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Electric utility segment Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) $ 170,210us-gaap_ProfitLoss $ 163,406us-gaap_ProfitLoss $ 140,548us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 172,762us-gaap_Depreciation 160,061us-gaap_Depreciation 150,389us-gaap_Depreciation
Other amortization 8,476us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization 4,667us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization 7,958us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
Impairment of utility plant 0he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges 0he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges 40,000he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
Increase in deferred income taxes 59,184us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 80,399us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 90,848us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (6,771)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity (5,561)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity (7,007)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
Change in cash overdraft (1,038)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities 1,038us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
Decrease (increase) in fuel oil stock 28,041us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories 27,332us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories 10,129us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
Increase in regulatory assets (17,000)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets (65,461)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets (72,401)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
Change in prepaid and accrued income taxes and revenue taxes 12,845he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes (19,406)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes 21,079he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans liability 22,251us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations (33,014)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations (228)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
Net cash provided by operating activities 301,479us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations 327,146us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations 234,542us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (339,721)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (353,879)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (325,480)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Contributions in aid of construction 41,806us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction 32,160us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction 45,982us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
Other (39)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities 40us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities 935us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Net cash used in investing activities (568,508)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations (563,760)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations (427,047)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends (126,458)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock (98,383)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock (96,202)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 125,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 286,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 457,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 26,898us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity 55,086us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity 23,613us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
Repayment of long-term debt (111,400)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (216,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (375,500)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings from non-affiliates and affiliate with original maturities of three months or less 13,490us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess 21,789us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess 14,872us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
Other (456)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities (1,187)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities (2,645)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 222,535us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations 236,988us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations 141,902us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (44,494)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations 374us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations (50,603)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
HECO      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) 138,721us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
124,009us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
100,356us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Equity in earnings (41,064)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(41,510)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(28,936)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Common stock dividends received from subsidiaries 26,076us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
28,505us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
47,035us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 109,204us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
99,738us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
90,783us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Other amortization 1,749us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
554us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
1,508us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Impairment of utility plant     29,000he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Increase in deferred income taxes 56,901us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
41,409us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
66,968us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Change in tax credits, net 4,998us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
5,152us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
5,006us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (6,085)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(4,495)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(5,735)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 16,213us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
49,974us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(48,451)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in accrued unbilled revenues 4,680us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(7,152)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
2,728us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in fuel oil stock 25,098us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
23,563us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
4,861us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Increase in materials and supplies 4,223us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(5,598)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(6,683)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Increase in regulatory assets (14,620)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(46,047)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(55,605)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (74,276)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(6,136)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(31,743)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Change in prepaid and accrued income taxes and revenue taxes (4,166)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
4,632he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
19,871he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans liability (562)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
2,325us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(434)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Changes in other assets and liabilities (46,032)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(17,941)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(44,880)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 201,058us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
250,982us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
145,649us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (219,738)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(237,899)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(233,792)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Contributions in aid of construction 30,021us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
21,686us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
32,285us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Advances from affiliates (9,261)us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
2,561us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(9,400)us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Other 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
   
Investment in consolidated subsidiary 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(12,461)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
 
Net cash used in investing activities (198,978)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(226,113)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(210,907)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends (88,492)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(81,578)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(73,044)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Preferred stock dividends of Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries (1,080)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(1,080)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(1,080)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
140,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
367,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 40,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
78,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
44,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Repayment of long-term debt 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(90,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(259,580)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings from non-affiliates and affiliate with original maturities of three months or less (1,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(17,050)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(46,600)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Other (337)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(681)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(1,992)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (50,909)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
28,111us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
28,704us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (48,829)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
52,980us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
(36,554)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 61,245us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
8,265us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
44,819us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 12,416us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
61,245us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
8,265us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
HELCO      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) 19,223us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
20,670us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
16,746us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 35,904us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
34,188us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
33,337us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Other amortization 2,596us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
1,979us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
3,252us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Impairment of utility plant     5,500he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Increase in deferred income taxes 12,083us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
10,569us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
7,457us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Change in tax credits, net 680us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
818us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
522us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (472)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(643)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(585)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 7,150us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(1,459)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(1,106)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Decrease (increase) in accrued unbilled revenues 1,174us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(2,707)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
4,106us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Decrease (increase) in fuel oil stock 378us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
1,307us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
3,732us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Increase in materials and supplies 219us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(1,547)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(636)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Increase in regulatory assets (3,357)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(9,237)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(9,649)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (8,490)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(4,756)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(8,110)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Change in prepaid and accrued income taxes and revenue taxes (3,251)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(4,114)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
1,935he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans liability 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(1)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(191)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Changes in other assets and liabilities (12,085)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(6,262)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(11,143)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 51,752us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
38,805us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
45,167us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (48,050)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(52,135)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(41,060)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Contributions in aid of construction 7,695us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
7,590us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
8,184us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Advances from affiliates 1,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
17,050us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
28,100us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Other 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(230)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
 
