Photronics (PLAB) 10-Q 6 Mar 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PHOTRONICS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000810136	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--11-02	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	61,657,273
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	2-Feb-14	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Feb. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$189,228	$215,615
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,297 in 2014 and $3,541 in 2013	72,046	73,357
Inventories	19,566	18,849
Other current assets	11,273	10,645
Total current assets	292,113	318,466
Property, plant and equipment, net	434,201	422,740
Investment in joint venture	93,104	93,124
Intangible assets, net	32,634	34,080
Deferred income taxes	12,317	12,455
Other assets	6,399	5,064
Total assets	870,768	885,929
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term borrowings	9,387	11,818
Accounts payable	84,878	68,421
Accrued liabilities	20,978	24,348
Total current liabilities	115,243	104,587
Long-term borrowings	161,080	182,203
Other liabilities	13,241	11,308
Total liabilities	289,564	298,098
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 61,325 shares issued and outstanding at February 2, 2014 and 61,083 shares issued and outstanding at November 3, 2013	613	611
Additional paid-in capital	500,409	498,861
Retained earnings	61,432	59,439
Accumulated other comprehensive income	17,980	26,403
Total Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity	580,434	585,314
Noncontrolling interests	770	2,517
Total equity	581,204	587,831
Total liabilities and equity	$870,768	$885,929

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$3,297	$3,541
Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000	150,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	61,325	61,083
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	61,325	61,083

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$101,542	$99,839
Cost and expenses:	'	'
Cost of sales	-78,660	-78,741
Selling, general and administrative	-12,278	-11,067
Research and development	-4,974	-4,839
Operating income	5,630	5,192
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense	-1,984	-1,887
Interest and other income (expense), net	1,111	1,296
Income before income tax provision	4,757	4,601
Income tax provision	-2,716	-1,742
Net income	2,041	2,859
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-48	-536
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$1,993	$2,323
Earnings per share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	61,200	60,277
Diluted (in shares)	62,136	61,095

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$2,041	$2,859
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $0:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-8,524	8,137
Amortization of cash flow hedge	32	32
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-8,492	8,169
Comprehensive income (loss)	-6,451	11,028
Less: comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	32	-765
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	($6,419)	$10,263

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$2,041	$2,859
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	17,899	19,157
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-40	1,910
Inventories	-1,016	-997
Other current assets	-806	-2,895
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	-3,881	-1,369
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,197	18,665
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-12,184	-15,539
Increase in restricted cash	-1,698	0
Other	67	-1,043
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,815	-16,582
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-23,554	-1,655
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	-4,190
Payments of deferred financing fees	-310	0
Proceeds from share-based arrangements	518	203
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,346	-5,642
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,423	3,287
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-26,387	-272
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	215,615	218,043
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	189,228	217,771
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:	'	'
Accrual for property, plant and equipment purchased during the period	$34,335	$16,342

BASIS_OF_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_P

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	'
	NOTE 1 - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
	Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Photronics" or “the Company") is one of the world's leading manufacturers of photomasks, which are high precision photographic quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits. Photomasks are a key element in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays ("FPDs"), and are used as masters to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates during the fabrication of integrated circuits ("ICs") and a variety of FPDs and, to a lesser extent, other types of electrical and optical components. The Company currently operates principally from eight manufacturing facilities, two of which are located in Europe, two in Taiwan, one in Korea, and three in the United States.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending November 2, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 3, 2013.

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY

CHANGES IN EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN EQUITY [Abstract]	'
CHANGES IN EQUITY	'
	NOTE 2 - CHANGES IN EQUITY
	The following tables set forth the Company's consolidated changes in equity for the three months ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013:
		Three Months Ended February 2, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
													Accumulated
		Common Stock					Additional						Other				Non-
							Paid-in			Retained			Comprehensive				controlling				Total
		Shares		Amount			Capital			Earnings			Income				Interests				Equity
	Balance at November 3, 2013		61,083		$	611		$	498,861		$	59,439		$	26,403			$	2,517			$	587,831
	Net income		-			-			-			1,993			-				48				2,041
	Other comprehensive income		-			-			-			-			(8,412	)			(80	)			(8,492	)
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		130			1			408			-			-				-				409
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		112			1			208			-			-				-				209
	Share-based compensation expense		-			-			896			-			-				-				896
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			36			-			(11	)			(1,715	)			(1,690	)
	Balance at February 2, 2014		61,325		$	613		$	500,409		$	61,432		$	17,980			$	770			$	581,204
		Three Months Ended January 27, 2013
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
													Accumulated
		Common Stock					Additional						Other				Non-
							Paid-in			Retained			Comprehensive				controlling				Total
		Shares		Amount			Capital			Earnings			Income				Interests				Equity
	Balance at October 28, 2012		60,213		$	602		$	493,411		$	41,473		$	15,900			$	34,615			$	586,001
	Net income		-			-			-			2,323			-				536				2,859
	Other comprehensive income		-			-			-			-			7,939				230				8,169
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		77			1			110			-			-				-				111
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		72			-			269			-			-				-				269
	Share-based compensation expense		-			-			616			-			-				-				616
	Repurchase of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			579			-			(27	)			(4,736	)			(4,184	)
	Balance at January 27, 2013		60,362		$	603		$	494,985		$	43,796		$	23,812			$	30,645			$	593,841

