	105
Non-trading derivatives, net	(26)	(6)
Margin deposits, net	(13)	5
Interest and taxes accrued	(59)	(66)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	53	78
Other current assets	23	21
Other current liabilities	(20)	(40)
Other assets	5	(2)
Other liabilities	29	36
Other, net	12	13
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,124	1,132
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(998)	(912)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash of transition and system restoration bond companies	(9)	13
Cash contribution to Enable	0	(38)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	0	9
Other, net	(19)	2
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,026)	(926)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings, net	37	32
Proceeds from commercial paper, net	72	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	600	1,050
Payments of long-term debt	(477)	(1,455)
Debt issuance costs	(8)	(4)
Redemption of indexed debt securities	0	(8)
Payment of common stock dividends	(306)	(267)
Other, net	6	19
Net cash used in financing activities	(76)	(633)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	22	(427)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	208	646
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	230	219
Cash Payments:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	338	394
Income taxes, net	157	77
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures	63	83
Formation of Enable	0
Exercise of SESH put to Enable		0
Formation of Enable [Member]
Non-cash transactions:
Formation of Enable		4,252
Exercise of SESH put to Enable [Member]
Non-cash transactions:
Exercise of SESH put to Enable	$ 196

Background and Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

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, 2013 (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 Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable) as described in Note 7. As of September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries included:


•	CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (CenterPoint Houston), which engages in the electric transmission and distribution business in the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston; and

•

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (CERC Corp. and, together with its subsidiaries, CERC), which owns and operates natural gas distribution systems (Gas Operations). A wholly owned subsidiary of CERC Corp. offers variable and fixed-price physical natural gas supplies primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and gas utilities. As of September 30, 2014, CERC Corp. also owned approximately 55.4% of the limited partner interests in Enable, which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets.

As of September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy had 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References+ Details

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which significantly changes the existing accounting guidance on discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results should be reported as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. ASU 2014-08 should be applied to components classified as held for sale after its effective date. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The adoption is expected to reduce the number of disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted, and entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective adoption approach. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy will adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2017, and is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. Management believes that other recently issued 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.

Employee Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
	Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits			Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits
	(in millions)
Service cost	$	10		$	—		$	11		$	—
Interest cost	25			5			22			5
Expected return on plan assets	(32		)	(1		)	(33		)	(1		)
Amortization of prior service cost	3			—			3			1
Amortization of net loss	11			—			15			2
Amortization of transition obligation	—			1			—			1
Net periodic cost	$	17		$	5		$	18		$	8



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
	Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits			Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits
	(in millions)
Service cost	$	31		$	1		$	33		$	1
Interest cost	75			16			68			15
Expected return on plan assets	(94		)	(5		)	(101		)	(5		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8			(1		)	7			1
Amortization of net loss	33			1			47			5
Amortization of transition obligation	—			4			—			5
Net periodic cost	$	53		$	16		$	54		$	22

________________


(1)	Net periodic cost in these tables is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes.

CenterPoint Energy's changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and Postretirement Plans						Pension and Postretirement Plans
	(in millions)
Beginning Balance	$	(85	)	$	(127	)	$	(88	)	$	(132	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Prior service cost (1)	1			1			2			2
Actuarial losses (1)	2			4			7			11
Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3			5			9			13
Tax expense	(1		)	(2		)	(4		)	(5		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	2			3			5			8
Ending Balance	$	(83	)	$	(124	)	$	(83	)	$	(124	)

________________


(1)	These other comprehensive components are included in the computation of net periodic cost.

CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a total of approximately $96 million to its pension plans in 2014, of which approximately $60 million and $94 million, respectively, was contributed during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute a total of approximately $17 million to its postretirement benefits plan in 2014, of which approximately $4 million and $12 million, respectively, was contributed during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References+ Details

Derivative Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

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, 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.


(a)	Non-Trading Activities

Derivative Instruments. CenterPoint Energy enters into certain derivative instruments to manage physical commodity price risk 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 and electric operations in Texas 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 on CenterPoint Houston’s results in its service territory.

CenterPoint Energy entered into heating-degree day swaps for certain Gas Operations jurisdictions to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather on its results of operations and cash flows for the winter heating season, which contained a bilateral dollar cap of $15 million in 2012 - 2013, $16 million in 2013 - 2014 and $16 million in 2014 - 2015. In both 2013 and 2014, CenterPoint Energy also entered into a similar winter weather hedge for the CenterPoint Houston service territory, which each contained a bilateral dollar cap of $8 million. The swaps are based on ten-year normal weather. During both the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, CenterPoint Energy recognized losses of $-0- related to these swaps. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, CenterPoint Energy recognized losses of $8 million and $6 million, respectively, related to these swaps. Weather hedge gains and losses are included in revenues in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.


(b)	Derivative Fair Values and Income Statement Impacts

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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, while the last two tables provide a breakdown of the related income statement impacts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.



Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		September 30, 2014
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	45	$	11
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	17		—
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	1		12
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	3		5
Indexed debt securities derivative	Current Liabilities	—		483
Total		$	66	$	511

_____________


(1)	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 811 billion cubic feet (Bcf) or a net 34 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 126 Bcf.

(2)

Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading derivative assets and liabilities was a $38 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above.



Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	September 30, 2014
	Gross Amounts Recognized (1)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)
	(in millions)
Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	46		$	(12	)	$	34
Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	20			(3		)	17
Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(23		)	12			(11		)
Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(5		)	3			(2		)
Total	$	38		$	—		$	38

________________


(1)	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.


(2)	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.



Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		December 31, 2013
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	28	$	4
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	10		—
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	4		21
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	1		5
Indexed debt securities derivative	Current Liabilities	—		455
Total		$	43	$	485

_______________


(1)	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 607 Bcf or a net 46 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 99 Bcf.

(2)

Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading derivative assets and liabilities was a $13 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, offset by collateral netting of less than $1 million.


(3)	The $28 million Derivative Current Asset includes $1 million related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.



Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	December 31, 2013
	Gross Amounts Recognized (1)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)
	(in millions)
Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	32		$	(8	)	$	24
Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	11			(1		)	10
Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(25		)	8			(17		)
Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(5		)	1			(4		)
Total	$	13		$	—		$	13

________________


(1)	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.


(2)	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on 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.



Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity
		Three Months Ended September 30,
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Income Statement Location	2014			2013
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives	Gains (Losses) in Revenues	$	22		$	11
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas	(4		)	(2		)
Indexed debt securities derivative	Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense)	(22		)	(42		)
Total		$	(4	)	$	(33	)



Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Income Statement Location	2014			2013
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives	Gains (Losses) in Revenues	$	(74	)	$	24
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas	110			(3		)
Indexed debt securities derivative	Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense)	(29		)	(120		)
Total		$	7		$	(99	)

________________


(1)	The Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas includes $-0- and $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.


(c)	Credit Risk Contingent Features

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 both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $1 million. The aggregate fair value of assets that were posted as collateral was less than $1 million at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. If all derivative contracts (in a net liability position) containing credit risk contingent features were triggered at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $1 million of additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4K

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

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 $2.04 to $4.95 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 81%) 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2. 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by CenterPoint Energy to determine such fair value.



