Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	$ 1,276,567	$ 1,261,976
Net additions during the year	95,608	13,224
Translation	(1,928)	1,367
Balance, ending	1,370,247	1,276,567
Coopervision [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	1,046,587	1,044,272
Net additions during the year	260	952
Translation	(2,793)	1,363
Balance, ending	1,044,054	1,046,587
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	229,980	217,704
Net additions during the year	95,348	12,272
Translation	865	4
Balance, ending	$ 326,193	$ 229,980