Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2013	Apr. 29, 2012	Apr. 28, 2013	Apr. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 106,680	$ 117,451	$ 206,519	$ 229,605
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	(81,891)	(87,590)	(160,632)	(174,286)
Selling, general and administrative	(12,151)	(12,201)	(23,218)	(23,526)
Research and development	(4,556)	(4,441)	(9,395)	(8,885)
Consolidation, restructuring and related charges	0	(58)	0	(1,176)
Operating income	8,082	13,161	13,274	21,732
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(1,909)	(1,795)	(3,796)	(3,575)
Interest and other income (expense), net	993	827	2,289	2,198
Income before income tax provision	7,166	12,193	11,767	20,355
Income tax provision	(1,724)	(2,663)	(3,466)	(5,984)
Net income	5,442	9,530	8,301	14,371
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(579)	(712)	(1,114)	(1,285)
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 4,863	$ 8,818	$ 7,187	$ 13,086
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ 0.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.14	$ 0.12	$ 0.21
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	60,493	60,086	60,385	59,952
Diluted (in shares)	61,501	76,590	61,298	76,472