Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Revenue:      
Investment advisory and administrative fees $ 988,058 $ 996,222 $ 867,683
Distribution and underwriter fees 89,410 102,979 103,995
Service fees 126,345 144,530 139,741
Other revenue 5,223 4,875 4,541
Total revenue 1,209,036 1,248,606 1,115,960
Expenses:      
Compensation and related costs 385,395 369,927 348,897
Distribution expense 130,914 132,664 126,064
Service fee expense 113,485 124,517 116,900
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 20,441 35,773 35,533
Fund expenses 27,375 25,295 20,455
Other expenses 138,434 134,198 120,530
Total expenses 816,044 822,374 768,379
Operating income 392,992 426,232 347,581
Non-operating income (expense):      
Gains and other investment income, net 18,417 19,408 13,046
Interest expense (33,930) (33,652) (33,666)
Other income (expense) of consolidated CLO entity:      
Gains (losses) and other investment income, net 44,706 (17,037) 0
Interest expense (18,447) (13,575) 0
Total non-operating income (expense) 10,746 (44,856) (20,620)
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates 403,738 381,376 326,961
Income taxes (142,385) (156,844) (126,263)
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax 3,415 3,042 527
Net income 264,768 227,574 201,225
Net income attributable to non-controlling and other beneficial interests (61,303) (12,672) (26,927)
Net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders $ 203,465 $ 214,902 $ 174,298
Earnings per share:      
Basic $ 1.76 $ 1.82 $ 1.47
Diluted $ 1.72 $ 1.75 $ 1.40
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic 112,359 115,326 116,444
Diluted 115,126 119,975 122,632
Dividends declared per share $ 0.77 $ 0.73 $ 0.66