0001130310 us-gaap:CommonStockMember cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember 2020-02-03 2020-02-03 0001130310 cnp:DepositarysharesMember cnp:NewYorkStockExchangeMember 2020-02-03 2020-02-03 0001130310 us-gaap:CommonStockMember cnp:ChicagoStockExchangeMember 2020-02-03 2020-02-03 0001130310 2020-02-03 2020-02-03 false 0001130310 CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC Common Stock, $0.01 par value CNP 8-K 2020-02-03 TX 1-31447 74-0694415       1111 Louisiana Houston TX 77002 (713) 207-1111 false false false false Common Stock, $0.01 par value CNP NYSE CHX Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value CNP/PB NYSE false