EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (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
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 5,940	$ 10,950	$ 13,126	$ 24,035
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	392	1,542	0	4,626
Gain related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment	0	0	0	(94)
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 6,332	$ 12,492	$ 13,126	$ 28,567
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	60,746	60,121	60,505	60,008
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Convertible notes (in shares)	4,338	15,423	0	15,423
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	898	707	783	789
Common stock warrants (in shares)	195	185	190	240
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	5,431	16,315	973	16,452
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	66,177	76,436	61,478	76,460
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ 0.22	$ 0.40
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 0.37
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	13,941	2,616	18,323	2,546
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	11,085	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)	2,856	2,616	2,900	2,546