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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
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, 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

Liabilities incurred
—

 
—

 
—

Liabilities settled
—

 
—

 
—

Accretion expense
7,984

 
7,906

 
66

Revisions to estimated cash flows
51

 
51

 
—

Liability at December 31, 2014
104,170

 
103,182

 
848

Liabilities incurred
—

 
—

 
—

Liabilities settled
(730
)
 
(506
)
 
(224
)
Accretion expense
8,625

 
8,543

 
71

Revisions to estimated cash flows(2)
(170
)
 
(170
)
 
—

Liability at December 31, 2015
$
111,895

 
$
111,049

 
$
695

 
(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 2013, a new decommissioning study for PVNGS was implemented reflecting updated cash flow estimates, including the extended operating licenses. The new study resulted in an increase of $0.5 million to the ARO. In addition, a new decommissioning study for SJGS was implemented in 2013, resulting in a $2.5 million increase to the ARO.

(2) 
Based on studies to estimate the amount and timing of future ARO expenditures. PNM has an ARO for Four Corners that includes obligations for decommissioning of that facility. In 2015, a new decommissioning study for Four Corners was implemented reflecting updated cash flow estimates. The new study resulted in an increase of $1.0 million to the ARO. In addition, a new decommissioning study for SJGS was implemented in 2015, resulting in a $1.2 million decrease to the ARO.