Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2013	Jul. 29, 2012	Jul. 28, 2013	Jul. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 109,652	$ 116,616	$ 316,171	$ 346,220
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	(82,574)	(84,312)	(243,206)	(258,598)
Selling, general and administrative	(12,068)	(11,784)	(35,286)	(35,311)
Research and development	(4,985)	(5,221)	(14,380)	(14,106)
Consolidation, restructuring and related charges	0	(7)	0	(1,182)
Operating income	10,025	15,292	23,299	37,023
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(1,909)	(2,012)	(5,705)	(5,587)
Interest and other income (expense), net	937	1,245	3,226	3,444
Income before income tax provision	9,053	14,525	20,820	34,880
Income tax provision	(2,689)	(3,258)	(6,155)	(9,242)
Net income	6,364	11,267	14,665	25,638
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(424)	(317)	(1,539)	(1,603)
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 5,940	$ 10,950	$ 13,126	$ 24,035
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ 0.22	$ 0.40
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 0.37
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	60,746	60,121	60,505	60,008
Diluted (in shares)	66,177	76,436	61,478	76,460