Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 384,041		$ 344,589	$ 763,880	$ 670,649
Operating income (loss)		81,473		65,440	150,293	127,168
Interest expense		2,444		3,071	5,010	6,733
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	0	14,100	0	14,084	0
Other (expense) income, net		(89)		310	549	992
Income before income taxes		78,940		62,679	159,916	121,427
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		309,348		288,007	610,727	556,940
Operating income (loss)		79,299		57,787	146,368	113,908
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		74,693		56,582	153,153	113,709
Operating income (loss)		12,431		16,534	26,480	32,185
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(10,257)		(8,881)	(22,555)	(18,925)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		96,728		89,374	188,362	171,165
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		29,654		22,280	56,805	43,042
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		63,746		62,616	129,209	123,062
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 119,220		$ 113,737	$ 236,351	$ 219,671