| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 20, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Hexcel Corporation |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000717605 |
| Entity File Number | 1-8472 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-1109521 |
| Entity Address Address Line1 | Two Stamford Plaza |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 281 Tresser Boulevard |
| Entity Address City Or Town | Stamford |
| Entity Address State Or Province | CT |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 06901 |
| City Area Code | (203) |
| Local Phone Number | 969-0666 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 |
| Trading Symbol | HXL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Share Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Share Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
