Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 2,197,077	$ 2,220,900
Net additions during the six-month period ended April 30, 2016	79,300	16,200
Translation	(43,100)	(40,000)
Balance, ending	2,233,251	2,197,077
CooperVision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,827,600	1,861,500
Net additions during the six-month period ended April 30, 2016	100	(1,200)
Translation	(45,700)	(32,700)
Balance, ending	1,782,000	1,827,600
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	369,500	359,400
Net additions during the six-month period ended April 30, 2016	79,200	17,400
Translation	2,600	(7,300)
Balance, ending	$ 451,300	$ 369,500