Net cash used in investing activities (39,355)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(27,725)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(4,776)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends (11,627)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(14,388)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(27,738)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Preferred stock dividends of Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries (534)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(534)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(534)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
56,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
31,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock     0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Repayment of long-term debt (11,400)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(56,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(41,200)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings from non-affiliates and affiliate with original maturities of three months or less 10,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
  0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Other (50)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(273)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
139us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (13,111)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(15,195)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(38,333)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (714)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
(4,115)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
2,058us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 1,326us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
5,441us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
3,383us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 612us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
1,326us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
5,441us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesTwoMember
MECO      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) 22,656us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
21,658us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
13,008us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 21,279us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
20,099us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
20,378us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Other amortization 3,746us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
2,544us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
2,238us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Impairment of utility plant     5,500he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Increase in deferred income taxes 13,963us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
12,529us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
12,453us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Change in tax credits, net 384us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
1,047us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
547us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (214)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(423)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(687)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Change in cash overdraft (1,038)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
1,038us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 3,483us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
1,178us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(2,164)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Decrease (increase) in accrued unbilled revenues 896us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
33us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(3,306)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Decrease (increase) in fuel oil stock 2,565us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
2,462us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
1,536us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Increase in materials and supplies (2,648)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(814)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(578)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Increase in regulatory assets 977us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(10,177)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(7,147)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (7,866)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(9,936)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
940us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Change in prepaid and accrued income taxes and revenue taxes 3,381he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(2,546)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
3,433he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans liability (399)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(84)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(119)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Changes in other assets and liabilities (4,945)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(7,544)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(12,678)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 56,220us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
31,064us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
33,354us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (43,786)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(52,451)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(35,239)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Contributions in aid of construction 4,090us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
2,884us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
5,513us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Advances from affiliates 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
18,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Other 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
   
Net cash used in investing activities (39,696)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(49,567)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(11,226)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends (14,349)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(14,017)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(19,197)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Preferred stock dividends of Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries (381)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(381)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(381)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
40,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
59,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
12,461us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Repayment of long-term debt 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(20,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(67,720)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings from non-affiliates and affiliate with original maturities of three months or less (1,239)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(2,561)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
9,400us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Other (75)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(195)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(377)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (16,044)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
15,307us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(19,275)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 480us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
(3,196)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
2,853us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 153us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
3,349us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
496us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 633us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
153us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
3,349us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_SubsidiariesThreeMember
Other subsidiaries      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) 0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(3)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(3)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Changes in other assets and liabilities 0he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
0he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(1)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock     0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
(4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 101us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
104us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
108us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 101us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
101us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
104us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_RenewableHawaiiCompanyMember
Consolidating adjustments      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) (40,964)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(41,410)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(28,836)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Equity in earnings 40,964he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
41,410he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
28,836he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Common stock dividends received from subsidiaries (25,976)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(28,405)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(46,935)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable (103)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(248)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
4,717us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Changes in other assets and liabilities 103he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
248he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(4,717)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (25,976)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(28,405)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(46,935)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Cash flows from investing activities      
Advances from affiliates 8,261us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(19,611)us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(37,200)us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Other 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
   
Investment in consolidated subsidiary 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
12,461us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
 
Net cash used in investing activities 8,261us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(7,150)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(37,200)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends 25,976us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
28,405us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
46,935us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
(12,461)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings from non-affiliates and affiliate with original maturities of three months or less (8,261)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
19,611us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
37,200us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 17,715us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
35,555us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
84,135us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_ConsolidationReclassificationsAndEliminationsMember
HECO Consolidated      
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income (loss) 139,636us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
124,924us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
101,271us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      
Equity in earnings (100)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(100)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(100)he_EquityInEarnings
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Common stock dividends received from subsidiaries 100us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
100us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
100us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 166,387us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
154,025us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
144,498us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Other amortization 8,091us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
5,077us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
6,998us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Impairment of utility plant 0he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
0he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
40,000he_AdjustmentForAssetImpairmentCharges
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Increase in deferred income taxes 82,947us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
64,507us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
86,878us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Change in tax credits, net 6,062us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
7,017us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
6,075us-gaap_IncomeTaxCreditsAndAdjustments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (6,771)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(5,561)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(7,007)us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Change in cash overdraft (1,038)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
1,038us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOutstandingChecksOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 26,743us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
49,445us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(47,004)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in accrued unbilled revenues 6,750us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(9,826)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
3,528us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Decrease (increase) in fuel oil stock 28,041us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
27,332us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
10,129us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Increase in materials and supplies 1,794us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(7,959)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(7,897)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Increase in regulatory assets (17,000)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(65,461)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(72,401)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (90,632)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(20,828)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(38,913)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Change in prepaid and accrued income taxes and revenue taxes (4,036)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(2,028)he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
25,239he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans liability (961)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
2,240us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(744)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Changes in other assets and liabilities (62,959)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(31,499)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(73,419)he_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalExcludingSeparatelyDisclosedItemsNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 283,054us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
292,443us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
177,231us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities      
Capital expenditures (311,574)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(342,485)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(310,091)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Contributions in aid of construction 41,806us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
32,160us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
45,982us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionInAidOfConstruction
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Other 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(230)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in investing activities (269,768)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(310,555)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(264,109)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities      
Common stock dividends (88,492)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(81,578)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(73,044)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Preferred stock dividends of Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries (1,995)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(1,995)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(1,995)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
236,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
457,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 40,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
78,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
44,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Repayment of long-term debt (11,400)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(166,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(368,500)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Other (462)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(1,149)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(2,230)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (62,349)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
63,778us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
55,231us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (49,063)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
45,666us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
(31,647)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 62,825us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
17,159us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
48,806us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31 $ 13,762us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
$ 62,825us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
$ 17,159us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember