H&E Equipment Services (HEES) 10-Q 31 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 24, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'HEES	'
Entity Registrant Name	'H&E Equipment Services, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001339605	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	35,209,010

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash	$6,090	$17,607
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,193 and $3,651, respectively	144,536	131,970
Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence of $623 and $647, respectively	150,704	111,640
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,805	6,024
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $325,610 and $309,944, respectively	784,896	688,710
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $82,220 and $75,994, respectively	99,236	98,503
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $10,674 and $10,176, respectively	4,986	4,689
Goodwill	31,197	31,197
Total assets	1,230,450	1,090,340
Liabilities:	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	172,768	102,460
Accounts payable	95,198	67,779
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	52,142	49,062
Dividends payable	0	633
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	57,414	54,439
Senior unsecured notes (net of unaccreted discount of $1,370 and $1,454, respectively)	628,630	628,546
Capital leases payable	2,190	2,278
Deferred income taxes	100,540	88,291
Deferred compensation payable	2,073	2,040
Total liabilities	1,110,955	995,528
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 39,033,974 and 39,023,594 shares issued at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and 35,209,415 and 35,200,398 shares outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	390	389
Additional paid-in capital	217,370	215,775
Treasury stock at cost, 3,824,559 and 3,823,196 shares of common stock held at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-58,468	-58,468
Retained deficit	-39,797	-62,884
Total stockholders' equity	119,495	94,812
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,230,450	$1,090,340

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$3,193	$3,651
Reserves for obsolescence inventories	623	647
Accumulated depreciation, rental equipment	325,610	309,944
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, property and equipment	82,220	75,994
Accumulated amortization, deferred financing costs	10,674	10,176
Unaccreted discount, net	$1,370	$1,454
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	39,033,974	39,023,594
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,209,415	35,200,398
Treasury stock, shares	3,824,559	3,823,196

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	$98,814	$83,728	$185,038	$159,098
New equipment sales	90,581	73,436	160,128	126,759
Used equipment sales	31,397	34,661	60,742	66,810
Parts sales	28,371	26,448	54,173	51,400
Services revenues	16,102	13,770	29,750	28,321
Other	15,113	13,297	27,776	25,340
Total revenues	280,378	245,340	517,607	457,728
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	35,449	30,020	68,447	58,152
Rental expense	15,581	14,248	29,805	27,851
New equipment sales	79,413	65,055	141,147	112,794
Used equipment sales	21,056	24,172	41,474	46,920
Parts sales	20,041	19,233	38,323	37,537
Services revenues	5,767	5,057	10,508	10,800
Other	14,003	12,143	26,051	23,782
Total cost of revenues	191,310	169,928	355,755	317,836
Gross profit	89,068	75,412	161,852	139,892
Selling, general and administrative expenses	51,883	47,106	100,739	93,370
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	757	606	1,420	1,106
Income from operations	37,942	28,912	62,533	47,628
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-12,922	-13,085	-25,572	-25,357
Other, net	344	201	650	708
Total other expense, net	-12,578	-12,884	-24,922	-24,649
Income before income taxes	25,364	16,028	37,611	22,979
Provision for income taxes	9,638	5,219	14,449	7,393
Net income	$15,726	$10,809	$23,162	$15,586
Net income per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.45	$0.31	$0.66	$0.45
Diluted	$0.45	$0.31	$0.66	$0.44
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	35,111	34,988	35,110	34,982
Diluted	35,235	35,122	35,227	35,109

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$23,162	$15,586
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	9,718	8,077
Depreciation on rental equipment	68,447	58,152
Amortization of deferred financing costs	497	557
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	84	147
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	1,374	1,573
Provision for inventory obsolescence	63	94
Increase in deferred income taxes	12,249	3,058
Stock-based compensation expense	1,619	1,604
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	-1,420	-1,106
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net	-18,172	-18,179
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	'	439
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	-13,940	6,164
Inventories	-76,555	-94,625
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,781	-3,268
Accounts payable	27,420	40,685
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	3,080	5,531
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	2,975	4,306
Deferred compensation payable	33	33
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,853	28,828
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-10,572	-12,332
Purchases of rental equipment	-161,579	-121,010
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	1,541	1,191
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	52,546	50,002
Net cash used in investing activities	-118,064	-82,149
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	-410
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	-24	227
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	590,249	533,898
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-519,941	-591,101
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	'	107,250
Payments of deferred financing costs	-794	-735
Dividends paid	-708	-398
Payments of capital lease obligations	-88	-83
Net cash provided by financing activities	68,694	48,648
Net decrease in cash	-11,517	-4,673
Cash, beginning of period	17,607	8,894
Cash, end of period	6,090	4,221
Noncash asset purchases:	'	'
Assets transferred from new and used inventory to rental fleet	37,428	32,282
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	24,968	23,699
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$2,634	$1,212

Organization_and_Nature_of_Ope

Organization and Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Nature of Operations	'
	-1	Organization and Nature of Operations
	Basis of Presentation
	Our condensed 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.”
	The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of all normal and recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014, and therefore, the results and trends in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements may not be the same for the entire year. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, from which the consolidated balance sheet amounts as of December 31, 2013 were derived.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in these condensed consolidated financial statements. Business combinations accounted for as purchases are included in the condensed 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.
	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 service operations.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2)	Significant Accounting Policies
	We describe our significant accounting policies in note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. During the six month period ended June 30, 2014, there were no significant changes to those accounting policies.
	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.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”) which amended the FASB’s guidance for reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity under Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 250-20. The guidance as amended by ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation by requiring that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale be reported as such. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements regarding the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations and add new disclosure requirements for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim reporting periods within those years (early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been previously reported). The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, entities will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These judgments and estimates may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification, and further permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance will be effective for the Company for our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This ASU further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	-3	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 condensed 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
			June 30, 2014
			Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25%		$	52,142	$	46,021
	(Level 3)
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0%(1) (Level 1)			630,000		696,150
	Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,190		1,594
	Letter of credit (Level 3)			—		130
			December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25%		$	49,062	$	42,686
	(Level 3)
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0%(1) (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
	-1	– Amounts shown based on aggregate amounts outstanding for the periods presented.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	-4	Stockholders’ Equity
	The following table summarizes the activity in Stockholders’ Equity for the six month period ended June 30, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except share data):
			Common Stock
			Shares		Amount		Additional			Treasury			Retained			Total
			Issued				Paid-in			Stock			Earnings			Stockholders’
							Capital						(Deficit)			Equity
	Balances at December 31, 2013			39,023,594	$	389	$	215,775		$	(58,468	)	$	(62,884	)	$	94,812
	Stock-based compensation			—		—		1,619			—			—			1,619
	Cash dividend on common stock ($7.00 per share)			—		—		—			—			(75	)		(75	)
	Excess tax deficiency from stock-based awards			—		—		(24	)								(24	)
	Issuance of common stock			10,380		1		—			—			—			1
	Net income			—		—		—			—			23,162			23,162
	Balances at June 30, 2014			39,033,974	$	390	$	217,370		$	(58,468	)	$	(39,797	)	$	119,495

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	-5	Stock-Based Compensation
	We account for our stock-based compensation plan using the fair value recognition provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 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). Shares available for future stock-based payment awards under our 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan were 3,604,046 shares as of June 30, 2014.
	Non-vested Stock
	The following table summarizes our non-vested stock activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
			Number			Weighted
			of Shares			Average Grant
						Date Fair Value
	Non-vested stock at December 31, 2013			187,867		$	18.21
	Granted			10,380		$	28.91
	Vested			(10,380	)	$	28.91
	Forfeited			(1,363	)	$	18.72
	Non-vested stock at June 30, 2014			186,504		$	18.2
	As of June 30, 2014, we had unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $1.7 million related to non-vested stock that we expect to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years. The following table summarizes compensation expense related to non-vested stock, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
			For the Three					For the Six
			Months Ended					Months Ended
			June 30,					June 30,
			2014			2013		2014		2013
	Compensation expense		$	811		$	665	$	1,619	$	1,604
	Stock Options
	At June 30, 2014, there is no unrecognized compensation expense as all stock option awards have fully vested. The following table represents stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
			Number of			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Shares			Exercise Price		Contractual Life
								In Years
	Outstanding options at December 31, 2013			51,000		$	17.8
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			—			—
	Canceled, forfeited or expired			—			—
	Outstanding options at June 30, 2014			51,000		$	17.8		2
	Options exercisable at June 30, 2014			51,000		$	17.8		2
	The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding and exercisable options at June 30, 2014 was approximately $1.9 million.

