Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 2,220,921	$ 1,387,600
Net additions during the year	16,200	882,600
Translation	(40,000)	(49,300)
Balance, ending	2,197,077	2,220,921
Coopervision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,861,500	1,048,500
Net additions during the year	(1,200)	857,100
Translation	(32,700)	(44,100)
Balance, ending	1,827,600	1,861,500
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	19,700
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	359,400	339,100
Net additions during the year	17,400	25,500
Translation	(7,300)	(5,200)
Balance, ending	369,500	$ 359,400
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 93,500