Photronics (PLAB) 10-K 6 Jan 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Dec. 29, 2014	4-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PHOTRONICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	810136
Current Fiscal Year End Date	9
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$529,675,990
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		66,348,970
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	2-Nov-14

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$192,929	$215,615
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,078 in 2014 and $3,541 in 2013	94,515	73,357
Inventories	22,478	18,849
Deferred income taxes	7,223	1,082
Other current assets	19,347	9,563
Total current assets	336,492	318,466
Property, plant and equipment, net	550,069	422,740
Investment in joint venture	93,122	93,124
Intangible assets, net	30,294	34,080
Deferred income taxes	11,036	12,455
Other assets	8,170	5,064
Total assets	1,029,183	885,929
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term borrowings	10,381	11,818
Accounts payable	77,779	59,210
Payables - related parties	8,716	9,211
Accrued liabilities	42,241	24,348
Total current liabilities	139,117	104,587
Long-term borrowings	131,805	182,203
Deferred income taxes	3,045	1,007
Other liabilities	15,722	10,301
Total liabilities	289,689	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, 65,930 shares issued and outstanding at November 2, 2014, and 61,083 shares issued and outstanding at November 3, 2013	659	611
Additional paid-in capital	520,182	498,861
Retained earnings	85,435	59,439
Accumulated other comprehensive income	21,774	26,403
Total Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity	628,050	585,314
Noncontrolling interests	111,444	2,517
Total equity	739,494	587,831
Total liabilities and equity	$1,029,183	$885,929

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance	$3,078	$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)	65,930	61,083
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	65,930	61,083

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$455,527		$422,180		$450,439
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	-355,181		-322,540		-338,519
Selling, general and administrative	-49,638		-48,213		-46,706
Research and development	-21,913		-20,758		-19,371
Consolidation, restructuring and related charges	0		0		-1,428
Operating income	28,795		30,669		44,415
Other income (expense):
Gain on acquisition	16,372		0		0
Interest expense	-7,247		-7,756		-7,488
Interest and other income (expense), net	3,410		3,892		3,721
Income before income tax provision	41,330		26,805		40,648
Income tax provision	-9,295		-7,229		-10,793
Net income	32,035	[1],[2]	19,576	[3]	29,855
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-6,039		-1,610		-1,987
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$25,996	[1],[2]	$17,966	[3]	$27,868
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.42	[1],[2]	$0.30	[3]	$0.46
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.41	[1],[2]	$0.29	[3]	$0.44
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	61,779		60,644		60,055
Diluted (in shares)	66,679		61,599		76,464
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$32,035	[1],[2]	$19,576	[3]	$29,855
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $0:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,916		9,805		7,188
Amortization of cash flow hedge	128		128		128
Other	-41		54		-109
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,829		9,987		7,207
Comprehensive income	26,206		29,563		37,062
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,238		858		3,387
Comprehensive income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$20,968		$28,705		$33,675
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Oct. 30, 2011	$597	$486,674	$13,605	$10,171	$48,709	$559,756
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 30, 2011	59,651
Net income	0	0	27,868	0	1,987	29,855
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	5,807	1,400	7,207
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan	3	542	0	0	0	545
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan (in shares)	277
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense	1	901	0	0	0	902
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense (in shares)	108
Share-based compensation expense	0	2,258	0	0	0	2,258
Common stock issued upon debt conversion	1	1,051	0	0	0	1,052
Common stock issued upon debt conversion (in shares)	177
Repurchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	1,985	0	-78	-17,481	-15,574
Balance at Oct. 28, 2012	602	493,411	41,473	15,900	34,615	586,001
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 28, 2012	60,213
Net income	0	0	17,966	0	1,610	19,576	[1]
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	10,740	-753	9,987
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan	4	880	0	0	0	884
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan (in shares)	397
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense	2	1,281	0	0	0	1,283
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense (in shares)	158
Share-based compensation expense	0	2,692	0	0	0	2,692
Common stock issued upon debt conversion	3	-3	0	0	0	0
Common stock issued upon debt conversion (in shares)	315
Repurchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	600	0	-237	-32,955	-32,592
Balance at Nov. 03, 2013	611	498,861	59,439	26,403	2,517	587,831
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 03, 2013	61,083
Net income	0	0	25,996	0	6,039	32,035	[2],[3]
