Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2018 shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EASTERN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000031107
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	6,257,588
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 29, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3