Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 404,980	$ 379,839
Operating income (loss)		81,622	68,821
Interest expense		1,656	2,567
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	0	14,084
Other (expense) income, net		(510)	638
Income before income taxes		79,456	80,976
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		326,303	301,379
Operating income (loss)		84,146	67,068
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		78,677	78,460
Operating income (loss)		14,156	14,052
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(16,680)	(12,299)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		101,196	91,634
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		33,695	27,152
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		68,772	65,463
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 122,640	$ 117,130