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of September 30, 2014
			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of September 30, 2014
	(in millions)
Assets
Corporate equities	$	843	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	843
Investments, including money market funds	57		—		—		—			57
Natural gas derivatives	4		51		11		(15		)	51
Total assets	$	904	$	51	$	11	$	(15	)	$	951
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative	$	—	$	483	$	—	$	—		$	483
Natural gas derivatives	3		23		2		(15		)	13
Total liabilities	$	3	$	506	$	2	$	(15	)	$	496

________________


(1)	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $-0- posted with the same counterparties.



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of December 31, 2013
			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Assets
Corporate equities	$	770	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	770
Investments, including money market funds	61		—		—		—			61
Natural gas derivatives (2)	5		33		5		(9		)	34
Total assets	$	836	$	33	$	5	$	(9	)	$	865
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative	$	—	$	455	$	—	$	—		$	455
Natural gas derivatives	1		27		2		(9		)	21
Total liabilities	$	1	$	482	$	2	$	(9	)	$	476

________________


(1)	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of less than $1 million posted with the same counterparties.


(2)	The (Level 2) Natural gas derivative assets of $33 million include $1 million related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.

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:



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Derivative assets and liabilities, net
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in millions)
Beginning balance	$	4		$	4		$	3		$	2
Total gains	6			2			6			5
Total settlements	(1		)	(1		)	1			(2		)
Transfers into Level 3	—			—			(1		)	—
Ending balance (1)	$	9		$	5		$	9		$	5
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	$	6		$	2		$	7		$	4

________________


(1)	CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 purchases, sales or transfers out of Level 3 during either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

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 carrying amounts 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 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.



	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(in millions)
Financial assets:
Notes receivable - affiliated companies	$	363	$	366	$	363	$	363
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	$	8,370	$	9,089	$	8,171	$	8,670

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Unconsolidated Affiliates (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]

Unconsolidated Affiliates

On May 1, 2013 (the Closing Date) CERC Corp., OGE Energy Corp. (OGE) and ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC (ArcLight) closed on the formation of Enable. CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Enable and, accordingly, accounts for its investment in Enable using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, CenterPoint Energy will adjust its investment in Enable each period for contributions made, distributions received, CenterPoint Energy’s share of Enable’s comprehensive income and accretion of basis differences, as appropriate. CenterPoint Energy evaluates its equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate there is a loss in value of the investment that is other than a temporary decline.

CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable is considered to be a VIE because the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Enable’s economic performance does not reside with the holders of equity investment at risk. However, CenterPoint Energy is not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it does not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable. CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to its equity investment as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014, CERC Corp.’s guarantee of collection of Enable’s $1.1 billion senior notes due 2019 and 2024 (Guaranteed Senior Notes) and other guarantees discussed in Note 12, CERC Corp.’s $363 million notes receivable from Enable and outstanding current accounts receivable from Enable. The $363 million of notes receivable from Enable bears interest at an annual rate of 2.10% to 2.45% and matures in 2017. CenterPoint Energy recorded interest income of $2 million and $2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6 million and $3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for interest earned on or after the Closing Date and had interest receivable from Enable of $2 million and $4 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, on its notes receivable from Enable.

Effective on the Closing Date, CenterPoint Energy and Enable 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 Enable such as accounting, legal, risk management and treasury functions for an initial term ending on April 30, 2016. The support services automatically extend year-to-year at the end of the initial term, unless terminated by Enable with at least 90 days’ notice. Enable may terminate the initial support services at any time with 180 days’ notice if approved by the board of Enable's general partner. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy agreed to provide seconded employees to Enable to support its operations for an initial term ending on December 31, 2014, unless revised by mutual agreement with CenterPoint Energy, OGE and Enable prior to that date.

CenterPoint Energy billed Enable for reimbursement of transitional services, including the costs of seconded employees, $36 million and $42 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $118 million and $70 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, under the Transition Agreements for transition services incurred on or after the Closing Date. Actual transitional services costs are recorded net of reimbursements received from Enable. Effective April 1, 2014, Enable’s general partner, CenterPoint Energy and OGE agreed to reduce certain governance related costs billed to Enable for transition services. CenterPoint Energy had accounts receivable from Enable of $17 million and $21 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for amounts billed for transitional services, including the cost of seconded employees.

Enable, at its discretion, has the right to select and offer employment to seconded employees from CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy did not transfer any employees to Enable at formation of the partnership or at any time during the period from the Closing Date through September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy determined it cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the costs associated with the termination of employees related to the formation of Enable or transfer of employees from CenterPoint Energy to Enable, including the impact of the changes to the actuarial determination of employee benefit plan obligations. Pursuant to the Transition Agreements, Enable has agreed to reimburse CenterPoint Energy for certain severance and termination costs related to the termination of CenterPoint Energy's seconded employees.

On April 16, 2014, Enable completed its initial public offering (IPO) of 28,750,000 common units, at a price of $20.00 per unit, which included 3,750,000 common units sold by ArcLight pursuant to an over-allotment option that was fully exercised by the underwriters. Enable received $464 million in net proceeds from the sale of the units, after deducting underwriting fees, structuring fees and other offering costs. In connection with Enable’s IPO, a portion of CenterPoint Energy’s common units were converted into subordinated units, as discussed further below. Subsequent to the IPO, Enable continues to be equally controlled by CenterPoint Energy and OGE; each own 50% of the management rights in the general partner of Enable. CenterPoint Energy and OGE also own a 40% and 60% economic interest, respectively, in the incentive distribution rights held by the general partner of Enable.

As a result of Enable’s IPO, CenterPoint Energy’s limited partner interest in Enable was reduced from approximately 58.3% to approximately 54.7%. CenterPoint Energy accounted for the dilution of its investment in Enable as a result of Enable’s IPO as a failed partial sale of in-substance real estate. CenterPoint Energy did not receive any cash from Enable’s IPO and, as such, CenterPoint Energy did not recognize a gain or loss. CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference in Enable was reduced for the impact of the Enable IPO.

In accordance with the Enable formation agreements, CenterPoint Energy had certain put rights, and Enable had certain call rights, exercisable with respect to the 25.05% interest in Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH) retained by CenterPoint Energy on the Closing Date, under which CenterPoint Energy would contribute its retained interest in SESH, in exchange for a specified number of limited partner units in Enable and a cash payment, payable either from CenterPoint Energy to Enable or from Enable to CenterPoint Energy, to the extent of changes in the value of SESH subject to certain restrictions. Specifically, the rights were and are exercisable with respect to (1) a 24.95% interest in SESH (24.95% Put), which closed on May 30, 2014 as discussed below and (2) a 0.1% interest in SESH, which may be exercised no earlier than June 2015 for 25,341 common units in Enable.