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0	-5,028	-801	-5,829
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan	3	1,424	0	0	0	1,427
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan (in shares)	337
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense	2	1,295	0	0	0	1,297
Restricted stock awards vestings and expense (in shares)	172
Share-based compensation expense	0	2,774	0	0	0	2,774
Acquisition of DPTT	0	-6,291	0	410	105,403	99,522
Common stock issued upon debt conversion	43	22,011	0	0	0	22,054
Common stock issued upon debt conversion (in shares)	4,338
Repurchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	108	0	-11	-1,714	-1,617
Balance at Nov. 02, 2014	$659	$520,182	$85,435	$21,774	$111,444	$739,494
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 02, 2014	65,930
[1]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$32,035	[1],[2]	$19,576	[3]	$29,855
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	72,859		65,994		78,623
Amortization of deferred financing costs and intangible assets	7,277		6,948		6,586
Gain on acquisition	-16,372		0		0
Consolidation, restructuring and related charges	0		0		262
Share-based compensation	4,071		3,975		3,160
Deferred income taxes	4,215		-266		-615
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	5,271		2,400		11,190
Inventories	-2,552		-891		4,683
Other current assets	1,781		-2,744		-79
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	-12,224		4,409		-1,116
Net cash provided by operating activities	96,361		99,401		132,549
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-91,085		-63,792		-96,978
Cash from acquisition	4,508		0		0
Investment in joint venture	0		0		-13,397
Purchases of intangible assets	-364		-2,173		-27
Other	-544		-272		-1,541
Net cash used in investing activities	-87,485		-66,237		-111,943
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0		0		25,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-29,782		-8,314		-5,293
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	0		-32,374		-15,598
Proceeds from share-based arrangements	1,298		884		653
Payments of deferred financing fees	-346		-40		-198
Other	-711		0		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-29,541		-39,844		4,564
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,021		4,252		2,945
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-22,686		-2,428		28,115
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	215,615		218,043		189,928
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	192,929		215,615		218,043
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Noncash net assets from acquisition	110,211		0		0
Accrual for property, plant and equipment purchased during year	28,672		17,502		5,052
Conversion of debt to common stock	22,054		0		0
Capital lease obligation for purchases of property, plant and equipment	0		26,356		0
Deposit related to facility purchase	$0		$0		$2,000
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business
	Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Photronics") 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 nine manufacturing facilities; two of which are located in Europe, three in Taiwan, one in Korea, and three in the United States.
	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Photronics, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in them. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time they are made. Actual results reported by the Company may differ from such estimates. The Company reviews these estimates periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period in which they are determined.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company records derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The Company does not engage in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives are reflected in earnings, or as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a separate component of equity, depending on the use of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, among other criteria, a derivative must be a hedge of an interest rate, price, foreign currency exchange rate, or credit risk that is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge, be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item during the term of the hedge and formally documented at the inception of the hedge. In general, the types of risks the Company has hedged are those related to the variability of future cash flows caused by movements in foreign currency exchange and interest rates. The Company documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of, and during the term of, each hedge.
	Fiscal Year
	The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to October thirty-first, and, as a result, a 53-week year occurs every 5 to 6 years. Fiscal years 2014 and 2012 each included 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2013 included 53 weeks.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 3 months or less. The carrying values of cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
	Inventories
	Inventories are primarily comprised of raw materials and are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or market.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment, except as explained below under "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance, as well as renewals and replacements of a routine nature, are charged to operations as incurred, while those that improve or extend the lives of existing assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings.
	Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment over 3 to 10 years and, furniture, fixtures and office equipment over 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Judgment and assumptions are used in establishing estimated useful lives and depreciation periods. The Company also uses judgment and assumptions as it periodically reviews property, plant and equipment for any potential impairment in carrying values whenever events such as a significant industry downturn, plant closures, technological obsolescence, or other change in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist primarily of a technology license agreement, a supply agreement and acquisition-related intangibles. These assets are stated at fair value as of the date acquired less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 15 years, using the straight-line method or another method that more fairly represents the utilization of the assets.
	The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of its intangible assets to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. In the event that the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life has changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. If it is determined that an intangible asset has an indefinite useful life, that intangible asset would be subject to impairment testing annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not, based on future undiscounted cash flows or market factors, be recoverable, and an impairment loss would be recorded in the period so determined. The measurement of the impairment loss would be based on the fair value of the intangible asset.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the Company's judgment and estimates of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the assets. The carrying values of assets determined to be impaired are reduced to their estimated fair values. Fair values of any impaired assets would generally be determined using a market or income approach.
	Business Combinations
	When acquiring other businesses or participating in mergers or joint ventures in which the Company is deemed to be the acquirer, the Company generally recognizes identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests at their acquisition date fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized.  Goodwill, when recognizable, would be measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is generally measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Accounting for such transactions requires the Company’s management to make significant assumptions and estimates and, although the Company believes any estimates and assumptions it makes to be reasonable and appropriate at the time they are made, unanticipated events and circumstances may arise that affect their accuracy, causing actual results to differ from those estimated by the Company. When required, the Company will adjust the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed against the acquisition gain or goodwill, as initially recorded, for a period of up to one year after the transaction.
	Costs incurred to effect a merger or acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other third party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.  Costs incurred to issue any debt and equity securities are recognized in accordance with other applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
	Investments in Joint Ventures
	The financial results of investments in joint ventures of which the Company has a controlling financial interest are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Investments in joint ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence and that, in general, are at least 20 percent owned are accounted for under the equity method. An impairment loss would be recognized whenever a decrease in the fair value of such an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other than temporary. In judging "other than temporary," the Company would consider the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying amount of the investment, the near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of the investee, and the Company's longer-term intent of retaining its investment in the investee.
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company accounts for the investments it makes in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have 1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, 2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or, 3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These certain legal entities are referred to as “variable interest entities”, or “VIEs”.
	The Company would consolidate the results of any such entity in which it determined that it has a controlling financial interest. The Company would have a “controlling financial interest” in such an entity when the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, the Company reassesses whether it has a controlling financial interest in any investments it has in these certain legal entities.
	The Company accounts for investments it makes in VIEs in which it has determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest but has significant influence over and holds at least a 20 percent ownership interest using the equity method. Any investment not meeting the parameters to be accounted under the equity method would be accounted for using the cost method unless the investment had a readily determinable fair value, at which it would then be reported.
	Income Taxes
	The income tax provision is computed on the basis of the various tax jurisdictions' income or loss before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company uses judgment and assumptions to determine if valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets are required, if their realization is not more likely than not, by considering future market growth, forecasted operations, future taxable income, and the amount of earnings in the tax jurisdictions in which it operates.
	The Company considers income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates in order to determine its effective income tax rate. Current income tax exposure is identified and temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and financial reporting purposes are assessed. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company evaluates the potential realization of deferred income tax assets from future taxable income and establishes valuation allowances if their realization is deemed not more likely than not. Accordingly, income taxes charged against earnings may have been impacted by changes in the valuation allowance. Significant management estimates and judgment are required in determining any valuation allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets.
	The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions by recording a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in its tax returns. The Company includes any applicable interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax provision.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding any dilutive common share equivalents. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if certain share-based payment awards or financial instruments were exercised, earned or converted.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. Share-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, which are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. Determining the appropriate option pricing model, calculating the grant date fair value of share-based awards and estimating forfeiture rates requires considerable judgment, including the estimations of stock price volatility and the expected term of options granted.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value employee stock options. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on daily averages of its historical volatility over a term approximately equal to the estimated time period the grant will remain outstanding. The expected term of options and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data.