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 3 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	8,637	$	8,692
	Buildings and improvements		104,641		103,676
	Machinery and equipment		1,253,911		1,225,091
	Leasehold improvements		3,919		4,179
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		11,137		11,546
	Construction in progress		76,668		97,319
			1,458,913		1,450,503
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,024,712		1,027,763
		$	434,201	$	422,740
	Equipment under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	21,327
	Construction in progress		-		34,918
			56,245		56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		6,213		4,932
		$	50,032	$	51,313
	Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment (excluding equipment under capital leases) was $14.7 million and $17.1 million for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for equipment under capital leases was $1.3 million and $0.5 million for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, respectively.

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. [Abstract]	'
JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.	'
	NOTE 4 - JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
	In May 2006, Photronics and Micron Technology, Inc. ("Micron") entered into the MP Mask joint venture (“MP Mask”), which develops and produces photomasks for leading-edge and advanced next generation semiconductors. At the time of the formation of the joint venture, the Company also entered into both an agreement to license photomask technology developed by Micron and certain supply agreements.
	This joint venture is a variable interest entity ("VIE") (as that term is defined in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")) because all costs of the joint venture are passed on to the Company and Micron through purchase agreements they have entered into with the joint venture, and it is dependent upon the Company and Micron for any additional cash requirements. On a quarterly basis the Company reassesses whether its interest in MP Mask gives it a controlling financial interest in this VIE. The purpose of this quarterly reassessment is to identify the primary beneficiary (which is defined in the ASC as the entity that consolidates a VIE) of the VIE. As a result of the reassessment in the current quarter, the Company determined that Micron is still the primary beneficiary of the VIE, by virtue of its tie-breaking voting rights within MP Mask’s Board of Managers, thereby giving it the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impact its economic performance, including its decision making authority in the ordinary course of business and its purchasing the majority of products produced by the VIE.
	The Company has utilized MP Mask for both high-end IC photomask production and research and development purposes. MP Mask charges its variable interest holders based on their actual usage of its facility. MP Mask separately charges for any research and development activities it engages in at the requests of its owners. The Company recorded cost of sales of $1.0 million and $1.9 million during the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, respectively, and research and development expenses of $0.2 million during each of the three month periods. As of February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, the Company owed MP Mask $3.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively, and had a receivable from Micron of $5.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, both primarily related to the aforementioned supply agreements.
	MP Mask is governed by a Board of Managers, appointed by Micron and the Company. Since MP Mask's inception, Micron, as a result of its majority ownership, has held majority voting power on the Board of Managers. The voting power held by each party is subject to change as ownership interests change. Under the MP Mask joint venture operating agreement, the Company may be required to make additional capital contributions to MP Mask up to the maximum amount defined in the operating agreement. However, should the Board of Managers determine that further additional funding is required, MP Mask shall pursue its own financing. If MP Mask is unable to obtain its own financing, it may request additional capital contributions from the Company. Should the Company choose not to make a requested contribution to MP Mask, its ownership percentage may be reduced.
	The Company's investment in the VIE, which represents its maximum exposure to loss, was $93.1 million at February 2, 2014 and at November 3, 2013. This amount is reported in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets as "Investment in joint venture". The Company recorded a loss of $0.2 million from its investment in the three month period ended January 27, 2013 and recorded no income or loss in the three month period ended February 2, 2014. Income or loss from the VIE is included in "Interest and other income (expense), net" in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	'
	NOTE 5 - LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		2-Feb-14		3-Nov-13
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	115,000	$	115,000
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		23,826		25,065
	5.50% convertible senior notes due in October 2014		22,054		22,054
	Term loan, which bore interest at a variable rate, as defined, repaid in December 2013		-		21,250
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		9,587		10,652
			170,467		194,021
	Less current portion		9,387		11,818
		$	161,080	$	182,203
	In December 2013 the Company amended its credit facility, increasing its limit to $50 million with an expansion capacity to $75 million, and extending its term to December 2018. The interest rate spread on borrowings has been reduced and the minimum fixed charge ratio has been replaced with a minimum interest coverage ratio under the terms of the amended credit facility which, in addition, increased the investment baskets (as defined in the credit facility) and continues to include total leverage ratio and minimum unrestricted cash balance covenants. The credit facility bears interest (1.9% at February 2, 2014) based on the Company’s total leverage ratio, at LIBOR plus a spread, as defined in the credit facility. As of February 2, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and $50 million was available for borrowing. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets located in the United States, as well as common stock the Company owns in certain of its foreign subsidiaries.
	In August 2013 a $26.4 million principal amount, five year capital lease commenced to fund the purchase of a high-end lithography tool. Payments under the capital lease, which bears interest at 2.77% are $0.5 million per month through July 2018.  Under the terms of the lease agreement, the Company must maintain the equipment in good working order, and is subject to a cross default with cross acceleration provision related to certain nonfinancial covenants incorporated in its credit facility. As of February 2, 2014, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $25.4 million, of which $23.8 million represented principal and $1.6 million represented interest.
	In March 2012 the Company, in connection with its purchase of the U.S. nanoFab facility, amended its credit facility (“the credit facility”) to include the addition of a $25 million term loan that was to mature in March 2017. In December 2013, simultaneous with the amendment of its credit facility discussed above, the Company repaid the $21.3 million balance of this term loan that was outstanding at November 3, 2013.
	In March 2011 the Company issued through a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, $115 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes. The notes mature on April 1, 2016, and note holders may convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes to approximately 96 shares of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10.37 per share of common stock) at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding April 1, 2016. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, which are described in the indenture dated March 28, 2011. The Company is not required to redeem the notes prior to their maturity date. Interest on the notes accrues in arrears, and is paid semiannually through the notes’ maturity date. The net proceeds of the notes were approximately $110.7 million, which were used, in part, to acquire $35.4 million of the Company’s 5.5% convertible senior notes which were to mature on October 1, 2014, and to repay, in full, its then outstanding obligations under capital leases of $19.8 million.
	In September 2009 the Company issued, through a public offering, $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% convertible senior notes, which were to mature on October 1, 2014. Under the terms of the offering, the note holders could convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes to approximately 197 shares of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $5.08 per share of common stock) on, or before, September 30, 2014. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events which are described in the indenture dated September 16, 2009. The Company is not required to redeem the notes prior to their maturity. The net proceeds of this offering were approximately $54.9 million, which were used to reduce amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facility. As discussed above, $35.4 million aggregate principal amount of these notes were acquired by the Company during fiscal 2011. As discussed above, in December 2013 the Company entered into a new five year $50 million credit facility. The Company intends to repay the remaining outstanding 5.5% convertible senior notes issued in September 2009 with borrowings against this new credit facility and, therefore, has classified as long-term the entire $22.1 million of those notes that were outstanding as of February 2, 2014.
	In April 2011 the Company entered into a five year, $21.2 million capital lease for manufacturing equipment. Payments under the lease, which bears interest at 3.09%, are $0.4 million per month through March 2016. The lease agreement provides that the Company must maintain the equipment in good working order, and includes a cross default with cross acceleration provision related to certain non-financial covenants incorporated in the Company's credit facility agreement. As of February 2, 2014, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $9.9 million, of which $9.6 million represented principal and $0.3 million represented interest.

