| Cover Page | May 13, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | XCEL ENERGY INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000072903 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MN |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 13, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-3034 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 41-0448030 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 414 Nicollet Mall |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Minneapolis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 55401 |
| City Area Code | (612) |
| Local Phone Number | 330-5500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $2.50 par value |
| Trading Symbol | XEL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF COLORADO [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF COLORADO |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000081018 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CO |
| Entity File Number | 001-3280 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 84-0296600 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1800 Larimer Street Suite 1100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80202 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 571-7511 |