Income_per_Share

Income per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income per Share	'
	-6	Income per Share
	Income per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 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 three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Basic net income per share:
	Net income		$	15,726	$	10,809	$	23,162	$	15,586
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding			35,111		34,988		35,110		34,982
	Net income per share of common stock – basic		$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.66	$	0.45
	Diluted net income per share:
	Net income		$	15,726	$	10,809	$	23,162	$	15,586
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding			35,111		34,988		35,110		34,982
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Effect of dilutive stock options			24		35		23		35
	Effect of dilutive non-vested restricted stock			100		99		94		92
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – diluted			35,235		35,122		35,227		35,109
	Net income per share of common stock – diluted		$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.66	$	0.44
	Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:
	Stock options			—		—		—		—
	Non-vested restricted stock			—		—		—		—

Senior_Unsecured_Notes

Senior Unsecured Notes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Senior Unsecured Notes	'
	-7	Senior Unsecured Notes
	The following table reconciles our Senior Secured Notes to our condensed consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
	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
	Accretion of discount through June 30, 2014			527
	Amortization of note premium through June 30, 2014			(443	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014		$	628,630

Senior_Secured_Credit_Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Senior Secured Credit Facility	'
	-8	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	We and our subsidiaries are parties to a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with General Electric Capital Corporation as agent, and the lenders named therein.
	On May 21, 2014, we amended, extended and restated our existing $402.5 million senior secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation by entering into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, the other credit parties named therein, the lenders named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A. as co-syndication agent and documentation agent, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as co-syndication agent and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among other things, (i) extends the maturity date of the credit facility from February 29, 2017 to May 21, 2019, (ii) increases the uncommitted incremental revolving capacity from $130 million to $150 million, (iii) permits a like-kind exchange program under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (iv) provides that the unused commitment fee margin will be either 0.50%, 0.375% or 0.25%, 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, (v) lowers the interest rate (a) in the case of index rate revolving loans, to the index rate plus an applicable margin of 0.75% to 1.25% depending on the leverage ratio and (b) in the case of LIBOR revolving loans, to LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 1.75% to 2.25%, depending on the leverage ratio, (vi) lowers the margin applicable to the letter of credit fee to between 1.75% and 2.25%, depending on the leverage ratio, and (vii) permits, under certain conditions, for the payment of dividends and/or stock repurchases or redemptions on the capital stock of the Company of up to $75 million per calendar year and further additionally permits the payment of the special cash dividend of $7.00 per share previously declared by the Company on August 20, 2012 to the holders of outstanding restricted stock of the Company following the declared payment date with such permission not tied to the vesting of such restricted stock (which includes the Company’s payment in June 2014 of all amounts that remained payable to the holders of the restricted stock of the Company with respect to such special dividend that was otherwise payable following the applicable vesting dates in May and July 2014 and 2015).
	At June 30, 2014, the interest rate on the Credit Facility was based on LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The weighted average interest rate at June 30, 2014 was approximately 2.5%. At June 30, 2014, we had $223.2 million of available borrowings under our Credit Facility, net of $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	-9	Segment Information
	We have identified five reportable segments: equipment rentals, new equipment sales, used equipment sales, parts sales and services 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 reportable segments.
	We do not compile discrete financial information by segments other than the information presented below. The following table presents information about our reportable segments (amounts in thousands):
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			June 30,				June 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals		$	98,814	$	83,728	$	185,038	$	159,098
	New equipment sales			90,581		73,436		160,128		126,759
	Used equipment sales			31,397		34,661		60,742		66,810
	Parts sales			28,371		26,448		54,173		51,400
	Services revenues			16,102		13,770		29,750		28,321
	Total segmented revenues			265,265		232,043		489,831		432,388
	Non-segmented revenues			15,113		13,297		27,776		25,340
	Total revenues		$	280,378	$	245,340	$	517,607	$	457,728
	Gross Profit:
	Equipment rentals		$	47,784	$	39,460	$	86,786	$	73,095
	New equipment sales			11,168		8,381		18,981		13,965
	Used equipment sales			10,341		10,489		19,268		19,890
	Parts sales			8,330		7,215		15,850		13,863
	Services revenues			10,335		8,713		19,242		17,521
	Total segmented gross profit			87,958		74,258		160,127		138,334
	Non-segmented gross profit			1,110		1,154		1,725		1,558
	Total gross profit		$	89,068	$	75,412	$	161,852	$	139,892
			Balances at
			June 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Segment identified assets:
	Equipment sales		$	130,800	$	95,392
	Equipment rentals			784,896		688,710
	Parts and services			19,904		16,248
	Total segment identified assets			935,600		800,350
	Non-segment identified assets			294,850		289,990
	Total assets		$	1,230,450	$	1,090,340
	The Company operates primarily in the United States and our sales to international customers for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 were 1.5% and 1.6%, respectively, of total revenues compared to 0.7% and 1.2% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on an overall or segment basis for any of the periods presented.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	-10	Condensed 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 June 30, 2014
			H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
			Services			Subsidiaries
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash		$	6,090		$	—		$	—		$	6,090
	Receivables, net			124,738			19,798			—			144,536
	Inventories, net			136,967			13,737			—			150,704
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			8,600			205			—			8,805
	Rental equipment, net			664,076			120,820			—			784,896
	Property and equipment, net			86,754			12,482			—			99,236
	Deferred financing costs, net			4,986			—			—			4,986
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries			186,443			—			(186,443	)		—
	Goodwill			1,671			29,526			—			31,197
	Total assets		$	1,220,325		$	196,568		$	(186,443	)	$	1,230,450
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amounts due on senior secured credit facility		$	172,768		$	—		$	—		$	172,768
	Accounts payable			87,916			7,282			—			95,198
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable			52,142			—			—			52,142
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			56,738			676			—			57,414
	Dividends payable			23			(23	)		—			—
	Senior unsecured notes			628,630			—			—			628,630
	Capital lease payable			—			2,190			—			2,190
	Deferred income taxes			100,540			—			—			100,540
	Deferred compensation payable			2,073			—			—			2,073
	Total liabilities			1,100,830			10,125			—			1,110,955
	Stockholders’ equity			119,495			186,443			(186,443	)		119,495
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,220,325		$	196,568		$	(186,443	)	$	1,230,450
	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
	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 STATEMENT OF INCOME
			Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	83,728		$	15,086		$	—		$	98,814
New equipment sales			80,760			9,821			—			90,581
Used equipment sales			26,062			5,335			—			31,397
Parts sales			24,549			3,822			—			28,371
Services revenues			13,856			2,246			—			16,102
Other			12,600			2,513			—			15,113
Total revenues			241,555			38,823			—			280,378
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			30,038			5,411						35,449
Rental expense			13,012			2,569			—			15,581
New equipment sales			70,633			8,780			—			79,413
Used equipment sales			17,479			3,577			—			21,056
Parts sales			17,376			2,665			—			20,041
Services revenues			4,942			825			—			5,767
Other			11,526			2,477			—			14,003
Total cost of revenues			165,006			26,304			—			191,310
Gross profit:
Equipment rentals			40,678			7,106			—			47,784
New equipment sales			10,127			1,041			—			11,168
Used equipment sales			8,583			1,758			—			10,341
Parts sales			7,173			1,157			—			8,330
Services revenues			8,914			1,421			—			10,335
Other			1,074			36			—			1,110
Gross profit			76,549			12,519			—			89,068
Selling, general and administrative expenses			43,695			8,188			—			51,883
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			1,613			—			(1,613	)		—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			642			115			—			757
Income from operations			35,109			4,446			(1,613	)		37,942
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(10,034	)		(2,888	)		—			(12,922	)
Other, net			289			55			—			344
Total other expense, net			(9,745	)		(2,833	)		—			(12,578	)
Income before income taxes			25,364			1,613			(1,613	)		25,364
Income tax expense			9,638			—			—			9,638
Net income		$	15,726		$	1,613		$	(1,613	)	$	15,726
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	69,370		$	14,358		$	—		$	83,728
New equipment sales			66,481			6,955			—			73,436
Used equipment sales			30,227			4,434			—			34,661
Parts sales			22,631			3,817			—			26,448
Services revenues			11,845			1,925			—			13,770
Other			10,995			2,302			—			13,297
Total revenues			211,549			33,791			—			245,340
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			24,684			5,336			—			30,020
Rental expense			11,613			2,635			—			14,248
New equipment sales			58,780			6,275			—			65,055
Used equipment sales			21,163			3,009			—			24,172
Parts sales			16,491			2,742			—			19,233
Services revenues			4,365			692			—			5,057
Other			9,835			2,308			—			12,143
Total cost of revenues			146,931			22,997			—			169,928
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			33,073			6,387			—			39,460
New equipment sales			7,701			680			—			8,381
Used equipment sales			9,064			1,425			—			10,489
Parts sales			6,140			1,075			—			7,215
Services revenues			7,480			1,233			—			8,713
Other			1,160			(6	)		—			1,154
Gross profit			64,618			10,794			—			75,412
Selling, general and administrative expenses			39,301			7,805			—			47,106
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			417			—			(417	)		—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			521			85			—			606
Income from operations			26,255			3,074			(417	)		28,912
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(10,414	)		(2,671	)		—			(13,085	)
Other, net			187			14			—			201
Total other expense, net			(10,227	)		(2,657	)		—			(12,884	)
Income before income taxes			16,028			417			(417	)		16,028
Income tax expense			5,219			—			—			5,219
Net income		$	10,809		$	417		$	(417	)	$	10,809
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	157,173		$	27,865		$	—		$	185,038
New equipment sales			141,811			18,317			—			160,128
Used equipment sales			47,636			13,106			—			60,742
Parts sales			46,947			7,226			—			54,173
Services revenues			25,427			4,323			—			29,750
Other			23,136			4,640			—			27,776
Total revenues			442,130			75,477			—			517,607
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			57,823			10,624			—			68,447
Rental expense			24,951			4,854			—			29,805
New equipment sales			124,759			16,388			—			141,147
Used equipment sales			31,968			9,506			—			41,474
Parts sales			33,288			5,035			—			38,323
Services revenues			8,918			1,590			—			10,508
Other			21,379			4,672			—			26,051
Total cost of revenues			303,086			52,669			—			355,755
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			74,399			12,387			—			86,786
New equipment sales			17,052			1,929			—			18,981
Used equipment sales			15,668			3,600			—			19,268
Parts sales			13,659			2,191			—			15,850
Services revenues			16,509			2,733			—			19,242
Other			1,757			(32	)		—			1,725
Gross profit			139,044			22,808			—			161,852
Selling, general and administrative expenses			84,970			15,769			—			100,739
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			1,813			—			(1,813	)		—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			1,155			265			—			1,420
Income from operations			57,042			7,304			(1,813	)		62,533
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(19,985	)		(5,587	)		—			(25,572	)
Other, net			554			96			—			650
Total other expense, net			(19,431	)		(5,491	)		—			(24,922	)
Income before income taxes			37,611			1,813			(1,813	)		37,611
Income tax expense			14,449			—			—			14,449
Net income		$	23,162		$	1,813		$	(1,813	)	$	23,162
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals		$	132,279		$	26,819		$	—		$	159,098
New equipment sales			113,753			13,006			—			126,759
Used equipment sales			55,753			11,057			—			66,810
Parts sales			43,946			7,454			—			51,400
Services revenues			24,613			3,708			—			28,321
Other			20,932			4,408			—			25,340
Total revenues			391,276			66,452			—			457,728
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation			47,707			10,445			—			58,152
Rental expense			22,891			4,960			—			27,851
New equipment sales			101,174			11,620			—			112,794
Used equipment sales			38,820			8,100			—			46,920
Parts sales			32,158			5,379			—			37,537
Services revenues			9,506			1,294			—			10,800
Other			19,257			4,525			—			23,782
Total cost of revenues			271,513			46,323			—			317,836
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals			61,681			11,414			—			73,095
New equipment sales			12,579			1,386			—			13,965
Used equipment sales			16,933			2,957			—			19,890
Parts sales			11,788			2,075			—			13,863
Services revenues			15,107			2,414			—			17,521
Other			1,675			(117	)		—			1,558
Gross profit			119,763			20,129			—			139,892
Selling, general and administrative expenses			77,782			15,588			—			93,370
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			(399	)		—			399			—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			947			159			—			1,106
Income from operations			42,529			4,700			399			47,628
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(20,217	)		(5,140	)		—			(25,357	)
Other, net			667			41			—			708
Total other expense, net			(19,550	)		(5,099	)		—			(24,649	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			22,979			(399	)		399			22,979
Income tax expense			7,393			—			—			7,393
Net income (loss)		$	15,586		$	(399	)	$	399		$	15,586
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	23,162		$	1,813		$	(1,813	)	$	23,162
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment			8,547			1,171			—			9,718
Depreciation on rental equipment			57,823			10,624			—			68,447
Amortization of deferred financing costs			497			—			—			497
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization			84			—			—			84
Provision for losses on accounts receivable			1,157			217			—			1,374
Provision for inventory obsolescence			63			—			—			63
Increase in deferred income taxes			12,249			—			—			12,249
Stock-based compensation expense			1,619			—			—			1,619
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			(1,155	)		(265	)		—			(1,420	)
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net			(14,627	)		(3,545	)		—			(18,172	)
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries			(1,813	)		—			1,813			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables			(11,370	)		(2,570	)		—			(13,940	)
Inventories			(67,639	)		(8,916	)		—			(76,555	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(2,747	)		(34	)		—			(2,781	)
Accounts payable			27,130			290			—			27,420
Manufacturer flooring plans payable			3,080			—			—			3,080
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			2,672			303			—			2,975
Deferred compensation payable			33			—			—			33
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			38,765			(912	)		—			37,853
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(9,596	)		(976	)		—			(10,572	)
Purchases of rental equipment			(132,476	)		(29,103	)		—			(161,579	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			1,276			265			—			1,541
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment			40,659			11,887			—			52,546
Investment in subsidiaries			(18,927	)		—			18,927			—
Net cash used in investing activities			(119,064	)		(17,927	)		18,927			(118,064	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax deficiency from stock-based awards			(24	)		—			—			(24	)
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility			590,249			—			—			590,249
Payments on senior secured credit facility			(519,941	)		—			—			(519,941	)
Payments of deferred financing costs			(794	)		—			—			(794	)
Dividends paid			(708	)		—			—			(708	)
Payments on capital lease obligations			—			(88	)		—			(88	)
Capital contributions			—			18,927			(18,927	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities			68,782			18,839			(18,927	)		68,694
Net decrease in cash			(11,517	)		—			—			(11,517	)
Cash, beginning of period			17,607			—			—			17,607
Cash, end of period		$	6,090		$	—		$	—		$	6,090
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	15,586		$	(399	)	$	399		$	15,586
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment			7,083			994			—			8,077
Depreciation on rental equipment			47,707			10,445			—			58,152
Amortization of deferred financing costs			557			—			—			557
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization			147			—			—			147
Provision for losses on accounts receivable			1,175			398			—			1,573
Provision for inventory obsolescence			94			—			—			94
Increase in deferred income taxes			3,058			—			—			3,058
Stock-based compensation expense			1,604			—			—			1,604
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net			(947	)		(159	)		—			(1,106	)
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net			(15,237	)		(2,942	)		—			(18,179	)
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill			439			—			—			439
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries			399			—			(399	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables			6,551			(387	)		—			6,164
Inventories			(88,421	)		(6,204	)		—			(94,625	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(3,223	)		(45	)		—			(3,268	)
Accounts payable			36,999			3,686			—			40,685
Manufacturer flooring plans payable			5,979			(448	)		—			5,531
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities			3,838			468			—			4,306
Deferred compensation payable			33			—			—			33
Net cash provided by operating activities			23,421			5,407			—			28,828
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(11,532	)		(800	)		—			(12,332	)
Purchases of rental equipment			(101,801	)		(19,209	)		—			(121,010	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			979			212			—			1,191
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment			41,368			8,634			—			50,002
Investment in subsidiaries			(5,848	)		—			5,848			—
Net cash used in investing activities			(76,834	)		(11,163	)		5,848			(82,149	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock			(410	)		—			—			(410	)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards			227			—			—			227
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility			533,898			—			—			533,898
Payments on senior secured credit facility			(591,101	)		—			—			(591,101	)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes			107,250			—			—			107,250
Payments of deferred financing costs			(735	)		—			—			(735	)
Dividends paid			(389	)		(9	)		—			(398	)
Payments on capital lease obligations			—			(83	)		—			(83	)
Capital contributions			—			5,848			(5,848	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities			48,740			5,756			(5,848	)		48,648
Net decrease in cash			(4,673	)		—			—			(4,673	)
Cash, beginning of period			8,894			—			—			8,894
Cash, end of period		$	4,221		$	—		$	—		$	4,221

