Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Financial Instruments, Assets Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity Contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Natural gas liquids financial futures/swaps Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2015 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Losses included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balance as of March 31, 2016 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Natural gas Natural Gas [Member] Condensate Oil [Member] Natural gas liquids Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Physical Physical [Member] Physical [Member] Financial fixed futures/swaps Fixed Swaps Futures [Member] Fixed Swaps Futures [Member] Financial basis futures/swaps Basic Swaps Futures [Member] Basic Swaps Futures [Member] Financial Futures/swaps Futures, Swaps [Member] Futures, Swaps [Member] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Purchases Long [Member] Sales Short [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, gross notional volume (TBtu) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Derivative, gross notional volume (MMbl) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Percent of contract with durations of one year or less Percent of Contract with Durations of One Year or Less Percent of Contract with Durations of One Year or Less Percent of contracts with durations of more than one year and less than two years Percent of Contracts With Durations of More Than One Year and Less Than Two Years Percent of Contracts Having Durations of More Than One Year and Less Than Two Years Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Loss on sale/retirement of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Equity in earnings of equity method affiliates, net of distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Equity based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of debt costs and discount (premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable—affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Gas imbalance assets Increase (Decrease) in Gas Balancing Receivable Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable—affiliated companies Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Gas imbalance liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Gas Imbalance Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Gas Imbalance Liabilities Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Investment in equity method affiliates Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Return of investment in equity method affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayment of revolving credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Increase (decrease) in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Repayment of notes payable—affiliated companies Repayments of Related Party Debt Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Units, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Limited Partners Units Distributions Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Equity Based Compensation Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Crude Oil (for condensate) Financial futures/swaps Financial Futures Swaps [Member] Financial Futures Swaps [Member] Physical purchases/sales Physical Sales Purchases [Member] Physical Sales Purchases [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current, Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges Derivative, Notional Amount Assets Derivative Asset Liabilities Derivative Liability Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] SESH SESH [Member] SESH [Member] Investments in Equity Method Affiliates Investments in Equity Method Affiliates [Member] Investments in Equity Method Affiliates [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Investment in Equity Method Affiliates: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value [Roll Forward] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31 Equity Method Investments Capital contributions from partners Proceeds from Partnership Contribution Distributions from equity method affiliate Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions and Return of Capital Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions and Return of Capital Balance as of March 31 Distributions from Equity method affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Affiliates: Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity [Abstract] Equity in earnings of equity method affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Distributions from Equity Method Affiliates: Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract] Distributions from equity method affiliate Operating revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Operating income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Unsecured term loan facility Unsecured Debt [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] 2015 Term Loan Agreement Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2.400% Senior Notes 2.400 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 2.400 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 3.900% Senior Notes 3.900 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 3.900 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 5.000% Senior Notes 5.000 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 5.000 Percent Senior Notes [Member] 2015 Term Loan Agreement Term Loan Facility in 2015 [Member] Term Loan Facility in 2015 [Member] 6.25% Senior Notes 6.25% Senior Notes [Member] 6.25% Senior Notes [Member] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total debt Long-term Debt Notes payable — affiliated companies (Note 11) Notes Payable, Related Parties Premium (Discount) on long-term debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Short-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less: Unamortized debt expense Deferred Finance Costs, Net Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit principal advances Letters of Credit, Principal Advances Letters of Credit, Principal Advances Letters of credit outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Applicable margin percentage Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Commercial paper, authorized Commercial Paper, Authorized Commercial Paper, Authorized Duration of term loan facility Debt Instrument, Term Unsecured term loan facility Unsecured Debt Number of times option maybe exercised to extend term of Term Loan Facility Debt Instrument, Number of times Option may be Exercised to Extend Term of Loan Facility Debt Instrument, Number of times Option may be Exercised to Extend Term of Loan Facility