Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - HECO (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits	$ (1,796)	$ (3,846)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	1,598	3,384
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits	(1,605)	(3,395)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	$ 1,598	$ 3,384

Tax effect on adjustment out of other comprehensive income for actuarial gains or losses, prior service gains or losses, and net transition asset or obligation recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossPriorServiceGainLossAndReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetTransitionAssetObligationRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostTax
Namespace Prefix:	he_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration