Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Mar. 04, 2016	Jul. 04, 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 Public Float			$ 99,505,155
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,247,732
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 02, 2016