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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations
AROs are recorded based on the determination of underlying assumptions, such as discount rates, estimates of the future costs for decommissioning, and the timing of the removal activities to be performed. Any changes in these assumptions underlying the required calculations may require revisions to the estimated AROs when identified. A reconciliation of the ARO liability is as follows:
 
 
PNMR
 
PNM
 
TNMP
 
(In thousands)
Liability at December 31, 2010
$
76,637

 
$
75,888

 
$
648

Liabilities incurred
60

 
60

 
—

Liabilities settled
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Accretion expense
6,114

 
6,051

 
55

Revisions to estimated cash flows (1)
(3,574
)
 
(3,574
)
 
—

Liability at December 31, 2011
79,233

 
78,425

 
699

Liabilities incurred
—

 
—

 
—

Liabilities settled
(25
)
 
—

 
(25
)
Accretion expense
6,685

 
6,617

 
58

Liability at December 31, 2012
85,893

 
85,042

 
732

Liabilities incurred
—

 
—

 
—

Liabilities settled
(79
)
 
(67
)
 
(12
)
Accretion expense
7,245

 
7,174

 
62

Revisions to estimated cash flows(1)
3,076

 
3,076

 
—

Liability at December 31, 2013
$
96,135

 
$
95,225

 
$
782

 
(1) 
Based on studies to estimate the amount and timing of future ARO expenditures. PNM has an ARO for PVNGS that includes the obligations for nuclear decommissioning of that facility. In 2011 and 2013, new decommissioning studies for PVNGS were implemented reflecting updated cash flow estimates, including the extended operating licenses. The new studies resulted in a $4.2 million decrease to the ARO in 2011 and an increase of $0.5 million to the ARO in 2013. In addition, a new decommissioning study for SJGS was implemented in 2013, resulting in a $2.5 million increase to the ARO.