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”) which amended the FASB’s guidance for reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity under Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 250-20. The guidance as amended by ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation by requiring that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale be reported as such. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements regarding the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations and add new disclosure requirements for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim reporting periods within those years (early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been previously reported). The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, entities will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These judgments and estimates may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 also requires an entity to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information surrounding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification, and further permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance will be effective for the Company for our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This ASU further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Stock Compensation	'
	We account for our stock-based compensation plan using the fair value recognition provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 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). Shares available for future stock-based payment awards under our 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan were 3,604,046 shares as of June 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
			June 30, 2014
			Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25%		$	52,142	$	46,021
	(Level 3)
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0%(1) (Level 1)			630,000		696,150
	Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)			2,190		1,594
	Letter of credit (Level 3)			—		130
			December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25%		$	49,062	$	42,686
	(Level 3)
	Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 7.0%(1) (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
	-1	– Amounts shown based on aggregate amounts outstanding for the periods presented.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity in Stockholders' Equity	'
	The following table summarizes the activity in Stockholders’ Equity for the six month period ended June 30, 2014 (amounts in thousands, except share data):
		Common Stock
		Shares		Amount		Additional			Treasury			Retained			Total
		Issued				Paid-in			Stock			Earnings			Stockholders’
						Capital						(Deficit)			Equity
	Balances at December 31, 2013		39,023,594	$	389	$	215,775		$	(58,468	)	$	(62,884	)	$	94,812
	Stock-based compensation		—		—		1,619			—			—			1,619
	Cash dividend on common stock ($7.00 per share)		—		—		—			—			(75	)		(75	)
	Excess tax deficiency from stock-based awards		—		—		(24	)								(24	)
	Issuance of common stock		10,380		1		—			—			—			1
	Net income		—		—		—			—			23,162			23,162
	Balances at June 30, 2014		39,033,974	$	390	$	217,370		$	(58,468	)	$	(39,797	)	$	119,495

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity	'
	The following table summarizes our non-vested stock activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Number			Weighted
		of Shares			Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Non-vested stock at December 31, 2013		187,867		$	18.21
	Granted		10,380		$	28.91
	Vested		(10,380	)	$	28.91
	Forfeited		(1,363	)	$	18.72
	Non-vested stock at June 30, 2014		186,504		$	18.2
Schedule of Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Stock	'
	The following table summarizes compensation expense related to non-vested stock, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		For the Three					For the Six
		Months Ended					Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Compensation expense	$	811		$	665	$	1,619	$	1,604
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table represents stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
		Shares			Exercise Price		Contractual Life
							In Years
	Outstanding options at December 31, 2013		51,000		$	17.8
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Canceled, forfeited or expired		—			—
	Outstanding options at June 30, 2014		51,000		$	17.8		2
	Options exercisable at June 30, 2014		51,000		$	17.8		2

Income_per_Share_Tables

Income per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
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 three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Basic net income per share:
	Net income	$	15,726	$	10,809	$	23,162	$	15,586
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding		35,111		34,988		35,110		34,982
	Net income per share of common stock – basic	$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.66	$	0.45
	Diluted net income per share:
	Net income	$	15,726	$	10,809	$	23,162	$	15,586
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding		35,111		34,988		35,110		34,982
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Effect of dilutive stock options		24		35		23		35
	Effect of dilutive non-vested restricted stock		100		99		94		92
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – diluted		35,235		35,122		35,227		35,109
	Net income per share of common stock – diluted	$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.66	$	0.44
	Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:
	Stock options		—		—		—		—
	Non-vested restricted stock		—		—		—		—

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_Tables

Senior Unsecured Notes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Senior Secured Notes to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	The following table reconciles our Senior Secured Notes to our condensed consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
	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
	Accretion of discount through June 30, 2014		527
	Amortization of note premium through June 30, 2014		(443	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	628,630

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	98,814	$	83,728	$	185,038	$	159,098
	New equipment sales		90,581		73,436		160,128		126,759
	Used equipment sales		31,397		34,661		60,742		66,810
	Parts sales		28,371		26,448		54,173		51,400
	Services revenues		16,102		13,770		29,750		28,321
	Total segmented revenues		265,265		232,043		489,831		432,388
	Non-segmented revenues		15,113		13,297		27,776		25,340
	Total revenues	$	280,378	$	245,340	$	517,607	$	457,728
	Gross Profit:
	Equipment rentals	$	47,784	$	39,460	$	86,786	$	73,095
	New equipment sales		11,168		8,381		18,981		13,965
	Used equipment sales		10,341		10,489		19,268		19,890
	Parts sales		8,330		7,215		15,850		13,863
	Services revenues		10,335		8,713		19,242		17,521
	Total segmented gross profit		87,958		74,258		160,127		138,334
	Non-segmented gross profit		1,110		1,154		1,725		1,558
	Total gross profit	$	89,068	$	75,412	$	161,852	$	139,892
		Balances at
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Segment identified assets:
	Equipment sales	$	130,800	$	95,392
	Equipment rentals		784,896		688,710
	Parts and services		19,904		16,248
	Total segment identified assets		935,600		800,350
	Non-segment identified assets		294,850		289,990
	Total assets	$	1,230,450	$	1,090,340

