SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Accrued customer rebates and credits	$ 11.6		$ 10.8
Total customer rebates and credits deducted within net sales	$ 1.4	$ 0.4

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of accrued customer rebates and credits.

No definition available.

Name:	hei_AccruedCustomerRebatesAndCredits
Namespace Prefix:	hei_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant