| Cover | Mar. 01, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 1, 2021 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --10-31 |
| Entity File Number | 1-8100 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EATON VANCE CORP. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000350797 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-2718215 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Two International Place |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02110 |
| City Area Code | 617 |
| Local Phone Number | 482-8260 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Non-Voting Common Stock, $0.00390625 par value |
| Trading Symbol | EV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
