ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD., Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2016	[1]	Jul. 31, 2016	May 01, 2016	[2]	Jan. 31, 2016	[3]	Nov. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2015	May 03, 2015	Feb. 01, 2015	[4]	Oct. 30, 2016	[3],[5]	Nov. 01, 2015	[4]	Nov. 02, 2014
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenues																	$ 499,968
Net income																	23,969
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 5,256		$ 8,088	$ 11,854		$ 21,002		$ 18,622	$ 12,106	$ 10,060	$ 3,837		$ 46,200		$ 44,625		$ 25,996
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)																	$ 0.19
Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders																	$ 12,169

[1] Includes a tax benefit in Taiwan of $3.0 million related to the recognition of prior period tax benefits and other tax positions no longer deemed necessary.

[2] Includes a tax benefit in Taiwan of $1.8 million related to prior years.

[3] Includes $8.8 million gain on sale of investment in a foreign entity.

[4] Includes expenses of $0.9 million of financing expenses related to the exchange of $57.5 million 3.25% convertible senior notes.

[5] Includes tax benefits in Taiwan of $4.8 million primarily related to the recognition of prior period tax benefits and other tax positions no longer deemed necessary.