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
		As of June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash	$	6,090		$	—		$	—		$	6,090
	Receivables, net		124,738			19,798			—			144,536
	Inventories, net		136,967			13,737			—			150,704
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		8,600			205			—			8,805
	Rental equipment, net		664,076			120,820			—			784,896
	Property and equipment, net		86,754			12,482			—			99,236
	Deferred financing costs, net		4,986			—			—			4,986
	Investment in guarantor subsidiaries		186,443			—			(186,443	)		—
	Goodwill		1,671			29,526			—			31,197
	Total assets	$	1,220,325		$	196,568		$	(186,443	)	$	1,230,450
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	$	172,768		$	—		$	—		$	172,768
	Accounts payable		87,916			7,282			—			95,198
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable		52,142			—			—			52,142
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		56,738			676			—			57,414
	Dividends payable		23			(23	)		—			—
	Senior unsecured notes		628,630			—			—			628,630
	Capital lease payable		—			2,190			—			2,190
	Deferred income taxes		100,540			—			—			100,540
	Deferred compensation payable		2,073			—			—			2,073
	Total liabilities		1,100,830			10,125			—			1,110,955
	Stockholders’ equity		119,495			186,443			(186,443	)		119,495
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,220,325		$	196,568		$	(186,443	)	$	1,230,450
	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
	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 Statement of Income	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	83,728		$	15,086		$	—		$	98,814
	New equipment sales		80,760			9,821			—			90,581
	Used equipment sales		26,062			5,335			—			31,397
	Parts sales		24,549			3,822			—			28,371
	Services revenues		13,856			2,246			—			16,102
	Other		12,600			2,513			—			15,113
	Total revenues		241,555			38,823			—			280,378
	Cost of revenues:
	Rental depreciation		30,038			5,411						35,449
	Rental expense		13,012			2,569			—			15,581
	New equipment sales		70,633			8,780			—			79,413
	Used equipment sales		17,479			3,577			—			21,056
	Parts sales		17,376			2,665			—			20,041
	Services revenues		4,942			825			—			5,767
	Other		11,526			2,477			—			14,003
	Total cost of revenues		165,006			26,304			—			191,310
	Gross profit:
	Equipment rentals		40,678			7,106			—			47,784
	New equipment sales		10,127			1,041			—			11,168
	Used equipment sales		8,583			1,758			—			10,341
	Parts sales		7,173			1,157			—			8,330
	Services revenues		8,914			1,421			—			10,335
	Other		1,074			36			—			1,110
	Gross profit		76,549			12,519			—			89,068
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		43,695			8,188			—			51,883
	Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		1,613			—			(1,613	)		—
	Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		642			115			—			757
	Income from operations		35,109			4,446			(1,613	)		37,942
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(10,034	)		(2,888	)		—			(12,922	)
	Other, net		289			55			—			344
	Total other expense, net		(9,745	)		(2,833	)		—			(12,578	)
	Income before income taxes		25,364			1,613			(1,613	)		25,364
	Income tax expense		9,638			—			—			9,638
	Net income	$	15,726		$	1,613		$	(1,613	)	$	15,726
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Equipment rentals	$	69,370		$	14,358		$	—		$	83,728
	New equipment sales		66,481			6,955			—			73,436
	Used equipment sales		30,227			4,434			—			34,661
	Parts sales		22,631			3,817			—			26,448
	Services revenues		11,845			1,925			—			13,770
	Other		10,995			2,302			—			13,297
	Total revenues		211,549			33,791			—			245,340
	Cost of revenues:
	Rental depreciation		24,684			5,336			—			30,020
	Rental expense		11,613			2,635			—			14,248
	New equipment sales		58,780			6,275			—			65,055
	Used equipment sales		21,163			3,009			—			24,172
	Parts sales		16,491			2,742			—			19,233
	Services revenues		4,365			692			—			5,057
	Other		9,835			2,308			—			12,143
	Total cost of revenues		146,931			22,997			—			169,928
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals		33,073			6,387			—			39,460
New equipment sales		7,701			680			—			8,381
Used equipment sales		9,064			1,425			—			10,489
Parts sales		6,140			1,075			—			7,215
Services revenues		7,480			1,233			—			8,713
Other		1,160			(6	)		—			1,154
Gross profit		64,618			10,794			—			75,412
Selling, general and administrative expenses		39,301			7,805			—			47,106
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		417			—			(417	)		—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		521			85			—			606
Income from operations		26,255			3,074			(417	)		28,912
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(10,414	)		(2,671	)		—			(13,085	)
Other, net		187			14			—			201
Total other expense, net		(10,227	)		(2,657	)		—			(12,884	)
Income before income taxes		16,028			417			(417	)		16,028
Income tax expense		5,219			—			—			5,219
Net income	$	10,809		$	417		$	(417	)	$	10,809
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Services			Subsidiaries
	(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals	$	157,173		$	27,865		$	—		$	185,038
New equipment sales		141,811			18,317			—			160,128
Used equipment sales		47,636			13,106			—			60,742
Parts sales		46,947			7,226			—			54,173
Services revenues		25,427			4,323			—			29,750
Other		23,136			4,640			—			27,776
Total revenues		442,130			75,477			—			517,607
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation		57,823			10,624			—			68,447
Rental expense		24,951			4,854			—			29,805
New equipment sales		124,759			16,388			—			141,147
Used equipment sales		31,968			9,506			—			41,474
Parts sales		33,288			5,035			—			38,323
Services revenues		8,918			1,590			—			10,508
Other		21,379			4,672			—			26,051
Total cost of revenues		303,086			52,669			—			355,755
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals		74,399			12,387			—			86,786
New equipment sales		17,052			1,929			—			18,981
Used equipment sales		15,668			3,600			—			19,268
Parts sales		13,659			2,191			—			15,850
Services revenues		16,509			2,733			—			19,242
Other		1,757			(32	)		—			1,725
Gross profit		139,044			22,808			—			161,852
Selling, general and administrative expenses		84,970			15,769			—			100,739
Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		1,813			—			(1,813	)		—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		1,155			265			—			1,420
Income from operations		57,042			7,304			(1,813	)		62,533
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(19,985	)		(5,587	)		—			(25,572	)
Other, net		554			96			—			650
Total other expense, net		(19,431	)		(5,491	)		—			(24,922	)
Income before income taxes		37,611			1,813			(1,813	)		37,611
Income tax expense		14,449			—			—			14,449
Net income	$	23,162		$	1,813		$	(1,813	)	$	23,162
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Services			Subsidiaries
	(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment rentals	$	132,279		$	26,819		$	—		$	159,098
New equipment sales		113,753			13,006			—			126,759
Used equipment sales		55,753			11,057			—			66,810
Parts sales		43,946			7,454			—			51,400
Services revenues		24,613			3,708			—			28,321
Other		20,932			4,408			—			25,340
Total revenues		391,276			66,452			—			457,728
Cost of revenues:
Rental depreciation		47,707			10,445			—			58,152
Rental expense		22,891			4,960			—			27,851
New equipment sales		101,174			11,620			—			112,794
Used equipment sales		38,820			8,100			—			46,920
Parts sales		32,158			5,379			—			37,537
Services revenues		9,506			1,294			—			10,800
Other		19,257			4,525			—			23,782
Total cost of revenues		271,513			46,323			—			317,836
Gross profit (loss):
Equipment rentals		61,681			11,414			—			73,095
New equipment sales		12,579			1,386			—			13,965
Used equipment sales		16,933			2,957			—			19,890
Parts sales		11,788			2,075			—			13,863
Services revenues		15,107			2,414			—			17,521
Other		1,675			(117	)		—			1,558
Gross profit		119,763			20,129			—			139,892
Selling, general and administrative expenses		77,782			15,588			—			93,370
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		(399	)		—			399			—
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		947			159			—			1,106
Income from operations		42,529			4,700			399			47,628
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(20,217	)		(5,140	)		—			(25,357	)
Other, net		667			41			—			708
Total other expense, net		(19,550	)		(5,099	)		—			(24,649	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		22,979			(399	)		399			22,979
Income tax expense		7,393			—			—			7,393
Net income (loss)	$	15,586		$	(399	)	$	399		$	15,586
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	23,162		$	1,813		$	(1,813	)	$	23,162
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment		8,547			1,171			—			9,718
	Depreciation on rental equipment		57,823			10,624			—			68,447
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		497			—			—			497
	Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization		84			—			—			84
	Provision for losses on accounts receivable		1,157			217			—			1,374
	Provision for inventory obsolescence		63			—			—			63
	Increase in deferred income taxes		12,249			—			—			12,249
	Stock-based compensation expense		1,619			—			—			1,619
	Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		(1,155	)		(265	)		—			(1,420	)
	Gain on sales of rental equipment, net		(14,627	)		(3,545	)		—			(18,172	)
	Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries		(1,813	)		—			1,813			—
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Receivables		(11,370	)		(2,570	)		—			(13,940	)
	Inventories		(67,639	)		(8,916	)		—			(76,555	)
	Prepaid expenses and other assets		(2,747	)		(34	)		—			(2,781	)
	Accounts payable		27,130			290			—			27,420
	Manufacturer flooring plans payable		3,080			—			—			3,080
	Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		2,672			303			—			2,975
	Deferred compensation payable		33			—			—			33
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		38,765			(912	)		—			37,853
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment		(9,596	)		(976	)		—			(10,572	)
	Purchases of rental equipment		(132,476	)		(29,103	)		—			(161,579	)
	Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		1,276			265			—			1,541
	Proceeds from sales of rental equipment		40,659			11,887			—			52,546
	Investment in subsidiaries		(18,927	)		—			18,927			—
	Net cash used in investing activities		(119,064	)		(17,927	)		18,927			(118,064	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Excess tax deficiency from stock-based awards		(24	)		—			—			(24	)
	Borrowings on senior secured credit facility		590,249			—			—			590,249
	Payments on senior secured credit facility		(519,941	)		—			—			(519,941	)
	Payments of deferred financing costs		(794	)		—			—			(794	)
	Dividends paid		(708	)		—			—			(708	)
	Payments on capital lease obligations		—			(88	)		—			(88	)
	Capital contributions		—			18,927			(18,927	)		—
	Net cash provided by financing activities		68,782			18,839			(18,927	)		68,694
	Net decrease in cash		(11,517	)		—			—			(11,517	)
	Cash, beginning of period		17,607			—			—			17,607
	Cash, end of period	$	6,090		$	—		$	—		$	6,090
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		H&E Equipment			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
		Services			Subsidiaries
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	15,586		$	(399	)	$	399		$	15,586
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment		7,083			994			—			8,077
	Depreciation on rental equipment		47,707			10,445			—			58,152
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		557			—			—			557
	Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization		147			—			—			147
	Provision for losses on accounts receivable		1,175			398			—			1,573
	Provision for inventory obsolescence		94			—			—			94
	Increase in deferred income taxes		3,058			—			—			3,058
	Stock-based compensation expense		1,604			—			—			1,604
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net		(947	)		(159	)		—			(1,106	)
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net		(15,237	)		(2,942	)		—			(18,179	)
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill		439			—			—			439
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries		399			—			(399	)		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		6,551			(387	)		—			6,164
Inventories		(88,421	)		(6,204	)		—			(94,625	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(3,223	)		(45	)		—			(3,268	)
Accounts payable		36,999			3,686			—			40,685
Manufacturer flooring plans payable		5,979			(448	)		—			5,531
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities		3,838			468			—			4,306
Deferred compensation payable		33			—			—			33
Net cash provided by operating activities		23,421			5,407			—			28,828
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(11,532	)		(800	)		—			(12,332	)
Purchases of rental equipment		(101,801	)		(19,209	)		—			(121,010	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		979			212			—			1,191
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment		41,368			8,634			—			50,002
Investment in subsidiaries		(5,848	)		—			5,848			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(76,834	)		(11,163	)		5,848			(82,149	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock		(410	)		—			—			(410	)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards		227			—			—			227
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility		533,898			—			—			533,898
Payments on senior secured credit facility		(591,101	)		—			—			(591,101	)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes		107,250			—			—			107,250
Payments of deferred financing costs		(735	)		—			—			(735	)
Dividends paid		(389	)		(9	)		—			(398	)
Payments on capital lease obligations		—			(83	)		—			(83	)
Capital contributions		—			5,848			(5,848	)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		48,740			5,756			(5,848	)		48,648
Net decrease in cash		(4,673	)		—			—			(4,673	)
Cash, beginning of period		8,894			—			—			8,894
Cash, end of period	$	4,221		$	—		$	—		$	4,221

