Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 412,317	$ 384,041		$ 817,297	$ 763,880
Operating income (loss)		88,924	81,473		170,547	150,293
Interest expense		1,558	2,444		3,214	5,010
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	0	0	14,100	0	14,084
Other income (expense), net		455	(89)		(57)	549
Income before income taxes		87,821	78,940		167,276	159,916
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		331,082	309,348		657,385	610,727
Operating income (loss)		82,618	79,299		166,764	146,368
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		81,235	74,693		159,912	153,153
Operating income (loss)		18,098	12,431		32,255	26,480
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(11,792)	(10,257)		(28,472)	(22,555)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		104,763	96,728		205,959	188,362
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		35,540	29,654		69,235	56,805
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		71,704	63,746		140,476	129,209
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 119,075	$ 119,220		$ 241,715	$ 236,351