Business Segment Information (Schedule of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 2,969,544	$ 2,941,384
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	2,270,233	2,251,476
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	616,739	607,673
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 82,572	$ 82,235