COMMON_STOCK_WARRANTS

COMMON STOCK WARRANTS	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS [Abstract]	'
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS	'
	NOTE 6 - COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
	In September 2009 the Company entered into two warrant agreements with Intel Capital Corporation to purchase a total of 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Under one warrant agreement 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock could be purchased at an exercise price of $4.15 per share and under the second warrant agreement 250,000 shares of the Company's common stock could be purchased at an exercise price of $5.08 per share. The warrant agreements were to expire in September 2014. Also in September 2009, the Company and Intel Corporation entered into an agreement to share technical and operations information regarding the development of the Company's products, the capabilities of the Company's photomask manufacturing lines and the alignment of photomask toolsets. Intel Capital Corporation also invested in the Company's convertible debt offering of September 2009. The warrants were recorded at their fair value on their date of grant, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In June 2013 Intel Capital Corporation exercised all of the warrants under both warrant agreements on a net share basis and received 0.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Feb. 02, 2014

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

'

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

'

NOTE 7 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

In March 2007 the Company’s shareholders approved a new share-based compensation plan ("Plan"), under which options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance units, and other awards based on, or related to, shares of the Company's common stock may be granted from shares authorized but unissued or shares previously issued and reacquired by the Company. A maximum of six million shares of common stock may be issued under the Plan. Awards may be granted to officers, employees, directors, consultants, advisors, and independent contractors of the Company or its subsidiaries. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the Plan), the vesting of awards may be accelerated. The Plan, aspects of which are more fully described below, prohibits further awards from being issued under prior plans. The Company incurred total share-based compensation costs of $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, respectively. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as part of an asset and no related income tax benefits were recorded during the periods presented.

Stock Options

Option awards generally vest in one to four years, and have a ten-year contractual term. All incentive and non-qualified stock option grants have an exercise price no less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair values of options are based on closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock. The Company uses historical option exercise behavior and employee termination data to estimate expected term, which represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. The risk-free rate of return for the estimated term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.

The weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options issued during the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, are presented in the following table.

Three Months Ended

February 2,

January 27,

2014

2013

Volatility

61.1

%

100.1

%

Risk free rate of return

1.4

%

0.5% - 0.7

%

Dividend yield

0

%

0

%

Expected term

4.6 years

4.3 years

Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards as of February 2, 2014, is presented below.

