Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 378,186	$ 351,396	$ 1,048,835	$ 969,926
Total operating income	77,250	51,967	204,418	160,935
Interest expense	2,315	3,217	9,049	14,436
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,404	0	1,404	16,487
Other (expense) income, net	(2,223)	386	(1,230)	(128)
Income before income taxes	71,308	49,136	192,735	129,884
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	314,236	298,252	871,176	817,172
Total operating income	75,100	47,608	189,007	148,342
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	63,950	53,144	177,659	152,754
Total operating income	12,141	13,013	44,327	37,481
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income	(9,991)	(8,654)	(28,916)	(24,888)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	94,679	88,728	265,844	249,397
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	24,824	19,677	67,866	54,390
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	71,664	64,628	194,726	176,498
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 123,069	$ 125,219	$ 342,740	$ 336,887