Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 2,197,077	$ 2,220,900
Net additions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2016	158,700	16,200
Translation	(127,700)	(40,000)
Balance, ending	2,228,063	2,197,077
CooperVision [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,827,600	1,861,500
Net additions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2016	0	(1,200)
Translation	(124,900)	(32,700)
Balance, ending	1,702,700	1,827,600
CooperSurgical [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	369,500	359,400
Net additions during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2016	158,700	17,400
Translation	(2,800)	(7,300)
Balance, ending	$ 525,400	$ 369,500