SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Increase (Decrease) In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 2.3
Total customer rebates and credits deducted within net sales	0.4	2.6
Accrued customer rebates and credits	$ 9.7		$ 9.6

Amount of Increase (Decrease) in allowance for accounts receivable during the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	hei_IncreaseDecreaseInAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	hei_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration