Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 514,726	$ 461,678	$ 1,448,160	$ 1,341,524
Operating income (loss)	102,672	50,311	249,899	194,418
Interest expense	7,983	4,690	20,869	13,323
Other expense, net	1,274	1,020	2,247	2,037
Income before income taxes	93,415	44,601	226,783	179,058
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	409,900	385,500	1,165,500	1,114,400
Operating income (loss)	99,400	46,400	235,700	187,200
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	104,800	76,200	282,700	227,100
Operating income (loss)	14,700	15,000	47,900	42,500
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(11,400)	(11,100)	(33,700)	(35,300)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	126,100	114,200	354,100	329,800
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	44,300	42,600	127,200	123,000
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	104,300	93,700	292,700	263,000
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 135,200	$ 135,000	$ 391,500	$ 398,600