Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 499,100	$ 449,600
Operating income (loss)	90,700	57,400
Interest expense	7,300	5,300
Other expense, net	3,300	1,400
Income before income taxes	80,100	50,700
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	389,300	364,300
Operating income (loss)	87,300	52,800
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	109,800	85,300
Operating income (loss)	16,400	15,500
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(13,000)	(10,900)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	120,700	107,500
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42,400	40,300
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	99,500	90,800
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 126,700	$ 125,700