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Estimated Incremental Borrowing Rates for Similar Types of Borrowing Arrangements (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 5.25% (Level 3)	$52,142	$49,062
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	2,190	2,278
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)	52,142	49,062
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	2,190	2,278
Letter of credit (Level 3)	0	0
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	630,000
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)	46,021	42,686
Capital leases payable with interest computed at 5.929% to 9.55% (Level 3)	1,594	1,717
Letter of credit (Level 3)	130	146
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)	$696,150	$686,700

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Estimated Incremental Borrowing Rates for Similar Types of Borrowing Arrangements (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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%

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Activity in Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended						6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
					Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance, value	'	'	$94,812	'	$389	$215,775	($58,468)	($58,468)	($62,884)
Beginning balance, shares	'	'	39,023,594	'	39,023,594	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	1,619	'	'	1,619	'	'	'
Cash dividend on common stock ($7.00 per share)	'	'	-75	'	'	'	'	'	-75
Excess tax deficiency from stock-based awards	'	'	-24	'	'	-24	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value	'	'	1	'	1	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	10,380	'	'	'	'
Net income	15,726	10,809	23,162	15,586	'	'	'	'	23,162
Ending balance, value	$119,495	'	$119,495	'	$390	$217,370	($58,468)	($58,468)	($39,797)
Ending balance, shares	39,033,974	'	39,033,974	'	39,033,974	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Activity in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'
Dividend per share paid	$7
Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'
Dividend per share paid	$7

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Shares available for future stock-based payment awards	3,604,046
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock	$1.70
Expected non-vested stock recognized over a weighted-average period	'1 year 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$1.90

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Nonvested stock, beginning balance, Number of Shares	187,867
Granted, Number of Shares	10,380
Vested, Number of Shares	-10,380
Forfeited, Number of Shares	-1,363
Nonvested stock, ending balance, Number of Shares	186,504
Nonvested stock, beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.21
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$28.91
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$28.91
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.72
Nonvested stock, ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.20

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Stock (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$811	$665	$1,619	$1,604

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	51,000
Stock Options, Granted, Number of Shares	0
Stock Options, Exercised, Number of Shares	0
Stock Options, Canceled, forfeited or expired, Number of Shares	0
Stock Options, Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balance	51,000
Stock Options, Exercisable, Number of Shares	51,000
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$17.80
Stock Options, Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Stock Options, Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Stock Options, Canceled, forfeited or expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$17.80
Stock Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.80
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life In Years	'2 years
Stock Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Contractual Life In Years	'2 years

Income_per_Share_Summary_of_Co

Income per Share - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Basic net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$15,726	$10,809	$23,162	$15,586
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	35,111	34,988	35,110	34,982
Net income per share of common stock - basic	$0.45	$0.31	$0.66	$0.45
Diluted net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$15,726	$10,809	$23,162	$15,586
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	35,111	34,988	35,110	34,982
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - diluted	35,235	35,122	35,227	35,109
Net income per share of common stock - diluted	$0.45	$0.31	$0.66	$0.44
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive non-vested stock	24	35	23	35
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:	'	'	'	'
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive	0	0	0	0
Non-vested restricted stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive non-vested stock	100	99	94	92
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:	'	'	'	'
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive	0	0	0	0

