EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 03, 2015	May 04, 2014	May 03, 2015	May 04, 2014
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$ 10,060	$ 15,540	$ 13,897	$ 17,533
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	1,071	1,542	1,071	3,084
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$ 11,131	$ 17,082	$ 14,968	$ 20,617
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	66,230	61,372	66,148	61,286
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Convertible notes (in shares)	11,084	15,423	5,542	15,423
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	914	910	934	923
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	11,998	16,333	6,476	16,346
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	78,228	77,705	72,624	77,632
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.25	$ 0.21	$ 0.29
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.22	$ 0.21	$ 0.27
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	1,654	2,105	7,163	2,131
Share-Based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	1,654	2,105	1,621	2,131
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	0	0	5,542	0