Document and Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information  
Entity registrant name Eaton Vance Corp.
Entity central index key 0000350797
Document type 10-Q
Document period end date Apr. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2
Amendment flag false
Entity current reporting status Yes
Entity voluntary filers No
Current fiscal year end date --10-31
Entity filer category Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer Yes
Entity common stock shares outstanding 121,409,056
Entity public float $ 4,659,905,087