Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities - Schedule of VIEs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amounts relating to the VIEs included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Palo Verde sale leaseback property plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 114,483	$ 117,385
Equity — Noncontrolling interests	138,789	135,540
Arizona Public Service Company
Amounts relating to the VIEs included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Palo Verde sale leaseback property plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	114,483	117,385
Equity — Noncontrolling interests	138,789	135,540
Arizona Public Service Company | Consolidation of VIEs
Amounts relating to the VIEs included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Palo Verde sale leaseback property plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	114,483	117,385
Equity — Noncontrolling interests	$ 138,789	$ 135,540