| Cover Page | Apr. 03, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
| 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 | Apr. 3, 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 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | XEL | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
