Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EASTERN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000031107
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-02
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,244,391
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 04, 2015