<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>HtmlAndXml</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>319</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>403</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>104</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>12</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R1.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R2.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R3.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R4.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0025 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R5.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R6.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0035 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R7.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R8.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - Consolidation and Nature of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationAndNatureOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidation and Nature of Operations</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R9.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLiquidityMatters</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R10.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryMatters</Role>
      <ShortName>Regulatory Matters</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R11.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansAndOtherBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Benefits</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R12.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R13.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosurePaloVerdeSaleLeasebackVariableInterestEntities</Role>
      <ShortName>Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R14.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccounting</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R15.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R16.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R17.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R18.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R19.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R20.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureNuclearDecommissioningTrusts</Role>
      <ShortName>Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R21.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - New Accounting Standards</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureNewAccountingStandards</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Standards</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R22.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R23.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3010 - Disclosure - Consolidation and Nature of Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationAndNatureOfOperationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidation and Nature of Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R24.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3020 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLiquidityMattersTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R25.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3030 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryMattersTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Regulatory Matters (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R26.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3040 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Benefits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansAndOtherBenefitsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Benefits (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R27.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3060 - Disclosure - Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosurePaloVerdeSaleLeasebackVariableInterestEntitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R28.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3070 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccountingTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R29.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3080 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R30.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R31.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3110 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R32.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3120 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R33.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3130 - Disclosure - Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureNuclearDecommissioningTrustsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R34.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3150 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R35.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - Consolidation and Nature of Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureConsolidationAndNatureOfOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidation and Nature of Operations (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R36.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAndLiquidityMattersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R37.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4030 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryMattersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Regulatory Matters (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R38.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4031 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryMattersDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Regulatory Matters (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R39.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4032 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRegulatoryMattersDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Regulatory Matters (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R40.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Benefits (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlansAndOtherBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Benefits (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R41.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R42.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosurePaloVerdeSaleLeasebackVariableInterestEntitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R43.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccountingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R44.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4071 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccountingDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R45.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4072 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccountingDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R46.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4073 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeAccountingDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Accounting (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R47.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R48.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R49.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4091 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R50.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4092 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R51.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R52.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R53.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R54.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4121 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R55.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4130 - Disclosure - Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureNuclearDecommissioningTrustsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R56.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4150 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R57.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>5010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfIncomeAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R58.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>5020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncomeAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R59.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>5025 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R60.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>5030 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/BalanceSheetAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R61.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>5040 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/CashFlowsAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R62.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6010 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquityAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R63.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6020 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R64.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6030 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAPSC</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R65.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6510 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity (APSC) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquityAPSCTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity (APSC) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R66.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6520 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense (APSC) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseAPSCTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense (APSC) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R67.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>6530 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAPSCTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R68.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>7010 - Disclosure - Changes in Equity (APSC) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInEquityAPSCDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Equity (APSC) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R69.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>7020 - Disclosure - Other Income and Other Expense (APSC) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseAPSCDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Other Expense (APSC) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R70.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>7030 - Disclosure - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pinnaclewest.com/role/DisclosureChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAPSCDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (APSC) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R71.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DerivativeAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4020 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Liquidity Matters (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4030 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4031 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4032 - Disclosure - Regulatory Matters (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4050 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4060 - Disclosure - Palo Verde Sale Leaseback Variable Interest Entities (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4071 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4073 - Disclosure - Derivative Accounting (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4090 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4120 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4130 - Disclosure - Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0025 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0030 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0035 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0040 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 5010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (APSC)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 5020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 5025 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (APSC) (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 5030 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (APSC)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 5040 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (APSC)</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>pnw-20130630.xml</File>
    <File>pnw-20130630.xsd</File>
    <File>pnw-20130630_cal.xml</File>
    <File>pnw-20130630_def.xml</File>
    <File>pnw-20130630_lab.xml</File>
    <File>pnw-20130630_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
