Business Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 631,300	$ 522,400	$ 1,221,300	$ 1,021,500
Operating income (loss)	74,700	117,100	164,800	207,800
Interest expense	18,700	7,700	37,100	15,000
Other expense (income), net	2,000	(100)	(1,100)	3,200
Income before income taxes	54,000	109,500	128,800	189,600
CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	467,500	408,500	912,300	797,800
Operating income (loss)	123,500	112,100	235,800	199,400
CooperSurgical
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	163,800	113,900	309,000	223,700
Operating income (loss)	(29,800)	16,800	(39,200)	33,300
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(19,000)	(11,800)	(31,800)	(24,900)
Toric lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	150,800	131,800	288,600	252,500
Multifocal lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	49,100	42,900	96,100	85,300
Single-use sphere lens | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	124,400	104,100	240,700	203,700
Non single-use sphere and other | CooperVision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 143,200	$ 129,700	$ 286,900	$ 256,300