Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Derivative Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	$ 100,000		$ 200,000
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	6,500,000		4,200,000
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	70,275,000		91,707,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	67,513,000		84,842,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	22,358,000		23,382,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	199,578,000		209,224,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	37,247,000		58,679,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	58,000		88,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	15,456,000		13,783,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	21,733,000		38,902,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			5,906,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	17,261,000		26,411,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,000		13,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	17,243,000		26,398,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		348,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		348,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	692,000		5,295,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	692,000		5,295,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	21,037,000		26,604,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	58,000		88,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	20,979,000		20,610,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			5,906,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	15,736,000		32,103,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,000		29,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	15,718,000		32,074,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	11,946,000		10,546,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	11,946,000		10,546,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,707,000		14,382,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,707,000		14,382,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	27,584,000		48,279,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	944,000		1,167,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	26,640,000		47,112,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,932,000		3,395,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,932,000		3,395,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5,299,000		10,014,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	392,000		1,804,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	4,907,000		8,210,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		0
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	48,621,000		74,883,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	58,000		88,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	21,923,000		21,777,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	26,640,000		47,112,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			5,906,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	17,668,000		35,498,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	18,000		29,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	17,650,000		35,469,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	17,245,000		20,560,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	12,338,000		12,350,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	4,907,000		8,210,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,707,000		14,382,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value Total | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,707,000		14,382,000
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(11,374,000)	[1]	(16,204,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(6,467,000)	[1]	(7,994,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(4,907,000)	[1]	(8,210,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			0	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(407,000)	[1]	(9,087,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Vehicle Fuel And Other Commodity [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	[1]	(16,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(407,000)	[1]	(9,071,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(17,245,000)	[1]	(20,212,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(12,338,000)	[1]	(12,002,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Electric Commodity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(4,907,000)	[1]	(8,210,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(1,015,000)	[1]	(9,087,000)	[2]
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Counterparty Netting [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivative Instrument [Member] | Commodity Trading
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(1,015,000)	[1]	(9,087,000)	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Purchased Power Agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	33,028,000	[3]	33,028,000	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Purchased Power Agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	50,252,000	[3]	58,431,000	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Purchased Power Agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	22,358,000	[3]	23,034,000	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Purchased Power Agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 198,886,000	[3]	$ 203,929,000	[3]

[1] Xcel Energy nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2014, derivative assets and liabilities include obligations to return cash collateral of $0.1 million and rights to reclaim cash collateral of $6.5 million. The counterparty netting amounts presented exclude settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements.

[2] Xcel Energy nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at Dec. 31, 2013. At Dec. 31, 2013, derivative assets and liabilities include obligations to return cash collateral of $0.2 million and rights to reclaim cash collateral of $4.2 million. The counterparty netting amounts presented exclude settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements.

[3] In 2003, as a result of implementing new guidance on the normal purchase exception for derivative accounting, Xcel Energy began recording several long-term PPAs at fair value due to accounting requirements related to underlying price adjustments. As these purchases are recovered through normal regulatory recovery mechanisms in the respective jurisdictions, the changes in fair value for these contracts were offset by regulatory assets and liabilities. During 2006, Xcel Energy qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.