Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 522,400	$ 483,800	$ 1,021,500	$ 933,400
Operating income (loss)	117,100	89,800	207,800	147,200
Interest expense	7,700	7,600	15,000	12,900
Other (income) expense, net	(100)	(400)	3,200	900
Income before income taxes	109,500	82,600	189,600	133,400
CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	408,500	391,200	797,800	755,600
Operating income (loss)	112,100	83,600	199,400	136,400
CooperSurgical
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	113,900	92,600	223,700	177,800
Operating income (loss)	16,800	17,700	33,300	33,100
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(11,800)	(11,500)	(24,900)	(22,300)
Toric lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	131,800	120,500	252,500	228,000
Multifocal lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42,900	42,500	85,300	82,900
Single-use sphere lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	104,100	97,600	203,700	188,400
Non single-use sphere and other | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 129,700	$ 130,600	$ 256,300	$ 256,300