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_Reconci

Senior Unsecured Notes - Reconciliation of Senior Secured Notes to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013
			Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	$628,546	$521,065	'	'	'
Accretion of discount	'	'	527	1,044	'
Aggregate principal amount issued	'	'	'	'	100,000
Amortization of note premium	-84	-147	-443	-813	'
Premium on notes issued	'	'	'	'	8,500
Initial purchaser's discount	'	'	'	'	-1,250
Senior unsecured notes	$628,630	'	'	'	'

Senior_Secured_Credit_Facility1

Senior Secured Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	21-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014
		Non-vested restricted stock [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	General Electric Capital Corp [Member]	Credit Facility [Member]
				Letter of Credit [Member]		Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Existing credit facility with its lenders	'	'	'	'	'	'	$402,500,000	'
Uncommitted incremental revolving capacity	'	'	130,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	'	'
Unused commitment fee margin percentage	0.38%	'	0.25%	'	0.50%	'	'	'
Index rate plus an applicable margin Percentage	'	'	0.75%	'	1.25%	'	'	'
LIBOR plus an applicable margin Percentage	'	'	1.75%	'	2.25%	'	'	'
Margin rate lowered in applicable to Letter of Credit	'	'	'	1.75%	'	2.25%	'	'
Payment of dividends and/or stock repurchases or redemptions	75,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of special cash dividend per share previously declared by the Company	'	$7	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date description	'Extends the maturity date of the credit facility from February 29, 2017 to May 21, 2019	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average interest rate on the senior secured credit facility	2.50%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	223,200,000
Outstanding letters of credit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,500,000
Credit facility interest rate description	'The interest rate on the Credit Facility was based on LIBOR plus 200 basis points.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis points added to LIBOR	2.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			Customer
			Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segment	'	'	5	'
Sales to international customers	1.50%	0.70%	1.60%	1.20%
Customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue	'	'	10	'

Segment_Information_Informatio

Segment Information - Information about Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$280,378	$245,340	$517,607	$457,728	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	89,068	75,412	161,852	139,892	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	1,230,450	'	1,230,450	'	1,090,340
Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	47,784	39,460	86,786	73,095	'
New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	11,168	8,381	18,981	13,965	'
Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	10,341	10,489	19,268	19,890	'
Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	8,330	7,215	15,850	13,863	'
Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	10,335	8,713	19,242	17,521	'
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	265,265	232,043	489,831	432,388	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	87,958	74,258	160,127	138,334	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	935,600	'	935,600	'	800,350
Operating Segments [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	98,814	83,728	185,038	159,098	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	47,784	39,460	86,786	73,095	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	784,896	'	784,896	'	688,710
Operating Segments [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	90,581	73,436	160,128	126,759	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	11,168	8,381	18,981	13,965	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	31,397	34,661	60,742	66,810	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	10,341	10,489	19,268	19,890	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	130,800	'	130,800	'	95,392
Operating Segments [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	28,371	26,448	54,173	51,400	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	8,330	7,215	15,850	13,863	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	16,102	13,770	29,750	28,321	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	10,335	8,713	19,242	17,521	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Parts and service [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	19,904	'	19,904	'	16,248
Non-Segmented [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	15,113	13,297	27,776	25,340	'
Gross Profit:	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross profit	1,110	1,154	1,725	1,558	'
Segment identified assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$294,850	'	$294,850	'	$289,990