On May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy closed its 24.95% Put and contributed to Enable its 24.95% interest in SESH in exchange for 6,322,457 common units of Enable, which increased CenterPoint Energy’s limited partner interest in Enable from approximately 54.7% to approximately 55.4%. No cash payment was required to be made pursuant to the Enable formation agreements in connection with CenterPoint Energy’s exercise of the 24.95% Put. CenterPoint Energy accounted for the contribution of its 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable in exchange for common units of Enable as a non-monetary transaction of in-substance real estate equity method investments. As such, CenterPoint Energy recorded the 6,322,457 common units at the historical cost of the contributed 24.95% interest in SESH of $196 million and recorded no gain or loss in connection with its exercise of the 24.95% Put. As a result, CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference in Enable was reduced for the impact of its exercise of the 24.95% Put.

CenterPoint Energy incurred natural gas expenses, including transportation and storage costs, of $24 million and $42 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $99 million and $70 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for transactions with Enable occurring on or after the Closing Date. CenterPoint Energy had accounts payable to Enable of $10 million and $22 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, from such transactions.

As of September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy held an approximate 55.4% limited partner interest in Enable consisting of 94,126,366 common units and 139,704,916 subordinated units and a 0.1% interest in SESH. The principal difference between Enable common units and subordinated units is that in any quarter during the subordination period, holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive any distribution of available cash until the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution from prior quarters. If Enable does not pay distributions on its subordinated units, the subordinated units will not accrue arrearages for those unpaid distributions. At the end of the subordination period, CenterPoint Energy’s subordinated units in Enable will be converted to common units in Enable on a one-for-one basis. On September 30, 2014, Enable’s common units closed at $24.64 per unit on the New York Stock Exchange.

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates:



	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Enable	$	4,524	$	4,319
SESH (1)	1		199
Total	$	4,525	$	4,518


(1)	On May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Enable (1)	$	79	$	77	$	236	$	110
SESH (2)	—		3		5		12
Total	$	79	$	80	$	241	$	122


(1)	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.


(2)	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013 (1)		2014		2013 (1)
	(in millions)
Operating revenues	$	804	$	796	$	2,632	$	1,298
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization	439		458		1,550		753
Operating income	151		132		452		207
Net income attributable to Enable	139		123		408		188

CenterPoint Energy's approximate interest	$	76	$	72	$	230	$	110
Basis difference accretion	3		5		6		—
CenterPoint Energy's equity in earnings, net	$	79	$	77	$	236	$	110

(1)

On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight. The amounts included in the table represent the three- and five- month periods ended September 30, 2013. Enable concluded that its formation was considered a business combination, in which the fair value of the consideration paid for Enogex, LLC (Enogex), the businesses contributed by OGE, was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by Enable on the Closing Date. In the third quarter of 2013, Enable completed its valuation of Enogex, and Enogex's assets, liabilities and equity, and its related depreciation and amortization for the five-month period ended September 30, 2013, was accordingly adjusted to estimated fair value as of the Closing Date. CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net of basis difference, in the third quarter of 2013 was not materially different as a result of the final fair value determination.

Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows:



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Current assets	$	520		$	549
Non-current assets	11,172			10,683
Current liabilities	520			720
Non-current liabilities	2,346			2,331
Non-controlling interest	32			33
Enable partners' capital	8,794			8,148

CenterPoint Energy's ownership interest in Enable's partner capital	$	4,870		$	4,753
CenterPoint Energy's basis difference	(346		)	(434		)
CenterPoint Energy's investment in Enable	$	4,524		$	4,319

Distributions Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Enable (1)	$	70	$	36	$	227	$	36
SESH (2)	1		3		8		21
Total	$	71	$	39	$	235	$	57


(1)	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.


(2)	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill by reportable business segment as of both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in millions):



Natural Gas Distribution	$	746
Energy Services	83
Other Operations	11
Total	$	840

CenterPoint Energy performs its goodwill impairment tests at least annually and evaluates goodwill when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment evaluation for goodwill is performed by using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is generally determined on the basis of discounted cash flows. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit's fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets) in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

CenterPoint Energy performed its annual impairment test in the third quarter of 2014 and determined, based on the results of the first step, that no impairment charge was required for any reportable segment.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
Capital Stock	Sep. 30, 2014
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 September 30, 2014, 429,795,996 shares of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock were issued and 429,795,830 shares were outstanding. At December 31, 2013, 428,798,612 shares of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock were issued and 428,798,446 shares were outstanding. Outstanding common shares exclude 166 treasury shares at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

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+ Details

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt [Text Block]

Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt


(a)	Short-term Borrowings

Inventory Financing. Gas Operations has asset management agreements associated with its utility distribution service in Arkansas, north Louisiana and Oklahoma that extend through March 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 $80 million and $43 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.


(b)	Long-term Debt

On March 17, 2014, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC issued $600 million principal amount of 4.50% General Mortgage Bonds due 2044.

Debt Repayments. Approximately $44 million aggregate principal amount of pollution control bonds issued on behalf of CenterPoint Houston were redeemed on March 3, 2014 at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest. The bonds had an interest rate of 4.25%, were scheduled to mature in 2017 and were collateralized by general mortgage bonds of CenterPoint Houston.

Approximately $56 million aggregate principal amount of pollution control bonds issued on behalf of CenterPoint Houston were purchased by CenterPoint Houston on March 3, 2014 at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest pursuant to the mandatory tender provisions of the bonds. The bonds had an interest rate of 5.60% prior to CenterPoint Houston's purchase and have a variable rate thereafter. The bonds mature in 2027 and are collateralized by general mortgage bonds of CenterPoint Houston. The purchased pollution control bonds may be remarketed.

Approximately $84 million aggregate principal amount of pollution control bonds issued on behalf of CenterPoint Houston were redeemed on June 2, 2014 at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest. The bonds had an interest rate of 4.25%, were scheduled to mature in 2017 and were collateralized by general mortgage bonds of CenterPoint Houston.

Credit Facilities. On September 9, 2014, the revolving credit facilities of CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston and CERC Corp. were amended to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the commitments under the credit facilities from September 9, 2018 to September 9, 2019. The amendments also reduced the swingline and letter of credit sub-facilities under each credit facility, with total commitments under each credit facility remaining unchanged. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston and CERC Corp. had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities (in millions):



			September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Size of Facility		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper
CenterPoint Energy	$	1,200	$	—	$	6	$	190	$	—	$	6	$	—
CenterPoint Houston	300		—		4		—		—		4		—
CERC Corp.	600		—		—		—		—		—		118
Total	$	2,100	$	—	$	10	$	190	$	—	$	10	$	118

CenterPoint Energy’s $1.2 billion revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate on September 9, 2019, can be drawn at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.25% based on CenterPoint Energy’s current credit ratings. The revolving credit facility contains a financial covenant which limits CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated debt (excluding transition and system restoration bonds) to an amount not to exceed 65% of CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated capitalization. The financial covenant limit will temporarily increase from 65% to 70% 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 revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate on September 9, 2019, can be drawn at LIBOR plus 1.125% based on CenterPoint Houston’s current credit ratings. The revolving credit facility contains a financial covenant which limits CenterPoint Houston’s consolidated debt (excluding transition and system restoration bonds) to an amount not to exceed 65% of CenterPoint Houston's consolidated capitalization.