Extension period Debt Instrument, Term of Extension Period Debt Instrument, Term of Extension Period Minimum prepayment amount of option to prepay without penalty or premium (minimum amount of $1 million) Debt Instrument, Terms, Minimum Prepayment Amount of Option Provided to Prepay the Amount Outstanding with out Penalty or Premium Debt Instrument, Terms, Minimum Prepayment Amount of Option Provided to Prepay the Amount Outstanding with out Penalty or Premium Multiple amount of prepayment in excess of minimum prepayment Debt Instrument, Terms, Multiple Prepayment Amount in Excess of Minimum Amount of Option Provided to Prepay the Amount Outstanding with out Penalty or Premium Debt Instrument, Terms, Multiple Prepayment Amount in Excess of Minimum Amount of Option Provided to Prepay the Amount Outstanding with out Penalty or Premium Fixed interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Unamortized debt expense Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from Related Parties Schedule of Revenues from Related Parties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from Related Parties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Natural Gas Purchased From Related Parties Schedule of Natural Gas Purchased From Related Parties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Natural Gas Purchased From Related Parties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Charged to Partnership by Related Parties Schedule of Amounts Charged to Partnership by Related Parties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Charged to Partnership by Related Parties [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Net Income taxes, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Accounts payable related to capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value and Carrying Amount of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments Detail Schedule of Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Put Option Put Option [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Shared Operations Service Agreements Shared Operations Service Agreements [Member] Shared Operations Service Agreements [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee Equity Method Investee [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Limited partner ownership interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited partner ownership interest, exercisable as early as May 2015 Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest, Exercisable As Early As May 2015 Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest, Exercisable As Early As May 2015 Limited partner units that may be issued, exercisable as early as May 2015 Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued, Exercisable As Early As May 2015 Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued, Exercisable As Early As May 2015 Fair value of limited partner interests Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Percentage of distributions through limited partner interest Limited Partners' Capital Account, Third Party Rights to Purchase Partnership Interest, Minimum Distribution Percentage Limited Partners' Capital Account, Third Party Rights to Purchase Partnership Interest, Minimum Distribution Percentage Amount billed associated with service agreements Reimbursement Revenue Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Series A 10% Fixed to Floating Non Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units Series A 10% Fixed to Floating Non Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units [Member] Series A 10% Fixed to Floating Non Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Domain] Distribution Type [Domain] Cash Distribution Cash Distribution [Member] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Preferred Partner Preferred Partner [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Subordinated Units Subordinated Unit [Member] Subordinated Units [Member] Distribution Subordination Period 1 Distribution Subordination Period 1 [Member] Distribution Subordination Period 1 [Member] Distribution Subordination Period 2 Distribution Subordination Period 2 [Member] Distribution Subordination Period 2 [Member] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Private Placement Private Placement [Member] CenterPoint CenterPoint [Member] CenterPoint [Member] Limited Partner Limited Partner [Member] Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] Limited partners' capital account, required quarterly distribution period Limited Partners' Capital Account, Required Quarterly Distribution Period Limited Partners' Capital Account, Required Quarterly Distribution Period Per common unit cash distribution declared Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Full quarter equivalent distribution declared per unit Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Quarterly Equivalent Distributions Declared, Per Unit Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Quarterly Equivalent Distributions Declared, Per Unit Annualized distribution declared per unit Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Annual Equivalent Distributions Declared, Per Unit Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Annual Equivalent Distributions Declared, Per Unit Limited partners' capital account, incentive distribution rights, percentage Partners' Capital Account, Incentive Distribution Rights, Percentage Partners' Capital Account, Incentive Distribution Rights, Percentage Incentive distribution, distribution per unit Partners' Capital Account, Incentive Distribution Rights, Phase In Threshold Partners' Capital Account, Incentive Distribution Rights, Phase In Threshold Minimum quarterly distribution per common unit Subordination Period, Minimum Quarterly Distribution per Common Unit Subordination Period, Minimum Quarterly Distribution per Common Unit Limited partners' capital account, minimum annualized quarterly distribution per unit Subordination Period, Minimum Annualized Quarterly Distribution per Unit Subordination Period, Minimum Annualized Quarterly Distribution per Unit Limited partners' capital account, maximum annualized quarterly distribution per unit Subordination Period, Maximum Annualized Quarterly Distribution per Unit Subordination Period, Maximum Annualized Quarterly Distribution per Unit Limited partners capital account, minimum quarterly distribution, annualized Subordination Period, Annualized Quarterly Distribution, Maximum Minimum Ratio Subordination Period, Annualized Quarterly Distribution, Maximum Minimum Ratio Issuance of Series A Preferred Units, units Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Private Placement Cash purchase price per unit