Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock Par Net Value [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Oct. 31, 2009	$ 1,540,342	$ 4,525	$ (5,035)	$ 32	$ 1,063,289	$ (12,920)	$ 490,451
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2009		45,244,000	328,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to Cooper stockholders	112,803						112,803
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(14,396)					(14,396)
Change in value of derivative instruments, net of tax	9,640					9,640
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	342					342
Comprehensive income	108,389
Issuance of common stock for stock plans	11,096	58	230	(1)	10,809
Issuance of common stock for stock plans (in shares)		583,000	(15,000)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	43				43
Dividends on common stock	(2,732)						(2,732)
Share-based compensation expense	9,638				9,638
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	1,666,776	4,583	(4,805)	31	1,083,779	(17,334)	600,522
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010		45,827,000	313,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to Cooper stockholders	175,430						175,430
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,817					5,817
Change in value of derivative instruments, net of tax	(3,798)					(3,798)
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	(2,804)					(2,804)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax	9					9
Comprehensive income	174,654
Issuance of common stock for stock plans	82,035	202	2,215	(14)	79,632
Treasury stock repurchase (in shares)	0
Issuance of common stock for stock plans (in shares)		2,019,000	(144,000)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	2,963				2,963
Dividends on common stock	(2,816)						(2,816)
Share-based compensation expense	13,876				13,876
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2011	1,937,488	4,785	(2,590)	17	1,180,250	(18,110)	773,136
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011		47,846,000	169,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to Cooper stockholders	248,339						248,339
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,658)					(4,658)
Change in value of derivative instruments, net of tax	452					452
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	(8,986)					(8,986)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax	41					41
Comprehensive income	235,188
Issuance of common stock for stock plans	55,053	157	8,987	(14)	45,923
Treasury stock repurchase (in shares)	(984,027)	(984,000)	984,000
Treasury stock repurchase	(71,150)	(98)	(71,150)	98
Issuance of common stock for stock plans (in shares)		1,578,000	(146,000)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	17,566				17,566
Dividends on common stock	(2,857)						(2,857)
Share-based compensation expense	21,540				21,540
Noncontrolling interests	20,330				(77)			20,407
Ending Balance at Oct. 31, 2012	$ 2,213,158	$ 4,844	$ (64,753)	$ 101	$ 1,265,202	$ (31,261)	$ 1,018,618	$ 20,407
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012		48,440,000	1,007,000