CERC Corp.’s $600 million revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to terminate on September 9, 2019, can be drawn at LIBOR plus 1.50% based on CERC Corp.’s current credit ratings. The revolving credit facility contains a financial covenant which limits CERC’s consolidated debt to an amount not to exceed 65% of CERC’s consolidated capitalization.

CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Houston and CERC Corp. were in compliance with all financial covenants in their respective revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2014.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rate reported for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was 33%, compared to 34% for the same period in 2013. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy recognized a tax benefit of $6 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes as a result of filing the 2013 federal income tax return. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, CenterPoint Energy recognized a tax benefit of $8 million based on the settlement of outstanding tax claims for the 2002 and 2003 audit cycles. The effective tax rate reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 36%, compared to 67% for the same period in 2013. The higher effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily associated with the formation of Enable. As a result of the formation of Enable, 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 Enable's formation. CenterPoint Energy reported no uncertain tax liability as of September 30, 2014 and expects no significant change to the uncertain tax liability over the next twelve months. The consolidated federal income tax returns for the years 2012 and 2013 are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax years through 2011 have been audited and settled with the IRS. For 2014, CenterPoint Energy is a participant in the IRS's Compliance Assurance Process.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies


(a)	Natural Gas Supply Commitments

Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution and Energy 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as these contracts meet an exception 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 September 30, 2014, minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are approximately $232 million for the remaining three months in 2014, $634 million in 2015, $557 million in 2016, $485 million in 2017, $434 million in 2018 and $180 million after 2018.


(b)	Legal, Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters

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 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 guarantee 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 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 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 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. In August 2013, the other defendants filed a petition for review with the U.S. Supreme Court, which the court granted on July 1, 2014. The defendants filed an opening brief with the court on September 18, 2014. The plaintiffs’ brief is due on November 21, 2014, and the other defendants' reply brief is due on December 22, 2014. Four amicus briefs favorable to our co-defendants were filed by the United States, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, et. al., Washington Legal Foundation and Noble America Corporation, et. al. 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.

Environmental Matters

Manufactured Gas Plant Sites. CERC and its predecessors operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) in the past. There are seven MGP sites in CERC’s Minnesota service territory. CERC believes it never owned or operated, and therefore has no liability with respect to, two of these sites. With respect to two other sites, CERC has completed state ordered remediation, other than ongoing monitoring and water treatment.

At September 30, 2014, 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 September 30, 2014, CERC had collected $6.5 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, some of which are currently owned by an affiliate of NRG. 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. From time to time, CenterPoint Energy is also a defendant in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. 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.


(c)	Guarantees

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 guarantees 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 guarantees 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 guarantees 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 $46 million as of September 30, 2014. Based on market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2014 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 has provided guarantees (CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees) with respect to the performance of certain obligations of Enable 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 September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy had guaranteed Enable's obligations up to an aggregate amount of $100 million under these agreements. Under the terms of the omnibus agreement entered into in connection with the closing of the formation of Enable, Enable and CenterPoint Energy have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with each other to terminate the CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees and to release CenterPoint Energy from such guarantees by causing Enable or one of its subsidiaries to enter into substitute guarantees or to assume the CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees as applicable.

CERC Corp. has also provided a guarantee of collection of $1.1 billion of Enable's Guaranteed Senior Notes. This guarantee is subordinated to all senior debt of CERC Corp. and is subject to automatic release on May 1, 2016.

The fair value of these guarantees is not material.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References+ Details

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Net income	$	143	$	151	$	435	$	198

Basic weighted average shares outstanding	429,796,000		428,628,000		429,580,000		428,389,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Stock options	—		97,000		—		93,000
Restricted stock	1,777,000		2,142,000		1,777,000		2,142,000
Diluted weighted average shares	431,573,000		430,867,000		431,357,000		430,624,000

Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.46

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.46

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Reportable Business Segments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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, Energy 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. Energy Services represents CenterPoint Energy’s non-rate regulated gas sales and services operations. Midstream Investments consists primarily of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable 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. The formation of Enable closed on May 1, 2013. Enable now owns substantially all of CenterPoint Energy’s former Interstate Pipelines and Field Services business segments, except for a 0.1% interest in SESH. As a result, effective May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy reports equity earnings associated with its interest in Enable and equity earnings associated with its 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):



	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income (Loss)
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	839	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	232
Natural Gas Distribution	375			7			(8		)
Energy Services	589			15			6
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—
Other Operations	4			—			3
Eliminations	—			(22		)	—
Consolidated	$	1,807		$	—		$	233

	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income (Loss)
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	745	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	239
Natural Gas Distribution	375			6			5
Energy Services	516			4			2
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—
Other Operations	4			—			(2		)
Eliminations	—			(10		)	—
Consolidated	$	1,640		$	—		$	244



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income		Total Assets as of September 30, 2014
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	2,166	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	482	$	9,819
Natural Gas Distribution	2,379			22			184		5,059
Energy Services	2,298			66			43		882
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—		4,525
Other Operations	11			—			5		2,759			⁽⁴⁾
Eliminations	—			(88		)	—		(996		)
Consolidated	$	6,854		$	—		$	714	$	22,048



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues				Operating Income (Loss)				Total Assets as of December 31, 2013
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	1,933	⁽¹⁾	$	—			$	488			$	9,605
Natural Gas Distribution	1,942			19				169				4,976
Energy Services	1,726			19				12				895
Interstate Pipelines	133		⁽²⁾	53			⁽²⁾	72			⁽²⁾	—
Field Services	178		⁽²⁾	18			⁽²⁾	73			⁽²⁾	—
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—				—				4,518
Other Operations	10			—				(15		)		3,026			⁽⁴⁾
Eliminations	—			(109		)		—				(1,150		)
Consolidated	$	5,922		$	—			$	799			$	21,870

________________

(1)

Sales to affiliates of NRG in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $222 million and $202 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $59 million and $52 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of NRG in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $552 million and $494 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $140 million and $125 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues.


(2)	Results reflected in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represent only January 2013 through April 2013.

(3)

Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $79 million from Enable and less than $1 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $236 million from Enable and $5 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $77 million from Enable and $3 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $110 million from Enable and $5 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the five months ended September 30, 2013. Included in total assets of Midstream Investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is $4,524 million and $4,319 million, respectively, related to CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable and $1 million and $199 million, respectively, related to CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH.


(4)	Included in total assets of Other Operations as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are pension and other postemployment related regulatory assets of $594 million and $627 million, respectively.

- 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.

+ References

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+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

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:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
	Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits			Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits
	(in millions)
Service cost	$	10		$	—		$	11		$	—
Interest cost	25			5			22			5
Expected return on plan assets	(32		)	(1		)	(33		)	(1		)
Amortization of prior service cost	3			—			3			1
Amortization of net loss	11			—			15			2
Amortization of transition obligation	—			1			—			1
Net periodic cost	$	17		$	5		$	18		$	8



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
	Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits			Pension Benefits(1)			Postretirement Benefits
	(in millions)
Service cost	$	31		$	1		$	33		$	1
Interest cost	75			16			68			15
Expected return on plan assets	(94		)	(5		)	(101		)	(5		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8			(1		)	7			1
Amortization of net loss	33			1			47			5
Amortization of transition obligation	—			4			—			5
Net periodic cost	$	53		$	16		$	54		$	22

________________


(1)	Net periodic cost in these tables is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes.

