Business Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 326,060	$ 293,229
Total operating income (loss)	61,728	48,713
Interest expense	3,662	6,951
Other income (loss), net	681	(734)
Income before income taxes	58,747	41,028
CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	268,933	243,629
Total operating income (loss)	56,121	44,803
CooperSurgical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	57,127	49,600
Total operating income (loss)	15,650	12,268
Headquarters [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income (loss)	(10,043)	(8,358)
Toric Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	81,791	75,788
Multifocal Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	20,763	16,630
Single-Use Sphere Lens [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	60,445	52,948
Non Single-Use Sphere And Other Eye Care Products And Other [Member] | CooperVision [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 105,934	$ 98,263