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Price

Contractual

Options

Life

Outstanding at February 2, 2014

4,616,076

$

8.62

6.0 years

$

9,535

Exercisable at February 2, 2014

3,042,501

$

9.36

4.5 years

$

7,421

There were 612,500 share options granted during the three month period ended February 2, 2014, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.45 per share, and there were 564,000 share options granted during the three month period ended January 27, 2013, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.99 per share. As of February 2, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards was approximately $5.6 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.8 years.

Restricted Stock

The Company periodically grants restricted stock awards. The restrictions on these awards lapse over a service period that has ranged from less-than-one to eight years. There were 111,667 restricted stock awards issued during the three month period ended February 2, 2014, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $8.86 per share, and there were 204,500 restricted stock awards granted during the three month period ended January 27, 2013, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $5.46 per share. As of February 2, 2014, the total compensation cost not yet recognized related to unvested restricted stock awards was approximately $1.8 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.1 years. As of February 2, 2014, there were 294,669 shares of restricted stock outstanding.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax rates for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, differ from the rates computed by applying the U.S. statutory rate of 35% to income before income taxes for the periods primarily due to foreign tax rate differences, as well as the existence of valuation allowances in jurisdictions with historical and continuing tax losses.
	Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions were $4.9 million at February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, of which $1.7 million would favorably impact the Company's effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $0.1 million at February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013. As of February 2, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.
	PKLT, the Company's FPD manufacturing facility in Taiwan, is accorded a tax holiday which commenced in 2012 and expires in 2017. The tax holiday had no dollar or per share effect in the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	NOTE 9 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	1,993	$	2,323
	Effect of dilutive securities		-		-
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	1,993	$	2,323
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		61,200		60,277
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payment awards		936		685
	Common stock warrants		-		133
	Potentially dilutive common shares		936		818
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		62,136		61,095
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.03	$	0.04
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.03	$	0.04
	The table below shows the outstanding weighted-average share-based payment awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price exceeded the average market value of the common shares for the period or, under application of the treasury stock method, they were otherwise determined to be anti-dilutive. The table also shows convertible notes that, if converted, would have been anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Convertible notes		15,423		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		2,158		2,943
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		17,581		18,366

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]	'
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	'
	NOTE 10 - CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT
	The following table sets forth the changes in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income by component (net of tax of $0) for the three month period ended February 2, 2014:
		Three Months Ended February 2, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge			Other			Total
	Balance at November 4, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(8,551	)		-			27			(8,524	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(8,551	)		32			27			(8,492	)
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		80			-			-			80
	Redemption of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(11	)		(11	)
	Balance at February 2, 2014	$	19,326		$	(530	)	$	(816	)	$	17,980

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 11 – GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	The Company operates as a single operating segment as a manufacturer of photomasks, which are high precision quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits for use in the fabrication of ICs and FPDs. Geographic net sales are based primarily on where the Company's manufacturing facility is located.
	The Company's net sales by geographic area and for ICs and FPDs for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, and long-lived assets by geographic area as of February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, are presented below.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Net sales
	Korea	$	36,816	$	33,971
	Taiwan		29,178		28,394
	United States		25,153		28,220
	Europe		9,876		8,600
	All other		519		654
		$	101,542	$	99,839
	IC	$	76,214	$	74,425
	FPD		25,328		25,414
		$	101,542	$	99,839
		As of
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets
	United States	$	192,311	$	191,518
	Korea		170,460		153,878
	Taiwan		61,358		66,836
	Europe		10,042		10,471
	All other		30		37
		$	434,201	$	422,740
	The Company is typically impacted during its first fiscal quarter by the North American and European holiday periods, as some customers reduce their effective workdays and orders during these periods. Additionally, the Company can be impacted during its first or second quarter by the Asian New Year holiday period, which may also reduce customer orders.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers as follows: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring or a nonrecurring basis, at February 2, 2014 or November 3, 2013.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The fair values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents (Level 1 measurements), accounts receivable, accounts payable, and certain other current assets and current liabilities (Level 2 measurements) approximate their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. The fair value of the Company's variable rate term loan, that was repaid in December 2013, was a Level 2 measurement and approximated its carrying value due to the variable nature of the underlying interest rates. The fair value of the Company's convertible senior notes is a Level 2 measurement that is determined using recent bid prices. The table below presents the fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes at February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013.
		2-Feb-14				3-Nov-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes	$	124,994	$	115,000	$	130,330	$	115,000
	5.50% convertible senior notes	$	35,571	$	22,054	$	37,567	$	22,054