CenterPoint Energy's changes in accumulated comprehensive loss related to defined benefit and postretirement plans are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension and Postretirement Plans						Pension and Postretirement Plans
	(in millions)
Beginning Balance	$	(85	)	$	(127	)	$	(88	)	$	(132	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Prior service cost (1)	1			1			2			2
Actuarial losses (1)	2			4			7			11
Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3			5			9			13
Tax expense	(1		)	(2		)	(4		)	(5		)
Net current period other comprehensive income	2			3			5			8
Ending Balance	$	(83	)	$	(124	)	$	(83	)	$	(124	)

________________


(1)	These other comprehensive components are included in the computation of net periodic cost.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments



Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		December 31, 2013
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2) (3)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	28	$	4
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	10		—
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	4		21
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	1		5
Indexed debt securities derivative	Current Liabilities	—		455
Total		$	43	$	485

_______________


(1)	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 607 Bcf or a net 46 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 99 Bcf.

(2)

Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading derivative assets and liabilities was a $13 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, offset by collateral netting of less than $1 million.


(3)	The $28 million Derivative Current Asset includes $1 million related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.



Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		September 30, 2014
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Derivative Assets Fair Value		Derivative Liabilities Fair Value
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	45	$	11
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	17		—
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	1		12
Natural gas derivatives (1) (2)	Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	3		5
Indexed debt securities derivative	Current Liabilities	—		483
Total		$	66	$	511

_____________


(1)	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 811 billion cubic feet (Bcf) or a net 34 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 126 Bcf.

(2)

Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities



Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	September 30, 2014
	Gross Amounts Recognized (1)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)
	(in millions)
Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	46		$	(12	)	$	34
Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	20			(3		)	17
Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(23		)	12			(11		)
Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(5		)	3			(2		)
Total	$	38		$	—		$	38

________________


(1)	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.


(2)	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.



Offsetting of Natural Gas Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	December 31, 2013
	Gross Amounts Recognized (1)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)
	(in millions)
Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	$	32		$	(8	)	$	24
Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets	11			(1		)	10
Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(25		)	8			(17		)
Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities	(5		)	1			(4		)
Total	$	13		$	—		$	13

________________


(1)	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.


(2)	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.

Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity



Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity
		Three Months Ended September 30,
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Income Statement Location	2014			2013
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives	Gains (Losses) in Revenues	$	22		$	11
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas	(4		)	(2		)
Indexed debt securities derivative	Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense)	(22		)	(42		)
Total		$	(4	)	$	(33	)



Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Income Statement Location	2014			2013
		(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives	Gains (Losses) in Revenues	$	(74	)	$	24
Natural gas derivatives (1)	Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas	110			(3		)
Indexed debt securities derivative	Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense)	(29		)	(120		)
Total		$	7		$	(99	)

________________


(1)	The Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas includes $-0- and $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value, assets measured on a recurring basis



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of September 30, 2014
			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of September 30, 2014
	(in millions)
Assets
Corporate equities	$	843	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	843
Investments, including money market funds	57		—		—		—			57
Natural gas derivatives	4		51		11		(15		)	51
Total assets	$	904	$	51	$	11	$	(15	)	$	951
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative	$	—	$	483	$	—	$	—		$	483
Natural gas derivatives	3		23		2		(15		)	13
Total liabilities	$	3	$	506	$	2	$	(15	)	$	496

________________


(1)	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $-0- posted with the same counterparties.



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of December 31, 2013
			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Netting Adjustments ⁽¹⁾			Balance as of December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Assets
Corporate equities	$	770	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	770
Investments, including money market funds	61		—		—		—			61
Natural gas derivatives (2)	5		33		5		(9		)	34
Total assets	$	836	$	33	$	5	$	(9	)	$	865
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative	$	—	$	455	$	—	$	—		$	455
Natural gas derivatives	1		27		2		(9		)	21
Total liabilities	$	1	$	482	$	2	$	(9	)	$	476

________________


(1)	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of less than $1 million posted with the same counterparties.


(2)	The (Level 2) Natural gas derivative assets of $33 million include $1 million related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Derivative assets and liabilities, net
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in millions)
Beginning balance	$	4		$	4		$	3		$	2
Total gains	6			2			6			5
Total settlements	(1		)	(1		)	1			(2		)
Transfers into Level 3	—			—			(1		)	—
Ending balance (1)	$	9		$	5		$	9		$	5
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	$	6		$	2		$	7		$	4

________________


(1)	CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 purchases, sales or transfers out of Level 3 during either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments



	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(in millions)
Financial assets:
Notes receivable - affiliated companies	$	363	$	366	$	363	$	363
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt	$	8,370	$	9,089	$	8,171	$	8,670

- 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.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, including financial assets and financial liabilities, and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities.

+ References+ Details

Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates:



	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Enable	$	4,524	$	4,319
SESH (1)	1		199
Total	$	4,525	$	4,518


(1)	On May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Enable (1)	$	79	$	77	$	236	$	110
SESH (2)	—		3		5		12
Total	$	79	$	80	$	241	$	122


(1)	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.


(2)	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013 (1)		2014		2013 (1)
	(in millions)
Operating revenues	$	804	$	796	$	2,632	$	1,298
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization	439		458		1,550		753
Operating income	151		132		452		207
Net income attributable to Enable	139		123		408		188

CenterPoint Energy's approximate interest	$	76	$	72	$	230	$	110
Basis difference accretion	3		5		6		—
CenterPoint Energy's equity in earnings, net	$	79	$	77	$	236	$	110

(1)

Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows:



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Current assets	$	520		$	549
Non-current assets	11,172			10,683
Current liabilities	520			720
Non-current liabilities	2,346			2,331
Non-controlling interest	32			33
Enable partners' capital	8,794			8,148

CenterPoint Energy's ownership interest in Enable's partner capital	$	4,870		$	4,753
CenterPoint Energy's basis difference	(346		)	(434		)
CenterPoint Energy's investment in Enable	$	4,524		$	4,319

Distributions Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions)
Enable (1)	$	70	$	36	$	227	$	36
SESH (2)	1		3		8		21
Total	$	71	$	39	$	235	$	57


(1)	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.


