Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2012	May 01, 2011	Apr. 29, 2012	May 01, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 117,451	$ 133,103	$ 229,605	$ 253,926
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	(87,590)	(96,617)	(174,286)	(186,845)
Selling, general and administrative	(12,201)	(11,448)	(23,526)	(22,162)
Research and development	(4,441)	(3,940)	(8,885)	(7,711)
Consolidation, restructuring and related charges	(58)	0	(1,176)	0
Operating income	13,161	21,098	21,732	37,208
Other income (expense):
Debt extinguishment loss	0	(30,286)	0	(30,286)
Interest expense	(1,795)	(1,881)	(3,575)	(3,592)
Investment and other income (expense), net	827	(704)	2,198	1,963
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,193	(11,773)	20,355	5,293
Income tax provision	(2,663)	(3,260)	(5,984)	(6,742)
Net income (loss)	9,530	(15,033)	14,371	(1,449)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(712)	(1,405)	(1,285)	(2,878)
Net income (loss) attributable to Photronics, Inc.	$ 8,818	$ (16,438)	$ 13,086	$ (4,327)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ (0.30)	$ 0.22	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ (0.30)	$ 0.21	$ (0.08)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	60,086	55,685	59,952	54,751
Diluted (in shares)	76,590	55,685	76,472	54,751