SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Accrued customer rebates and credits	$ 14.5		$ 14.5		$ 10.8
Total customer rebates and credits deducted within net sales	$ 2.5	$ 1.0	$ 6.0	$ 2.1

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