Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 461,678	$ 432,482	$ 1,341,524	$ 1,249,779
Operating income (loss)	50,311	96,565	194,418	267,111
Interest expense	4,690	1,499	13,323	4,713
Other expense, net	1,020	683	2,037	739
Income before income taxes	44,601	94,383	179,058	261,659
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	385,470	349,900	1,114,405	1,007,285
Operating income (loss)	46,359	88,386	187,233	255,150
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	76,208	82,582	227,119	242,494
Operating income (loss)	15,043	18,419	42,451	50,673
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(11,091)	(10,240)	(35,266)	(38,712)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	114,227	112,330	329,784	318,290
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42,620	38,393	122,985	107,627
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	93,730	73,834	263,037	214,310
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 134,893	$ 125,343	$ 398,599	$ 367,058