Bank subsidiary (HEI only) (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 39,486	$ 48,707	$ 41,061	$ 34,152	$ 14,309	$ 48,177	$ 39,273	$ 38,789	$ 163,406	$ 140,548	$ 140,120
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period, net of (taxes) benefits of $9,037, ($631) and ($4,343) for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									(13,686)	956	6,578
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period, taxes									9,037	(631)	(4,343)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income, net of taxes of $488, $53 and $148 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									(738)	(81)	(224)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income, taxes									(488)	(53)	(148)
Retirement benefit plans:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, net of (taxes) benefits of ($10,450), $5,240 and $6,577 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									223,177	(99,159)	(130,191)
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, tax benefits									(142,478)	63,303	83,147
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 $1,187, $684 and $346 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									23,280	15,291	9,364
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits									14,870	9,764	5,976
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes									9,673	(7,286)	(6,665)
Comprehensive income attributable to Hawaiian Electric									171,189	131,372	131,565
American Savings Bank (ASB)
Net income									57,534	58,637	59,843
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period, net of (taxes) benefits of $9,037, ($631) and ($4,343) for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									(13,686)	956	6,578
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period, taxes									9,037	(631)	(4,343)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income, net of taxes of $488, $53 and $148 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									(738)	(81)	(224)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income, taxes									(488)	(53)	(148)
Retirement benefit plans:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, net of (taxes) benefits of ($10,450), $5,240 and $6,577 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									15,826	(7,936)	(9,960)
Net gains (losses) arising during the period, tax benefits									(10,450)	5,240	6,577
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 $1,187, $684 and $346 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively									1,797	1,036	523
Less: amortization of net loss, prior service gain and transition obligation included in net periodic benefit cost, tax benefits									1,187	684	346
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes									3,199	(6,025)	(3,083)
Comprehensive income attributable to Hawaiian Electric									$ 60,733	$ 52,612	$ 56,760