Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income for common stock	$ 33,679	$ 38,316
Net unrealized losses on securities:
Net unrealized losses on securities arising during the period, net of tax benefits, of $547 and $149 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(828)	(226)
Derivatives qualified as cash flow hedges:
Less: reclassification adjustment to net income, net of tax benefits of $37 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012	59	59
Retirement benefit plans:
Less: amortization of transition obligation, prior service credit and net losses recognized during the period in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax benefits of $3,846 and $2,473 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	6,021	3,873
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, net of taxes of $3,384 and $2,162 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(5,313)	(3,395)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(61)	311
Comprehensive income attributable to Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.	$ 33,618	$ 38,627