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE [Abstract]	'
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE	'
	NOTE 13 - SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE
	Since the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the board of directors of PSMC, a subsidiary of the Company based in Taiwan, has authorized several share repurchase programs for PSMC to purchase for retirement shares of its outstanding common stock. The last of these repurchase programs concluded in the first fiscal quarter of 2013 in which PSMC purchased 9.2 million shares at a cost of $4.2 million. These repurchase programs increased the Company's ownership in PSMC from 72.09% at October 28, 2012, to 75.11% at January 27, 2013. During fiscal 2013 the Company increased its ownership interest in PSMC, primarily through a tender offer, to 98.63% by purchasing 51.4 million shares at a cost of $28.1 million. In January 2014 the Company increased its ownership percentage in PSMC to 100% at a cost of $1.7 million for the then remaining 3.0 million shares that were not owned by the Company.
	The table below presents the effect of the change in the Company's ownership interest in PSMC on the Company's equity for the first fiscal quarters of 2014 (3.0 million shares of common stock of PSMC acquired) and 2013 (9.2 million shares of PSMC common stock acquired).
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,				January 27,
		2014				2013
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders		$	1,993			$	2,323
	Increase in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital			36				579
	Decrease in Photronics, Inc. shareholders’ accumulated other comprehensive income			(11	)			(27	)
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest		$	2,018			$	2,875
	In November 2013 the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to merge PSMC with DNP Photomask Technology Taiwan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), to form a joint venture which will operate under the name of Photronics DNP Mask Corporation (PDMC). See Note 16 for further discussion.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	As of February 2, 2014, the Company had commitments outstanding for capital equipment expenditures of approximately $85 million. See Note 16 regarding pending subsidiary merger.
	The Company is subject to various claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes such claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]	'
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	NOTE 15 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	There have been no recent accounting pronouncements whose adoption would affect the Company’s financial statements or related disclosures.

PENDING_MERGER_OF_PSMC_WITH_DN

PENDING MERGER OF PSMC WITH DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
PENDING MERGER OF PSMC WITH DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract]	'
PENDING MERGER OF PSMC WITH DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.	'
	NOTE 16 – PENDING MERGER OF PSMC WITH DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.
	In November 2013 the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to merge PSMC with DNP Photomask Technology Taiwan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), to form a joint venture to operate under the name of Photronics DNP Mask Corporation (PDMC). The pending merger, which is a noncash transaction, would result in the Company owning 50.01% and DNP owning 49.99% of PDMC, whose financial results would be included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The merger is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to be completed during the first half of fiscal 2014. In the three month period ended February 2, 2014, the Company incurred $0.4 million in transaction expenses relating to the pending merger.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Polici

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]	'
Share-based compensation accounting policy	'
	Option awards generally vest in one to four years, and have a ten-year contractual term. All incentive and non-qualified stock option grants have an exercise price no less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair values of options are based on closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock. The Company uses historical option exercise behavior and employee termination data to estimate expected term, which represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. The risk-free rate of return for the estimated term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY_Tables

CHANGES IN EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Consolidated changes in equity	'
	The following tables set forth the Company's consolidated changes in equity for the three months ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013:
		Three Months Ended February 2, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
													Accumulated
		Common Stock					Additional						Other				Non-
							Paid-in			Retained			Comprehensive				controlling				Total
		Shares		Amount			Capital			Earnings			Income				Interests				Equity
	Balance at November 3, 2013		61,083		$	611		$	498,861		$	59,439		$	26,403			$	2,517			$	587,831
	Net income		-			-			-			1,993			-				48				2,041
	Other comprehensive income		-			-			-			-			(8,412	)			(80	)			(8,492	)
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		130			1			408			-			-				-				409
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		112			1			208			-			-				-				209
	Share-based compensation expense		-			-			896			-			-				-				896
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			36			-			(11	)			(1,715	)			(1,690	)
	Balance at February 2, 2014		61,325		$	613		$	500,409		$	61,432		$	17,980			$	770			$	581,204
		Three Months Ended January 27, 2013
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
													Accumulated
		Common Stock					Additional						Other				Non-
							Paid-in			Retained			Comprehensive				controlling				Total
		Shares		Amount			Capital			Earnings			Income				Interests				Equity
	Balance at October 28, 2012		60,213		$	602		$	493,411		$	41,473		$	15,900			$	34,615			$	586,001
	Net income		-			-			-			2,323			-				536				2,859
	Other comprehensive income		-			-			-			-			7,939				230				8,169
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		77			1			110			-			-				-				111
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		72			-			269			-			-				-				269
	Share-based compensation expense		-			-			616			-			-				-				616
	Repurchase of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			579			-			(27	)			(4,736	)			(4,184	)
	Balance at January 27, 2013		60,362		$	603		$	494,985		$	43,796		$	23,812			$	30,645			$	593,841

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	8,637	$	8,692
	Buildings and improvements		104,641		103,676
	Machinery and equipment		1,253,911		1,225,091
	Leasehold improvements		3,919		4,179
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		11,137		11,546
	Construction in progress		76,668		97,319
			1,458,913		1,450,503
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,024,712		1,027,763
		$	434,201	$	422,740
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment	'
	Equipment under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	21,327
	Construction in progress		-		34,918
			56,245		56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		6,213		4,932
		$	50,032	$	51,313

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Tables

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]	'
Long-term borrowings	'
	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		2-Feb-14		3-Nov-13
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	115,000	$	115,000
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		23,826		25,065
	5.50% convertible senior notes due in October 2014		22,054		22,054
	Term loan, which bore interest at a variable rate, as defined, repaid in December 2013		-		21,250
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		9,587		10,652
			170,467		194,021
	Less current portion		9,387		11,818
		$	161,080	$	182,203

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Feb. 02, 2014

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]

'

Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options

'

The weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options issued during the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, are presented in the following table.

