H&E Equipment Services (HEES) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'HEES	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'H&E Equipment Services, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001339605	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	35,210,778	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$634,349,012

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash	$17,607	$8,894
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,651 and $4,593, respectively	131,970	141,667
Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence of $647 and $618, respectively	111,640	79,970
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,024	5,207
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $309,944 and $296,920, respectively	688,710	583,349
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $75,994 and $68,101, respectively	98,503	86,189
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $10,176 and $9,423, respectively	4,689	5,049
Goodwill	31,197	32,074
Total assets	1,090,340	942,399
Liabilities:	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	102,460	157,719
Accounts payable	67,779	36,119
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	49,062	50,839
Dividends payable	633	1,488
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	54,439	50,522
Senior unsecured notes (net of unaccreted discount of $1,454 and $8,935, respectively)	628,546	521,065
Capital leases payable	2,278	2,447
Deferred income taxes	88,291	71,589
Deferred compensation payable	2,040	1,975
Total liabilities	995,528	893,763
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 39,023,594 and 38,917,619 shares issued at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 35,200,398 and 35,141,870 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	389	388
Additional paid-in capital	215,775	212,850
Treasury stock at cost, 3,823,196 and 3,775,749 shares of common stock held at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-58,468	-57,578
Retained deficit	-62,884	-107,024
Total stockholders' equity	94,812	48,636
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,090,340	$942,399

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$3,651	$4,593
Reserves for obsolescence inventories	647	618
Accumulated depreciation, rental equipment	309,944	296,920
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, property and equipment	75,994	68,101
Accumulated amortization, deferred financing costs	10,176	9,423
Unaccreted discount, net	$1,454	$8,935
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	39,023,594	38,917,619
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,200,398	35,141,870
Treasury stock, shares	3,823,196	3,775,749

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$338,935	$288,641	$228,038
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,768	241,721	220,211
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,560	104,563	85,347
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,174	99,621	94,511
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,694	56,554	53,954
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,625	46,215	38,490
Total revenues	259,579	270,449	245,340	212,388	250,117	204,509	209,024	173,665	987,756	837,315	720,551
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	121,948	102,966	86,781
Rental expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,338	50,052	46,599
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	262,887	214,197	196,152
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,693	73,988	65,042
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	74,241	72,323	69,222
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,034	21,977	21,024
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,779	44,510	43,028
Total cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	685,920	580,013	527,848
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	301,836	257,302	192,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	189,062	169,653	153,354
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,549	1,592	793
Income from operations	33,763	33,932	28,912	18,716	28,458	25,035	23,477	12,271	115,323	89,241	40,142
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-51,404	-35,541	-28,727
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	-10,200	'	'	'	-10,180	'
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,228	928	726
Total other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-50,176	-44,793	-28,001
Income before provision for income taxes	21,192	20,976	16,028	6,951	16,762	5,273	16,655	5,758	65,147	44,448	12,141
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,007	15,612	3,215
Net income	$14,601	$13,953	$10,809	$4,777	$10,704	$3,709	$10,468	$3,955	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Net income per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.42	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.83	$0.26
Diluted	$0.41	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.82	$0.26
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,041	34,890	34,759
Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,146	34,978	34,887

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$254,250	$386	$209,111	($56,330)	$101,083
Beginning balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	38,699,666	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,327	'	1,327	'	'
Tax benefits associated with stock-based awards	257	'	257	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock	1	1	'	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock, shares	'	109,275	'	'	'
Repurchases of 42,016, 46,064 and 40,109 shares of restricted common stock in 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-554	'	'	-554	'
Net income	8,926	'	'	'	8,926
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	264,207	387	210,695	-56,884	110,009
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	38,808,941	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,862	'	1,862	'	'
Tax benefits associated with stock-based awards	293	'	293	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock	1	1	'	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock, shares	'	108,678	'	'	'
Repurchases of 42,016, 46,064 and 40,109 shares of restricted common stock in 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-694	'	'	-694	'
Cash dividend on common stock ($7.00 per share)	-245,869	'	'	'	-245,869
Net income	28,836	'	'	'	28,836
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	48,636	388	212,850	-57,578	-107,024
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	38,917,619	38,917,619	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2,618	'	2,618	'	'
Tax benefits associated with stock-based awards	307	'	307	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock	1	1	'	'	'
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock, shares	'	105,975	'	'	'
Repurchases of 42,016, 46,064 and 40,109 shares of restricted common stock in 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-890	'	'	-890	'
Net income	44,140	'	'	'	44,140
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$94,812	$389	$215,775	($58,468)	($62,884)
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	39,023,594	39,023,594	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Repurchase of restricted common stock, shares	40,109	46,064	42,016
Dividend per share paid	'	$7	'
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Repurchase of restricted common stock, shares	40,109	46,064	42,016
Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	'	'	'
Dividend per share paid	'	$7	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	16,955	13,481	12,255
Depreciation of rental equipment	121,948	102,966	86,781
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,094	1,555	1,388
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	231	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	'	66	362
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	3,194	3,480	3,182
Provision for inventory obsolescence	220	126	210
Provision for deferred income taxes	16,702	12,973	2,697
Stock-based compensation expense	2,618	1,862	1,327
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	10,180	'
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	-2,549	-1,592	-793
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net	-38,575	-29,559	-18,788
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	877	1,944	'
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables	6,503	-39,808	-9,382
Inventories	-67,754	-43,137	-21,561
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-815	16	3,457
Accounts payable	31,659	-26,886	4,569
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	-1,777	-7,479	-16,740
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	3,916	12,032	2,491
Deferred compensation payable	65	-33	4
Net cash provided by operating activities	138,652	41,023	60,385
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-29,479	-37,361	-18,433
Purchases of rental equipment	-267,465	-268,229	-127,235
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,759	2,058	1,382
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	114,595	90,542	63,358
Net cash used in investing activities	-179,590	-212,990	-80,928
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards	307	293	257
Purchases of treasury stock	-890	-694	-554
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	1,058,990	1,032,285	557,884
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-1,114,249	-890,621	-541,829
Payments of deferred financing costs	-733	-3,227	'
Dividend paid	-855	-244,381	'
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes	'	-257,576	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	107,250	520,725	'
Payments of capital lease obligations	-169	-158	-149
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,651	156,646	15,609
Net increase (decrease) in cash	8,713	-15,321	-4,934
Cash, beginning of year	8,894	24,215	29,149
Cash, end of year	17,607	8,894	24,215
Non-cash asset purchases:	'	'	'
Assets transferred from new and used inventory to rental fleet	35,864	28,192	28,356
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	49,252	29,664	27,345
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$2,479	$347	($1,694)

Organization_and_Nature_of_Ope

Organization and Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Nature of Operations	'
	-1	Organization and Nature of Operations
	Organization
	Prior to our initial public offering in February 2006, our business was conducted through H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (“H&E LLC”). In connection with our initial public offering, we converted H&E LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company and the wholly-owned operating subsidiary of H&E Holding L.L.C. (“Holdings”), into H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In order to have an operating Delaware corporation as the issuer of our initial public offering, immediately prior to the closing of the initial public offering, on February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings merged with and into us (H&E Equipment Services, Inc.), with us surviving the reincorporation merger as the operating company. Effective February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings no longer existed under operation of law pursuant to the reincorporation merger. In these transactions (collectively, the “Reorganization Transactions”), holders of preferred limited liability company interests and holders of common limited liability company interests in Holdings received shares of our common stock.
	Nature of Operations
	As one of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the United States focused on heavy construction and industrial equipment, we rent, sell and provide parts and service support for four core categories of specialized equipment: (1) hi-lift or aerial work platform equipment; (2) cranes; (3) earthmoving equipment; and (4) industrial lift trucks. By providing equipment sales, rental, on-site parts, and repair and maintenance functions under one roof, we are a one-stop provider for our customers’ varied equipment needs. This full-service approach provides us with multiple points of customer contact, enables us to maintain a high quality rental fleet, as well as an effective distribution channel for fleet disposal, and provides cross-selling opportunities among our new and used equipment sales, rental, parts sales and services operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	-2	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries H&E Finance Corp., GNE Investments, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E California Holding, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC and H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., collectively referred to herein as “we” or “us” or “our” or the “Company.”
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements. Business combinations are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition.
	The nature of our business is such that short-term obligations are typically met by cash flows generated from long-term assets. Consequently, and consistent with industry practice, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.
	Use of Estimates
	We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires management to use its judgment to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. These assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis based on information currently available, and changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to revise these estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (“SAB 104”), the SEC Staff believes that revenue generally is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exist; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Consistent with SAB 104, our policy recognizes revenue from equipment rentals in the period earned on a straight-line basis, over the contract term, regardless of the timing of the billing to customers. A rental contract term can be daily, weekly or monthly. Because the term of the contracts can extend across multiple financial reporting periods, we record unbilled rental revenue and deferred revenue at the end of reporting periods so that rental revenues earned are appropriately stated in the periods presented. Revenue from the sale of new and used equipment and parts is recognized at the time of delivery to, or pick-up by, the customer and when all obligations under the sales contract have been fulfilled, risk of ownership has been transferred and collectibility is reasonably assured. Services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Other revenues consist primarily of billings to customers for rental equipment delivery and damage waiver charges and are recognized at the time an invoice is generated and after the service has been provided.
	Inventories
	New and used equipment inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by specific-identification. Inventories of parts and supplies are stated at the lower of the average cost or market.
	Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Rental Equipment
	The rental equipment we purchase is stated at cost and is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the equipment using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives vary based upon type of equipment. Generally, we depreciate cranes and aerial work platforms over a ten year estimated useful life, earthmoving equipment over a five year estimated useful life with a 25% salvage value, and industrial lift trucks over a seven year estimated useful life. Attachments and other smaller type equipment are depreciated generally over a three year estimated useful life. We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives and any salvage value assigned to rental equipment.
	Ordinary repair and maintenance costs and property taxes are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. When rental equipment is sold or disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gains or losses are included in income. We receive individual offers for fleet on a continual basis, at which time we perform an analysis on whether or not to accept the offer. The rental equipment is not transferred to inventory under the held for sale model as the equipment is used to generate revenues until the equipment is sold.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the assets’ estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. At the time assets are sold or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts and the related gains or losses are reflected in income.
	We capitalize interest on qualified construction projects. Costs associated with internally developed software are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”), which provides guidance for the treatment of costs associated with computer software development and defines the types of costs to be capitalized and those to be expensed.
	We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives assigned to property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Generally, we assign the following estimated useful lives to these categories:
	Category		Estimated
			Useful Life
	Transportation equipment			5 years
	Buildings			39 years
	Office equipment			5 years
	Computer equipment			3 years
	Machinery and equipment			7 years
	In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our rental fleet and property and equipment might not be recoverable, the expected future undiscounted cash flows from the assets are estimated and compared with the carrying amount of the assets. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets with their carrying amounts. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate. We did not record any impairment losses related to our rental equipment or property and equipment during 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Goodwill
	We have made acquisitions in the past that included the recognition of goodwill, which was determined based upon previous accounting principles. Pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), effective January 1, 2009, goodwill is recorded as the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.
	We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur or other impairment indicators arise which might impair recoverability. Impairment of goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment (i.e. before aggregation or combination), or one level below an operating segment (i.e. a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. We have identified two components within our Rental operating segment and have determined that each of our other operating segments (New, Used, Parts and Service) represent a reporting unit, resulting in six total reporting units.
	In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)-Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), to allow entities to first use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, the currently prescribed two-step goodwill test must be performed. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. We performed a qualitative assessment in 2012 and 2013 and determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceed their respective carrying values at the October 1, 2012 and 2013 valuation dates and, therefore, did not perform the prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. We considered various factors in performing the qualitative test, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, the overall financial performance of our reporting units, the Company’s stock price and the excess amount or “cushion” between our reporting unit’s fair value and carrying value as indicated on our most recent quantitative assessment.
	Based upon improving macroeconomic conditions and positive trends within our industry and market during 2012 and 2013, combined with continuing positive operating results in comparison to prior periods and our internal forecasts, and with consideration of the cushion between the reporting unit’s fair value and carrying value from our most recent quantitative analysis, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values at the October 1, 2012 and 2013 valuation dates and there was no goodwill impairment at October 1, 2012 and 2013.
	To determine if any of our reporting units are impaired under the prescribed two-step goodwill test, we must determine whether the fair value of each of our reporting units is greater than their respective carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the implied fair value of goodwill must be calculated and compared to its carrying value to measure the amount of impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination (purchase price allocation). The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess amount. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis or by applying various market multiples or a combination thereof. There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 or 2013.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for our reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (amounts in thousands):
			Equipment			Used			Parts			Total
			Rentals			Equipment			Sales
			Component 2			Sales
	Balance at January 1, 2011		$	20,427		$	6,712		$	6,880		$	34,019
	Reductions(1)			(1,201	)		(401	)		(343	)		(1,945	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012			19,226			6,311			6,537			32,074
	Reductions(1)			(526	)		(174	)		(177	)		(877	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	18,700		$	6,137		$	6,360		$	31,197
	(1)	Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.
	Closed Branch Facility Charges
	We continuously monitor and identify branch facilities with revenues and operating margins that consistently fall below Company performance standards. Once identified, we continue to monitor these branches to determine if operating performance can be improved or if the performance is attributable to economic factors unique to the particular market with unfavorable long-term prospects. If necessary, branches with unfavorable long-term prospects are closed and the rental fleet and new and used equipment inventories are deployed to more profitable branches within our geographic footprint where demand is higher.
	We closed three branches during the year ended December 31, 2011, one branch during 2012 and one branch during 2013 in markets where long-term prospects did not support continued operations. Under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”), exit costs include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) one-time termination benefits; (b) contract termination costs, including costs that will continue to be incurred under operating leases that have no future economic benefit; and (c) other associated costs. A liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized and measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, except for one-time termination benefits that are incurred over time. Although we do not expect to incur material charges related to branch closures, additional charges are possible to the extent that actual future settlements differ from our estimates of such costs. Costs incurred for the closed branches in 2011, 2012 and 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has not identified any other branch facilities with a more than likely probability of closing where the associated costs pursuant to ASC 420 are expected to be material.
	Deferred Financing Costs and Initial Purchasers’ Discounts
	Deferred financing costs include legal, accounting and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance, and amendments thereto, of the Company’s debt. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt using the straight-line method which approximates amortization using the effective interest method. Initial purchasers’ discount, or underwriters’ discount, is the differential between the price paid to an issuer for the new issue and the prices at which the securities are initially offered to the investing public. The amortization expense of deferred financing costs and accretion of initial purchasers’ discounts are included in interest expense as an overall cost of the related financings.
	Reserves for Claims
	We are exposed to various claims relating to our business, including those for which we provide self-insurance. Claims for which we self-insure include: (1) workers compensation claims; (2) general liability claims by third parties for injury or property damage caused by our equipment or personnel; (3) automobile liability claims; and (4) employee health insurance claims. These types of claims may take a substantial amount of time to resolve and, accordingly, the ultimate liability associated with a particular claim, including claims incurred but not reported as of a period-end reporting date, may not be known for an extended period of time. Our methodology for developing self-insurance reserves is based on management estimates and independent third party actuarial estimates. Our estimation process considers, among other matters, the cost of known claims over time, cost inflation and incurred but not reported claims. These estimates may change based on, among other things, changes in our claim history or receipt of additional information relevant to assessing the claims. Further, these estimates may prove to be inaccurate due to factors such as adverse judicial determinations or other claim settlements at higher than estimated amounts. Accordingly, we may be required to increase or decrease our reserve levels. At December 31, 2013, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $3.5 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $1.4 million. At December 31, 2012, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability totaled $3.5 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $1.4 million.
	Sales Taxes
	We impose and collect significant amounts of sales taxes concurrent with our revenue-producing transactions with customers and remit those taxes to the various governmental agencies as prescribed by the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. We present such taxes in our consolidated statements of operations on a net basis.
	Advertising
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenues while the related shipping and handling costs are included in other cost of revenues.
	Income Taxes
	The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company is a C-Corporation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. We utilize the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with ASC 740. ASC 740 takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date of that rate.
	In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax provisions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in net other income (expense). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we adopted ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The adoption of ASU 2013-11 had no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.
	Our deferred tax calculation requires management to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The FASB fair value measurement guidance established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The three broad levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring a company to develop its own assumptions
The carrying value of financial instruments reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses payable and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term nature or maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of our letter of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements. The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands) and have been calculated based upon market quotes and present value calculations based on market rates.
		December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)		$	49,062		$	42,686
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)			630,000			686,700
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,278			1,717
Letter of credit (Level 3)			—			146
		December 31, 2012
		Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)		$	50,839		$	44,232
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)			530,000			564,450
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,447			1,919
Letter of credit (Level 3)			—			162
During 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value heirarchy.
Concentrations of Credit and Supplier Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. Credit risk can be negatively impacted by adverse changes in the economy or by disruptions in the credit markets. However, we believe that credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is somewhat mitigated by our large number of geographically diverse customers and our credit evaluation procedures. Although generally no collateral is required, when feasible, mechanics’ liens are filed and personal guarantees are signed to protect the Company’s interests. We maintain reserves for potential losses.
We record trade accounts receivables at sales value and establish specific reserves for certain customer accounts identified as known collection problems due to insolvency, disputes or other collection issues. The amounts of the specific reserves estimated by management are based on the following assumptions and variables: the customer’s financial position, age of the customer’s receivables and changes in payment schedules. In addition to the specific reserves, management establishes a non-specific allowance for doubtful accounts by applying specific percentages to the different receivable aging categories (excluding the specifically reserved accounts). The percentage applied against the aging categories increases as the accounts become further past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is charged with the write-off of uncollectible customer accounts.
We purchase a significant amount of equipment from the same manufacturers with whom we have distribution agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we purchased approximately 65% from three manufacturers (Grove/Manitowoc, Komatsu, and Genie Industries (Terex)) providing our rental and sales equipment. We believe that while there are alternative sources of supply for the equipment we purchase in each of the principal product categories, termination of one or more of our relationships with any of our major suppliers of equipment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation if we were unable to obtain adequate or timely rental and sales equipment.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effects of potentially dilutive securities that are anti-dilutive are not included in the computation of dilutive income per share. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2013			2012			2011
Basic net income per share:
Net income		$	44,140		$	28,836		$	8,926
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			35,041			34,890			34,759
Net income per common share — basic		$	1.26		$	0.83		$	0.26
Diluted net income per share:
Net income		$	44,140		$	28,836		$	8,926
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			35,041			34,890			34,759
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effect of dilutive non-vested stock			105			88			128
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted			35,146			34,978			34,887
Net income per common share — diluted		$	1.26		$	0.82		$	0.26
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:
Stock options			—			51			51
Non-vested stock			1			65			—
Stock-Based Compensation
We adopted our 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) in January 2006 prior to our initial public offering of common stock. The Stock Incentive Plan was further amended and restated with the approval of our stockholders at the 2006 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company to provide for the inclusion of non-employee directors as persons eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. Prior to the adoption of the Stock Incentive Plan in January 2006, no share-based payment arrangements existed. The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which selects persons eligible to receive awards and determines the number of shares and/or options subject to each award, the terms, conditions, performance measures, if any, and other provisions of the award. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, we may offer deferred shares or restricted shares of our common stock and grant options, including both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options, to purchase shares of our common stock. Shares available for future stock-based payment awards under our Stock Incentive Plan were 3,614,426 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2013.
We account for our stock-based compensation plan using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Under the provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period of the grant).
Non-vested Stock
From time to time, we issue shares of non-vested stock typically with vesting terms of three years. The following table summarizes our non-vested stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Number of			Weighted
		Shares			Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
Non-vested stock at January 1, 2012			278,634		$	10.77
Granted			108,678		$	15.16
Vested			(151,416	)	$	9.48
Forfeited			(5,481	)	$	12.35
Non-vested stock at December 31, 2012			230,415		$	13.65
Granted			86,911		$	21.83
Vested			(122,121	)	$	12.37
Forfeited			(7,338	)	$	15.35
Non-vested stock at December 31, 2013			187,867		$	18.21
As of December 31, 2013, we had unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $2.9 million related to non-vested stock award payments that we expect to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
The following table summarizes compensation expense related to stock-based awards included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
Compensation expense		$	2,618		$	1,806		$	1,328
We receive a tax deduction when non-vested stock vests at a higher value than the value used to recognize compensation expense at the date of grant. In accordance with ASC 718, we are required to report excess tax benefits from the award of equity instruments as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits will be recorded when a deduction reported for tax return purposes for an award of equity instruments exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for the instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.
Stock Options
No stock options were granted during 2013, 2012 or 2011. At December 31, 2013, we had no unrecognized compensation expense related to prior stock option awards.
The following table summarizes compensation expense related to stock-based awards included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
Compensation expense		$	—		$	56		$	—
The following table represents stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Number of			Weighted Average			Weighted Average
		Shares			Exercise Price(1)			Contractual Life
								In Years
Outstanding options at January 1, 2012			51,000		$	17.8
Granted			—			—
Exercised			—			—
Canceled, forfeited or expired			—			—
Outstanding options at December 31, 2012			51,000		$	17.8			3.5
Granted			—			—
Exercised			—			—
Canceled, forfeited or expired			—			—
Outstanding options at December 31, 2013			51,000		$	17.8			2.5
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			51,000		$	17.8			2.5
(1)	Weighted average exercise prices shown above include a reduction of $7.00 per share to reflect the equitable adjustment to the exercise prices in connection with the declaration and payment of a special, one-time cash dividend of $7.00 per share in the third quarter of 2012.
In connection with the Company’s payment of the special, one-time cash dividend of $7.00 per share in 2012, the exercise prices of all outstanding stock options grants were adjusted downward by $7.00 per share. The modification of stock options resulted in an additional $0.1 million of stock compensation expense.
The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2013 was approximately $0.6 million.
We receive a tax deduction for stock option exercises during the period in which the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the stock is sold over the exercise price of the options.
Purchases of Company Common Stock
Purchases of our common stock are accounted for as treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets using the cost method. Repurchased stock is included in authorized shares, but is not included in shares outstanding.
Segment Reporting
We have determined in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”) that we have five reportable segments. We derive our revenues from five principal business activities: (1) equipment rentals; (2) new equipment sales; (3) used equipment sales; (4) parts sales; and (5) repair and maintenance services. These segments are based upon how we allocate resources and assess performance. See note 17 to the consolidated financial statements regarding our segment information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There are no recently issued accounting pronouncements that are expected to affect the Company’s financial reporting.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	-3	Receivables
	Receivables consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Trade receivables		$	130,199		$	141,698
	Unbilled rental revenue			5,290			4,465
	Income tax receivables			116			93
	Other			16			4
				135,621			146,260
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts			(3,651	)		(4,593	)
	Total receivables, net		$	131,970		$	141,667
	We charge off customer account balances when we have exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	-4	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013		2012
	New equipment		$	89,833	$	55,798
	Used equipment			5,558		8,643
	Parts, supplies and other			16,249		15,529
	Total inventories, net		$	111,640	$	79,970
	The above amounts are net of reserves for inventory obsolescence at December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaling $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	-5	Property and Equipment
	Net property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Land		$	6,833		$	6,833
	Transportation equipment			60,987			52,816
	Building and leasehold improvements			39,253			32,419
	Office and computer equipment			46,556			44,288
	Machinery and equipment			10,757			9,159
	Property under capital leases			3,217			3,217
	Construction in progress			6,894			5,558
				174,497			154,290
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(75,994	)		(68,101	)
	Total net property and equipment		$	98,503		$	86,189
	Total depreciation and amortization on property and equipment was $17.0 million, $13.5 million and $12.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Included in the office and computer equipment category above at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is approximately $26.9 million of capitalized costs, including $0.6 million, of capitalized interest, related to the implementation of our enterprise resource planning system. Unamortized computer software costs related to the enterprise resource planning system at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $11.4 million and $15.3 million, respectively, while related amortization expense in 2013 and 2012 totaled approximately $3.8 million each year. The enterprise resource planning system was substantially complete and ready for its intended use on or around January 19, 2010. Interest costs capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.2 million. Amounts capitalized in 2012 relate primarily to the construction of the Company’s new corporate headquarters and the consolidation of the Company’s Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Louisiana branch facilities, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Manufacturer_Flooring_Plans_Pa

Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable	'
	-6	Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable are financing arrangements for inventory and rental equipment. The interest cost incurred on the manufacturer flooring plans ranged between 0% to the prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2013) plus an applicable margin at December 31, 2013. Certain manufacturer flooring plans provide for a one to twelve-month reduced interest rate term or a deferred payment period. We recognize interest expense based on the effective interest method. We make payments in accordance with the original terms of the financing agreements. However, we routinely sell equipment that is financed under manufacturer flooring plans prior to the original maturity date of the financing agreement. The related manufacturer flooring plan payable is then paid at the time the equipment being financed is sold. The manufacturer flooring plans payable are secured by the equipment being financed.
	Maturities (based on original financing terms) of the manufacturer flooring plans payable as of December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014		$	22,610
	2015			19,593
	2016			6,859
	2017			—
	2018			—
	Thereafter			—
	Total		$	49,062

Accrued_Expenses_Payable_and_O

Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities	'
	-7	Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013		2012
	Payroll and related liabilities		$	20,665	$	16,883
	Sales, use and property taxes			7,712		6,036
	Accrued interest			15,101		14,338
	Accrued insurance			3,243		3,357
	Deferred revenue			4,268		4,015
	Other			3,450		5,893
	Total accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		$	54,439	$	50,522

Senior_Unsecured_Notes

Senior Unsecured Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Senior Unsecured Notes	'
	-8	Senior Unsecured Notes
	On August 20, 2012, the Company closed on its offering of $530 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior notes due 2022 (the “New Notes”) in an unregistered offering. The New Notes and related guarantees were offered in a private placement solely to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or outside the United States to persons other than “U.S. persons” in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
	Net proceeds, after deducting $9.3 million of initial purchasers’ discount, to the Company from the sale of the New Notes totaled approximately $520.7 million. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the New Notes to repurchase $158.7 million of its $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Old Notes”) in early settlement of a tender offer and consent solicitation (the “Tender Offer”) that the Company launched on August 6, 2012. Holders who tendered their Old Notes prior to the early tender deadline received $1,031.67 per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes tendered, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. Having received the requisite consents from the holders of the Old Notes in the Tender Offer, the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, executed a supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) amending the indenture relating to the Old Notes. The Supplemental Indenture eliminated substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default from the indenture relating to the Old Notes. Also on August 20, 2012, the Company satisfied and discharged its obligations under the indenture relating to the Old Notes and issued a notice of redemption for the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Old Notes. On September 19, 2012, the Company redeemed the remaining $91.3 million principal amount outstanding of the Old Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.792% of the aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes to the redemption date.
	The Company used the remaining net proceeds of the offering of the New Notes to pay on September 19, 2012 a special, one-time cash dividend. Actual dividends paid totaled approximately $244.4 million, representing $7.00 per share paid on 34,911,455 outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. Dividends on 232,431 outstanding shares of non-vested common stock totaling an estimated $1.5 million are to be paid upon vesting of those shares pursuant to their respective stock awards’ terms and conditions.
	In connection with the above transactions, the Company recorded a one-time loss on the early extinguishment of debt in 2012 of approximately $10.2 million, or approximately $6.6 million after-tax, reflecting payment of $5.0 million of tender premiums and $2.6 million to redeem the Old Notes that remained outstanding following completion of the Tender Offer, combined with the write-off of approximately $2.6 million of unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Old Notes. Transaction costs incurred in connection with the offering of the New Notes totaled approximately $1.7 million.
	The New Notes were issued at par and require semiannual interest payments on March 1st and September 1st of each year, commencing on March 1, 2013. No principal payments are due until maturity (September 1, 2022).
	The New Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 1, 2017 at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes before September 1, 2015 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. We may also redeem the New Notes prior to September 1, 2017 at a specified “make-whole” redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
	The New Notes rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and rank senior to any of our subordinated indebtedness. The New Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our current and future significant domestic restricted subsidiaries. In addition, the New Notes are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness, including the Credit Facility, to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and are structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities and preferred stock of any of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the New Notes.
	If we experience a change of control, we will be required to offer to purchase the New Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
	The indenture governing the New Notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness, assume a guarantee or issue preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or make other equity distributions or payments to or affecting our subsidiaries; (iii) purchase or redeem our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) sell or dispose of assets or engage in mergers or consolidations; (vii) engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates; (viii) enter into sale-leaseback transactions; and (ix) engage in certain business activities. Each of the covenants is subject to exceptions and qualifications. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with these covenants.
	On February 4, 2013, the Company closed on its offering of $100 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior notes due 2022 (the “Add-on Notes”) in an unregistered offering through a private placement. The Add-on Notes were priced at 108.5% of the principal amount. Net proceeds from the offering of the Add-on Notes, including accrued interest from August 20, 2012, totaled approximately $110.4 million. The Company used the proceeds from the offering to repay indebtedness outstanding under its Credit Facility and for the payment of fees and expenses related to the offering.
	The Add-on Notes bear interest at a rate of 7% per year and mature on September 1, 2022. Interest on the Add-on Notes accrues from August 20, 2012 and is payable on each March 1 and September 1, commencing March 1, 2013. No principal payments are due until maturity.
	The Add-on Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 1, 2017 at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Add-on Notes before September 1, 2015 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. We may also redeem the Add-on Notes prior to September 1, 2017 at a specified “make-whole” redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
	The Add-on Notes are our senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and rank senior to any of our subordinated indebtedness. The Add-on Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our current and future significant domestic restricted subsidiaries. In addition, the Add-on Notes are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness, including the Credit Facility, to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and are structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities and preferred stock of any of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Add-on Notes. The Add-on Notes were issued as additional notes under an indenture dated as of August 20, 2012 pursuant to which the Company previously issued the New Notes as described above. The Add-on Notes have identical terms to, rank equally with, and form a part of a single class of securities with the New Notes.
	If we experience a change of control, we will be required to offer to purchase the Add-on Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
	On April 1, 2013, the Company launched an offer to exchange the New and Add-on Notes and guarantees for registered, publicly tradable notes and guarantees that have terms identical in all material respects to the New and Add-on Notes (except that the exchange notes will not contain any transfer restrictions). This exchange offer closed on April 30, 2013.
	The following table reconciles our Senior Secured Notes to our Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in thousands):
	Aggregate principal amount issued on August 20, 2012		$	530,000
	Initial purchasers’ discount			(9,275	)
	Accretion of discount through December 31, 2012			340
	Balance at December 31, 2012			521,065
	Aggregate principal amount issued on February 4, 2013			100,000
	Premium on notes issued			8,500
	Initial purchaser’s discount			(1,250	)
	Accretion of discount through December 31, 2013			1,044
	Amortization of note premium through December 31, 2013			(813	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	628,546

