Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 411,993		$ 378,186	$ 1,175,873	$ 1,048,835
Operating income (loss)		93,608		77,250	243,902	204,418
Interest expense		2,258		2,315	7,268	9,049
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	0	14,100	0	14,084	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0		1,404	0	1,404
Other (expense) income, net		(86)		(2,144)	461	(1,152)
Income before income taxes		91,264		71,387	251,179	192,813
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		330,520		314,236	941,247	871,176
Operating income (loss)		87,978		75,100	234,346	189,007
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		81,473		63,950	234,626	177,659
Operating income (loss)		16,429		12,141	42,910	44,327
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(10,799)		(9,991)	(33,354)	(28,916)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		101,494		94,679	289,856	265,844
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		33,085		24,824	89,890	67,866
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		70,709		71,664	199,918	194,726
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 125,232		$ 123,069	$ 361,583	$ 342,740