Business Segment Information (Schedule of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 3,221,982	$ 3,137,261
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	2,465,916	2,376,022
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	624,556	632,844
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 131,510	$ 128,395