Senior_Secured_Credit_Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Senior Secured Credit Facility	'
	-9	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	We and our subsidiaries are parties to the senior secured Credit Facility with General Electric Capital Corporation as agent, and the lenders named therein (the “Lenders”). On February 29, 2012, the Company amended its existing $320.0 million credit facility (“Amendment No. 1”) with its Lenders. Amendment No. 1 (i) permitted the refinancing of the Old Notes in an amount not less than $200.0 million and not greater than the outstanding principal amount of such notes at the time of such refinancing and with no amortization or final maturity prior to the date six months following the maturity of the Credit Agreement, (ii) extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility from July 29, 2015 to the earlier to occur of, inter alia, February 29, 2017, and, unless previously refinanced, the date that is six months prior to the maturity of the Old Notes (giving effect to any extensions thereof), (iii) provides that the unused commitment fee margin will be either 0.50% or 0.375%, depending on the ratio of the average of the daily closing balances of the aggregate revolving loans, swing line loans and letters of credit outstanding during each month to the aggregate commitments for the revolving loans, swing line loans and letters of credit, (iv) lowered the interest rate (a) in the case of index rate revolving loans, to the index rate plus an applicable margin of 1.00% to 1.50% depending on the leverage ratio and (b) in the case of LIBOR revolving loans, to LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.00% to 2.50%, depending on the leverage ratio, (v) lowered the margin applicable to the letter of credit fee to between 2.00% and 2.50%, depending on the leverage ratio, and (vi) added provisions whereby the Company represents that it, its subsidiaries and other related parties are in compliance with federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations. Total transaction costs on Amendment No. 1 totaled approximately $0.8 million.
	On August 9, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Facility by entering into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Facility (“Amendment No. 2”). Amendment No. 2, among other things, (i) permitted the refinancing of the Old Notes in an amount not less than $200.0 million and not greater than $530 million and with no amortization or final scheduled maturity prior to the date six months following the maturity of the Credit Facility, (ii) changed the maturity date of the Credit Facility to the earlier to occur of February 29, 2017, and the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity of the New Notes (giving effect to any extensions thereof) (subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of, under certain circumstances, an event of default or prepayment in full of the amounts owing under the Credit Facility), (iii) permitted the special, one-time cash dividend by the Company that was paid on September 19, 2012.
	On August 17, 2012, the Company again amended the Credit Facility by entering into Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Facility (Amendment No. 3”), which, among other things, exercised the Credit Facility’s existing incremental facility by $82.5 million, increasing the Lenders’ aggregate revolving loan commitments from $320.0 million to $402.5 million. Total transaction costs related to Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3 totaled approximately $0.7 million.
	On January 29, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Facility by entering into Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Facility to permit the issuance of the Add-on Notes.
	As amended, the Credit Facility provides, among other things, a $402.5 million senior secured asset based revolving facility which includes a $30.0 million letter of credit facility, and a $47.5 million incremental facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, and the Company and each of its subsidiaries provide a guaranty of the obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.0 in the event that our excess borrowing availability is below approximately $50.3 million (as adjusted if the $47.5 million incremental facility is exercised). The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 5.0 to 1.0, which is tested if excess availability is less than approximately $50.3 million (as adjusted if the $47.5 million incremental facility is exercised). As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with our financial covenants under the Credit Facility.
	At December 31, 2013, the interest rate on the Credit Facility was based on a 3.25% U.S. Prime Rate plus 100 basis points and LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2013 was approximately 2.7%. At February 24, 2014, we had $314.0 million of available borrowings under our Credit Facility, net of $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Capital_Lease_Obligations

Capital Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Capital Lease Obligations	'
	-10	Capital Lease Obligations
	As of December 31, 2013, we had two capital lease obligations, expiring in 2022 and 2029, respectively. Future minimum capital lease payments, in the aggregate, existing at December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014		$	333
	2015			333
	2016			333
	2017			333
	2018			333
	Thereafter			1,630
	Total minimum lease payments			3,295
	Less: amount representing interest			(1,017	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments		$	2,278

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	-11	Income Taxes
	Our income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
			Current			Deferred			Total
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	U.S. Federal		$	1,262		$	16,306		$	17,568
	State			1,860			1,579			3,439
			$	3,122		$	17,885		$	21,007
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	U.S. Federal		$	—		$	13,187		$	13,187
	State			400			2,025			2,425
			$	400		$	15,212		$	15,612
	Year ended December 31, 2011:
	U.S. Federal		$	—		$	2,621		$	2,621
	State			262			332			594
			$	262		$	2,953		$	3,215
	Significant components of our deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable		$	1,388		$	1,755
	Inventories			253			241
	Net operating losses			10,802			19,423
	AMT and general business tax credits			2,619			1,356
	Sec 263A costs			1,243			892
	Accrued liabilities			4,109			3,708
	Deferred compensation			1,932			1,126
	Accrued interest			580			555
	Stock-based compensation			471			534
	Goodwill and intangible assets			3,988			5,026
	Other assets			37			74
				27,422			34,690
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment			(114,107	)		(104,680	)
	Investments			(1,606	)		(1,599	)
				(115,713	)		(106,279	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(88,291	)	$	(71,589	)
	The reconciliation between income taxes computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the actual income tax expense (benefit) is below for the years ended December 31 (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012			2011
	Computed tax at statutory rates		$	22,801		$	15,557		$	(4,249	)
	Permanent items — other			716			741			415
	Permanent items — excess of tax deductible goodwill			(4,673	)		(2,130	)		(2,130	)
	State income tax (benefit), net of federal tax effect			2,651			1,592			342
	Increase in uncertain tax positions			(488	)		(148	)		339
	Other			—			—			—
			$	21,007		$	15,612		$	3,215
	At December 31, 2013, we had available federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $55.3 million, which expire in varying amounts from 2029 through 2030. We also had federal alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards at December 31, 2013 of approximately $2.1 million which do not expire and $0.5 million general business credit carry forwards that expire in varying amounts from 2025 and 2029.
	Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are fully realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. Therefore, a valuation allowance is not required to reduce the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follow (in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1		$	6,515		$	6,663
	Increases in tax positions taken in prior years			11			—
	Decreases in tax positions taken in prior years			(84	)		—
	Increases in tax positions taken in current year			—			—
	Decreases for tax positions taken in current year			—			—
	Settlements with taxing authorities			(285	)		(148	)
	Lapse in statute of limitations			(214	)		—
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31		$	5,943		$	6,515
	The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013 includes approximately $0.3 million of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate. Consistent with our historical financial reporting, to the extent we incur interest income, interest expense, or penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits, they are recorded in “Other net income or expense.” At this time, we do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
	Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2010 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. We are also subject to examination in various state jurisdictions for 2007 and subsequent years. An examination of our Federal Tax Returns by the IRS for the tax years 2005 through 2009 recently concluded with no material adjustments resulting therefrom.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	-12	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	As of December 31, 2013, we lease certain real estate related to our branch facilities as well as certain office equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2034. Our real estate leases provide for varying terms, including customary renewal options and base rental escalation clauses, for which the related rent expense is accounted for on a straight-line basis during the terms of the respective leases. Additionally, certain real estate leases may require us to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses in addition to the stated rental payments. Rent expense on property leases and equipment leases under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $12.4 million, $12.8 million and $12.6 million, respectively.
	Future minimum operating lease payments existing at December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014		$	12,504
	2015			11,422
	2016			9,769
	2017			7,930
	2018			6,934
	Thereafter			46,882
			$	95,441
	Legal Matters
	We are also involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these various matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Letters of Credit
	The Company had outstanding letters of credit issued under its Credit Facility totaling $6.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 letter of credit expired in January 2013 and was renewed for $6.5 million for a one-year period expiring in January 2015.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plan	'
	-13	Employee Benefit Plan
	We offer substantially all of our employees’ participation in a qualified 401(k)/profit-sharing plan in which we match employee contributions up to predetermined limits for qualified employees as defined by the plan. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we contributed to the plan, net of employee forfeitures, $1.7 million, $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Deferred_Compensation_Plans

Deferred Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Deferred Compensation Plans	'
	-14	Deferred Compensation Plans
	In 2001, we assumed in a business combination nonqualified employee deferred compensation plans under which certain employees had previously elected to defer a portion of their annual compensation. Upon assumption of the plans, the plans were amended to not allow further participant compensation deferrals. Compensation previously deferred under the plans is payable upon the termination, disability or death of the participants. At December 31, 2013, we had obligations remaining under one deferred compensation plan. All other plans have terminated pursuant to the provisions of each respective plan. The remaining plan accumulates interest each year at a bank’s prime rate in effect at the beginning of January of each year. This rate remains constant throughout the year. The effective rate for the 2013 calendar plan year was 3.25%. The aggregate deferred compensation payable at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $2.0 million. Included in these amounts at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was accrued interest of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	-15	Related Party Transactions
	John M. Engquist, our Chief Executive Officer, and his sister, Kristan Engquist Dunne, each have a 29.2% beneficial ownership interest in a joint venture, from which we previously leased our Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Kenner, Louisiana branch facilities during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Four trusts in the names of the children of John M. Engquist and Kristan Engquist Dunne hold in equal amounts interests totaling 16.6% of such joint venture. The remaining 25% interest is beneficially owned by Mr. Engquist’s mother. We paid such entity a total of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million in lease payments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. On January 11, 2011, we purchased the Kenner, Louisiana branch facility from the joint venture for approximately $1.6 million. The Baton Rouge lease expired on its terms effective December 31, 2012.
	Mr. Engquist has a 50.0% ownership interest in T&J Partnership from which we lease our Shreveport, Louisiana facility. Mr. Engquist’s mother beneficially owns 50% of the entity. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, we paid T&J Partnership a total of approximately $0.2 million each year in lease payments.
	We are party to aircraft charter arrangements with Gulf Wide Aviation, in which Mr. Engquist has a 62.5% ownership interest. Mr. Engquist’s mother and sister hold interests of 25% and 12.5%, respectively, in this entity. We pay an hourly rate plus fuel and expenses to Gulf Wide Aviation as well as a management service fee to an unrelated third party for the use of the aircraft by various members of our management. In each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our payments in respect of charter (and related) costs to Gulf Wide Aviation totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company ceased operating under the Gulf Wide Aviation charter arrangement in accordance with the terms thereof and began using charter services from an unaffiliated third party.
	Mr. Engquist has a 31.25% ownership interest in Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Perkins-McKenzie”), an insurance brokerage firm. Mr. Engquist’s mother and sister have a 12.5% and 6.25% interest, respectively, in Perkins-McKenzie. Perkins-McKenzie brokers a substantial portion of our commercial liability insurance. As the broker, Perkins-McKenzie receives from our insurance provider as a commission a portion of the premiums we pay to the insurance provider. Commissions paid to Perkins-McKenzie on our behalf as insurance broker totaled approximately $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	We purchase products and services from, and sell products and services to, B-C Equipment Sales, Inc., in which Mr. Engquist has a 50% ownership interest. In each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our purchases totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and our sales to B-C Equipment Sales, Inc. totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $20,000, respectively.
	Effective as of April 30, 2012, we entered into an Amendment to the Consulting Agreement, dated April 30, 2007, between the Company and Gary W. Bagley, Chairman of the Board of the Company (the “Agreement Amendment”, and the consulting agreement as amended by the Agreement Amendment, the “Consulting Agreement”). This Agreement Amendment extended the term of Mr. Bagley’s engagement as a consultant through December 31, 2012. The Consulting Agreement expired in accordance with its terms on December 31, 2012.
	This Consulting Agreement provided for, among other things:
		•	a consulting fee of $167,000 per year together with a cost-of-living increase of 4% compounded annually, plus reimbursement of all reasonable and actual out-of-pocket expenses;
		•	welfare benefits, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance; and
		•	the protection of confidential information obtained during employment.
	We expensed approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 related to the Consulting Agreement.

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	-16	Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly financial results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
			First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013:00:00
	Total revenues		$	212,388	$	245,340	$	270,449	$	259,579
	Income from operations			18,716		28,912		33,932		33,763
	Income before provision for income taxes			6,951		16,028		20,976		21,192
	Net income			4,777		10,809		13,953		14,601
	Basic net income per common share(1)			0.14		0.31		0.4		0.42
	Diluted net income per common share(1)			0.14		0.31		0.4		0.41
			First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter(2)		Quarter
	2012:00:00
	Total revenues		$	173,665	$	209,024	$	204,509	$	250,117
	Income from operations			12,271		23,477		25,035		28,458
	Income before provision for income taxes			5,758		16,655		5,273		16,762
	Net income(2)			3,955		10,468		3,709		10,704
	Basic net income per common share(1)			0.11		0.3		0.11		0.31
	Diluted net income per common share(1)			0.11		0.3		0.11		0.31
	(1)	Because of the method used in calculating per share data, the summation of quarterly per share data may not necessarily total to the per share data computed for the entire year.
	(2)	As further discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded in the third quarter of 2012 a $10.2 million, or $6.6 million after tax, charge for the early extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase and redemption of its $250 million senior unsecured notes.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	-17	Segment Information
	We have identified five reportable segments: equipment rentals, new equipment sales, used equipment sales, parts sales and service revenues. These segments are based upon how management of the Company allocates resources and assesses performance. Non-segmented revenues and non-segmented costs relate to equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage-waiver charges and are not allocated to the other reportable segments. There were no sales between segments for any of the periods presented. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as well as all other income and expense items below gross profit are not generally allocated to our reportable segments.
	We do not compile discrete financial information by our segments other than the information presented below. The following table presents information about our reportable segments (amounts in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Segment Revenues:
	Equipment rentals		$	338,935	$	288,641	$	228,038
	New equipment sales			294,768		241,721		220,211
	Used equipment sales			141,560		104,563		85,347
	Parts sales			103,174		99,621		94,511
	Services revenues			56,694		56,554		53,954
	Total segmented revenues			935,131		791,100		682,061
	Non-Segmented revenues			52,625		46,215		38,490
	Total revenues		$	987,756	$	837,315	$	720,551
	Segment Gross Profit:
	Equipment rentals		$	161,649	$	135,623	$	94,658
	New equipment sales			31,881		27,524		24,059
	Used equipment sales			40,867		30,575		20,305
	Parts sales			28,933		27,298		25,289
	Services revenues			35,660		34,577		32,930
	Total gross profit from revenues			298,990		255,597		197,241
	Non-Segmented gross profit (loss)			2,846		1,705		(4,538	)
	Total gross profit		$	301,836	$	257,302	$	192,703
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Segment identified assets:
	Equipment sales		$	95,392	$	64,441
	Equipment rentals			688,710		583,349
	Parts and service			16,248		15,529
	Total segment identified assets			800,350		663,319
	Non-Segmented identified assets			289,990		279,080
	Total assets		$	1,090,340	$	942,399
	The Company operates primarily in the United States and our sales to international customers for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 1.2%, 2.1% and 1.9%, respectively, of total revenues for the periods presented. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on an overall or segmented basis for any of the periods presented.

