Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Projected Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2016	$ 77,898
2017	77,952
2018	80,583
2019	82,760
2020	83,372
2021-2025	430,762
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2016	32,197
2017	32,356
2018	32,381
2019	32,402
2020	33,093
2021-2025	158,040
Expected Medicare Part D Subsidies [Abstract]
2016	2,234
2017	2,373
2018	2,517
2019	2,647
2020	2,753
2021-2025	15,450
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2016	29,963
2017	29,983
2018	29,864
2019	29,755
2020	30,340
2021-2025	$ 142,590

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No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	psco_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of the benefits expected to be paid, net of the prescription drug subsidy receipts expected to be received in the five fiscal years thereafter (the aggregate net amount of benefits expected to be paid in years 6 through 10 after the date of the latest statement of financial position).

+ References

No definition available.