Three Months Ended

February 2,

January 27,

2014

2013

Volatility

61.1

%

100.1

%

Risk free rate of return

1.4

%

0.5% - 0.7

%

Dividend yield

0

%

0

%

Expected term

4.6 years

4.3 years

Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards

'

Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards as of February 2, 2014, is presented below.

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Price

Contractual

Options

Life

Outstanding at February 2, 2014

4,616,076

$

8.62

6.0 years

$

9,535

Exercisable at February 2, 2014

3,042,501

$

9.36

4.5 years

$

7,421

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	1,993	$	2,323
	Effect of dilutive securities		-		-
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	1,993	$	2,323
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		61,200		60,277
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payment awards		936		685
	Common stock warrants		-		133
	Potentially dilutive common shares		936		818
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		62,136		61,095
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.03	$	0.04
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.03	$	0.04
Outstanding securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings or loss per share	'
	The table below shows the outstanding weighted-average share-based payment awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price exceeded the average market value of the common shares for the period or, under application of the treasury stock method, they were otherwise determined to be anti-dilutive. The table also shows convertible notes that, if converted, would have been anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Convertible notes		15,423		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		2,158		2,943
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		17,581		18,366

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C1

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]	'
Schedule changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income by component (net of tax of $0) for the three month period ended February 2, 2014:
		Three Months Ended February 2, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge			Other			Total
	Balance at November 4, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(8,551	)		-			27			(8,524	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(8,551	)		32			27			(8,492	)
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		80			-			-			80
	Redemption of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(11	)		(11	)
	Balance at February 2, 2014	$	19,326		$	(530	)	$	(816	)	$	17,980

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Tables

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Geographic information	'
	The Company's net sales by geographic area and for ICs and FPDs for the three month periods ended February 2, 2014 and January 27, 2013, and long-lived assets by geographic area as of February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, are presented below.
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,		January 27,
		2014		2013
	Net sales
	Korea	$	36,816	$	33,971
	Taiwan		29,178		28,394
	United States		25,153		28,220
	Europe		9,876		8,600
	All other		519		654
		$	101,542	$	99,839
	IC	$	76,214	$	74,425
	FPD		25,328		25,414
		$	101,542	$	99,839
		As of
		February 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets
	United States	$	192,311	$	191,518
	Korea		170,460		153,878
	Taiwan		61,358		66,836
	Europe		10,042		10,471
	All other		30		37
		$	434,201	$	422,740

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair and carrying values of convertible senior notes	'
	The table below presents the fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes at February 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013.
		2-Feb-14				3-Nov-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes	$	124,994	$	115,000	$	130,330	$	115,000
	5.50% convertible senior notes	$	35,571	$	22,054	$	37,567	$	22,054

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_Ta

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE [Abstract]	'
Effect of change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC	'
	The table below presents the effect of the change in the Company's ownership interest in PSMC on the Company's equity for the first fiscal quarters of 2014 (3.0 million shares of common stock of PSMC acquired) and 2013 (9.2 million shares of PSMC common stock acquired).
		Three Months Ended
		February 2,				January 27,
		2014				2013
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders		$	1,993			$	2,323
	Increase in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital			36				579
	Decrease in Photronics, Inc. shareholders’ accumulated other comprehensive income			(11	)			(27	)
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest		$	2,018			$	2,875

BASIS_OF_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_P1

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
	Facility
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	8
Europe [Member]	'
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	2
Taiwan [Member]	'
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	2
Korea [Member]	'
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	1
United States [Member]	'
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	3

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY_Details

CHANGES IN EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Beginning balance	$587,831	$586,001
Net income	2,041	2,859
Other comprehensive income	-8,492	8,169
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	409	111
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	209	269
Share-based compensation expense	896	616
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	-1,690	-4,184
Ending balance	581,204	593,841
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Beginning balance	611	602
Beginning balance (in shares)	61,083	60,213
Net income	0	0
Other comprehensive income	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	1	1
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans (in shares)	130	77
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	1	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense (in shares)	112	72
Share-based compensation expense	0	0
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	0	0
Ending balance	613	603
Ending balance (in shares)	61,325	60,362
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'
Beginning balance	498,861	493,411
Net income	0	0
Other comprehensive income	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	408	110
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	208	269
Share-based compensation expense	896	616
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	36	579
Ending balance	500,409	494,985
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'
Beginning balance	59,439	41,473
Net income	1,993	2,323
Other comprehensive income	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	0	0
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	0	0
Ending balance	61,432	43,796
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'
Beginning balance	26,403	15,900
Net income	0	0
Other comprehensive income	-8,412	7,939
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	0	0
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	-11	-27
Ending balance	17,980	23,812
Non-controlling Interest [Member]	'	'
Beginning balance	2,517	34,615
Net income	48	536
Other comprehensive income	-80	230
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	0	0
Repurchase/Redemption of common stock by subsidiary	-1,715	-4,736
Ending balance	$770	$30,645

