Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PHOTRONICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000810136
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 376,906,797
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		60,721,580
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 28, 2012