Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 379,839		$ 326,060
Operating income (loss)		68,821		61,728
Interest expense		2,567		3,662
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	14,084	5,000	0
Other (expense) income, net		638		681
Income before income taxes		80,976		58,747
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		301,379		268,933
Operating income (loss)		67,068		56,121
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		78,460		57,127
Operating income (loss)		14,052		15,650
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(12,299)		(10,043)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		91,634		81,791
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		27,152		20,763
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		65,463		60,445
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 117,130		$ 105,934