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	-18	Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries
	All of the indebtedness of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. is guaranteed by GNE Investments, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E California Holding, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc. and H&E Finance Corp. The guarantor subsidiaries are all wholly-owned and the guarantees, made on a joint and several basis, are full and unconditional (subject to subordination provisions and subject to a standard limitation which provides that the maximum amount guaranteed by each guarantor will not exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed without making the guarantee void under fraudulent conveyance laws). There are no restrictions on H&E Equipment Services, Inc.’s ability to obtain funds from the guarantor subsidiaries by dividend or loan.
	The consolidating financial statements of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries are included below. The financial statements for H&E Finance Corp. are not included within the consolidating financial statements because H&E Finance Corp. has no assets or operations.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			As of December 31, 2013
			H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
			Services			Subsidiaries
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash		$	17,607		$	—		$	—		$	17,607
	Receivables, net			114,525			17,445			—			131,970
	Inventories, net			102,125			9,515			—			111,640
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			5,853			171			—			6,024
	Rental equipment, net			582,721			105,989			—			688,710
	Property and equipment, net			85,826			12,677			—			98,503
	Deferred financing costs, net			4,689			—			—			4,689
	Intangible assets, net			—			—			—			—
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries			165,703			—			(165,703	)		—
	Goodwill			1,671			29,526			—			31,197
	Total assets		$	1,080,720		$	175,323		$	(165,703	)	$	1,090,340
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amount due on senior secured credit facility		$	102,460		$	—		$	—		$	102,460
	Accounts payable			60,787			6,992			—			67,779
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable			49,062			—			—			49,062
	Dividends payable			656			(23	)		—			633
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			54,066			373			—			54,439
	Senior unsecured notes			628,546			—			—			628,546
	Capital leases payable			—			2,278			—			2,278
	Deferred income taxes			88,291			—			—			88,291
	Deferred compensation payable			2,040			—			—			2,040
	Total liabilities			985,908			9,620			—			995,528
	Stockholders’ equity			94,812			165,703			(165,703	)		94,812
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,080,720		$	175,323		$	(165,703	)	$	1,090,340
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			As of December 31, 2012
			H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
			Services			Subsidiaries
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash		$	8,894		$	—		$	—		$	8,894
	Receivables, net			125,345			16,322			—			141,667
	Inventories, net			71,407			8,563			—			79,970
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			5,107			100			—			5,207
	Rental equipment, net			485,177			98,172			—			583,349
	Property and equipment, net			74,264			11,925			—			86,189
	Deferred financing costs, net			5,049			—			—			5,049
	Intangible assets, net			—			—			—			—
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries			160,005			—			(160,005	)		—
	Goodwill			2,548			29,526			—			32,074
	Total assets		$	937,796		$	164,608		$	(160,005	)	$	942,399
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amount due on senior secured credit facility		$	157,719		$	—		$	—		$	157,719
	Accounts payable			34,786			1,333			—			36,119
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable			50,389			450			—			50,839
	Dividends payable			1,488			—			—			1,488
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			50,149			373			—			50,522
	Senior unsecured notes			521,065			—			—			521,065
	Capital leases payable			—			2,447			—			2,447
	Deferred income taxes			71,589			—			—			71,589
	Deferred compensation payable			1,975			—			—			1,975
	Total liabilities			889,160			4,603			—			893,763
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit)			48,636			160,005			(160,005	)		48,636
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	937,796		$	164,608		$	(160,005	)	$	942,399
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	280,700		$	58,235		$	—		$	338,935
New equipment sales			251,911			42,857			—			294,768
Used equipment sales			119,351			22,209			—			141,560
Parts sales			88,994			14,180			—			103,174
Services revenues			49,022			7,672			—			56,694
Other			43,341			9,284			—			52,625
Total revenues			833,319			154,437			—			987,756
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			100,627			21,321			—			121,948
Rental expense			45,186			10,152			—			55,338
New equipment sales			224,051			38,836			—			262,887
Used equipment sales			84,881			15,812			—			100,693
Parts sales			64,167			10,074			—			74,241
Services revenues			18,272			2,762			—			21,034
Other			40,298			9,481			—			49,779
Total cost of revenues			577,482			108,438			—			685,920
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			134,887			26,762			—			161,649
New equipment sales			27,860			4,021			—			31,881
Used equipment sales			34,470			6,397			—			40,867
Parts sales			24,827			4,106			—			28,933
Services revenues			30,750			4,910			—			35,660
Other			3,043			(197	)		—			2,846
Gross profit			255,837			45,999			—			301,836
Selling, general and administrative expenses			155,881			33,181			—			189,062
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			2,497			—			(2,497	)		—
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			2,220			329			—			2,549
Income from operations			104,673			13,147			(2,497	)		115,323
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(40,662	)		(10,742	)		—			(51,404	)
Other, net			1,136			92			—			1,228
Total other expense, net			(39,526	)		(10,650	)		—			(50,176	)
Income before income taxes			65,147			2,497			(2,497	)		65,147
Income tax expense			21,007			—			—			21,007
Net income		$	44,140		$	2,497		$	(2,497	)	$	44,140
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	237,171		$	51,470		$	—		$	288,641
New equipment sales			212,544			29,177			—			241,721
Used equipment sales			83,742			20,821			—			104,563
Parts sales			85,137			14,484			—			99,621
Services revenues			49,037			7,517			—			56,554
Other			37,908			8,307			—			46,215
Total revenues			705,539			131,776			—			837,315
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			83,219			19,747			—			102,966
Rental expense			40,197			9,855			—			50,052
New equipment sales			188,251			25,946			—			214,197
Used equipment sales			58,604			15,384			—			73,988
Parts sales			61,988			10,335			—			72,323
Services revenues			19,362			2,615			—			21,977
Other			35,621			8,889			—			44,510
Total cost of revenues			487,242			92,771			—			580,013
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			113,755			21,868			—			135,623
New equipment sales			24,293			3,231			—			27,524
Used equipment sales			25,138			5,437			—			30,575
Parts sales			23,149			4,149			—			27,298
Services revenues			29,675			4,902			—			34,577
Other			2,287			(582	)		—			1,705
Gross profit			218,297			39,005			—			257,302
Selling, general and administrative expenses			139,775			29,878			—			169,653
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			(181	)		—			181			—
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			1,216			376			—			1,592
Income from operations			79,557			9,503			181			89,241
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(25,798	)		(9,743	)		—			(35,541	)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			(10,180	)		—			—			(10,180	)
Other, net			869			59			—			928
Total other expense, net			(35,109	)		(9,684	)		—			(44,793	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			44,448			(181	)		181			44,448
Income tax expense			15,612			—			—			15,612
Net income (loss)		$	28,836		$	(181	)	$	181		$	28,836
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	182,822		$	45,216		$	—		$	228,038
New equipment sales			200,298			19,913			—			220,211
Used equipment sales			70,485			14,862			—			85,347
Parts sales			80,153			14,358			—			94,511
Services revenues			47,325			6,629			—			53,954
Other			31,573			6,917			—			38,490
Total revenues			612,656			107,895			—			720,551
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			68,327			18,454			—			86,781
Rental expense			37,264			9,335			—			46,599
New equipment sales			178,413			17,739			—			196,152
Used equipment sales			52,978			12,064			—			65,042
Parts sales			58,827			10,395			—			69,222
Services revenues			18,658			2,366			—			21,024
Other			34,066			8,962			—			43,028
Total cost of revenues			448,533			79,315			—			527,848
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			77,231			17,427			—			94,658
New equipment sales			21,885			2,174			—			24,059
Used equipment sales			17,507			2,798			—			20,305
Parts sales			21,326			3,963			—			25,289
Services revenues			28,667			4,263			—			32,930
Other			(2,493	)		(2,045	)		—			(4,538	)
Gross profit			164,123			28,580			—			192,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses			126,880			26,474			—			153,354
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			(6,633	)		—			6,633			—
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			384			409			—			793
Income from operations			30,994			2,515			6,633			40,142
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(19,536	)		(9,191	)		—			(28,727	)
Other, net			683			43			—			726
Total other expense, net			(18,853	)		(9,148	)		—			(28,001	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			12,141			(6,633	)		6,633			12,141
Income tax expense			3,215			—			—			3,215
Net income (loss)		$	8,926		$	(6,633	)	$	6,633		$	8,926
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	44,140		$	2,497		$	(2,497	)	$	44,140
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment			14,871			2,084			—			16,955
Depreciation on rental equipment			100,627			21,321			—			121,948
Amortization of deferred financing costs			1,094			—			—			1,094
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization			231			—			—			231
Provision for losses on accounts receivable			2,568			626			—			3,194
Provision for inventory obsolescence			220			—			—			220
Provision for deferred income taxes			16,702			—			—			16,702
Stock-based compensation expense			2,618			—			—			2,618
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			(2,220	)		(329	)		—			(2,549	)
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net			(32,235	)		(6,340	)		—			(38,575	)
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill			876			—			—			876
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			(2,497	)		—			2,497			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net			8,252			(1,749	)		—			6,503
Inventories, net			(62,300	)		(5,454	)		—			(67,754	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(744	)		(71	)		—			(815	)
Accounts payable			26,000			5,659			—			31,659
Manufacturer flooring plans payable			(1,327	)		(450	)		—			(1,777	)
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			3,917			—			—			3,917
Deferred compensation payable			65			—			—			65
Net cash provided by operating activities			120,858			17,794			—			138,652
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(26,576	)		(2,903	)		—			(29,479	)
Purchases of rental equipment			(229,952	)		(37,513	)		—			(267,465	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			2,363			396			—			2,759
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment			95,378			19,217			—			114,595
Investment in subsidiaries			(3,201	)		—			3,201			—
Net cash used in investing activities			(161,988	)		(20,803	)		3,201			(179,590	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards			307			—			—			307
Purchases of treasury stock			(890	)		—			—			(890	)
Dividends paid			(832	)		(23	)		—			(855	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes			107,250			—			—			107,250
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility			1,058,990			—			—			1,058,990
Payments on senior secured credit facility			(1,114,249	)		—			—			(1,114,249	)
Payments of deferred financing cost			(733	)		—			—			(733	)
Payments on capital lease obligations			—			(169	)		—			(169	)
Capital contributions			—			3,201			(3,201	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities			49,843			3,009			(3,201	)		49,651
Net increase in cash			8,713			—			—			8,713
Cash, beginning of year			8,894			—			—			8,894
Cash, end of year		$	17,607		$	—		$	—		$	17,607
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	28,836		$	(181	)	$	181		$	28,836
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment			11,580			1,901			—			13,481
Depreciation on rental equipment			83,219			19,747			—			102,966
Amortization of deferred financing costs and note discount accretion			1,555			—			—			1,555
Amortization of intangible assets			—			66			—			66
Provision for losses on accounts receivable			—			3,480			—			3,480
Provision for inventory obsolescence			126			—			—			126
Provision for deferred income taxes			12,973			—			—			12,973
Stock-based compensation expense			1,862			—			—			1,862
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			10,180			—			—			10,180
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			(1,216	)		(376	)		—			(1,592	)
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net			(24,123	)		(5,436	)		—			(29,559	)
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill			1,944			—			—			1,944
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			181			—			(181	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net			(31,505	)		(8,303	)		—			(39,808	)
Inventories, net			(40,310	)		(2,827	)		—			(43,137	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(9	)		25			—			16
Accounts payable			(24,308	)		(2,578	)		—			(26,886	)
Manufacturer flooring plans payable			(7,860	)		381			—			(7,479	)
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			12,363			(331	)		—			12,032
Deferred compensation payable			(33	)		—			—			(33	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			35,455			5,568			—			41,023
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(34,181	)		(3,180	)		—			(37,361	)
Purchases of rental equipment			(224,802	)		(43,427	)		—			(268,229	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			1,574			484			—			2,058
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment			70,926			19,616			—			90,542
Investment in subsidiaries			(21,097	)		—			21,097			—
Net cash used in investing activities			(207,580	)		(26,507	)		21,097			(212,990	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards			293			—			—			293
Purchases of treasury stock			(694	)		—			—			(694	)
Dividends paid			(244,381	)		—			—			(244,381	)
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes			(257,576	)		—			—			(257,576	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes			520,725			—			—			520,725
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility			1,032,285			—			—			1,032,285
Payments on senior secured credit facility			(890,621	)		—			—			(890,621	)
Payments of deferred financing cost			(3,227	)		—			—			(3,227	)
Payments on capital lease obligations			—			(158	)		—			(158	)
Capital contributions			—			21,097			(21,097	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities			156,804			20,939			(21,097	)		156,646
Net decrease in cash			(15,321	)		—			—			(15,321	)
Cash, beginning of year			24,215			—			—			24,215
Cash, end of year		$	8,894		$	—		$	—		$	8,894
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	8,926		$	(6,633	)	$	6,633		$	8,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment			10,498			1,757			—			12,255
Depreciation on rental equipment			68,327			18,454			—			86,781
Amortization of deferred financing costs			1,388			—			—			1,388
Amortization of intangible assets			—			362			—			362
Provision for losses on accounts receivable			2,172			1,010			—			3,182
Provision for inventory obsolescence			210			—			—			210
Provision for deferred income taxes			2,697			—			—			2,697
Stock-based compensation expense			1,327			—			—			1,327
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net			(384	)		(409	)		—			(793	)
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net			(16,002	)		(2,786	)		—			(18,788	)
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			6,633			—			(6,633	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net			(8,383	)		(999	)		—			(9,382	)
Inventories, net			(20,500	)		(1,061	)		—			(21,561	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			3,381			76			—			3,457
Accounts payable			3,613			956			—			4,569
Manufacturer flooring plans payable			(16,633	)		(107	)		—			(16,740	)
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			2,890			(399	)		—			2,491
Deferred compensation payable			4			—			—			4
Net cash provided by operating activities			50,164			10,221			—			60,385
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(15,757	)		(2,676	)		—			(18,433	)
Purchases of rental equipment			(106,490	)		(20,745	)		—			(127,235	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			923			459			—			1,382
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment			50,177			13,181			—			63,358
Investment in subsidiaries			291			—			(291	)		—
Net cash used in investing activities			(70,856	)		(9,781	)		(291	)		(80,928	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards			257			—			—			257
Purchases of treasury stock			(554	)		—			—			(554	)
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility			557,884			—			—			557,884
Payments on senior secured credit facility			(541,829	)		—			—			(541,829	)
Payments on capital lease obligations			—			(149	)		—			(149	)
Capital contributions			—			(291	)		291			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			15,758			(440	)		291			15,609
Net decrease in cash			(4,934	)		—			—			(4,934	)
Cash, beginning of year			29,149			—			—			29,149
Cash, end of year		$	24,215		$	—		$	—		$	24,215

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
	Description	Balance at		Additions		Recoveries			Balance at
		Beginning		Charged to		(Deductions)			End
		of Year		Costs and					of Year
				Expenses
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	4,593	$	3,194	$	(4,136	)	$	3,651
	Allowance for inventory obsolescence		618		220		(191	)		647
		$	5,211	$	3,414	$	(4,327	)	$	4,298
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	5,581	$	3,480	$	(4,468	)	$	4,593
	Allowance for inventory obsolescence		861		126		(369	)		618
		$	6,442	$	3,606	$	(4,837	)	$	5,211
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	6,004	$	3,182	$	(3,605	)	$	5,581
	Allowance for inventory obsolescence		1,105		210		(454	)		861
		$	7,109	$	3,392	$	(4,059	)	$	6,442

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

'

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries H&E Finance Corp., GNE Investments, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E California Holding, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC and H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., collectively referred to herein as “we” or “us” or “our” or the “Company.”

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements. Business combinations are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition.

The nature of our business is such that short-term obligations are typically met by cash flows generated from long-term assets. Consequently, and consistent with industry practice, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.

Use of Estimates

'

Use of Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires management to use its judgment to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. These assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis based on information currently available, and changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to revise these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

'

Revenue Recognition

Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (“SAB 104”), the SEC Staff believes that revenue generally is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exist; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Consistent with SAB 104, our policy recognizes revenue from equipment rentals in the period earned on a straight-line basis, over the contract term, regardless of the timing of the billing to customers. A rental contract term can be daily, weekly or monthly. Because the term of the contracts can extend across multiple financial reporting periods, we record unbilled rental revenue and deferred revenue at the end of reporting periods so that rental revenues earned are appropriately stated in the periods presented. Revenue from the sale of new and used equipment and parts is recognized at the time of delivery to, or pick-up by, the customer and when all obligations under the sales contract have been fulfilled, risk of ownership has been transferred and collectibility is reasonably assured. Services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Other revenues consist primarily of billings to customers for rental equipment delivery and damage waiver charges and are recognized at the time an invoice is generated and after the service has been provided.

