Investments in joint ventures - Investment method (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments in joint ventures
Accumulated earnings of joint ventures	$ 3,270	$ 0
Accumulated losses of joint ventures	$ 0	$ (2,808)

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This indicates the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses off the investee.

No definition available.

Name:	hmlp_EquityMethodInvestment
Namespace Prefix:	hmlp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant