Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 1,370,247	$ 1,276,567
Net additions during the year	13,953	95,608
Translation	(2,423)	(1,928)
Balance, ending	1,381,777	1,370,247
Coopervision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,044,054	1,046,587
Net additions during the year	2,961	260
Translation	(3,014)	(2,793)
Balance, ending	1,044,001	1,044,054
Coopersurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	326,193	229,980
Net additions during the year	10,992	95,348
Translation	591	865
Balance, ending	$ 337,776	$ 326,193

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 34

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 72

-Subparagraph d

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+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details