Business Segment Information (Schedule of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 3,114,755	$ 3,137,261
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	2,415,720	2,376,022
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	620,542	632,844
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 78,493	$ 128,395