Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income for common stock	$ 35,018	$ 41,281	$ 66,884	$ 87,068
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities arising during the period, net of (taxes) benefits of $2,439, $(1,679), $161 and $(3,343) for the respective periods	(3,694)	2,543	(243)	5,063
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income, net of taxes of nil, nil, nil and $1,132 for the respective periods	0	0	0	(1,715)
Derivatives qualified as cash flow hedges:
Less: reclassification adjustment to net income, net of tax benefits of $38, $38, $75 and $75 for the respective periods	59	59	118	118
Retirement benefit plans:
Less: amortization of prior service credit and net losses recognized during the period in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax benefits of $3,691, $1,836, $7,177, and $3,632 for the respective periods	5,780	2,873	11,239	5,686
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, net of taxes of $3,359, $1,641, $6,486 and $3,239 for the respective periods	(5,272)	(2,575)	(10,183)	(5,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(3,127)	2,900	931	4,067
Comprehensive income attributable to Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.	$ 31,891	$ 44,181	$ 67,815	$ 91,135