Electric utility segment - Consolidating Statements of Changes in Common Stock Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	$ 2,390,884	$ 2,337,502	$ 2,280,260
Net income for common stock	241,138	246,166	197,824
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(283,495)	(51,269)	18,775
Common stock dividends	(153,229)	(148,643)	(144,096)
Ending balance	2,202,499	2,390,884	2,337,502
Hawaiian Electric (parent only)
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	2,390,884
Net income for common stock	241,138	246,166	197,824
Ending balance	2,202,499	2,390,884
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	2,261,899	2,141,918	2,047,352
Net income for common stock	188,929	177,642	169,340
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	6,141	(361)	(1,640)
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	13,101	54,400	34,000
Common stock dividends	(125,900)	(111,700)	(107,134)
Dissolution of subsidiary			0
Ending balance	2,344,170	2,261,899	2,141,918
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Hawaiian Electric (parent only)
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	2,261,899	2,141,918	2,047,352
Net income for common stock	188,929	177,642	169,340
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	6,141	(361)	(1,640)
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	13,101	54,400	34,000
Common stock dividends	(125,900)	(111,700)	(107,134)
Ending balance	2,344,170	2,261,899	2,141,918
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Hawaii Electric Light
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	332,900	317,451	298,998
Net income for common stock	21,816	21,180	27,493
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	381	66	(220)
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	6,023	8,803	7,500
Common stock dividends	(16,400)	(14,600)	(16,320)
Ending balance	344,720	332,900	317,451
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Maui Electric
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	343,260	309,363	292,870
Net income for common stock	25,677	24,173	20,011
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	276	227	(134)
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	3,023	24,597	11,000
Common stock dividends	(15,200)	(15,100)	(14,384)
Ending balance	357,036	343,260	309,363
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Other subsidiaries
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	77	77	101
Dissolution of subsidiary			(24)
Ending balance	77	77	77
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Beginning balance	(676,237)	(626,891)	(591,969)
Net income for common stock	(47,493)	(45,353)	(47,504)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(657)	(293)	354
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	(9,046)	(33,400)	(18,500)
Common stock dividends	31,600	29,700	30,704
Dissolution of subsidiary			24
Ending balance	$ (701,833)	$ (676,237)	$ (626,891)