Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 1,387,611	$ 1,370,247
Net additions during the year		14,380
Net reductions during the three-month period ended January 31, 2014	(590)
Translation	962	2,984
Balance, ending	1,387,983	1,387,611
CooperVision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,048,478	1,044,054
Net additions during the year		3,363
Net reductions during the three-month period ended January 31, 2014	0
Translation	1,779	1,061
Balance, ending	1,050,257	1,048,478
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	339,133	326,193
Net additions during the year		11,017
Net reductions during the three-month period ended January 31, 2014	(590)
Translation	(817)	1,923
Balance, ending	$ 337,726	$ 339,133