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, and consist primarily of global development efforts related to high-end process technologies for advanced sub-wavelength reticle solutions for IC photomask technologies. Research and development expenses also include the amortization of the carrying value of a technology license agreement with Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”). Under this technology license agreement, the Company has access to certain photomask technology developed by Micron.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company's international subsidiaries maintain their accounts in their respective local currencies. Assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates on foreign currency transactions, which are included in interest and other income (expense), net were a net gain of $1.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represents the minority shareholders' proportionate share in the equity of the Company's two majority-owned subsidiaries, PK Ltd. ("PKL") in Korea of which noncontrolling shareholders owned approximately 0.3% as of November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, and Photronics DNP Mask Corporation ("PDMC") in Taiwan, of which noncontrolling interests owned 49.99% and 1.37%, as of November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, respectively. The effect on its equity of the change in the Company’s ownership interest in PDMC is presented in Note 14.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Delivery is determined by the shipping terms of the individual sales transactions. For sales with FOB destination or similar shipping terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product reaches its destination and is received by the customer. For sales with FOB shipping point terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product is received by the common carrier. The Company uses judgment when estimating the effect on revenue of discounts and product warranty obligations, both of which are accrued when the related revenue is recognized.
	Warranties and Other Post Shipment Obligations – For a 30-day period, the Company warrants that items sold will conform to customer specifications. However, the Company’s liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the photomasks at its sole option. The Company inspects photomasks for conformity to customer specifications prior to shipment.  Accordingly, customer returns of items under warranty have historically been insignificant.  However, the Company records a liability at the time it recognizes revenue for the insignificant amount of estimated warranty returns based on historical experience. The Company’s specific return policies include accepting returns of products with defects, or products that have not been produced to precise customer specifications.
	Sales Taxes – The Company reports its revenues net of any sales taxes billed to its customers.

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract]
ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.	NOTE 2 – ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.
	On April 4, 2014, DPTT merged into PSMC, the Company’s IC manufacturing subsidiary located in Taiwan, to form PDMC. Throughout this report the merger of DPTT into PSMC is referred to as the “DPTT Acquisition.” In connection with the DPTT Acquisition, the Company transferred consideration with a fair value of $41.0 million. The Company owns 50.01 percent of PDMC and includes its financial results in its consolidated financial statements, while DNP owns the remaining 49.99 percent of PDMC. The DPTT Acquisition was the result of the Company’s desire to combine the strengths in logic and memory photomask technologies of PSMC and DPTT in order to enhance its capability with customers in the region.
	The DPTT Acquisition met the conditions of a business combination as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 and, as such, is accounted for under ASC 805 using the acquisition method of accounting. ASC 805 defines the three elements of a business as Input, Process and Output. As a result of the DPTT Acquisition, Photronics acquired the machinery and equipment utilized in the processes to manufacture product, the building that houses the entire operation and the processes needed to manufacture the product, all previously owned by DPTT. The former DPTT employees hired by Photronics in connection with the acquisition brought with them the skills, experience and know-how necessary to provide the operational processes that, when applied to the acquired assets, represent processes being applied to inputs to create outputs. Having met all three elements of a business as defined in ASC 805, the Company determined that the DPTT Acquisition should be accounted for as a business combination.
	The following table summarizes the provisional fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of DPTT, the fair value of the noncontrolling interests and consideration for DPTT at the acquisition date. These provisional amounts could change as a result of the ultimate realization of the acquired net working capital.