(2)	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt Credit Facilities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]



			September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Size of Facility		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper		Loans		Letters of Credit		Commercial Paper
CenterPoint Energy	$	1,200	$	—	$	6	$	190	$	—	$	6	$	—
CenterPoint Houston	300		—		4		—		—		4		—
CERC Corp.	600		—		—		—		—		—		118
Total	$	2,100	$	—	$	10	$	190	$	—	$	10	$	118

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Net income	$	143	$	151	$	435	$	198

Basic weighted average shares outstanding	429,796,000		428,628,000		429,580,000		428,389,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Stock options	—		97,000		—		93,000
Restricted stock	1,777,000		2,142,000		1,777,000		2,142,000
Diluted weighted average shares	431,573,000		430,867,000		431,357,000		430,624,000

Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.46

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.46

Reportable Business Segments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

Financial data for business segments is as follows (in millions):



	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income (Loss)
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	839	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	232
Natural Gas Distribution	375			7			(8		)
Energy Services	589			15			6
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—
Other Operations	4			—			3
Eliminations	—			(22		)	—
Consolidated	$	1,807		$	—		$	233

	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income (Loss)
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	745	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	239
Natural Gas Distribution	375			6			5
Energy Services	516			4			2
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—
Other Operations	4			—			(2		)
Eliminations	—			(10		)	—
Consolidated	$	1,640		$	—		$	244



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues			Operating Income		Total Assets as of September 30, 2014
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	2,166	⁽¹⁾	$	—		$	482	$	9,819
Natural Gas Distribution	2,379			22			184		5,059
Energy Services	2,298			66			43		882
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—			—		4,525
Other Operations	11			—			5		2,759			⁽⁴⁾
Eliminations	—			(88		)	—		(996		)
Consolidated	$	6,854		$	—		$	714	$	22,048



	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues from External Customers			Net Intersegment Revenues				Operating Income (Loss)				Total Assets as of December 31, 2013
Electric Transmission & Distribution	$	1,933	⁽¹⁾	$	—			$	488			$	9,605
Natural Gas Distribution	1,942			19				169				4,976
Energy Services	1,726			19				12				895
Interstate Pipelines	133		⁽²⁾	53			⁽²⁾	72			⁽²⁾	—
Field Services	178		⁽²⁾	18			⁽²⁾	73			⁽²⁾	—
Midstream Investments ⁽³⁾	—			—				—				4,518
Other Operations	10			—				(15		)		3,026			⁽⁴⁾
Eliminations	—			(109		)		—				(1,150		)
Consolidated	$	5,922		$	—			$	799			$	21,870

________________

(1)


(2)	Results reflected in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represent only January 2013 through April 2013.

(3)


(4)	Included in total assets of Other Operations as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are pension and other postemployment related regulatory assets of $594 million and $627 million, respectively.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]

Beginning Balance

$ (85)

$ (127)

$ (88)

$ (132)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Prior service cost (1)

^[1]

Actuarial losses (1)

^[1]

Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Tax expense

(1)

(2)

(4)

(5)

Net current period other comprehensive income

Ending Balance

(83)

(124)

(83)

(124)

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Service cost

^[2]

Interest cost

^[2]

Expected return on plan assets

(32)

^[2]

(33)

^[2]

(94)

^[2]

(101)

^[2]

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

^[2]

Amortization of net loss

^[2]

Amortization of transition obligation

^[2]

Net periodic cost

^[2]

Total contributions to the plans during the period

Total contributions expected in 2014

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

(1)

(5)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

(1)

Amortization of net loss

Amortization of transition obligation

Net periodic cost

Total contributions to the plans during the period

Total contributions expected in 2014

$ 17

[1]	These other comprehensive components are included in the computation of net periodic cost.
[2]	Net periodic cost in these tables is before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes.

Derivative Instruments Derivatives and hedging (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedges Term			10
Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Amount, maximum			$ 8
Natural Gas Distribution [Member] \| 2012 - 2013 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Amount, maximum			15
Natural Gas Distribution [Member] \| 2013 - 2014 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Amount, maximum			16
Natural Gas Distribution [Member] \| 2014 - 2015 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather Hedge, Amount, maximum	16
Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member] \| Weather Hedge Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ (8)	$ (6)

Derivative Fair Values (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Dec. 31, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Revenue [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Assets [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Assets [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Indexed debt securities derivative

Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Indexed debt securities derivative

Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Indexed debt securities derivative

Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Indexed debt securities derivative

Gains (losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Assets [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Assets [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Indexed debt securities derivative

Current Liabilities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Indexed debt securities derivative

Current Liabilities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Long [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Dec. 31, 2013

Long [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Sep. 30, 2014

Swap [Member]

Long [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Dec. 31, 2013

Swap [Member]

Long [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

MMcf

Dec. 31, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Gains (Losses) in Expense: Natural Gas [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Current Assets [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume

811,000

607,000

34,000

46,000

126,000

99,000

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]

Derivative Asset, Fair Value

$ 66

$ 43

$ 45

^[1],[2]

$ 28

^[3],[4],[5]

$ 17

^[1],[2]

$ 10

^[3],[4]

$ 1

^[1],[2]

$ 4

^[3],[4]

$ 3

^[1],[2]

$ 1

^[3],[4]

$ 0

$ 1

Indexed debt securities derivative

511

485

^[1],[2]

^[3],[4],[5]

^[1],[2]

^[3],[4]

^[1],[2]

^[3],[4]

^[1],[2]

^[3],[4]

483

455

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net

(4)

(33)

(99)

(74)

(4)

^[6]

(2)

^[6]

110

^[6]

(3)

^[6]

(22)

(42)

(29)

(120)

Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]

Gross Amounts Recognized

^[7]

Gross Amounts Recognized

(23)

^[7]

(25)

^[7]

(5)

^[7]

(5)

^[7]

Gross Amounts Recognized

^[7]

Gross amounts offset

(12)

(8)

(3)

(1)

Gross amounts offset

Gross amounts offset, Net

Derivative Asset

^[8]

Derivative Liability

(11)

^[8]

(17)

^[8]

(2)

^[8]

(4)

^[8]

Net Amount Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

^[8]

Total fair value of the derivative instruments that contain credit risk contingent features that are in a net liability position

The aggregate fair value of assets already posted as collateral

Credit Risk Contingent Features assets

Collateral Netting

$ 1

[1]	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 811 billion cubic feet (Bcf) or a net 34 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 126 Bcf.
[2]	Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading derivative assets and liabilities was a $38 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above.
[3]	The fair value shown for natural gas contracts is comprised of derivative gross volumes totaling 607 Bcf or a net 46 Bcf long position. Of the net long position, basis swaps constitute 99 Bcf.
[4]	Natural gas contracts are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due and causes derivative assets (liabilities) to be ultimately presented net in a liability (asset) account within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net of total non-trading derivative assets and liabilities was a $13 million asset as shown on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (and as detailed in the table below), and was comprised of the natural gas contracts derivative assets and liabilities separately shown above, offset by collateral netting of less than $1 million
[5]	The $28 million Derivative Current Asset includes $1 million related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.
[6]	The Gains (Losses) in Expenses: Natural Gas includes $-0- and $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, related to physical forwards purchased from Enable.
[7]	Gross amounts recognized include some derivative assets and liabilities that are not subject to master netting arrangements.
[8]	The derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets exclude accounts receivable or accounts payable that, should they exist, could be used as offsets to these balances in the event of a default.