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	$6,090	$17,607	$4,221	$8,894
Receivables, net	144,536	131,970	'	'
Inventories, net	150,704	111,640	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,805	6,024	'	'
Rental equipment, net	784,896	688,710	'	'
Property and equipment, net	99,236	98,503	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	4,986	4,689	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	31,197	31,197	'	'
Total assets	1,230,450	1,090,340	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	172,768	102,460	'	'
Accounts payable	95,198	67,779	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	52,142	49,062	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	57,414	54,439	'	'
Dividends payable	0	633	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	628,630	628,546	'	521,065
Capital leases payable	2,190	2,278	'	'
Deferred income taxes	100,540	88,291	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	2,073	2,040	'	'
Total liabilities	1,110,955	995,528	'	'
Stockholders' equity	119,495	94,812	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,230,450	1,090,340	'	'
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	6,090	17,607	4,221	8,894
Receivables, net	124,738	114,525	'	'
Inventories, net	136,967	102,125	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,600	5,853	'	'
Rental equipment, net	664,076	582,721	'	'
Property and equipment, net	86,754	85,826	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	4,986	4,689	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	186,443	165,703	'	'
Goodwill	1,671	1,671	'	'
Total assets	1,220,325	1,080,720	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	172,768	102,460	'	'
Accounts payable	87,916	60,787	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	52,142	49,062	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	56,738	54,066	'	'
Dividends payable	23	656	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	628,630	628,546	'	'
Capital leases payable	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	100,540	88,291	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	2,073	2,040	'	'
Total liabilities	1,100,830	985,908	'	'
Stockholders' equity	119,495	94,812	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,220,325	1,080,720	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	19,798	17,445	'	'
Inventories, net	13,737	9,515	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	205	171	'	'
Rental equipment, net	120,820	105,989	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,482	12,677	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	29,526	29,526	'	'
Total assets	196,568	175,323	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	7,282	6,992	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	676	373	'	'
Dividends payable	-23	-23	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	0	0	'	'
Capital leases payable	2,190	2,278	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	10,125	9,620	'	'
Stockholders' equity	186,443	165,703	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	196,568	175,323	'	'
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories, net	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	0	0	'	'
Rental equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries	-186,443	-165,703	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-186,443	-165,703	'	'
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:	'	'	'	'
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	0	0	'	'
Dividends payable	0	0	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	0	0	'	'
Capital leases payable	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	0	0	'	'
Stockholders' equity	-186,443	-165,703	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	($186,443)	($165,703)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	$98,814	$83,728	$185,038	$159,098
New equipment sales	90,581	73,436	160,128	126,759
Used equipment sales	31,397	34,661	60,742	66,810
Parts sales	28,371	26,448	54,173	51,400
Services revenues	16,102	13,770	29,750	28,321
Other	15,113	13,297	27,776	25,340
Total revenues	280,378	245,340	517,607	457,728
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	35,449	30,020	68,447	58,152
Rental expense	15,581	14,248	29,805	27,851
New equipment sales	79,413	65,055	141,147	112,794
Used equipment sales	21,056	24,172	41,474	46,920
Parts sales	20,041	19,233	38,323	37,537
Services revenues	5,767	5,057	10,508	10,800
Other	14,003	12,143	26,051	23,782
Total cost of revenues	191,310	169,928	355,755	317,836
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	89,068	75,412	161,852	139,892
Selling, general and administrative expenses	51,883	47,106	100,739	93,370
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	757	606	1,420	1,106
Income from operations	37,942	28,912	62,533	47,628
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-12,922	-13,085	-25,572	-25,357
Other, net	344	201	650	708
Total other expense, net	-12,578	-12,884	-24,922	-24,649
Income (loss) before income taxes	25,364	16,028	37,611	22,979
Income tax expense	9,638	5,219	14,449	7,393
Net income (loss)	15,726	10,809	23,162	15,586
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,110	1,154	1,725	1,558
Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	47,784	39,460	86,786	73,095
New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	11,168	8,381	18,981	13,965
Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	10,341	10,489	19,268	19,890
Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	8,330	7,215	15,850	13,863
Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	10,335	8,713	19,242	17,521
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	83,728	69,370	157,173	132,279
New equipment sales	80,760	66,481	141,811	113,753
Used equipment sales	26,062	30,227	47,636	55,753
Parts sales	24,549	22,631	46,947	43,946
Services revenues	13,856	11,845	25,427	24,613
Other	12,600	10,995	23,136	20,932
Total revenues	241,555	211,549	442,130	391,276
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	30,038	24,684	57,823	47,707
Rental expense	13,012	11,613	24,951	22,891
New equipment sales	70,633	58,780	124,759	101,174
Used equipment sales	17,479	21,163	31,968	38,820
Parts sales	17,376	16,491	33,288	32,158
Services revenues	4,942	4,365	8,918	9,506
Other	11,526	9,835	21,379	19,257
Total cost of revenues	165,006	146,931	303,086	271,513
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	76,549	64,618	139,044	119,763
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,695	39,301	84,970	77,782
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	1,613	417	1,813	-399
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	642	521	1,155	947
Income from operations	35,109	26,255	57,042	42,529
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-10,034	-10,414	-19,985	-20,217
Other, net	289	187	554	667
Total other expense, net	-9,745	-10,227	-19,431	-19,550
Income (loss) before income taxes	25,364	16,028	37,611	22,979
Income tax expense	9,638	5,219	14,449	7,393
Net income (loss)	15,726	10,809	23,162	15,586
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,074	1,160	1,757	1,675
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	40,678	33,073	74,399	61,681
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	10,127	7,701	17,052	12,579
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	8,583	9,064	15,668	16,933
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	7,173	6,140	13,659	11,788
H & E Equipment Services [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	8,914	7,480	16,509	15,107
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	15,086	14,358	27,865	26,819
New equipment sales	9,821	6,955	18,317	13,006
Used equipment sales	5,335	4,434	13,106	11,057
Parts sales	3,822	3,817	7,226	7,454
Services revenues	2,246	1,925	4,323	3,708
Other	2,513	2,302	4,640	4,408
Total revenues	38,823	33,791	75,477	66,452
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	5,411	5,336	10,624	10,445
Rental expense	2,569	2,635	4,854	4,960
New equipment sales	8,780	6,275	16,388	11,620
Used equipment sales	3,577	3,009	9,506	8,100
Parts sales	2,665	2,742	5,035	5,379
Services revenues	825	692	1,590	1,294
Other	2,477	2,308	4,672	4,525
Total cost of revenues	26,304	22,997	52,669	46,323
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	12,519	10,794	22,808	20,129
Selling, general and administrative expenses	8,188	7,805	15,769	15,588
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	115	85	265	159
Income from operations	4,446	3,074	7,304	4,700
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-2,888	-2,671	-5,587	-5,140
Other, net	55	14	96	41
Total other expense, net	-2,833	-2,657	-5,491	-5,099
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,613	417	1,813	-399
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	1,613	417	1,813	-399
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	36	-6	-32	-117
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	7,106	6,387	12,387	11,414
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,041	680	1,929	1,386
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,758	1,425	3,600	2,957
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,157	1,075	2,191	2,075
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	1,421	1,233	2,733	2,414
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Equipment rentals	0	0	0	0
New equipment sales	0	0	0	0
Used equipment sales	0	0	0	0
Parts sales	0	0	0	0
Services revenues	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental depreciation	0	0	0	0
Rental expense	0	0	0	0
New equipment sales	0	0	0	0
Used equipment sales	0	0	0	0
Parts sales	0	0	0	0
Services revenues	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Total cost of revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	-1,613	-417	-1,813	399
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	0	0	0	0
Income from operations	-1,613	-417	-1,813	399
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other, net	0	0	0	0
Total other expense, net	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,613	-417	-1,813	399
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-1,613	-417	-1,813	399
Elimination [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Elimination [Member] | Equipment rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Elimination [Member] | New equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Elimination [Member] | Used equipment sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Elimination [Member] | Parts sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Elimination [Member] | Services revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gross profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	$0	$0	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$23,162	$15,586
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	9,718	8,077
Depreciation on rental equipment	68,447	58,152
Amortization of deferred financing costs	497	557
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	84	147
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	1,374	1,573
Provision for inventory obsolescence	63	94
Increase in deferred income taxes	12,249	3,058
Stock-based compensation expense	1,619	1,604
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	-1,420	-1,106
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net	-18,172	-18,179
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	'	439
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	-13,940	6,164
Inventories	-76,555	-94,625
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,781	-3,268
Accounts payable	27,420	40,685
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	3,080	5,531
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	2,975	4,306
Deferred compensation payable	33	33
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,853	28,828
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-10,572	-12,332
Purchases of rental equipment	-161,579	-121,010
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	1,541	1,191
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	52,546	50,002
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-118,064	-82,149
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	-410
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	-24	227
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	590,249	533,898
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-519,941	-591,101
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes	'	107,250
Payments of deferred financing costs	-794	-735
Dividends paid	-708	-398
Payments on capital lease obligations	-88	-83
Capital contributions	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	68,694	48,648
Net decrease in cash	-11,517	-4,673
Cash, beginning of period	17,607	8,894
Cash, end of period	6,090	4,221
H & E Equipment Services [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	23,162	15,586
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	8,547	7,083
Depreciation on rental equipment	57,823	47,707
Amortization of deferred financing costs	497	557
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	84	147
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	1,157	1,175
Provision for inventory obsolescence	63	94
Increase in deferred income taxes	12,249	3,058
Stock-based compensation expense	1,619	1,604
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	-1,155	-947
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net	-14,627	-15,237
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	'	439
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	-1,813	399
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	-11,370	6,551
Inventories	-67,639	-88,421
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,747	-3,223
Accounts payable	27,130	36,999
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	3,080	5,979
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	2,672	3,838
Deferred compensation payable	33	33
Net cash provided by operating activities	38,765	23,421
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-9,596	-11,532
Purchases of rental equipment	-132,476	-101,801
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	1,276	979
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	40,659	41,368
Investment in subsidiaries	-18,927	-5,848
Net cash used in investing activities	-119,064	-76,834
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	-410
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	-24	227
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	590,249	533,898
Payments on senior secured credit facility	-519,941	-591,101
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes	'	107,250
Payments of deferred financing costs	-794	-735
Dividends paid	-708	-389
Payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Capital contributions	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	68,782	48,740
Net decrease in cash	-11,517	-4,673
Cash, beginning of period	17,607	8,894
Cash, end of period	6,090	4,221
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	1,813	-399
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	1,171	994
Depreciation on rental equipment	10,624	10,445
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	0
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	0	0
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	217	398
Provision for inventory obsolescence	0	0
Increase in deferred income taxes	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	-265	-159
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net	-3,545	-2,942
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	'	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	-2,570	-387
Inventories	-8,916	-6,204
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-34	-45
Accounts payable	290	3,686
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	0	-448
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	303	468
Deferred compensation payable	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	-912	5,407
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-976	-800
Purchases of rental equipment	-29,103	-19,209
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	265	212
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	11,887	8,634
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,927	-11,163
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	0
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	0	0
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	0	0
Payments on senior secured credit facility	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes	'	0
Payments of deferred financing costs	0	0
Dividends paid	0	-9
Payments on capital lease obligations	-88	-83
Capital contributions	18,927	5,848
Net cash provided by financing activities	18,839	5,756
Net decrease in cash	0	0
Cash, beginning of period	0	0
Cash, end of period	0	0
Elimination [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,813	399
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	0	0
Depreciation on rental equipment	0	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	0
Accretion of note discount, net of premium amortization	0	0
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	0	0
Provision for inventory obsolescence	0	0
Increase in deferred income taxes	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net	0	0
Gain on sales of rental equipment, net	0	0
Writedown of goodwill for tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill	'	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of guarantor subsidiaries	1,813	-399
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Manufacturer flooring plans payable	0	0
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities	0	0
Deferred compensation payable	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of rental equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	18,927	5,848
Net cash used in investing activities	18,927	5,848
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	0
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards	0	0
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility	0	0
Payments on senior secured credit facility	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes	'	0
Payments of deferred financing costs	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Capital contributions	-18,927	-5,848
Net cash provided by financing activities	-18,927	-5,848
Net decrease in cash	0	0
Cash, beginning of period	0	0
Cash, end of period	$0	$0