XML 63 R59.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension Benefits (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and Nonqualified Pension Plan
     
Pension Benefits [Abstract]      
Total benefit obligation $ 3,500 $ 4,100  
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting 600 700  
Pension Plans
     
Pension Benefits [Abstract]      
Total benefit obligation 1,152,836 1,194,371 1,047,373
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting 49,899 43,169 30,362
Minimum number of years historical achieved weighted average annual returns are used to determine investment return assumptions (in years) 20 years    
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets (in hundredths) 6.47% 6.65% 7.00%
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets for next fiscal year (in hundredths) 6.81%    
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 100.00% 100.00%  
Pension Plans | Domestic and international equity securities
     
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 29.00% 20.00%  
Pension Plans | Long-duration fixed income and interest rate swap securities
     
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 36.00% 50.00%  
Pension Plans | Short-to-intermediate fixed income securities
     
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 14.00% 9.00%  
Pension Plans | Alternative investments
     
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 19.00% 19.00%  
Pension Plans | Cash
     
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract]      
Target pension asset allocations (in hundredths) 2.00% 2.00%  
Xcel Energy Inc. | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and Nonqualified Pension Plan
     
Pension Benefits [Abstract]      
Total benefit obligation 36,500 39,400  
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting $ 6,600 $ 15,600