Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 483,793	$ 434,676	$ 933,433	$ 879,847
Operating income (loss)	89,831	70,998	147,226	144,106
Interest expense	7,611	4,692	12,886	8,633
Other (income) expense, net	(418)	(686)	972	1,016
Income before income taxes	82,638	66,992	133,368	134,457
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	391,200	359,600	755,600	728,900
Operating income (loss)	83,600	67,700	136,400	140,900
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	92,600	75,100	177,800	150,900
Operating income (loss)	17,700	14,200	33,100	27,400
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(11,500)	(10,900)	(22,300)	(24,200)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	120,500	107,100	228,000	215,600
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42,500	37,900	82,900	80,400
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	97,600	85,100	188,400	169,300
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 130,600	$ 129,500	$ 256,300	$ 263,600