Business Segment Information (Schedule of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 3,006,908	$ 2,941,384
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	2,291,877	2,251,476
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	635,466	607,673
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 79,565	$ 82,235