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Assets

Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment

$ (15,000,000)

^[1]

$ (15,000,000)

^[1]

$ (9,000,000)

^[1]

Total assets

951,000,000

865,000,000

Liabilities

Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(9,000,000)

^[1]

Total liabilities

496,000,000

476,000,000

Cash collateral posted with counterparties

1,000,000

Derivative Instruments, Assets, Physical Forwards Purchased

66,000,000

43,000,000

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]

Beginning balance

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

Total gains

6,000,000

2,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

Total settlements

(1,000,000)

1,000,000

(2,000,000)

Transfers into Level 3

(1,000,000)

Ending balance (1)

9,000,000

^[2]

5,000,000

^[2]

9,000,000

^[2]

5,000,000

^[2]

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

6,000,000

2,000,000

7,000,000

4,000,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount

Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount

Assets

Total assets

904,000,000

836,000,000

Liabilities

Total liabilities

3,000,000

1,000,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount

Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount

Assets

Total assets

51,000,000

33,000,000

Liabilities

Total liabilities

506,000,000

482,000,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Assets

Total assets

11,000,000

5,000,000

Liabilities

Total liabilities

2,000,000

Forward Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MMBtu

2.04

Forward Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MMBtu

4.95

Options Held [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate

0.00%

Options Held [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate

81.00%

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure

363,000,000

Long-term Debt

8,370,000,000

8,171,000,000

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure

366,000,000

363,000,000

Long-term Debt

9,089,000,000

8,670,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Assets

Corporate equities

843,000,000

770,000,000

Investments, including money market funds

57,000,000

61,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Assets

Corporate equities

843,000,000

770,000,000

Investments, including money market funds

57,000,000

61,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Assets

Corporate equities

Investments, including money market funds

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Assets

Corporate equities

Investments, including money market funds

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member]

Assets

Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(9,000,000)

^[1]

Derivative Asset

51,000,000

34,000,000

Liabilities

Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(15,000,000)

^[1]

(9,000,000)

^[1]

Derivative Liabilities

13,000,000

21,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Assets

Natural gas derivatives

4,000,000

5,000,000

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

3,000,000

1,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Assets

Natural gas derivatives

51,000,000

33,000,000

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

23,000,000

27,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Assets

Natural gas derivatives

11,000,000

5,000,000

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

2,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]

Liabilities

Natural gas derivatives, netting adjustment

Derivative Liabilities

483,000,000

455,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

483,000,000

455,000,000

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Liabilities

Derivative Liability, Fair Value

Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Natural gas derivatives [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]

Liabilities

Derivative Instruments, Assets, Physical Forwards Purchased

$ 1,000,000

[1]	Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow CenterPoint Energy to settle positive and negative positions and also include cash collateral of $-0- posted with the same counterparties.
[2]	CenterPoint Energy did not have significant Level 3 purchases, sales or transfers out of Level 3 during either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) (USD $)			1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014 Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]	Apr. 30, 2014 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Apr. 16, 2014 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 OGE [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 CERC Corp [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Apr. 16, 2014 CERC Corp [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 CERC Corp [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Apr. 30, 2014 ArcLight [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	May 30, 2014 May 2014 [Member] Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Common Stock [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	May 30, 2014 Common Stock [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Subordinated Units [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Enable Guaranteed Senior Notes [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Enable Guaranteed Senior Notes [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Transitional Service [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Transitional Service [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Transitional Service [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Transitional Service [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Transitional Service [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Natural Gas Expenses [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]	Jun. 01, 2015 Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Senior Notes Due 2019 and 2024																				$ 1,100,000,000	$ 1,100,000,000
Indebtedness to CERC															363,000,000		363,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum																	2.10%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																	2.45%
Interest Income (Expense), Net															2,000,000	2,000,000	6,000,000	3,000,000
Interest Receivable															2,000,000		2,000,000		4,000,000
Reimbursement for Transitional Services																						36,000,000	42,000,000	118,000,000	70,000,000
Transitional Service cost receivable																						17,000,000		17,000,000		21,000,000
Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Net of Offering Costs			28,750,000							3,750,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share				$ 24.64	$ 20.00
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering			464,000,000
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest						50.00%	50.00%
Incentive Distribution Right						60.00%	40.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	0.10%	25.05%					55.40%	54.70%	58.30%
Equity Method Investment, Additional Contribution of Ownership Percentage											24.95%
equity method investment, Additional Contribution of ownership, value											196,000,000
Cost of natural gas purchases, affiliates																											24,000,000	42,000,000	99,000,000	70,000,000
Due to Affiliate																											$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000		$ 22,000,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares												94,126,366	6,322,457	139,704,916																		25,341

Unconsolidated Affiliates Financial data (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

May 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

May 2014 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Common Stock [Member]

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

May 30, 2014

Common Stock [Member]

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

$ 4,525

$ 4,518

$ 1

^[1]

$ 1

^[1]

$ 199

^[1]

$ 4,524

$ 4,319

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net

241

122

^[2]

^[3]

236

^[3]

110

^[3]

Equity Method Investment, Additional Contribution of Ownership Percentage

24.95%

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

0.10%

25.05%

Equity Method Investment, Ownership, Shares

94,126,366

6,322,457

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue

804

796

^[4]

2,632

1,298

^[4]

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales

439

458

^[4]

1,550

753

^[4]

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Fnancial Information, Operating Income

151

132

^[4]

452

207

^[4]

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)

139

123

^[4]

408

188

^[4]

Gross equity in earnings

^[4]

230

110

^[4]

Basis Difference Accretion Gain

^[4]

Income Loss From Equity Method Investments, net of basis difference

^[4]

236

110

^[4]

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets

520

549

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets

11,172

10,683

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities

520

720

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities

2,346

2,331

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncontrolling Interest

Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity

8,794

8,148

Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets

4,870

4,753

equity method investment, basis difference, Total

(346)

(434)

Equity Method Investments Underlying Equity in Net Assets, Net of Basis Difference

4,524

4,319

Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions

$ 71

$ 39

$ 235

$ 57

$ 1

^[2]

$ 3

^[2]

$ 8

^[2]

$ 21

^[2]

$ 70

^[3]

$ 36

^[3]

$ 227

^[3]

$ 36

^[3]

[1]	On May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.
[2]	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.
[3]	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.
[4]	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight. The amounts included in the table represent the three- and five- month periods ended September 30, 2013. Enable concluded that its formation was considered a business combination, in which the fair value of the consideration paid for Enogex, LLC (Enogex), the businesses contributed by OGE, was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by Enable on the Closing Date. In the third quarter of 2013, Enable completed its valuation of Enogex, and Enogex's assets, liabilities and equity, and its related depreciation and amortization for the five-month period ended September 30, 2013, was accordingly adjusted to estimated fair value as of the Closing Date. CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings, net of basis difference, in the third quarter of 2013 was not materially different as a result of the final fair value determination.

