Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ 16,200
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 2,197,077	2,220,900
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	166,000
Translation	(198,400)	(40,000)
Balance, ending	2,164,748	2,197,077
Coopervision [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		(1,200)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,827,600	1,861,500
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	9,100
Translation	(190,300)	(32,700)
Balance, ending	1,646,400	1,827,600
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	19,700
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)		17,400
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	369,500	359,400
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	156,900
Translation	(8,100)	(7,300)
Balance, ending	518,300	$ 369,500
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 117,900