Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	$ (107,931)		$ (114,008)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,795)		(1,737)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	5,269		11,288
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,474	17,459	9,551	1,845
Ending balance	(104,457)		(104,457)
Derivative Instruments
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	(44,481)		(49,592)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(160)		(102)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	4,322		9,375
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,162		9,273
Ending balance	(40,319)		(40,319)
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	(63,450)		(64,416)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,635)		(1,635)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	947		1,913
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(688)		278
Ending balance	(64,138)		(64,138)
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	(83,103)		(89,095)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,790)		(1,732)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	5,341		11,275
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,551	17,117	9,543	1,362
Ending balance	(79,552)		(79,552)
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY | Derivative Instruments
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	(44,482)		(49,592)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(160)		(102)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	4,322		9,374
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,162		9,272
Ending balance	(40,320)		(40,320)
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY | Pension and other postretirement benefits
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Beginning balance	(38,621)		(39,503)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,630)		(1,630)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:	1,019		1,901
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(611)		271
Ending balance	$ (39,232)		$ (39,232)