Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 449,641	$ 445,171
Operating income (loss)	57,396	73,108
Interest expense	5,274	3,941
Other expense, net	1,392	1,702
Income before income taxes	50,730	67,465
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	364,300	369,300
Operating income (loss)	52,800	73,200
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	85,300	75,800
Operating income (loss)	15,500	13,200
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(10,900)	(13,300)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	107,500	108,500
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	40,300	42,500
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	90,800	84,200
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 125,700	$ 134,100