Shares Issued, Price Per Share Expenses related to the offering Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Repayment of notes payable—affiliated companies Annual distribution rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Period after date of original issue Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Terms, Duration of Fixed Distribution Rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Terms, Duration of Fixed Distribution Rate Redemption price per share Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Gas Imbalances Gas Imbalances [Member] Gas Imbalances [Member] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Measurement Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted market prices in active market for identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Assets, total fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Liabilities, total fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Assets Liabilities Retained fuel due from shippers Fuel Reserves for Under Retained Fuel Due From Shippers Fuel Reserves for Under Retained Fuel Due From Shippers Over retained fuel due from shippers Fuel Reserves For Over Retained Fuel Due To Shippers Fuel Reserves For Over Retained Fuel Due To Shippers Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Long Term Incentive Plan Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Common Units Common Unit [Member] Common Unit [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance units Performance Shares [Member] Restricted units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Phantom units Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unrecognized Compensation Cost (In millions) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted Average to be Recognized (In years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Shares available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Assessing Impairment of Long-lived Assets (including Intangible Assets) Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues (including revenues from affiliates (Note 11)): Revenues [Abstract] Product sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Service revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total Revenues Revenues Cost and Expenses (including expenses from affiliates (Note 11)): Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of natural gas and natural gas liquids (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately) Natural Gas Midstream Costs Operation and maintenance Operating Costs and Expenses General and Administrative General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Taxes other than income taxes Taxes, Other Total Cost and Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest expense (including expenses from affiliates (Note 11)) Interest Expense Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Other Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Series A Preferred Unit distributions (Note 4) Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net Income attributable to common and subordinated units (Note 3) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic and Diluted earnings per unit and weighted average number of units outstanding Earnings Per Unit [Abstract] Basic earnings per unit (Note 3) Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Diluted earnings per unit (Note 3) Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Basic weighted average number of outstanding (Note 3) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic Diluted weighted average number of outstanding (Note 3) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on derivative, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Cash collateral required if ratings are lowered Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Schedule Of Equity Transactions With Limited Partner Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Series A Preferred Unit distribution Diluted net income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted General partner interest in net income Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners Net income attributable to common limited partners (Note 3) Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Basic weighted average number of outstanding Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic weighted average number of outstanding Basic earnings per unit Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership and General Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax [Abstract] Basic earnings per unit Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Units Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Diluted weighted average number of outstanding units Diluted earnings per unit Dilutive effect of unit-based awards Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Net Income, Per Outstanding Unit, Amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Gathering and Processing Gathering and Processing [Member] Gathering and Processing [Member] Transportation and Storage Transportation and Storage [Member] Transportation and Storage [Member] Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total revenues Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization Operation and maintenance, General and administrative Operating Expenses Impairments Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Taxes other than income tax Total assets Assets Capital expenditures Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] OGE Energy OGE Energy [Member] OGE Energy [Member] Gas Transportation and Storage Gas Transportation and Storage [Member] Gas Transportation and Storage [Member] Gas Sales Gas Sales [Member] Gas Sales [Member] Seconded Employee Costs Seconded Employee Costs [Member] Seconded Employee Costs [Member] Corporate Services Corporate Services [Member] Corporate Services [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenues from affiliated companies Revenue from Related Parties Cost of goods sold from affiliate Related Parties Amount in Cost of Sales Charges to the Partnership by affiliates Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Record Date Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Date of Record Payment Date Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distribution Date Per unit distribution, paid (per common unit) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Distribution made to unitholders Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Enable Midstream Partners, LP Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Units Series A Preferred Units [Member] Series A Preferred Units [Member] Common and Subordinated units issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Common units and Subordinated units outstanding Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Preferred units issued Preferred Units, Issued Preferred units outstanding Preferred Units, Outstanding Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable—affiliated companies Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Gas imbalances Gas Imbalance Asset The value of gas imbalance asset as of the end of the period. Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets: Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Investment in equity method affiliates Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable—affiliated companies Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Taxes accrued Taxes Payable, Current Gas imbalances Gas Imbalance Liability The value of gas imbalance liability as of the end of the period. Other Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities: Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent [Abstract] Accumulated deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Notes payable—affiliated companies Notes Payable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-Term Debt Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies Partners' Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Series A Preferred Units (14,520,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and 0 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015) Preferred Units, Preferred Partners' Capital Accounts Common units Common Unit, Issuance Value Subordinated units Subordinated Unit, Issuance Value Subordinated Unit, Issuance Value Noncontrolling interest Partners' Capital Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Partners' Equity Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Partners' Equity Liabilities and Equity Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Number of states Number of States in which Entity Operates Percentage share of management rights Percentage Share of Management Rights Percentage Share of Management Rights Percentage share of incentive distribution rights Percent of Incentive Distribution Rights Percent of Incentive Distribution Rights Units outstanding Series A preferred units held by CenterPoint Energy Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Units Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period March 31, 2016 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Units Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value March 31, 2016 Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Units Outstanding at March 31, 2016 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] Partners' Equity Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Minimum Minimum [Member] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Market Approach Valuation Technique Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Forward Curve Range Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes for Commodity Contracts Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes for Commodity Contracts Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net CenterPoint and OGE Energy CenterPoint and OGE Energy [Member] CenterPoint and OGE Energy [Member] Defined Benefit and Retiree Medical Plans Defined Benefit And Retiree Medical Plans [Member] Defined Benefit And Retiree Medical Plans [Member] Certain Services and Support Functions Certain Services and Support Functions [Member] Certain Services and Support Functions [Member] Partnership's revenues from affiliated companies as a percent of total revenues Revenue From Related Party As Percent of Total Revenue Revenue From Related Party As Percent of Total Revenue Expense reimbursement, remainder of fiscal year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement, Remainder Of Fiscal Year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement, Remainder Of Fiscal Year Expense reimbursement, second year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement, Second Year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement, Second Year Expense reimbursement, third year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Third Year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Third Year Expense reimbursement, fourth year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Fourth Year Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Fourth Year Expense reimbursement, thereafter Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Thereafter Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps, Thereafter Period notice of termination for reimbursements for all employee costs Period Notice Of Termination For Reimbursements For All Employee Costs Period Notice Of Termination For Reimbursements For All Employee Costs Period notice of termination prior to commencement of succeeding annual period Period Notice of Termination Prior to Commencement of Succeeding Annual Period Period Notice of Termination Prior to Commencement of Succeeding Annual Period Expense reimbursement annual caps Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps Related Party Transactions, Expense Reimbursement Annual Caps Affiliate interest expense Interest Expense, Related Party Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Long-term notes payable—affiliated companies (Level 2) Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Revolving Credit Facility (Level 2) 2015 Term Loan Agreement (Level 2) EOIT Senior Notes (Level 2) Enable Oklahoma Senior Notes [Member] Enable Oklahoma Senior Notes [Member] Enable Midstream Partners, LP 2019, 2024 and 2044 Notes (Level 2) Enable Midstream Partners 2019, 2024 and 2044 Notes [Member] Enable Midstream Partners 2019, 2024 and 2044 Notes [Member] Affiliated Companies Affiliated Entity [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Carrying value Commercial Paper, at Carrying Value Total compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Investments in Equity Method Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Earnings Per Unit For Common And Subordinated Limited Partner Units Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Financial Data for Business Segments and Services Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Preferred Units Partners' Capital Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Changes in Partners' Capital Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Balance, beginning of period, units Partners' Capital Account, Units Issuance of Series A Preferred Units Partners' Capital Account, Private Placement of Units Distributions Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Equity based compensation Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Balance, end of period Balance, end of period, units