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Investments In Affiliates (Details) (USD $)
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12 Months Ended |
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Oct. 31, 2011
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Oct. 31, 2010
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Lloyd George Management Limited [Member]
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| Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |
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| Equity method investment aggregate cost |
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$ 8,000,000 |
| Realized gains |
5,500,000 |
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Private Equity Partnership [Member]
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| Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |
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| Equity method investment ownership percentage |
7.00% |
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| Equity method investment aggregate cost |
18,400,000 |
12,800,000 |
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Eaton Vance Parametric Option Absolute Return Strategy Fund[ Member]
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| Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |
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| Equity method investment ownership percentage |
27.00% |
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| Equity method investment aggregate cost |
19,298,000 |
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Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund [Member]
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| Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |
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| Equity method investment ownership percentage |
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33.00% |
| Equity method investment aggregate cost |
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30,259,000 |
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Eaton Vance Parametric Structured Commodity Strategy Fund [Member]
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| Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |
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| Equity method investment ownership percentage |
47.00% |
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| Equity method investment aggregate cost |
$ 9,190,000 |
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