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,508
	Accounts receivable (gross amount of $28,560, of which $500 is estimated to be uncollectable)		28,060
	Inventory		1,279
	Deferred tax asset		9,787
	Other current assets		11,517
	Property, plant and equipment		95,431
	Identifiable intangible assets		1,552
	Other long-term assets		1,328
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(32,410	)
	Deferred tax liability		(3,042	)
	Other long-term liabilities		(3,291	)
	Total net assets acquired		114,719
	Noncontrolling interests retained by DNP		57,348
			57,371
	Consideration – 49.99% of fair value of PSMC		40,999
	Gain on acquisition	$	16,372
	In addition to recording the fair values of the net assets acquired, the Company also recorded a gain on acquisition of $16.4 million in the consolidated statement of income within other income (expense) in accordance with ASC 805 using the acquisition method of accounting. The gain on acquisition was primarily due to the difference between the market values of the acquired real estate and personal property exceeding the fair value of the consideration transferred. In addition, a deferred tax liability of $3.0 million was recorded in the opening balance sheet, which had the effect of reducing the gain on acquisition to $16.4 million. Prior to recording the gain, the Company reassessed whether it had correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed. Additionally, the Company also reviewed the procedures used to measure the amounts of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred.
	The fair value of the consideration represents 49.99 percent of the fair value of PSMC, and is based on recent prices paid by the Company to acquire outstanding shares of PSMC (prior to the acquisition). As a result of the merger, the Company acquired the net assets of DPTT having a fair value of $114.7 million, less noncontrolling interests of $57.3 million retained by DNP, and transferred consideration with a fair value of $41.0 million, resulting in a gain of $16.4 million.
	The acquisition date fair value of the property, plant and equipment of DPTT was $95.4 million, which was determined by utilizing the cost and, to a lesser extent, the market approach, based on an in-use premise of value. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Key assumptions include local and current construction replacement cost multipliers, amounts of ancillary replacement costs, physical deterioration, and economic and functional obsolescence to adjust the current replacement costs by, as well as the estimated economic lives of the assets.
	Identifiable intangible assets acquired were primarily customer relationships, which represent the fair value of relationships and agreements DPTT had in place at the date of the merger. The customer relationships had a fair value of $1.5 million at the acquisition date, determined by using the multi-period excess earnings method, and are amortized over a twelve year estimated useful life. The acquisition date fair value of the remainder of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed were equivalent to, or did not materially differ from, their carrying values.
	Acquisition costs related to the merger were $2.5 million and $0.8 million for fiscal year 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	Revenues and net income of PDMC included in the Company’s financial results from the April 4, 2014 acquisition date through November 2, 2014, were $101.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
	Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents financial information as if the DPTT acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of fiscal year 2013. The pro forma earnings for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were adjusted to exclude the above mentioned $2.5 million and $0.8 million non-recurring acquisition related costs and the gain on acquisition of $16.4 million. Other material non-recurring pro forma adjustments made to arrive at the below earnings amounts included the add back of additional depreciation recorded against DPTT long-lived assets of $6.6 million and $12.9 million for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively. The pro forma information presented does not purport to represent results that would have been achieved had the merger occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented, or to be indicative of the Company’s future financial performance.
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	499,968		$	514,265
	Net income	$	23,969		$	34,922
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	12,169		$	21,902
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.19		$	0.36

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 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:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	8,598	$	8,692
	Buildings and improvements		124,787		103,676
	Machinery and equipment		1,367,691		1,225,091
	Leasehold improvements		20,165		4,179
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		12,086		11,546
	Construction in progress		81,351		97,319
			1,614,678		1,450,503
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,064,609		1,027,763
		$	550,069	$	422,740
	Property under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	21,327
	Construction in progress		-		34,918
			56,245		56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		10,430		4,932
		$	45,815	$	51,313

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 4 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets include assets related to the investment to form the MP Mask joint venture and other finite lived intangible assets.  Amortization expense of intangible assets was $5.8 million, $5.5 million and $5.0 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Intangible assets consist of:
		Gross		Accumulated		Net
	As of November 2, 2014	Amount		Amortization		Amount
	Technology license agreement	$	59,616	$	33,451	$	26,165
	Customer relationships		8,716		6,394		2,322
	Supply agreements		6,959		6,605		354
	Software and other		6,223		4,770		1,453
		$	81,514	$	51,220	$	30,294
	As of November 3, 2013
	Technology license agreement	$	59,616	$	29,477	$	30,139
	Customer relationships		7,210		5,599		1,611
	Supply agreements		6,959		6,381		578
	Software and other		5,728		3,976		1,752
		$	79,513	$	45,433	$	34,080
	The weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired in fiscal year 2014 is nine years, which is comprised of customer relationships and software and other that have weighted-average amortization periods of twelve years and three years, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired in fiscal year 2013 is three years, which is comprised of software and other.
