Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - HECO (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits	$ 3,697	$ 2,443	$ 11,173	$ 7,321
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	3,284	2,129	9,852	6,386
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	3,295	2,178	9,885	6,532
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, taxes	$ 3,284	$ 2,129	$ 9,852	$ 6,386

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