Inventories

'

Inventories

New and used equipment inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by specific-identification. Inventories of parts and supplies are stated at the lower of the average cost or market.

Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

'

Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Rental Equipment

The rental equipment we purchase is stated at cost and is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the equipment using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives vary based upon type of equipment. Generally, we depreciate cranes and aerial work platforms over a ten year estimated useful life, earthmoving equipment over a five year estimated useful life with a 25% salvage value, and industrial lift trucks over a seven year estimated useful life. Attachments and other smaller type equipment are depreciated generally over a three year estimated useful life. We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives and any salvage value assigned to rental equipment.

Ordinary repair and maintenance costs and property taxes are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. When rental equipment is sold or disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gains or losses are included in income. We receive individual offers for fleet on a continual basis, at which time we perform an analysis on whether or not to accept the offer. The rental equipment is not transferred to inventory under the held for sale model as the equipment is used to generate revenues until the equipment is sold.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the assets’ estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. At the time assets are sold or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts and the related gains or losses are reflected in income.

We capitalize interest on qualified construction projects. Costs associated with internally developed software are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”), which provides guidance for the treatment of costs associated with computer software development and defines the types of costs to be capitalized and those to be expensed.

We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives assigned to property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Generally, we assign the following estimated useful lives to these categories:

Category

Estimated

Useful Life

Transportation equipment

5 years

Buildings

39 years

Office equipment

5 years

Computer equipment

3 years

Machinery and equipment

7 years

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our rental fleet and property and equipment might not be recoverable, the expected future undiscounted cash flows from the assets are estimated and compared with the carrying amount of the assets. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets with their carrying amounts. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate. We did not record any impairment losses related to our rental equipment or property and equipment during 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Goodwill

We have made acquisitions in the past that included the recognition of goodwill, which was determined based upon previous accounting principles. Pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), effective January 1, 2009, goodwill is recorded as the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.

We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur or other impairment indicators arise which might impair recoverability. Impairment of goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment (i.e. before aggregation or combination), or one level below an operating segment (i.e. a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. We have identified two components within our Rental operating segment and have determined that each of our other operating segments (New, Used, Parts and Service) represent a reporting unit, resulting in six total reporting units.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)-Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), to allow entities to first use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, the currently prescribed two-step goodwill test must be performed. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. We performed a qualitative assessment in 2012 and 2013 and determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceed their respective carrying values at the October 1, 2012 and 2013 valuation dates and, therefore, did not perform the prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. We considered various factors in performing the qualitative test, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, the overall financial performance of our reporting units, the Company’s stock price and the excess amount or “cushion” between our reporting unit’s fair value and carrying value as indicated on our most recent quantitative assessment.

Based upon improving macroeconomic conditions and positive trends within our industry and market during 2012 and 2013, combined with continuing positive operating results in comparison to prior periods and our internal forecasts, and with consideration of the cushion between the reporting unit’s fair value and carrying value from our most recent quantitative analysis, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units exceeds their respective carrying values at the October 1, 2012 and 2013 valuation dates and there was no goodwill impairment at October 1, 2012 and 2013.

To determine if any of our reporting units are impaired under the prescribed two-step goodwill test, we must determine whether the fair value of each of our reporting units is greater than their respective carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the implied fair value of goodwill must be calculated and compared to its carrying value to measure the amount of impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination (purchase price allocation). The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess amount. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis or by applying various market multiples or a combination thereof. There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 or 2013.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for our reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Equipment

Used

Parts

Total

Rentals

Equipment

Sales

Component 2

Sales

Balance at January 1, 2011

$

20,427

$

6,712

$

6,880

$

34,019

Reductions(1)

(1,201

)

(401

)

(343

)

(1,945

)

Balance at December 31, 2012

19,226

6,311

6,537

32,074

Reductions(1)

(526

)

(174

)

(177

)

(877

)

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

18,700

$

6,137

$

6,360

$

31,197

(1)

Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.

Closed Branch Facility Charges

'

Closed Branch Facility Charges

We continuously monitor and identify branch facilities with revenues and operating margins that consistently fall below Company performance standards. Once identified, we continue to monitor these branches to determine if operating performance can be improved or if the performance is attributable to economic factors unique to the particular market with unfavorable long-term prospects. If necessary, branches with unfavorable long-term prospects are closed and the rental fleet and new and used equipment inventories are deployed to more profitable branches within our geographic footprint where demand is higher.

We closed three branches during the year ended December 31, 2011, one branch during 2012 and one branch during 2013 in markets where long-term prospects did not support continued operations. Under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”), exit costs include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) one-time termination benefits; (b) contract termination costs, including costs that will continue to be incurred under operating leases that have no future economic benefit; and (c) other associated costs. A liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized and measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, except for one-time termination benefits that are incurred over time. Although we do not expect to incur material charges related to branch closures, additional charges are possible to the extent that actual future settlements differ from our estimates of such costs. Costs incurred for the closed branches in 2011, 2012 and 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has not identified any other branch facilities with a more than likely probability of closing where the associated costs pursuant to ASC 420 are expected to be material.

Deferred Financing Costs and Initial Purchasers' Discounts

'

Deferred Financing Costs and Initial Purchasers’ Discounts

Deferred financing costs include legal, accounting and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance, and amendments thereto, of the Company’s debt. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt using the straight-line method which approximates amortization using the effective interest method. Initial purchasers’ discount, or underwriters’ discount, is the differential between the price paid to an issuer for the new issue and the prices at which the securities are initially offered to the investing public. The amortization expense of deferred financing costs and accretion of initial purchasers’ discounts are included in interest expense as an overall cost of the related financings.

Reserves for Claims

'

Reserves for Claims

We are exposed to various claims relating to our business, including those for which we provide self-insurance. Claims for which we self-insure include: (1) workers compensation claims; (2) general liability claims by third parties for injury or property damage caused by our equipment or personnel; (3) automobile liability claims; and (4) employee health insurance claims. These types of claims may take a substantial amount of time to resolve and, accordingly, the ultimate liability associated with a particular claim, including claims incurred but not reported as of a period-end reporting date, may not be known for an extended period of time. Our methodology for developing self-insurance reserves is based on management estimates and independent third party actuarial estimates. Our estimation process considers, among other matters, the cost of known claims over time, cost inflation and incurred but not reported claims. These estimates may change based on, among other things, changes in our claim history or receipt of additional information relevant to assessing the claims. Further, these estimates may prove to be inaccurate due to factors such as adverse judicial determinations or other claim settlements at higher than estimated amounts. Accordingly, we may be required to increase or decrease our reserve levels. At December 31, 2013, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $3.5 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $1.4 million. At December 31, 2012, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability totaled $3.5 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $1.4 million.

Sales Taxes

'

Sales Taxes

We impose and collect significant amounts of sales taxes concurrent with our revenue-producing transactions with customers and remit those taxes to the various governmental agencies as prescribed by the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. We present such taxes in our consolidated statements of operations on a net basis.

Advertising

'

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

'

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenues while the related shipping and handling costs are included in other cost of revenues.

Income Taxes

'

Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company is a C-Corporation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. We utilize the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with ASC 740. ASC 740 takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date of that rate.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax provisions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in net other income (expense). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we adopted ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The adoption of ASU 2013-11 had no material impact to our financial position or results of operations.

Our deferred tax calculation requires management to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Purchases of Company Common Stock

'

Purchases of Company Common Stock

Purchases of our common stock are accounted for as treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets using the cost method. Repurchased stock is included in authorized shares, but is not included in shares outstanding.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

'

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There are no recently issued accounting pronouncements that are expected to affect the Company’s financial reporting.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Generally, we assign the following estimated useful lives to these categories:
	Category		Estimated
			Useful Life
	Transportation equipment			5 years
	Buildings			39 years
	Office equipment			5 years
	Computer equipment			3 years
	Machinery and equipment			7 years
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for our reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (amounts in thousands):
			Equipment			Used			Parts			Total
			Rentals			Equipment			Sales
			Component 2			Sales
	Balance at January 1, 2011		$	20,427		$	6,712		$	6,880		$	34,019
	Reductions(1)			(1,201	)		(401	)		(343	)		(1,945	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012			19,226			6,311			6,537			32,074
	Reductions(1)			(526	)		(174	)		(177	)		(877	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	18,700		$	6,137		$	6,360		$	31,197
	(1)	Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.
Estimated Incremental Borrowing Rates for Similar Types of Borrowing Arrangements	'
	The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands) and have been calculated based upon market quotes and present value calculations based on market rates.
			December 31, 2013
			Carrying			Fair
			Amount			Value
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)		$	49,062		$	42,686
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)			630,000			686,700
	Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,278			1,717
	Letter of credit (Level 3)			—			146
			December 31, 2012
			Carrying			Fair
			Amount			Value
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)		$	50,839		$	44,232
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)			530,000			564,450
	Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,447			1,919
	Letter of credit (Level 3)			—			162
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
			2013			2012			2011
	Basic net income per share:
	Net income		$	44,140		$	28,836		$	8,926
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			35,041			34,890			34,759
	Net income per common share — basic		$	1.26		$	0.83		$	0.26
	Diluted net income per share:
	Net income		$	44,140		$	28,836		$	8,926
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			35,041			34,890			34,759
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Effect of dilutive non-vested stock			105			88			128
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted			35,146			34,978			34,887
	Net income per common share — diluted		$	1.26		$	0.82		$	0.26
	Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:
	Stock options			—			51			51
	Non-vested stock			1			65			—
Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity	'
	The following table summarizes our non-vested stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Number of			Weighted
			Shares			Average Grant
						Date Fair Value
	Non-vested stock at January 1, 2012			278,634		$	10.77
	Granted			108,678		$	15.16
	Vested			(151,416	)	$	9.48
	Forfeited			(5,481	)	$	12.35
	Non-vested stock at December 31, 2012			230,415		$	13.65
	Granted			86,911		$	21.83
	Vested			(122,121	)	$	12.37
	Forfeited			(7,338	)	$	15.35
	Non-vested stock at December 31, 2013			187,867		$	18.21
Schedule of Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Stock	'
	The following table summarizes compensation expense related to stock-based awards included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012			2011
	Compensation expense		$	2,618		$	1,806		$	1,328
Summary of Compensation Expense Related to Stock-Based Awards	'
	The following table summarizes compensation expense related to stock-based awards included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012			2011
	Compensation expense		$	—		$	56		$	—
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table represents stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Number of			Weighted Average			Weighted Average
			Shares			Exercise Price(1)			Contractual Life
									In Years
	Outstanding options at January 1, 2012			51,000		$	17.8
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			—			—
	Canceled, forfeited or expired			—			—
	Outstanding options at December 31, 2012			51,000		$	17.8			3.5
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			—			—
	Canceled, forfeited or expired			—			—
	Outstanding options at December 31, 2013			51,000		$	17.8			2.5
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			51,000		$	17.8			2.5
	(1)	Weighted average exercise prices shown above include a reduction of $7.00 per share to reflect the equitable adjustment to the exercise prices in connection with the declaration and payment of a special, one-time cash dividend of $7.00 per share in the third quarter of 2012.

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Summary of Receivables	'
	Receivables consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Trade receivables	$	130,199		$	141,698
	Unbilled rental revenue		5,290			4,465
	Income tax receivables		116			93
	Other		16			4
			135,621			146,260
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts		(3,651	)		(4,593	)
	Total receivables, net	$	131,970		$	141,667

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	New equipment	$	89,833	$	55,798
	Used equipment		5,558		8,643
	Parts, supplies and other		16,249		15,529
	Total inventories, net	$	111,640	$	79,970

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Net Property and Equipment	'
	Net property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Land	$	6,833		$	6,833
	Transportation equipment		60,987			52,816
	Building and leasehold improvements		39,253			32,419
	Office and computer equipment		46,556			44,288
	Machinery and equipment		10,757			9,159
	Property under capital leases		3,217			3,217
	Construction in progress		6,894			5,558
			174,497			154,290
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(75,994	)		(68,101	)
	Total net property and equipment	$	98,503		$	86,189

Manufacturer_Flooring_Plans_Pa1

Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Maturities of Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable	'
	Maturities (based on original financing terms) of the manufacturer flooring plans payable as of December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014	$	22,610
	2015		19,593
	2016		6,859
	2017		—
	2018		—
	Thereafter		—
	Total	$	49,062

Accrued_Expenses_Payable_and_O1

Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities	'
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Payroll and related liabilities	$	20,665	$	16,883
	Sales, use and property taxes		7,712		6,036
	Accrued interest		15,101		14,338
	Accrued insurance		3,243		3,357
	Deferred revenue		4,268		4,015
	Other		3,450		5,893
	Total accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	$	54,439	$	50,522

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_Tables

Senior Unsecured Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Senior Secured Notes to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	The following table reconciles our Senior Secured Notes to our Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in thousands):
	Aggregate principal amount issued on August 20, 2012	$	530,000
	Initial purchasers’ discount		(9,275	)
	Accretion of discount through December 31, 2012		340
	Balance at December 31, 2012		521,065
	Aggregate principal amount issued on February 4, 2013		100,000
	Premium on notes issued		8,500
	Initial purchaser’s discount		(1,250	)
	Accretion of discount through December 31, 2013		1,044
	Amortization of note premium through December 31, 2013		(813	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	628,546

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Tabl

Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments	'
	Future minimum capital lease payments, in the aggregate, existing at December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014	$	333
	2015		333
	2016		333
	2017		333
	2018		333
	Thereafter		1,630
	Total minimum lease payments		3,295
	Less: amount representing interest		(1,017	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	2,278

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	'
	Our income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Current			Deferred			Total
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	U.S. Federal	$	1,262		$	16,306		$	17,568
	State		1,860			1,579			3,439
		$	3,122		$	17,885		$	21,007
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	U.S. Federal	$	—		$	13,187		$	13,187
	State		400			2,025			2,425
		$	400		$	15,212		$	15,612
	Year ended December 31, 2011:
	U.S. Federal	$	—		$	2,621		$	2,621
	State		262			332			594
		$	262		$	2,953		$	3,215
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Significant components of our deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	1,388		$	1,755
	Inventories		253			241
	Net operating losses		10,802			19,423
	AMT and general business tax credits		2,619			1,356
	Sec 263A costs		1,243			892
	Accrued liabilities		4,109			3,708
	Deferred compensation		1,932			1,126
	Accrued interest		580			555
	Stock-based compensation		471			534
	Goodwill and intangible assets		3,988			5,026
	Other assets		37			74
			27,422			34,690
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment		(114,107	)		(104,680	)
	Investments		(1,606	)		(1,599	)
			(115,713	)		(106,279	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(88,291	)	$	(71,589	)
Actual Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The reconciliation between income taxes computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the actual income tax expense (benefit) is below for the years ended December 31 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Computed tax at statutory rates	$	22,801		$	15,557		$	(4,249	)
	Permanent items — other		716			741			415
	Permanent items — excess of tax deductible goodwill		(4,673	)		(2,130	)		(2,130	)
	State income tax (benefit), net of federal tax effect		2,651			1,592			342
	Increase in uncertain tax positions		(488	)		(148	)		339
	Other		—			—			—
		$	21,007		$	15,612		$	3,215
Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follow (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	6,515		$	6,663
	Increases in tax positions taken in prior years		11			—
	Decreases in tax positions taken in prior years		(84	)		—
	Increases in tax positions taken in current year		—			—
	Decreases for tax positions taken in current year		—			—
	Settlements with taxing authorities		(285	)		(148	)
	Lapse in statute of limitations		(214	)		—
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	5,943		$	6,515

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	'
	Future minimum operating lease payments existing at December 31, 2013 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014	$	12,504
	2015		11,422
	2016		9,769
	2017		7,930
	2018		6,934
	Thereafter		46,882
		$	95,441

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial1

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Results of Operations	'
	The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly financial results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
			First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013:00:00
	Total revenues		$	212,388	$	245,340	$	270,449	$	259,579
	Income from operations			18,716		28,912		33,932		33,763
	Income before provision for income taxes			6,951		16,028		20,976		21,192
	Net income			4,777		10,809		13,953		14,601
	Basic net income per common share(1)			0.14		0.31		0.4		0.42
	Diluted net income per common share(1)			0.14		0.31		0.4		0.41
			First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter(2)		Quarter
	2012:00:00
	Total revenues		$	173,665	$	209,024	$	204,509	$	250,117
	Income from operations			12,271		23,477		25,035		28,458
	Income before provision for income taxes			5,758		16,655		5,273		16,762
	Net income(2)			3,955		10,468		3,709		10,704
	Basic net income per common share(1)			0.11		0.3		0.11		0.31
	Diluted net income per common share(1)			0.11		0.3		0.11		0.31
	(1)	Because of the method used in calculating per share data, the summation of quarterly per share data may not necessarily total to the per share data computed for the entire year.
	(2)	As further discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded in the third quarter of 2012 a $10.2 million, or $6.6 million after tax, charge for the early extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase and redemption of its $250 million senior unsecured notes.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Segment Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	338,935	$	288,641	$	228,038
	New equipment sales		294,768		241,721		220,211
	Used equipment sales		141,560		104,563		85,347
	Parts sales		103,174		99,621		94,511
	Services revenues		56,694		56,554		53,954
	Total segmented revenues		935,131		791,100		682,061
	Non-Segmented revenues		52,625		46,215		38,490
	Total revenues	$	987,756	$	837,315	$	720,551
	Segment Gross Profit:
	Equipment rentals	$	161,649	$	135,623	$	94,658
	New equipment sales		31,881		27,524		24,059
	Used equipment sales		40,867		30,575		20,305
	Parts sales		28,933		27,298		25,289
	Services revenues		35,660		34,577		32,930
	Total gross profit from revenues		298,990		255,597		197,241
	Non-Segmented gross profit (loss)		2,846		1,705		(4,538	)
	Total gross profit	$	301,836	$	257,302	$	192,703
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Segment identified assets:
	Equipment sales	$	95,392	$	64,441
	Equipment rentals		688,710		583,349
	Parts and service		16,248		15,529
	Total segment identified assets		800,350		663,319
	Non-Segmented identified assets		289,990		279,080
	Total assets	$	1,090,340	$	942,399

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
		As of December 31, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash	$	17,607		$	—		$	—		$	17,607
	Receivables, net		114,525			17,445			—			131,970
	Inventories, net		102,125			9,515			—			111,640
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,853			171			—			6,024
	Rental equipment, net		582,721			105,989			—			688,710
	Property and equipment, net		85,826			12,677			—			98,503
	Deferred financing costs, net		4,689			—			—			4,689
	Intangible assets, net		—			—			—			—
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries		165,703			—			(165,703	)		—
	Goodwill		1,671			29,526			—			31,197
	Total assets	$	1,080,720		$	175,323		$	(165,703	)	$	1,090,340
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amount due on senior secured credit facility	$	102,460		$	—		$	—		$	102,460
	Accounts payable		60,787			6,992			—			67,779
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable		49,062			—			—			49,062
	Dividends payable		656			(23	)		—			633
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		54,066			373			—			54,439
	Senior unsecured notes		628,546			—			—			628,546
	Capital leases payable		—			2,278			—			2,278
	Deferred income taxes		88,291			—			—			88,291
	Deferred compensation payable		2,040			—			—			2,040
	Total liabilities		985,908			9,620			—			995,528
	Stockholders’ equity		94,812			165,703			(165,703	)		94,812
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,080,720		$	175,323		$	(165,703	)	$	1,090,340
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
		As of December 31, 2012
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash	$	8,894		$	—		$	—		$	8,894
	Receivables, net		125,345			16,322			—			141,667
	Inventories, net		71,407			8,563			—			79,970
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,107			100			—			5,207
	Rental equipment, net		485,177			98,172			—			583,349
	Property and equipment, net		74,264			11,925			—			86,189
	Deferred financing costs, net		5,049			—			—			5,049
	Intangible assets, net		—			—			—			—
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries		160,005			—			(160,005	)		—
	Goodwill		2,548			29,526			—			32,074
	Total assets	$	937,796		$	164,608		$	(160,005	)	$	942,399
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amount due on senior secured credit facility	$	157,719		$	—		$	—		$	157,719
	Accounts payable		34,786			1,333			—			36,119
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable		50,389			450			—			50,839
	Dividends payable		1,488			—			—			1,488
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		50,149			373			—			50,522
	Senior unsecured notes		521,065			—			—			521,065
	Capital leases payable		—			2,447			—			2,447
	Deferred income taxes		71,589			—			—			71,589
	Deferred compensation payable		1,975			—			—			1,975
	Total liabilities		889,160			4,603			—			893,763
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit)		48,636			160,005			(160,005	)		48,636
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	937,796		$	164,608		$	(160,005	)	$	942,399
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	280,700		$	58,235		$	—		$	338,935
	New equipment sales		251,911			42,857			—			294,768
	Used equipment sales		119,351			22,209			—			141,560
	Parts sales		88,994			14,180			—			103,174
	Services revenues		49,022			7,672			—			56,694
	Other		43,341			9,284			—			52,625
	Total revenues		833,319			154,437			—			987,756
	Cost of revenues:
	Rental depreciation		100,627			21,321			—			121,948
	Rental expense		45,186			10,152			—			55,338
	New equipment sales		224,051			38,836			—			262,887
	Used equipment sales		84,881			15,812			—			100,693
	Parts sales		64,167			10,074			—			74,241
	Services revenues		18,272			2,762			—			21,034
	Other		40,298			9,481			—			49,779
	Total cost of revenues		577,482			108,438			—			685,920
	Gross profit (loss):
	Equipment rentals		134,887			26,762			—			161,649
	New equipment sales		27,860			4,021			—			31,881
	Used equipment sales		34,470			6,397			—			40,867
	Parts sales		24,827			4,106			—			28,933
	Services revenues		30,750			4,910			—			35,660
	Other		3,043			(197	)		—			2,846
	Gross profit		255,837			45,999			—			301,836
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		155,881			33,181			—			189,062
	Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		2,497			—			(2,497	)		—
	Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		2,220			329			—			2,549
	Income from operations		104,673			13,147			(2,497	)		115,323
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(40,662	)		(10,742	)		—			(51,404	)
	Other, net		1,136			92			—			1,228
	Total other expense, net		(39,526	)		(10,650	)		—			(50,176	)
	Income before income taxes		65,147			2,497			(2,497	)		65,147
	Income tax expense		21,007			—			—			21,007
	Net income	$	44,140		$	2,497		$	(2,497	)	$	44,140
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	237,171		$	51,470		$	—		$	288,641
	New equipment sales		212,544			29,177			—			241,721
	Used equipment sales		83,742			20,821			—			104,563
	Parts sales		85,137			14,484			—			99,621
	Services revenues		49,037			7,517			—			56,554
	Other		37,908			8,307			—			46,215
	Total revenues		705,539			131,776			—			837,315
	Cost of revenues:
	Rental depreciation		83,219			19,747			—			102,966
	Rental expense		40,197			9,855			—			50,052
	New equipment sales		188,251			25,946			—			214,197
	Used equipment sales		58,604			15,384			—			73,988
	Parts sales		61,988			10,335			—			72,323
	Services revenues		19,362			2,615			—			21,977
	Other		35,621			8,889			—			44,510
	Total cost of revenues		487,242			92,771			—			580,013
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals		113,755			21,868			—			135,623
New equipment sales		24,293			3,231			—			27,524
Used equipment sales		25,138			5,437			—			30,575
Parts sales		23,149			4,149			—			27,298
Services revenues		29,675			4,902			—			34,577
Other		2,287			(582	)		—			1,705
Gross profit		218,297			39,005			—			257,302
Selling, general and administrative expenses		139,775			29,878			—			169,653
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		(181	)		—			181			—
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		1,216			376			—			1,592
Income from operations		79,557			9,503			181			89,241
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(25,798	)		(9,743	)		—			(35,541	)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		(10,180	)		—			—			(10,180	)
Other, net		869			59			—			928
Total other expense, net		(35,109	)		(9,684	)		—			(44,793	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		44,448			(181	)		181			44,448
Income tax expense		15,612			—			—			15,612
Net income (loss)	$	28,836		$	(181	)	$	181		$	28,836
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Services			Subsidiaries
	(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals	$	182,822		$	45,216		$	—		$	228,038
New equipment sales		200,298			19,913			—			220,211
Used equipment sales		70,485			14,862			—			85,347
Parts sales		80,153			14,358			—			94,511
Services revenues		47,325			6,629			—			53,954
Other		31,573			6,917			—			38,490
Total revenues		612,656			107,895			—			720,551
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation		68,327			18,454			—			86,781
Rental expense		37,264			9,335			—			46,599
New equipment sales		178,413			17,739			—			196,152
Used equipment sales		52,978			12,064			—			65,042
Parts sales		58,827			10,395			—			69,222
Services revenues		18,658			2,366			—			21,024
Other		34,066			8,962			—			43,028
Total cost of revenues		448,533			79,315			—			527,848
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals		77,231			17,427			—			94,658
New equipment sales		21,885			2,174			—			24,059
Used equipment sales		17,507			2,798			—			20,305
Parts sales		21,326			3,963			—			25,289
Services revenues		28,667			4,263			—			32,930
Other		(2,493	)		(2,045	)		—			(4,538	)
Gross profit		164,123			28,580			—			192,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses		126,880			26,474			—			153,354
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		(6,633	)		—			6,633			—
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		384			409			—			793
Income from operations		30,994			2,515			6,633			40,142
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(19,536	)		(9,191	)		—			(28,727	)
Other, net		683			43			—			726
Total other expense, net		(18,853	)		(9,148	)		—			(28,001	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		12,141			(6,633	)		6,633			12,141
Income tax expense		3,215			—			—			3,215
Net income (loss)	$	8,926		$	(6,633	)	$	6,633		$	8,926
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	44,140		$	2,497		$	(2,497	)	$	44,140
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment		14,871			2,084			—			16,955
	Depreciation on rental equipment		100,627			21,321			—			121,948
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		1,094			—			—			1,094
	Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization		231			—			—			231
	Provision for losses on accounts receivable		2,568			626			—			3,194
	Provision for inventory obsolescence		220			—			—			220
	Provision for deferred income taxes		16,702			—			—			16,702
	Stock-based compensation expense		2,618			—			—			2,618
	Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		(2,220	)		(329	)		—			(2,549	)
	Gain from sales of rental equipment, net		(32,235	)		(6,340	)		—			(38,575	)
	Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill		876			—			—			876
	Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		(2,497	)		—			2,497			—
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Receivables, net		8,252			(1,749	)		—			6,503
	Inventories, net		(62,300	)		(5,454	)		—			(67,754	)
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		(744	)		(71	)		—			(815	)
	Accounts payable		26,000			5,659			—			31,659
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable		(1,327	)		(450	)		—			(1,777	)
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		3,917			—			—			3,917
	Deferred compensation payable		65			—			—			65
	Net cash provided by operating activities		120,858			17,794			—			138,652
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment		(26,576	)		(2,903	)		—			(29,479	)
	Purchases of rental equipment		(229,952	)		(37,513	)		—			(267,465	)
	Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		2,363			396			—			2,759
	Proceeds from sales of rental equipment		95,378			19,217			—			114,595
	Investment in subsidiaries		(3,201	)		—			3,201			—
	Net cash used in investing activities		(161,988	)		(20,803	)		3,201			(179,590	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards		307			—			—			307
	Purchases of treasury stock		(890	)		—			—			(890	)
	Dividends paid		(832	)		(23	)		—			(855	)
	Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes		107,250			—			—			107,250
	Borrowing on senior secured credit facility		1,058,990			—			—			1,058,990
	Payments on senior secured credit facility		(1,114,249	)		—			—			(1,114,249	)
	Payments of deferred financing cost		(733	)		—			—			(733	)
	Payments on capital lease obligations		—			(169	)		—			(169	)
	Capital contributions		—			3,201			(3,201	)		—
	Net cash provided by financing activities		49,843			3,009			(3,201	)		49,651
	Net increase in cash		8,713			—			—			8,713
	Cash, beginning of year		8,894			—			—			8,894
	Cash, end of year	$	17,607		$	—		$	—		$	17,607
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	28,836		$	(181	)	$	181		$	28,836
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment		11,580			1,901			—			13,481
	Depreciation on rental equipment		83,219			19,747			—			102,966
	Amortization of deferred financing costs and note discount accretion		1,555			—			—			1,555
	Amortization of intangible assets		—			66			—			66
	Provision for losses on accounts receivable		—			3,480			—			3,480
Provision for inventory obsolescence		126			—			—			126
Provision for deferred income taxes		12,973			—			—			12,973
Stock-based compensation expense		1,862			—			—			1,862
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		10,180			—			—			10,180
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		(1,216	)		(376	)		—			(1,592	)
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net		(24,123	)		(5,436	)		—			(29,559	)
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill		1,944			—			—			1,944
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		181			—			(181	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net		(31,505	)		(8,303	)		—			(39,808	)
Inventories, net		(40,310	)		(2,827	)		—			(43,137	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(9	)		25			—			16
Accounts payable		(24,308	)		(2,578	)		—			(26,886	)
Manufacturer flooring plans payable		(7,860	)		381			—			(7,479	)
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		12,363			(331	)		—			12,032
Deferred compensation payable		(33	)		—			—			(33	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		35,455			5,568			—			41,023
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(34,181	)		(3,180	)		—			(37,361	)
Purchases of rental equipment		(224,802	)		(43,427	)		—			(268,229	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		1,574			484			—			2,058
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment		70,926			19,616			—			90,542
Investment in subsidiaries		(21,097	)		—			21,097			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(207,580	)		(26,507	)		21,097			(212,990	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards		293			—			—			293
Purchases of treasury stock		(694	)		—			—			(694	)
Dividends paid		(244,381	)		—			—			(244,381	)
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes		(257,576	)		—			—			(257,576	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes		520,725			—			—			520,725
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility		1,032,285			—			—			1,032,285
Payments on senior secured credit facility		(890,621	)		—			—			(890,621	)
Payments of deferred financing cost		(3,227	)		—			—			(3,227	)
Payments on capital lease obligations		—			(158	)		—			(158	)
Capital contributions		—			21,097			(21,097	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		156,804			20,939			(21,097	)		156,646
Net decrease in cash		(15,321	)		—			—			(15,321	)
Cash, beginning of year		24,215			—			—			24,215
Cash, end of year	$	8,894		$	—		$	—		$	8,894
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Services			Subsidiaries
	(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	8,926		$	(6,633	)	$	6,633		$	8,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment		10,498			1,757			—			12,255
Depreciation on rental equipment		68,327			18,454			—			86,781
Amortization of deferred financing costs		1,388			—			—			1,388
Amortization of intangible assets		—			362			—			362
Provision for losses on accounts receivable		2,172			1,010			—			3,182
Provision for inventory obsolescence		210			—			—			210
Provision for deferred income taxes		2,697			—			—			2,697
Stock-based compensation expense		1,327			—			—			1,327
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net		(384	)		(409	)		—			(793	)
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net		(16,002	)		(2,786	)		—			(18,788	)
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		6,633			—			(6,633	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net		(8,383	)		(999	)		—			(9,382	)
Inventories, net		(20,500	)		(1,061	)		—			(21,561	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		3,381			76			—			3,457
Accounts payable		3,613			956			—			4,569
Manufacturer flooring plans payable		(16,633	)		(107	)		—			(16,740	)
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		2,890			(399	)		—			2,491
Deferred compensation payable		4			—			—			4
Net cash provided by operating activities		50,164			10,221			—			60,385
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(15,757	)		(2,676	)		—			(18,433	)
Purchases of rental equipment		(106,490	)		(20,745	)		—			(127,235	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		923			459			—			1,382
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment		50,177			13,181			—			63,358
Investment in subsidiaries		291			—			(291	)		—
Net cash used in investing activities		(70,856	)		(9,781	)		(291	)		(80,928	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards		257			—			—			257
Purchases of treasury stock		(554	)		—			—			(554	)
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility		557,884			—			—			557,884
Payments on senior secured credit facility		(541,829	)		—			—			(541,829	)
Payments on capital lease obligations		—			(149	)		—			(149	)
Capital contributions		—			(291	)		291			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		15,758			(440	)		291			15,609
Net decrease in cash		(4,934	)		—			—			(4,934	)
Cash, beginning of year		29,149			—			—			29,149
Cash, end of year	$	24,215		$	—		$	—		$	24,215

