Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 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 six-month period ended April 30, 2014	(590)
Translation	6,891	2,984
Balance, ending	1,393,912	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 six-month period ended April 30, 2014	0
Translation	6,010	1,061
Balance, ending	1,054,488	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 six-month period ended April 30, 2014	(590)
Translation	881	1,923
Balance, ending	$ 339,424	$ 339,133