Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment information
Goodwill and intangible assets	$ 57.2	$ 57.8
Goodwill and intangible assets impairments	0
Composite Materials
Segment information
Goodwill and intangible assets	41.2	41.7
Engineered Products
Segment information
Goodwill and intangible assets	$ 16.0	$ 16.1

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.

No definition available.

Name:	hxl_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	hxl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant