Business Segment Information (Schedule of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 4,335,744	$ 4,458,340
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	3,642,928	3,699,614
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	633,981	646,200
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 58,835	$ 112,526