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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)	429,795,996	428,798,612
Total common stock outstanding (in shares)	429,795,830	428,798,446
Treasury stock (in shares)	166	166

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified																	9 Months Ended																							0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 CERC Corp [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Line of Credit [Member] CERC Corp [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Letter of Credit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Letter of Credit [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Letter of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Letter of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Letter of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Letter of Credit [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Letter of Credit [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Letter of Credit [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Commercial Paper [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Commercial Paper [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Commercial Paper [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Commercial Paper [Member] CenterPoint Energy [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Commercial Paper [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Commercial Paper [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Commercial Paper [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Commercial Paper [Member] CERC Corp [Member]	Mar. 17, 2014 Bonds General Mortgage Due 2044 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Jun. 02, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2017 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Mar. 03, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2017 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Jun. 02, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2017 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Mar. 03, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2017 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Mar. 03, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2027 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Mar. 03, 2014 Secured Debt [Member] Bonds Pollution Control Due2027 [Member] CenterPoint Houston [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Product Financing Arrangement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Product Financing Arrangement [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short term borrowings	$ 80	$ 43																																												$ 80	$ 43
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																																							600
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount																																								84	44
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount																																													56
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed																																								100.00%	101.00%			101.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																																							4.50%			4.25%	4.25%		5.60%
Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Total credit facility amount	2,100	2,100	1,200	1,200	300	300	600	600
Amounts Outstanding									0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0							10	10	6	6	4	4	0	0	190	118	190	0	0	0	0	118
Basis Spread on LIBOR																		1.25%		1.125%		1.50%
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant (in hundredths)																	65.00%		65.00%		65.00%
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths)																	70.00%
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

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	33.00%	34.00%	36.00%	67.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Domestic, Amount	$ 6	$ 8
Tax Effect Related To Formation Of Enable [Member]
Deferred income taxes				29
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets				$ 225

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
GenOn Demand Charges Transportation Contracts [Member] \| CERC Corp [Member]
Guarantees
Approximate amount of undiscounted maximum obligation under guarantee	$ 46,000,000
CenterPoint Midstream Guarantees [Member]
Guarantees
Approximate amount of undiscounted maximum obligation under guarantee	100,000,000
Enable Guaranteed Senior Notes [Member] \| CERC Corp [Member]
Guarantees
Approximate amount of undiscounted maximum obligation under guarantee	1,100,000,000
Natural Gas Supply Commitments [Member]
Natural Gas Supply Commitments
Remainder of 2014	232,000,000
2015	634,000,000
2016	557,000,000
2017	485,000,000
2018	434,000,000
After 2018	180,000,000
Gas Market Manipulation Cases [Member]
Legal Matters
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number	1
Loss Contingency, Amicus Briefs filed, number	4
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] \| CERC Corp [Member]
Environmental Matters
Number of MGP sites in the Minnesota service territory (in number of sites)	7
Number of MGP sites in the Minnesota service territory where the company believes it has no liability (in number of sites)	2
Number of MGP sites where remediation is complete, other than ongoing operations (in number of sites)	2
Liability recorded for remediation of Minnesota sites	13,000,000
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	6,500,000
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] \| CERC Corp [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Environmental Matters
Minimum estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites	6,000,000
Years of remediation for the Minnesota sites (in years)	30
Minnesota Service Territory [Member] \| CERC Corp [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Environmental Matters
Minimum estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites	$ 41,000,000
Years of remediation for the Minnesota sites (in years)	50

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$ 143	$ 151	$ 435	$ 198
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	429,796,000	428,628,000	429,580,000	428,389,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Diluted weighted average shares	431,573,000	430,867,000	431,357,000	430,624,000
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$ 0.33	$ 0.35	$ 1.01	$ 0.46
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$ 0.33	$ 0.35	$ 1.01	$ 0.46
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Incremental shares from assumed conversions	0	97,000	0	93,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Incremental shares from assumed conversions	1,777,000	2,142,000	1,777,000	2,142,000

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- 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.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

Reportable Business Segments (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Interstate Pipelines [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Field Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Interstate Pipelines [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Field Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Operating Segments [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Electric Transmission and Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Operating Segments [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Natural Gas Distribution [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Operating Segments [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Energy Services [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Interstate Pipelines [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Field Services [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Operating Segments [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Operating Segments [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Segments [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Southeast Supply Header LLC [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Enable Midstream Partners [Member]

Midstream Investments [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Costs [Member]

Other Operations [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

0.10%

25.05%

Revenues

$ 1,807

$ 1,640

$ 6,854

$ 5,922

$ 839

^[1]

$ 745

^[1]

$ 2,166

^[1]

$ 1,933

^[1]

$ 222

$ 202

$ 552

$ 494

$ 59

$ 52

$ 140

$ 125

$ 375

$ 2,379

$ 1,942

$ 589

$ 516

$ 2,298

$ 1,726

$ 133

^[2]

$ 178

^[2]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 4

$ 11

$ 10

$ (22)

$ (10)

$ (88)

$ (109)

$ 0

$ (7)

$ (6)

$ (22)

$ (19)

$ (15)

$ (4)

$ (66)

$ (19)

$ (53)

^[2]

$ (18)

^[2]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

Operating Income (Loss)

233

244

714

799

232

239

482

488

(8)

184

169

^[2]

^[3]

(2)

(15)

Assets

22,048

21,870

9,819

9,605

5,059

4,976

882

895

4,525

^[3]

4,518

^[3]

2,759

^[4]

3,026

^[4]

(996)

(1,150)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net

241

122

^[5]

^[6]

236

^[6]

110

^[6]

110

236

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

4,525

4,518

199

4,524

4,319

Regulatory Assets

$ 594

$ 627

[1]	Sales to affiliates of NRG in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $222 million and $202 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $59 million and $52 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of NRG in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $552 million and $494 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues. Sales to affiliates of Energy Future Holdings Corp. in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented approximately $140 million and $125 million, respectively, of CenterPoint Houston’s transmission and distribution revenues.
[2]	Results reflected in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 represent only January 2013 through April 2013.
[3]	Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $79 million from Enable and less than $1 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $236 million from Enable and $5 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $77 million from Enable and $3 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Midstream Investments reported equity earnings of $110 million from Enable and $5 million of equity earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH for the five months ended September 30, 2013. Included in total assets of Midstream Investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is $4,524 million and $4,319 million, respectively, related to CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable and $1 million and $199 million, respectively, related to CenterPoint Energy’s interest in SESH.
[4]	Included in total assets of Other Operations as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are pension and other postemployment related regulatory assets of $594 million and $627 million, respectively.
[5]	On each of May 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 24.95% interest in SESH to Enable, leaving CenterPoint Energy with a 0.1% interest in SESH as of September 30, 2014.
[6]	On May 1, 2013, CenterPoint Energy formed Enable with OGE and ArcLight.

- 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.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 21, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared					Oct. 21, 2014
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.2375	$ 0.2075	$ 0.7125	$ 0.6225	$ 0.2375
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year					Dec. 10, 2014
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year					Nov. 14, 2014

Regulatory Accounting	9 Months Ended
Regulatory Accounting	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Regulatory Matters	Regulatory Accounting As of September 30, 2014, CenterPoint Energy has not recognized an allowed equity return of $456 million because such return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $20 million and $15 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $52 million and $35 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized.

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events On October 21, 2014, CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2375 per share of common stock payable on December 10, 2014, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2014.

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (CERC Corp [Member], Enable Midstream Partners [Member])	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 16, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
CERC Corp [Member] \| Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	55.40%	54.70%	58.30%

Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 840	$ 840
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	746	746
Energy Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	83	83
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 11	$ 11