EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2013	Jan. 29, 2012
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 2,323	$ 4,268
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Gains related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment	0	(94)
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 2,323	$ 4,174
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	60,277	59,817
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	685	831
Common stock warrants (in shares)	133	282
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	818	1,113
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	61,095	60,930
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.07
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.07
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	18,366	17,973
Convertible notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	15,423	15,423
Share-based payment awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	2,943	2,550