EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2014	Jul. 28, 2013	Aug. 03, 2014	Jul. 28, 2013
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 4,186	$ 5,940	$ 21,719	$ 13,126
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	0	392	4,626	0
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 4,186	$ 6,332	$ 26,345	$ 13,126
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	61,436	60,746	61,336	60,505
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	996	898	947	783
Convertible notes (in shares)	0	4,338	15,423	0
Common stock warrants (in shares)	0	195	0	190
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	996	5,431	16,370	973
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	62,432	66,177	77,706	61,478
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.10	$ 0.35	$ 0.22
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.10	$ 0.34	$ 0.21
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	17,292	13,941	2,044	18,323
Share-based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	1,869	2,856	2,044	2,900
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	15,423	11,085	0	15,423