Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - HECO - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits	$ (3,691)	$ (1,836)	$ (7,177)	$ (3,632)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	(3,359)	(1,641)	(6,486)	(3,239)
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	(3,349)	(1,647)	(6,490)	(3,252)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	$ 3,359	$ 1,641	$ 6,486	$ 3,239

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