SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Accrued customer rebates and credits	$ 7.5		$ 7.5		$ 14.8
Total customer rebates and credits deducted within net sales	$ 1.7	$ 2.1	$ 3.4	$ 3.5

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