The interaction of copper(II) dodecyl sulfate {Cu(DS)(2)} with the two water-soluble polymers poly(vinylpyrrolidone) {PVP} and poly(ethylene oxide) {PEO} has been studied in dilute solutions by conductivity, pyrene fluorescence probing, and dodecyl sulfate ion self-diffusion measurements. The Krafft temperature of Cu(DS)(2) in H2O was found to be 23.9 degrees C and decreased upon addition of PVP. The critical micelle concentration, micelle size, and ionization degree of Cu(DS)(2) in aqueous solution, determined by electrical conductivity and self-diffusion, were found to be in agreement with previously reported results. The fraction of surfactant bound to the polymers and the critical aggregation concentration for bound micelles were obtained from the dodecyl sulfate ion self-diffusion coefficients data. Binding isotherms were also constructed showing that as the surfactant concentration is increased, free micelles appear before polymer saturation. Pyrene fluorescence probing experiments suggested that the interior of the PVP-bound aggregates of Cu(DS)(2) is less polar than in the case of sodium dodecyl sulfate {NaDS}. Interactions between Cu(DS)(2) and both polymers are weaker than in the case of NaDS, possibly as a consequence of the larger degree of hydration of the divalent cupric counterion as compared to the monovalent sodium ion.