SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income	$ 439,966	$ 413,164	$ 366,940
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	492,322	481,262	493,784
Deferred income taxes	249,296	187,023	117,952
Accounts receivable	44,991	(14,587)	(40,626)
Accounts payable	45,414	(96,600)	58,346
Net cash flow provided by operating activities	1,153,307	1,171,122	1,125,583
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of energy-related products and services business	0		45,111
Net cash flow used for investing activities	(1,009,401)	(872,994)	(782,007)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt	136,307	476,081	470,353
Short-term borrowings and payments - net	60,950	92,175	(16,600)
Dividends paid on common stock	(235,244)	(225,075)	(221,728)
Repayment of long-term debt	(122,828)	(654,286)	(655,169)
Common stock equity issuance	17,319	15,955	15,841
Other	299	170	(2,668)
Net cash flow used for financing activities	(160,582)	(305,509)	(420,181)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(16,676)	(7,381)	(76,605)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	26,202	33,583	110,188
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	9,526	26,202	33,583
Pinnacle West
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income	406,074	381,542	339,473
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries - net	(420,926)	(391,528)	(335,859)
Depreciation and amortization	95	94	97
Gain on sale of energy-related business			(10,404)
Deferred income taxes	(28,806)	(15,135)	7,387
Accounts receivable	(21,671)	(28,763)	24,201
Accounts payable	(2,449)	879	(2,677)
Accrued taxes and income tax receivable - net	1,402	(3,103)	7,512
Dividends received from subsidiaries	242,100	222,200	228,900
Other	(15,065)	(4,589)	19,270
Net cash flow provided by operating activities	204,096	219,123	229,498
Cash flows from investing activities
Investments in subsidiaries	(3,400)
Repayments of loans from subsidiaries	2,149	996	61,143
Proceeds from sale of energy-related products and services business			45,111
Advances of loans to subsidiaries	(2,099)	(1,200)	(64,970)
Proceeds from sale of life insurance policies			9,357
Net cash flow used for investing activities	(3,350)	(204)	50,641
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt		125,000	175,000
Short-term borrowings and payments - net			(16,600)
Dividends paid on common stock	(235,244)	(225,075)	(221,728)
Repayment of long-term debt		(125,000)	(225,000)
Common stock equity issuance	17,319	15,955	15,841
Other	298	170	(2,667)
Net cash flow used for financing activities	(217,627)	(208,950)	(275,154)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(16,881)	9,969	4,985
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	22,679	12,710	7,725
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	$ 5,798	$ 22,679	$ 12,710