Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets By Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Total Identifiable assets	$ 2,615,334	$ 2,525,018
CooperVision [Member]
Total Identifiable assets	2,210,251	2,141,685
CooperSurgical [Member]
Total Identifiable assets	336,097	328,931
Headquarters [Member]
Total Identifiable assets	$ 68,986	$ 54,402