Bank segment (HEI only) Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Valuation allowance, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 40,116	$ 41,985	$ 37,906
Provision for loan losses	6,126	1,507	12,883
Charge-offs	624	3,376	8,804
Valuation allowance, balance at the end of the period	45,618	40,116	41,985
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (as a percent)	0.01%	0.09%	0.24%
Real estate loans
Allowance for loan losses:
Charge-offs	(1,137)	(678)	3,828
Other loans
Allowance for loan losses:
Charge-offs	$ 1,761	$ 4,054	$ 4,976