Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income for common stock	$ 50,673	$ 47,808	$ 117,557	$ 134,876
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 ($2,543), $1,094, ($2,382) and ($2,249) for the respective periods	3,851	(1,657)	3,608	3,406
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 $37, $37, $112 and $112 for the respective periods	59	59	177	177
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 $3,583, $1,900, $10,760, and $5,438 for the respective periods	5,611	2,829	16,850	8,515
Less: reclassification adjustment for impact of D&Os of the PUC included in regulatory assets, net of taxes of $3,243, $1,619, $9,729 and $4,858 for the respective periods	(5,091)	(2,542)	(15,274)	(7,627)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	4,430	(1,311)	5,361	2,756
Comprehensive income attributable to Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.	$ 55,103	$ 46,497	$ 122,918	$ 137,632