Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 2,883,918	$ 2,624,518
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	2,206,645	2,206,068
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	605,739	354,020
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 71,534	$ 64,430