Name:	eml_CreditRiskAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	eml_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Name:	eml_InterestRateRiskAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	eml_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Refers to the number of customers that represented more than the specified percentage of trade receivables.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eml_NumberOfCustomersThatRepresentedMoreThanSpecifiedPercentageOfTradeReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	eml_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

When presenting a range of interest rates, the lowest stated (contractual) rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2012	Apr. 21, 2009	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 13, 2009	Jun. 19, 2009
Term Loan [Member]
Interest Rate Risk [Abstract]
Fixed rate of interest (in hundredths)			4.98%
2012 Term Loan Member]
Interest Rate Risk [Abstract]
Fixed rate of interest (in hundredths)			3.90%
Revolving Credit Loan [Member]
Interest Rate Risk [Abstract]
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR rate or People's Prime rate	LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR rate or People's Prime rate
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	2.25%		2.25%		2.25%	2.25%
Floor rate of loan (in hundredths)	3.25%		4.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Credit Risk [Abstract]
Number of customers that represented more than 10% of trade receivables			0