Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Trust	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 1986 Trust
Estimated future minimum lease payments for operating leases, excluding purchased power agreements
Lease expense	$ 18,000	$ 18,000	$ 16,000
Future minimum payments due	54,000
Operating lease, cost	47,000	60,000	82,000
Contingent rents	109,000	100,000	88,000
Pinnacle West
Estimated future minimum lease payments for operating leases, excluding purchased power agreements
2019	13,747
2020	12,428
2021	9,478
2022	6,513
2023	5,359
Thereafter	42,236
Total future lease commitments	89,761
Palo Verde Lessor Trusts
Estimated future minimum lease payments for operating leases, excluding purchased power agreements
Number of VIE lessor trusts | Trust				3
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Estimated future minimum lease payments for operating leases, excluding purchased power agreements
2019	13,411
2020	12,143
2021	9,282
2022	6,321
2023	5,171
Thereafter	40,656
Total future lease commitments	86,984
Lease expense	$ 17,000	$ 17,000	$ 15,000
Number of VIE lessor trusts | Trust	3			3