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
		Segment	Branch	Branch
		Manufacturer
		Branch
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Salvage value	'	25.00%	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	6	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of likelihood that fair value of goodwill more than carrying value	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Number of branches closed	'	1	1	3	'
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	'	$1,400,000	$3,500,000	'	'
Health insurance reserves	'	3,500,000	1,400,000	'	'
Advertising costs	'	600,000	600,000	400,000	'
Recognized income tax provisions	'	50.00%	'	'	'
Transfer of financial assets	'	0	0	'	'
Transfer of financial liabilities	'	0	0	'	'
No. of manufacturers	'	3	'	'	'
Rental and sales equipment	'	65.00%	'	'	'
Stock-Based incentive compensation plan	'	3,614,426	'	'	'
Issue of shares of non-vested period	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock	'	2,900,000	'	'	'
Expected non-vested stock recognized over a weighted-average period	'	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock option awards	'	0	'	'	'
Stock options, granted	'	0	0	0	'
Dividend per share paid	$7	'	$7	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'	$600,000	'	'	'
Cranes and Aerial Work Platform [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Earthmoving equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'5 years	'	'	'
Industrial lift trucks [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'7 years	'	'	'
Attachments and other equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'3 years	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Transportation equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'5 years
Buildings [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'39 years
Office equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'5 years
Computer equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'7 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$32,074	$34,019
Reductions	-877	-1,945
Ending Balance	31,197	32,074
Equipment rentals component 2 [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	19,226	20,427
Reductions	-526	-1,201
Ending Balance	18,700	19,226
Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	6,311	6,712
Reductions	-174	-401
Ending Balance	6,137	6,311
Parts sales [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	6,537	6,880
Reductions	-177	-343
Ending Balance	$6,360	$6,537

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Incremental Borrowing Rates for Similar Types of Borrowing Arrangements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	$2,278	$2,447
Letter of credit (Level 3)	6,500	6,500
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)	49,062	50,839
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	2,278	2,447
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)	630,000	530,000
Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)	42,686	44,232
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	1,717	1,919
Letter of credit (Level 3)	146	162
Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0% (Level 1)	$686,700	$564,450

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Incremental Borrowing Rates for Similar Types of Borrowing Arrangements (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable, interest rate	5.25%	5.25%
Capital lease payable, interest rate, minimum	5.93%	5.93%
Capital lease payable interest rate, maximum	9.55%	9.55%
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior unsecured notes, interest rate	7.00%	7.00%
Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable, interest rate	5.25%	5.25%
Capital lease payable, interest rate, minimum	5.93%	5.93%
Capital lease payable interest rate, maximum	9.55%	9.55%
Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior unsecured notes, interest rate	7.00%	7.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic net income per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$14,601	$13,953	$10,809	$4,777	$10,704	$3,709	$10,468	$3,955	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,041	34,890	34,759
Net income per common share - basic	$0.42	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.83	$0.26
Diluted net income per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$14,601	$13,953	$10,809	$4,777	$10,704	$3,709	$10,468	$3,955	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,041	34,890	34,759
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,146	34,978	34,887
Net income per common share - diluted	$0.41	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.82	$0.26
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	51	51
Non-vested restricted stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive non-vested stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105	88	128
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	65	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Nonvested stock, beginning balance, Number of Shares	230,415	278,634
Granted, Number of Shares	86,911	108,678
Vested, Number of Shares	-122,121	-151,416
Forfeited, Number of Shares	-7,338	-5,481
Nonvested stock, ending balance, Number of Shares	187,867	230,415
Nonvested stock, beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$13.65	$10.77
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$21.83	$15.16
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.37	$9.48
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$15.35	$12.35
Nonvested stock, ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.21	$13.65

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of compensation expense related to non-vested stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$2,618	$1,806	$1,328

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Compensation Expense Related to Stock-Based Awards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Expense Allocation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$2,618	$1,806	$1,328
Stock option [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Expense Allocation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	'	$56	'

Recovered_Sheet3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	51,000	51,000	'
Stock Options, Granted, Number of Shares	0	0	0
Stock Options, Exercised, Number of Shares	0	0	'
Stock Options, Canceled, forfeited or expired, Number of Shares	0	0	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balance	51,000	51,000	51,000
Stock Options, Exercisable, Number of Shares	51,000	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$17.80	$17.80	'
Stock Options, Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	'
Stock Options, Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	'
Stock Options, Canceled, forfeited or expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$17.80	$17.80	$17.80
Stock Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.80	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life In Years	'2 years 6 months	'3 years 6 months	'
Stock Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Contractual Life In Years	'2 years 6 months	'	'

Recovered_Sheet4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Reduction on weighted average exercises price	'	$7	'
Dividend per share paid	$7	'	$7

Receivables_Summary_of_Receiva

Receivables - Summary of Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Trade receivables	$130,199	$141,698
Unbilled rental revenue	5,290	4,465
Income tax receivables	116	93
Other	16	4
Total receivables	135,621	146,260
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	-3,651	-4,593
Total receivables, net	$131,970	$141,667

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories, net	$111,640	$79,970
New equipment [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories, net	89,833	55,798
Used equipment [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories, net	5,558	8,643
Parts, supplies and other [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories, net	$16,249	$15,529

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Net of reserves for inventory obsolescence	$647	$618

Property_and_Equipment_Summary

Property and Equipment - Summary of Net Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	$174,497	$154,290
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-75,994	-68,101
Total net property and equipment	98,503	86,189
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	6,833	6,833
Transportation equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	60,987	52,816
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	39,253	32,419
Office and computer equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	46,556	44,288
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	10,757	9,159
Property under capital leases [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	3,217	3,217
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property and equipment	$6,894	$5,558

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest costs capitalized	'	$200,000	'
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	16,955,000	13,481,000	12,255,000
Computer software costs	11,400,000	15,300,000	'
Computer software, amortization	3,800,000	3,800,000	'
Office and computer equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest costs capitalized	600,000	600,000	'
Capitalized costs	$26,900,000	$26,900,000	'

Manufacturer_Flooring_Plans_Pa2

Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt instrument interest rate, minimum	0.00%
Debt instrument interest rate, maximum	3.25%

Manufacturer_Flooring_Plans_Pa3

Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable - Maturities of Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable (Detail) (Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable [Member]	'
Schedule Of Long Term Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	$22,610
2015	19,593
2016	6,859
2017	'
2018	'
Thereafter	'
Total	$49,062

Accrued_Expenses_Payable_and_O2

Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities - Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current And Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll and related liabilities	$20,665	$16,883
Sales, use and property taxes	7,712	6,036
Accrued interest	15,101	14,338
Accrued insurance	3,243	3,357
Deferred revenue	4,268	4,015
Other	3,450	5,893
Total accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	$54,439	$50,522

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_Additio

Senior Unsecured Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 19, 2012	Aug. 20, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 20, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 20, 2012
						Add-on Notes [Member]	Add-on Notes [Member]	7% Senior Notes [Member]	7% Senior Notes [Member]	7% Senior Notes [Member]	8 3/8% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$100,000,000	'	$530,000,000	'	$250,000,000
Interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.00%	'	7.00%	'	8.38%
Year of maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2022	'2022	'	'2016
Initial Purchasers' discount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,300,000	'	'
Net proceeds to the company net of initial purchasers' discount	'	520,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of old notes	'	158,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consideration per base amount to those who tendered old notes prior to deadline	'	1,031.67	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Base amount of old note fixed for exchange	'	1,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount outstanding of old notes redeemed by company	91,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redemption price percentage as equal to principal amount of old notes to be redeemed	102.79%	'	'	101.00%	'	101.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Actual dividends paid	'	'	'	'	244,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend per share paid	'	'	$7	'	$7	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares on dividends paid	'	'	'	'	34,911,455	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding shares of non-vested common stock on which dividends are to be paid	'	'	'	'	232,431	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of outstanding shares of non-vested common stock on which dividends are to be paid	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
One-time loss recorded on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	10,200,000	'	10,180,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
One-time loss recorded on early extinguishment of debt, after tax	'	'	6,600,000	'	6,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of tender premiums	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment to redeem remaining outstanding old notes	'	'	'	'	2,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unamortized deferred financing costs written off	'	'	'	'	2,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Transaction costs incurred in connection with extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	1,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal payments due until maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Maturity date of notes	'	'	'	'	'	1-Sep-22	'	'	'	1-Sep-22	'
Percentage of principal amount of new notes to be redeemed before September 1, 2015	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price percentage for Add-on Notes, Principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	108.50%	'	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the offering of Add-on Notes	'	'	'	'	'	$110,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of principal amount of new notes potentially redeemable before September 1, 2015	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Offer to exchange notes and guarantees expiration date	'	'	'	'	'	30-Apr-13	'	'	'	'	'

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_Reconci

Senior Unsecured Notes - Reconciliation of Senior Secured Notes to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013	Aug. 20, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	'	$521,065	'	'
Amortization of note premium	'	-231	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	'	628,546	'	'
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount issued	'	'	100,000	530,000
Premium on notes issued	'	'	8,500	'
Initial purchaser's discount	'	'	-1,250	-9,275
Accretion of discount	340	1,044	'	'
Amortization of note premium	'	($813)	'	'

Senior_Secured_Credit_Facility1

Senior Secured Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 09, 2012

Aug. 09, 2012

Aug. 17, 2012

Aug. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 27, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Amendment No. 1 [Member]

Amendment No. 1 [Member]

Amendment No. 1 [Member]

Amendment No. 1 [Member]

Amendment No. 1 [Member]

Amendment No. 2 [Member]

Amendment No. 2 [Member]

Amendment No. 2 [Member]

Amendment No. 3 [Member]

Amendment No. 3 [Member]

Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3 [Member]

Amendment No. 4 [Member]

Amendment No. 4 [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

8 3/8% Senior Notes [Member]

8 3/8% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Existing credit facility with its lenders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$320,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$320,000,000

$402,500,000

'

'

$30,000,000

'

Amount of old notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

200,000,000

530,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unused commitment fee margin percentage

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Index rate plus an applicable margin Percentage

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR plus an applicable margin Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin rate lowered in applicable to Letter of Credit

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total transaction costs on Amendments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility from July 29, 2015 to the earlier to occur of, inter alia, February 29, 2017, and, unless previously refinanced, the date that is six months prior to the maturity of the Old Notes (giving effect to any extensions thereof)

'

'

'

'

'Changed the maturity date of the Credit Facility to the earlier to occur of February 29, 2017, and the date that is six months prior to the scheduled maturity of the New Notes (giving effect to any extensions thereof) (subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence of, under certain circumstances, an event of default or prepayment in full of the amounts owing under the Credit Facility)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Agreement's existing incremental facility

82,500,000

1,058,990,000

1,032,285,000

557,884,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,500,000

'

'

Ceiling limit of borrowing facility to maintain minimum fixed charge coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,300,000

'

'

Maximum Leverage Ratio to 1.0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

Minimum fixed charge Coverage Ratio to 1.0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.1

'

'

Debt instrument prime rate plus

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate on the senior secured credit facility

'

2.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

314,000,000

Outstanding letters of credit

'

$6,500,000

$6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,500,000

Basis points added to U S prime rate

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis points added to LIBOR

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility interest rate description

'

'The interest rate on the Credit Facility was based on a 3.25% U.S. Prime Rate plus 100 basis points and LIBOR plus 200 basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Addi

Capital Lease Obligations - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Number of capital lease obligations	2
Capital lease obligations one [Member]	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Capital lease obligations expiring	'2022
Capital lease obligations two [Member]	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'
Capital lease obligations expiring	'2029

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Futu

Capital Lease Obligations - Future minimum capital lease payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Net Present Value [Abstract]	'
2014	$333
2015	333
2016	333
2017	333
2018	333
Thereafter	1,630
Total minimum lease payments	3,295
Less: amount representing interest	-1,017
Present value of minimum lease payments	$2,278

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
U.S. Federal, Current	$1,262	'	'
U.S. Federal, Deferred	16,306	13,187	2,621
U.S. Federal, Total	17,568	13,187	2,621
State, Current	1,860	400	262
State, Deferred	1,579	2,025	332
State, Total	3,439	2,425	594
Current, Total	3,122	400	262
Deferred, Total	17,885	15,212	2,953
Total	$21,007	$15,612	$3,215

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable	$1,388	$1,755
Inventories	253	241
Net operating losses	10,802	19,423
AMT and general business tax credits	2,619	1,356
Sec 263A costs	1,243	892
Accrued liabilities	4,109	3,708
Deferred compensation	1,932	1,126
Accrued interest	580	555
Stock-based compensation	471	534
Goodwill and intangible assets	3,988	5,026
Other assets	37	74
Deferred tax assets, Total	27,422	34,690
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Property and equipment	-114,107	-104,680
Investments	-1,606	-1,599
Deferred tax liabilities, Total	88,291	71,589
Net deferred tax liabilities	($88,291)	($71,589)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	'
Federal net operating loss carry forwards	$55,300,000	'
Expire in varying amounts for federal net operating loss carry forwards	'2029 through 2030	'
Federal alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards	2,100,000	'
General business credit carry forwards	2,619,000	1,356,000
Expire in varying amounts for business credit carry forwards	'2025 and 2029	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$300,000	'
Federal tax returns under examination	'2005 through 2009	'

Income_Taxes_Actual_Income_Tax

Income Taxes - Actual Income Tax Expense (benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Computed tax at statutory rates	$22,801	$15,557	($4,249)
Permanent items - other	716	741	415
Permanent items - excess of tax deductible goodwill	-4,673	-2,130	-2,130
State income tax (benefit), net of federal tax effect	2,651	1,592	342
Increase in uncertain tax positions	-488	-148	339
Other	'	'	'
Total income tax expense benefit	$21,007	$15,612	$3,215

Income_Taxes_Amounts_of_Gross_

Income Taxes - Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$6,515	$6,663
Increases in tax positions taken in prior years	11	'
Decreases in tax positions taken in prior years	-84	'
Increases in tax positions taken in current year	'	'
Decreases for tax positions taken in current year	'	'
Settlements with taxing authorities	-285	-148
Lapse in statute of limitations	-214	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$5,943	$6,515

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense on property leases and equipment leases	$12.40	$12.80	$12.60
Outstanding letters of credit	6.5	6.5	'
Expiration date of letter of credit	31-Jan-13	'	'
Renewed letter of credit	$6.50	'	'
Expiration date of renewed letter of credit	'2015-01-01	'	'
Line of credit expiry period	'1 year	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'
2014	$12,504
2015	11,422
2016	9,769
2017	7,930
2018	6,934
Thereafter	46,882
Total	$95,441

