EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (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
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 4,863	$ 8,818	$ 7,187	$ 13,086
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	0	1,542	0	3,084
Gain related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment	0	0	0	(94)
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 4,863	$ 10,360	$ 7,187	$ 16,076
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	60,493	60,086	60,385	59,952
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	766	829	726	830
Common stock warrants (in shares)	242	252	187	267
Convertible notes (in shares)	0	15,423	0	15,423
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	1,008	16,504	913	16,520
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	61,501	76,590	61,298	76,472
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ 0.22
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.14	$ 0.12	$ 0.21
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	18,324	2,471	18,345	2,511
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	15,423	0	15,423	0
Share-based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	2,901	2,471	2,922	2,511