Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share Disclosure Tables [Abstract]  
Summary schedule of the calculation of earnings per basic and diluted shares
 (in thousands, except per share data)201620152014
 Net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp.      
  shareholders$ 241,307$ 230,299$ 304,316
 Less: Allocation of earnings to participating      
  restricted shares  -  3,885  7,611
 Net income available to common shareholders$ 241,307$ 226,414$ 296,705
 Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic  109,914  113,318  116,440
 Incremental common shares  4,068  4,837  5,155
 Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted  113,982  118,155  121,595
 Earnings per share:      
  Basic$ 2.20$ 2.00$ 2.55
  Diluted$ 2.12$ 1.92$ 2.44