Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	$ 1,276,567	$ 1,261,976
Net additions during the year	91,449	13,224
Translation	(7,512)	1,367
Balance, ending	1,360,504	1,276,567
CooperVision [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	1,046,587	1,044,272
Net additions during the year	260	952
Translation	(7,405)	1,363
Balance, ending	1,039,442	1,046,587
CooperSurgical [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	229,980	217,704
Net additions during the year	91,189	12,272
Translation	(107)	4
Balance, ending	$ 321,062	$ 229,980