Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jul. 18, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	HEES
Entity Registrant Name	H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001339605
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	000-51759
Entity Tax Identification Number	810553291
Entity Address, Address Line One	7500 Pecue Lane
Entity Address, City or Town	Baton Rouge
Entity Address, State or Province	Louisiana
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	70809
City Area Code	225
Local Phone Number	298-5200
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		35,777,804