Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Oct. 31, 2009
Revenues:      
Investment advisory and administration fees $ 996,222 $ 867,683 $ 683,820
Distribution and underwriter fees 102,979 103,995 85,234
Service fees 144,530 139,741 116,331
Other revenue 16,300 10,242 4,986
Total revenues 1,260,031 1,121,661 890,371
Expenses:      
Compensation of officers and employees 369,927 348,897 293,062
Distribution expense 132,664 126,064 95,988
Service fee expense 124,517 116,900 94,468
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 35,773 35,533 35,178
Fund expenses 25,295 20,455 22,432
Other expenses 134,198 120,530 116,023
Total expenses 822,374 768,379 657,151
Operating income 437,657 353,282 233,220
Other income (expense):      
Interest income 2,907 2,864 3,745
Interest expense (33,652) (33,666) (33,682)
Net gains on investments and derivatives 5,102 4,300 6,078
Net foreign currency gains (losses) (26) 181 165
Impairment losses on investments     (1,863)
Other income (expense) of consolidated collateralized loan obligation entity:      
Interest income 21,116    
Interest expense (13,575)    
Net losses on bank loans, other investments and note obligations (38,153)    
Income before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 381,376 326,961 207,663
Income taxes (156,844) (126,263) (71,044)
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax 3,042 527 (1,094)
Net income 227,574 201,225 135,525
Net income attributable to non-controlling and other beneficial interests (12,672) (26,927) (5,418)
Net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders $ 214,902 $ 174,298 $ 130,107
Earnings per share:      
Basic $ 1.82 $ 1.47 $ 1.11
Diluted $ 1.75 $ 1.40 $ 1.07
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic 115,326 116,444 116,175
Diluted 119,975 122,632 120,575
Dividends Declared Per Share $ 0.730 $ 0.660 $ 0.625