Changes in Equity (APSC) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Changes in equity
Balance	$ 4,102,289	$ 3,930,586
Net income (loss)	32,836	(481)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,077	(15,614)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	38,913	(16,095)
Dividends on common stock		(57,358)
Other	(14,825)	(3,350)
Balance	4,152,330	3,861,429
Shareholder equity
Changes in equity
Balance	3,972,806	3,821,850
Net income (loss)	24,444	(8,257)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,077	(15,614)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	30,521	(23,871)
Dividends on common stock		(57,358)
Other	(14,825)	(3,350)
Balance	4,014,455	3,744,917
Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in equity
Balance	129,483	108,736
Net income (loss)	8,392	7,776
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	8,392	7,776
Balance	137,875	116,512
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Changes in equity
Balance	4,222,483	4,051,406
Net income (loss)	34,434	3,662
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,992	(15,755)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	40,426	(12,093)
Dividends on common stock		(57,400)
Other	(2)	1
Balance	4,262,907	3,981,914
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY | Shareholder equity
Changes in equity
Balance	4,093,000	3,943,007
Net income (loss)	26,042	(4,105)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,992	(15,755)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	32,034	(19,860)
Dividends on common stock		(57,400)
Other	(2)	1
Balance	4,125,032	3,865,748
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY | Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in equity
Balance	129,483	108,399
Net income (loss)	8,392	7,767
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	8,392	7,767
Balance	$ 137,875	$ 116,166