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$1,458,913,000	'	$1,450,503,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,024,712,000	'	1,027,763,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	434,201,000	'	422,740,000
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capital leased assets, gross	56,245,000	'	56,245,000
Less accumulated amortization	6,213,000	'	4,932,000
Capital leased assets, net	50,032,000	'	51,313,000
Depreciation expense (excluding equipment under capital lease)	14,700,000	17,100,000	'
Amortization of capital leased assets	1,300,000	500,000	'
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,637,000	'	8,692,000
Buildings and improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	104,641,000	'	103,676,000
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,253,911,000	'	1,225,091,000
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capital leased assets, gross	56,245,000	'	21,327,000
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,919,000	'	4,179,000
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	11,137,000	'	11,546,000
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	76,668,000	'	97,319,000
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capital leased assets, gross	$0	'	$34,918,000

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN1

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Variable interest entity, methodology for determining whether entity is primary beneficiary	'This joint venture is a variable interest entity ("VIE") (as that term is defined in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")) because all costs of the joint venture are passed on to the Company and Micron through purchase agreements they have entered into with the joint venture, and it is dependent upon the Company and Micron for any additional cash requirements. On a quarterly basis the Company reassesses whether its interest in MP Mask gives it a controlling financial interest in this VIE. The purpose of this quarterly reassessment is to identify the primary beneficiary (which is defined in the ASC as the entity that consolidates a VIE) of the VIE. As a result of the reassessment in the current quarter, the Company determined that Micron is still the primary beneficiary of the VIE, by virtue of its tie-breaking voting rights within MP Maskbs Board of Managers, thereby giving it the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impact its economic performance, including its decision making authority in the ordinary course of business and its purchasing the majority of products produced by the VIE.	'	'
Cost of sales	$78,660,000	$78,741,000	'
Research and development expenses	4,974,000	4,839,000	'
Amount owed to MP Mask	3,600,000	'	4,500,000
Accounts receivable	72,046,000	'	73,357,000
Maximum exposure to loss from investment in VIE	93,100,000	'	93,100,000
Income (loss) from equity-method investee	0	-200,000	'
Equity Method Investee [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of sales	1,000,000	1,900,000	'
Research and development expenses	200,000	200,000	'
Co-venturer [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	$5,400,000	'	$4,900,000

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Details

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 02, 2014

Mar. 31, 2011

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2009

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Apr. 30, 2011

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Newly Amended Credit Facility [Member]

Newly Amended Credit Facility [Member]

3.25% convertible senior notes due on April 1, 2016 [Member]

3.25% convertible senior notes due on April 1, 2016 [Member]

3.25% convertible senior notes due on April 1, 2016 [Member]

2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018 [Member]

2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018 [Member]

5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]

5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]

5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]

5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]

5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016 [Member]

3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016 [Member]

3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016 [Member]

Long-term borrowings [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

'

$170,467,000

$194,021,000

'

'

'

$115,000,000

$115,000,000

$23,826,000

$25,065,000

'

'

$22,054,000

$22,054,000

'

'

$0

$21,250,000

'

$9,587,000

$10,652,000

Less current portion

'

9,387,000

11,818,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations non current

'

161,080,000

182,203,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

2.77%

'

'

'

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.09%

'

Maturity date of debt

'

'

'

31-Dec-18

'

'

1-Apr-16

'

31-Jul-18

'

'

'

1-Oct-14

'

'

'

31-Mar-17

'

'

30-Mar-16

'

Original face amount of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,400,000

'

'

57,500,000

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

21,200,000

'

'

Variable interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

1.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

Frequency of periodic payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'per month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'per month

'

'

Repayment of term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term debt, refinanced amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity under credit facility

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment period of debt

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

Amount outstanding under credit facility

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

$10.37

'

'

'

'

'

$5.08

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from notes payable, net

'

'

'

'

'

110,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

54,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital lease obligations repaid

19,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of each note converted

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

96

'

'

'

'

'

197

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of debt repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount payable through the end of lease term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,900,000

'

Interest included in lease payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000

'

COMMON_STOCK_WARRANTS_Details

COMMON STOCK WARRANTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014
	Agreement
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Number of warrant agreements	2
Date warrants are exercisable	30-Sep-09
Number of shares of common stock covered under warrants (in shares)	750,000
Warrant agreement expiration date	30-Sep-14
Number of warrants exercised as of balance sheet date (in shares)	750,000
Number of common shares issued for warrant exercises (in shares)	300,000
Date of warrant exercise	30-Jun-13
Warrant Agreement One [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Number of shares of common stock covered under warrants (in shares)	500,000
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	4.15
Warrant Agreement Two [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
Number of shares of common stock covered under warrants (in shares)	250,000
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	5.08

