Annualized individual discount rates based on time period, maximum

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- Definition

Annualized individual discount rates based on time period, minimum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The assumed prescription drug cost trend rate for the next year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of prescription drugs currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The increased percentage of earnings, effective January 1, 2009, used in the cash balance formula to determine a participant's retirement benefit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Represents the maximum percentage allowed of total account balance invested in company stock.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Benefit expense recorded during the period related to non-qualified pension arrangements

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The number of shares of the entity's common stock held by the savings plan

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Percentage of investments held by the Savings Plan in the Entity's common stock.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 710
-SubTopic 10
-Section 30
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363

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- Definition

The difference between fair value of plan assets at the end of the period and the fair value at the beginning of the period, adjusted for contributions and payments of benefits during the period, and after adjusting for taxes and other expenses, as applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504192

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504226

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- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, for example, but not limited to, interest, mortality, employee turnover, salary, and temporary deviation from the substantive plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Gain or Loss
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49168827

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the transition obligation or asset recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

+ Details

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- References

No definition available.

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- References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the plan.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512046

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (k)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904

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- Definition

The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
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-Paragraph 4
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Benefits
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170737

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Postretirement Benefits
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521376

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(5)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of contributions made by plan participants. This item represents a periodic increase to the plan obligation and an increase to plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(4)
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of effect of a one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for health care benefits.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of effect of a one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit costs.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The effect of a one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for health care benefits.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The effect of a one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit costs.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Section 35
-Paragraph 50
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49178875&loc=d3e12355-114930

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

Amount of the period's gross receipts received from the prescription drug subsidy, which is to be used in the roll forward of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of an applicable postretirement benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The assumed health care cost trend rate for the next year used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross eligible charges). This is based upon the annual rate of change in the cost of health care benefits currently provided by the postretirement benefit plan, due to factors other than changes in the composition of the plan population by age and dependency status.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Health Care Cost Trend Rate
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6514820

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (l)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(2)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of increase or decrease due to a change in the terms of an existing plan or the initiation of a new plan. A plan amendment may increase or decrease benefits, including those attributed to years of service already rendered.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Plan Amendment
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49173939

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The ultimate trend rate for health care costs.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Year the ultimate health care cost trend rate is expected to be reached, in CCYY format.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer contributes a matching contribution to a defined contribution plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Percentage employer matches of the employee's percentage contribution matched.

+ References

No definition available.

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Maximum percentage of employee gross pay the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan.

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- Definition

This represents the entire liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit plans.

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This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

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The amount of pension benefit costs recognized during the period for (1) defined benefit plans and (2) defined contribution plans. For defined benefit plans, pension expense includes the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss) on plan assets, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. For defined contribution plans, the pension expense generally equals the firm's contribution to employees' accounts (if the firm contributes) during the period.

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Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
New percentage of eligible earnings used to determine retirement benefits	5.00%		5.00%
Recognized pension expense			$ 35	$ 26	$ 25
Non Qualified Pension Plan Expense			1	1	1
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			$ 1	1	1
Maximum Percentage Of Employee Compensation Eligible For Contribution To Savings Plan			50.00%
Description Of Company Match Under Savings Plan			100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay			6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized			$ 14	13	13
Components of net periodic costs [Abstract]
Service cost			1	1	1
Interest cost			13	14	13
Expected return on plan assets			(6)	(6)	(7)
Amortization of transition obligation			0	4	6
Amortization of prior service credit			(2)	(2)	(1)
Amortization of loss			3	1	4
Net postretirement benefit cost			$ 9	$ 12	$ 16
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			3.90%	4.75%	3.90%
Expected long-term return on assets	5.00%	5.45%	5.45%	6.00%	6.00%
Change in Benefit Obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation, beginning of year			$ 347	$ 311
Service cost			1	1	$ 1
Interest cost			13	14	13
Benefits paid			(17)	(18)
Participant contributions			3	3
Medicare drug reimbursement			1	1
Plan amendment			(4)	0
Actuarial (gain) loss			(61)	35
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	$ 283	$ 347	283	347	311
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets, beginning of year			115	114
Benefits paid			(17)	(18)
Employer contributions			9	9
Participant contributions			3	3
Actual investment return			0	7
Plan assets, end of year	110	115	110	115	$ 114
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets
Other liabilities-benefit obligations	(192)	(260)	(192)	(260)
Net liability, end of year	$ (173)	$ (232)	$ (173)	$ (232)
Actuarial Assumptions
Discount rate	4.35%	3.90%	4.35%	3.90%
Expected long-term return on assets	5.00%	5.45%	5.45%	6.00%	6.00%
Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year			11.00%	6.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)			5.00%	5.00%
Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Postretirement Benefit Obligation			$ 9
Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Postretirement Benefit Obligation			8
Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Total Service and Interest Cost			0
Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Total Service and Interest Cost			$ 0
Annualized individual discount rates based on time period, minimum			6 months
Annualized individual discount rates based on time period, maximum			99 years
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets
Other liabilities-benefit obligations	$ (173)	$ (232)	$ (173)	$ (232)
Maximum [Member]
Actuarial Assumptions
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for the next year			5.50%	8.50%
Minimum [Member]
Actuarial Assumptions
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for the next year			6.00%	7.25%
Common Stock [Member] \| CenterPoint Energy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Limit Of Account Balance In Company Stock, Percentage			25.00%
Number Of Shares In Common Stock Held By Savings Plan	16,942,974		16,942,974
Percentage of investment in common stocks	17.00%		17.00%
Health Care [Member] \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Actuarial Assumptions
Year that the healthcare rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2024	2024	2024	2024
Prescription Drug [Member] \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Actuarial Assumptions
Year that the healthcare rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2024	2024	2024	2024