Income Taxes Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, at the beginning and end of the year
Total unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of the year	$ 41,997	$ 133,422	$ 136,005
Additions for tax positions of the current year	4,309	3,516	5,167
Additions for tax positions of prior years	751	13,158	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years for:
Changes in judgment	(2,282)	(108,099)	(7,729)
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations	0	0	(21)
Total unrecognized tax benefits, end of the year	44,775	41,997	133,422
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, at the beginning and end of the year
Total unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of the year	41,997	133,241	135,824
Additions for tax positions of the current year	4,309	3,516	5,167
Additions for tax positions of prior years	751	13,158	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years for:
Changes in judgment	(2,282)	(107,918)	(7,729)
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations	0	0	(21)
Total unrecognized tax benefits, end of the year	$ 44,775	$ 41,997	$ 133,241