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Date and Terms of Plan modification	'In March 2007 shareholders approved a new share-based compensation plan ("Plan"), under which options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance units, and other awards based on, or related to, shares of the Company's common stock may be granted from shares authorized but unissued or shares previously issued and reacquired by the Company.	'
Maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued (in shares)	6,000,000	'
Share-based compensation costs incurred	$1,100,000	$900,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Contractual term	'10 years	'
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'
Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options [Abstract]	'	'
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	61.10%	100.10%
Risk free rate of return (in hundredths)	1.40%	'
Risk free rate of return, minimum (in hundredths)	'	0.50%
Risk free rate of return, maximum (in hundredths)	'	0.70%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 3 months 18 days
Shares [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding at February 2, 2014 (in shares)	4,616,076	'
Exercisable at February 2, 2014 (in shares)	3,042,501	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding at February 2, 2014 (in dollar per share)	$8.62	'
Exercisable at Outstanding at February 2, 2014 (in dollar per share)	$9.36	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding February 2, 2014	'6 years	'
Exercisable at February 2, 2014	'4 years 6 months	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding at February 2, 2014	9,535,000	'
Exercisable at February 2, 2014	7,421,000	'
Stock options, additional disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Share options granted (in shares)	612,500	564,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollar per share)	$4.45	$3.99
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards	5,600,000	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized	'2 years 1 month 6 days	'
Nonvested shares [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted stock awards granted (in shares)	111,667	204,500
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards (in dollar per share)	$8.86	$5.46
Compensation cost not yet recognized related to unvested restricted stock awards	$1,800,000	'
Number of shares of restricted stock outstanding (in shares)	294,669	'
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'1 year	'
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'1 year	'
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'4 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'8 years	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'	'
U.S. statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$4.90	'	$4.90
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1.7	'	1.7
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	0.1	'	0.1
Income tax holiday termination date	'October 31, 2017	'	'
Dollar effect of income tax holiday	$0	$0	'
Per share effect of income tax holiday (dollars per share)	$0	$0	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$1,993	$2,323
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$1,993	$2,323
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	61,200	60,277
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]	'	'
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	936	685
Common stock warrants (in shares)	0	133
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	936	818
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	62,136	61,095
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	17,581	18,366
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)	2,158	2,943

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C2

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	26,403	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-8,524	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	32	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-8,492	8,169
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	80	'
Redemption of common stock of subsidiary	-11	'
Ending Balance	17,980	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	27,797	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-8,551	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-8,551	'
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	80	'
Redemption of common stock of subsidiary	0	'
Ending Balance	19,326	'
Amortization of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-562	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	32	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	32	'
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	'
Redemption of common stock of subsidiary	0	'
Ending Balance	-530	'
Other [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-832	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	27	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	27	'
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	'
Redemption of common stock of subsidiary	-11	'
Ending Balance	($816)	'

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Details

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	$101,542	$99,839	'
Long-lived assets	434,201	'	422,740
IC [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	76,214	74,425	'
FPD [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	25,328	25,414	'
Korea [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	36,816	33,971	'
Long-lived assets	170,460	'	153,878
Taiwan [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	29,178	28,394	'
Long-lived assets	61,358	'	66,836
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	25,153	28,220	'
Long-lived assets	192,311	'	191,518
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	9,876	8,600	'
Long-lived assets	10,042	'	10,471
All Other [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	519	654	'
Long-lived assets	$30	'	$37

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$0	$0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible senior notes	124,994	130,330
Fair Value [Member] | 5.50% convertible senior notes [Member]	'	'
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible senior notes	35,571	37,567
Carrying Value [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible senior notes	115,000	115,000
Carrying Value [Member] | 5.50% convertible senior notes [Member]	'	'
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible senior notes	$22,054	$22,054

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_De

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payment to minority shareholders	$0	$4,190	'	'
Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	1,993	2,323	'	'
Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest	2,018	2,875	'	'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income	36	579	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income	-11	-27	'	'
PSMC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary shares acquired (in shares)	3	9.2	51.4	'
Payment to minority shareholders	$1,700	$4,200	$28,100	'
Ownership percentage in PSMC (in hundredths)	100.00%	75.11%	98.63%	72.09%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 02, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
Outstanding commitments for capital expenditure	$85

PENDING_MERGER_OF_PSMC_WITH_DN1

PENDING MERGER OF PSMC WITH DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. (Details) (PDMC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Latest date at which merger is expected to be completed	4-May-14
Ownership percentage in PDMC (in hundredths)	50.01%
Transaction expenses relating to pending merger	$0.40
DNP [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	49.99%