Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	May 03, 2020	Jun. 08, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PHOTRONICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000810136
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		65,622,399
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	May 03, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-15451
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-0854886
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	CT
Entity Address, Address Line One	15 Secor Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Brookfield
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06804
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	775-9000
Title of 12(b) Security	COMMON
Trading Symbol	PLAB
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