EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 04, 2014	Apr. 28, 2013	May 04, 2014	Apr. 28, 2013
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 15,540	$ 4,863	$ 17,533	$ 7,187
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	1,542	0	3,084	0
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 17,082	$ 4,863	$ 20,617	$ 7,187
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	61,372	60,493	61,286	60,385
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Convertible notes (in shares)	15,423	0	15,423	0
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	910	766	923	726
Common stock warrants (in shares)	0	242	0	187
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	16,333	1,008	16,346	913
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	77,705	61,501	77,632	61,298
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.08	$ 0.29	$ 0.12
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.08	$ 0.27	$ 0.12
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	2,105	18,324	2,131	18,345
Share-based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	2,105	2,901	2,131	2,922
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	0	15,423	0	15,423