Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 1,387,611	$ 1,370,247
Net additions during the year		14,380
Net reductions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2014	(590)
Translation	3,890	2,984
Balance, ending	1,390,911	1,387,611
CooperVision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,048,478	1,044,054
Net additions during the year		3,363
Net reductions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2014	0
Translation	5,070	1,061
Balance, ending	1,053,548	1,048,478
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	339,133	326,193
Net additions during the year		11,017
Net reductions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2014	(590)
Translation	(1,180)	1,923
Balance, ending	$ 337,363	$ 339,133