Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 17, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-03140
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	WI
Entity Tax Identification Number	39-0508315
Entity Address, Address Line One	1414 West Hamilton Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Eau Claire
Entity Address, State or Province	WI
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	54701
City Area Code	715
Local Phone Number	839-2625
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		933,000
Entity Registrant Name	NORTHERN STATES POWER CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000072909
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Public Float			$ 0