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Addition

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amount of contributions in profit - sharing plan net of employee forfeitures	$1.70	$1.40	$1.20

Deferred_Compensation_Plans_Ad

Deferred Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	CompensationPlan
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'	'
Number of deferred compensation plan	1	'
Effective rate	3.25%	'
Aggregate deferred compensation payable	$2,040,000	$1,975,000
Accrued interest	$1,500,000	$1,400,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease payments	$200,000	$200,000	$300,000
Branch facility purchased	'	1,600,000	'
John M. Engquist [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in joint venture	'	29.20%	29.20%
Kristan Engquist Dunne [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in joint venture	'	29.20%	29.20%
Children of John M. Engquist and Kristan Engquist Dunne [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in joint venture	'	16.60%	'
Number of trust held by related party	'	4,000,000	'
John M. Engquist Mother [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in joint venture	'	25.00%	'
Chairman of the Board [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Agreement term	'5 years	'	'
Consulting fee	167,000	'	'
Cost-of-living annual percentage increase	4.00%	'	'
Expense related to the agreement	'	200,000	200,000
T & J partnership [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease payments	200,000	200,000	200,000
T & J partnership [Member] | John M. Engquist [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	50.00%	'	'
T & J partnership [Member] | John M. Engquist Mother [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	50.00%	'	'
Gulf Wide Aviation [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments in respect of charter cost	200,000	500,000	400,000
Gulf Wide Aviation [Member] | John M. Engquist [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	62.50%	'	'
Gulf Wide Aviation [Member] | Kristan Engquist Dunne [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	12.50%	'	'
Gulf Wide Aviation [Member] | John M. Engquist Mother [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	25.00%	'	'
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency Inc. [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commission paid	700,000	600,000	500,000
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency Inc. [Member] | John M. Engquist [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	31.25%	'	'
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency Inc. [Member] | Kristan Engquist Dunne [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	6.25%	'	'
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency Inc. [Member] | John M. Engquist Mother [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	12.50%	'	'
B-C Equipment Sales Inc [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Products and services purchased	200,000	100,000	200,000
Sales to related party	$200,000	$100,000	$20,000
B-C Equipment Sales Inc [Member] | John M. Engquist [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in equity	50.00%	'	'

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial2

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$259,579	$270,449	$245,340	$212,388	$250,117	$204,509	$209,024	$173,665	$987,756	$837,315	$720,551
Income from operations	33,763	33,932	28,912	18,716	28,458	25,035	23,477	12,271	115,323	89,241	40,142
Income before provision for income taxes	21,192	20,976	16,028	6,951	16,762	5,273	16,655	5,758	65,147	44,448	12,141
Net income	$14,601	$13,953	$10,809	$4,777	$10,704	$3,709	$10,468	$3,955	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Basic net income per common share	$0.42	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.83	$0.26
Diluted net income per common share	$0.41	$0.40	$0.31	$0.14	$0.31	$0.11	$0.30	$0.11	$1.26	$0.82	$0.26

Summarized_Quarterly_Financial3

Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Results of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
One-time loss recorded on early extinguishment of debt	$10,200,000	$10,180,000
One-time loss recorded on early extinguishment of debt, after tax	6,600,000	6,600,000
Redemption of senior unsecured notes	$250,000,000	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Customer
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of reportable segment	5	'	'
Sales to international customers	1.20%	2.10%	1.90%
Customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue	0	'	'

Segment_Information_Informatio

Segment Information - Information about Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$259,579	$270,449	$245,340	$212,388	$250,117	$204,509	$209,024	$173,665	$987,756	$837,315	$720,551
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	301,836	257,302	192,703
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	1,090,340	'	'	'	942,399	'	'	'	1,090,340	942,399	'
Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	161,649	135,623	94,658
New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,881	27,524	24,059
Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,867	30,575	20,305
Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,933	27,298	25,289
Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,660	34,577	32,930
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	935,131	791,100	682,061
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	298,990	255,597	197,241
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	800,350	'	'	'	663,319	'	'	'	800,350	663,319	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	338,935	288,641	228,038
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	161,649	135,623	94,658
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	688,710	'	'	'	583,349	'	'	'	688,710	583,349	'
Operating Segments [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,768	241,721	220,211
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,881	27,524	24,059
Operating Segments [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,560	104,563	85,347
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,867	30,575	20,305
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	95,392	'	'	'	64,441	'	'	'	95,392	64,441	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,174	99,621	94,511
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,933	27,298	25,289
Operating Segments [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,694	56,554	53,954
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,660	34,577	32,930
Operating Segments [Member] | Parts and service [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	16,248	'	'	'	15,529	'	'	'	16,248	15,529	'
Non-Segmented [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,625	46,215	38,490
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,846	1,705	-4,538
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$289,990	'	'	'	$279,080	'	'	'	$289,990	$279,080	'

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	$17,607	$8,894	$24,215	$29,149
Receivables, net	131,970	141,667	'	'
Inventories, net	111,640	79,970	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,024	5,207	'	'
Rental equipment, net	688,710	583,349	'	'
Property and equipment, net	98,503	86,189	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	4,689	5,049	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	31,197	32,074	34,019	'
Total assets	1,090,340	942,399	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amount due on senior secured credit facility	102,460	157,719	'	'
Accounts payable	67,779	36,119	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	49,062	50,839	'	'
Dividends payable	633	1,488	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	54,439	50,522	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	628,546	521,065	'	'
Capital leases payable	2,278	2,447	'	'
Deferred income taxes	88,291	71,589	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	2,040	1,975	'	'
Total liabilities	995,528	893,763	'	'
Stockholders' equity	94,812	48,636	264,207	254,250
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,090,340	942,399	'	'
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	17,607	8,894	24,215	29,149
Receivables, net	114,525	125,345	'	'
Inventories, net	102,125	71,407	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,853	5,107	'	'
Rental equipment, net	582,721	485,177	'	'
Property and equipment, net	85,826	74,264	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	4,689	5,049	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	165,703	160,005	'	'
Goodwill	1,671	2,548	'	'
Total assets	1,080,720	937,796	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amount due on senior secured credit facility	102,460	157,719	'	'
Accounts payable	60,787	34,786	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	49,062	50,389	'	'
Dividends payable	656	1,488	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	54,066	50,149	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	628,546	521,065	'	'
Deferred income taxes	88,291	71,589	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	2,040	1,975	'	'
Total liabilities	985,908	889,160	'	'
Stockholders' equity	94,812	48,636	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,080,720	937,796	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Receivables, net	17,445	16,322	'	'
Inventories, net	9,515	8,563	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	171	100	'	'
Rental equipment, net	105,989	98,172	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,677	11,925	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	29,526	29,526	'	'
Total assets	175,323	164,608	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	6,992	1,333	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	'	450	'	'
Dividends payable	-23	'	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	373	373	'	'
Capital leases payable	2,278	2,447	'	'
Total liabilities	9,620	4,603	'	'
Stockholders' equity	165,703	160,005	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	175,323	164,608	'	'
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	-165,703	-160,005	'	'
Total assets	-165,703	-160,005	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity	-165,703	-160,005	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	($165,703)	($160,005)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$338,935	$288,641	$228,038
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,768	241,721	220,211
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,560	104,563	85,347
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103,174	99,621	94,511
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,694	56,554	53,954
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,625	46,215	38,490
Total revenues	259,579	270,449	245,340	212,388	250,117	204,509	209,024	173,665	987,756	837,315	720,551
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	121,948	102,966	86,781
Rental expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,338	50,052	46,599
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	262,887	214,197	196,152
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,693	73,988	65,042
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	74,241	72,323	69,222
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,034	21,977	21,024
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,779	44,510	43,028
Total cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	685,920	580,013	527,848
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	301,836	257,302	192,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	189,062	169,653	153,354
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,549	1,592	793
Income from operations	33,763	33,932	28,912	18,716	28,458	25,035	23,477	12,271	115,323	89,241	40,142
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-51,404	-35,541	-28,727
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	-10,200	'	'	'	-10,180	'
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,228	928	726
Total other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-50,176	-44,793	-28,001
Income (loss) before income taxes	21,192	20,976	16,028	6,951	16,762	5,273	16,655	5,758	65,147	44,448	12,141
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,007	15,612	3,215
Net income (loss)	14,601	13,953	10,809	4,777	10,704	3,709	10,468	3,955	44,140	28,836	8,926
Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	161,649	135,623	94,658
New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,881	27,524	24,059
Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,867	30,575	20,305
Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,933	27,298	25,289
Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,660	34,577	32,930
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,846	1,705	-4,538
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	280,700	237,171	182,822
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	251,911	212,544	200,298
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	119,351	83,742	70,485
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	88,994	85,137	80,153
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,022	49,037	47,325
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,341	37,908	31,573
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	833,319	705,539	612,656
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,627	83,219	68,327
Rental expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,186	40,197	37,264
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	224,051	188,251	178,413
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	84,881	58,604	52,978
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64,167	61,988	58,827
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,272	19,362	18,658
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,298	35,621	34,066
Total cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	577,482	487,242	448,533
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	255,837	218,297	164,123
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	155,881	139,775	126,880
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,497	-181	-6,633
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,220	1,216	384
Income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	104,673	79,557	30,994
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40,662	-25,798	-19,536
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,180	'
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,136	869	683
Total other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39,526	-35,109	-18,853
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	65,147	44,448	12,141
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,007	15,612	3,215
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,140	28,836	8,926
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	134,887	113,755	77,231
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,860	24,293	21,885
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,470	25,138	17,507
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,827	23,149	21,326
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,750	29,675	28,667
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,043	2,287	-2,493
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	58,235	51,470	45,216
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,857	29,177	19,913
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,209	20,821	14,862
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,180	14,484	14,358
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,672	7,517	6,629
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,284	8,307	6,917
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	154,437	131,776	107,895
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,321	19,747	18,454
Rental expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,152	9,855	9,335
New equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,836	25,946	17,739
Used equipment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,812	15,384	12,064
Parts sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,074	10,335	10,395
Services revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,762	2,615	2,366
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,481	8,889	8,962
Total cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	108,438	92,771	79,315
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,999	39,005	28,580
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,181	29,878	26,474
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	329	376	409
Income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,147	9,503	2,515
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,742	-9,743	-9,191
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	92	59	43
Total other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,650	-9,684	-9,148
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,497	-181	-6,633
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,497	-181	-6,633
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26,762	21,868	17,427
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,021	3,231	2,174
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,397	5,437	2,798
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,106	4,149	3,963
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,910	4,902	4,263
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-197	-582	-2,045
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,497	181	6,633
Income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,497	181	6,633
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,497	181	6,633
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2,497)	$181	$6,633

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$44,140	$28,836	$8,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	16,955	13,481	12,255
Depreciation on rental equipment	121,948	102,966	86,781
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,094	1,555	1,388
Amortization of intangible assets	'	66	362
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	231	'	'
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	3,194	3,480	3,182
Provision for inventory obsolescence	220	126	210
Provision for deferred income taxes	16,702	12,973	2,697
Stock-based compensation expense	2,618	1,862	1,327
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	10,180	'
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	-2,549	-1,592	-793
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net	-38,575	-29,559	-18,788
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	877	1,944	'
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables, net	6,503	-39,808	-9,382
Inventories, net	-67,754	-43,137	-21,561
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-815	16	3,457
Accounts payable	31,659	-26,886	4,569
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	-1,777	-7,479	-16,740
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	3,916	12,032	2,491
Deferred compensation payable	65	-33	4
Net cash provided by operating activities	138,652	41,023	60,385
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-29,479	-37,361	-18,433
Purchases of rental equipment	-267,465	-268,229	-127,235
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,759	2,058	1,382
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	114,595	90,542	63,358
Net cash used in investing activities	-179,590	-212,990	-80,928
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	307	293	257
Purchases of treasury stock	-890	-694	-554
Dividends paid	-855	-244,381	'
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes	'	-257,576	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	107,250	520,725	'
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility	1,058,990	1,032,285	557,884
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-1,114,249	-890,621	-541,829
Payments of deferred financing cost	-733	-3,227	'
Payments on capital lease obligations	-169	-158	-149
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,651	156,646	15,609
Net decrease in cash	8,713	-15,321	-4,934
Cash, beginning of year	8,894	24,215	29,149
Cash, end of year	17,607	8,894	24,215
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	44,140	28,836	8,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	14,871	11,580	10,498
Depreciation on rental equipment	100,627	83,219	68,327
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,094	1,555	1,388
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	231	'	'
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	2,568	'	2,172
Provision for inventory obsolescence	220	126	210
Provision for deferred income taxes	16,702	12,973	2,697
Stock-based compensation expense	2,618	1,862	1,327
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	10,180	'
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	-2,220	-1,216	-384
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net	-32,235	-24,123	-16,002
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	876	1,944	'
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	-2,497	181	6,633
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables, net	8,252	-31,505	-8,383
Inventories, net	-62,300	-40,310	-20,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-744	-9	3,381
Accounts payable	26,000	-24,308	3,613
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	-1,327	-7,860	-16,633
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	3,917	12,363	2,890
Deferred compensation payable	65	-33	4
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,858	35,455	50,164
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-26,576	-34,181	-15,757
Purchases of rental equipment	-229,952	-224,802	-106,490
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,363	1,574	923
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	95,378	70,926	50,177
Investment in subsidiaries	-3,201	-21,097	291
Net cash used in investing activities	-161,988	-207,580	-70,856
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	307	293	257
Purchases of treasury stock	-890	-694	-554
Dividends paid	-832	-244,381	'
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes	'	-257,576	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	107,250	520,725	'
Borrowing on senior secured credit facility	1,058,990	1,032,285	557,884
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-1,114,249	-890,621	-541,829
Payments of deferred financing cost	-733	-3,227	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	49,843	156,804	15,758
Net decrease in cash	8,713	-15,321	-4,934
Cash, beginning of year	8,894	24,215	29,149
Cash, end of year	17,607	8,894	24,215
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	2,497	-181	-6,633
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	2,084	1,901	1,757
Depreciation on rental equipment	21,321	19,747	18,454
Amortization of intangible assets	'	66	362
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	626	3,480	1,010
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net	-329	-376	-409
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net	-6,340	-5,436	-2,786
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables, net	-1,749	-8,303	-999
Inventories, net	-5,454	-2,827	-1,061
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-71	25	76
Accounts payable	5,659	-2,578	956
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	-450	381	-107
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	'	-331	-399
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,794	5,568	10,221
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-2,903	-3,180	-2,676
Purchases of rental equipment	-37,513	-43,427	-20,745
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	396	484	459
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	19,217	19,616	13,181
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,803	-26,507	-9,781
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-23	'	'
Payments on capital lease obligations	-169	-158	-149
Capital contributions	3,201	21,097	-291
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,009	20,939	-440
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	-2,497	181	6,633
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	2,497	-181	-6,633
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	3,201	21,097	-291
Net cash used in investing activities	3,201	21,097	-291
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Capital contributions	-3,201	-21,097	291
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	($3,201)	($21,097)	$291

Recovered_Sheet5

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$5,211	$6,442	$7,109
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,414	3,606	3,392
Recoveries (Deductions)	-4,327	-4,837	-4,059
Balance at End of Year	4,298	5,211	6,442
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	4,593	5,581	6,004
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,194	3,480	3,182
Recoveries (Deductions)	-4,136	-4,468	-3,605
Balance at End of Year	3,651	4,593	5,581
Allowance for inventory obsolescence [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	618	861	1,105
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	220	126	210
Recoveries (Deductions)	-191	-369	-454
Balance at End of Year	$647	$618	$861