Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 432,482	$ 411,993		$ 1,249,779	$ 1,175,873
Operating income (loss)		96,565	93,608		267,111	243,902
Interest expense		1,499	2,258		4,713	7,268
Gain on insurance proceeds	19,100	0	0	14,100	0	14,084
Other expense (income), net		683	86		739	(461)
Income before income taxes		94,383	91,264		261,659	251,179
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		349,900	330,520		1,007,285	941,247
Operating income (loss)		88,386	87,978		255,150	234,346
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		82,582	81,473		242,494	234,626
Operating income (loss)		18,419	16,429		50,673	42,910
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(10,240)	(10,799)		(38,712)	(33,354)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		112,330	101,494		318,290	289,856
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		38,393	33,085		107,627	89,890
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		73,834	70,709		214,310	199,918
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 125,343	$ 125,232		$ 367,058	$ 361,583