	Intangible asset amortization over the next five years is estimated to be as follows:
	Fiscal Years:
	2015	$	6,120
	2016		5,668
	2017		5,340
	2018		5,064
	2019		4,972

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 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 5 - 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 reassessments in fiscal year 2014, 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 and charges separately for any research and development activities it engages in at the requests of its owners.
	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. MP Mask did not request, and the Company did not make, any contributions to MP Mask in fiscal years 2014 or 2013 and it did not receive any distributions from MP Mask during fiscal years 2014 or 2013.
	The Company's investment in the VIE, which represents its maximum exposure to loss, was $93.1 million at November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013. These amounts are reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as Investment in joint venture. The Company recorded losses from its investment in MP Mask of $0.1 million in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, and none in fiscal year 2014. Income (loss) from MP Mask is included in Interest and other income, net, in the consolidated statements of income.
	As of November 2, 2014, the Company owed MP Mask $4.2 million and had a receivable from Micron of $6.8 million, both primarily related to the aforementioned supply agreements. The Company, in 2014, recorded $1.2 million of commission revenue earned under the supply agreements it has with Micron and MP Mask, and amortization of $0.2 million of the related supply agreement intangible asset. In 2014 the Company also recorded cost of sales in the amount of $3.2 million for photomasks produced by MP Mask for the Company's customers, and incurred expenses of $1.6 million for research and development activities and other goods and services purchased from MP Mask by the Company. In 2014 the Company purchased equipment from MP Mask for $1.3 million.
	As of November 3, 2013, the Company owed MP Mask $4.5 million and had a receivable from Micron of $4.9 million, both primarily related to the aforementioned supply agreements. The Company, in 2013, recorded $0.9 million of commission revenue earned under the supply agreements it has with Micron and MP Mask, and amortization of $0.3 million of the related supply agreement intangible asset. In 2013 the Company also recorded cost of sales in the amount of $8.7 million for photomasks produced by MP Mask for the Company's customers, and incurred expenses of $1.6 million for research and development activities and other goods and services purchased from MP Mask by the Company. In 2013 the Company purchased equipment from MP Mask for $6.1 million.
	The Company, in 2012, recorded $1.6 million of commission revenue earned under the supply agreements it has with Micron and MP Mask, and amortization of $0.4 million of the related supply agreement intangible asset. In 2012 the Company also recorded cost of sales in the amount of $7.6 million for photomasks produced by MP Mask for the Company's customers, and incurred expenses of $2.0 million for research and development activities and other goods and services purchased from MP Mask by the Company. In 2012 the Company purchased equipment from MP Mask for $1.9 million.
	In the second quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company paid $35 million to Micron in connection with the purchase of the U.S. nanoFab facility and the remaining term of the operating lease agreement through 2014 was cancelled.
	Summarized financial information of MP Mask is presented below.
		As of Fiscal Year End
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	31,696	$	35,794
	Noncurrent assets		205,457		177,769
	Current liabilities		44,024		28,497
	Noncurrent liabilities		6,804		-
		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Net sales	$	81,399	$	77,900	$	84,216
	Gross profit		3,427		4,663		1,799
	Net income		1,259		4,735		831

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES

ACCRUED LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
ACCRUED LIABILITIES [Abstract]
ACCRUED LIABILITIES	NOTE 6 - ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities include salaries, wages and related benefits of $10.4 million and $10.2 million at November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, respectively, and an acquisition liability of $7.2 million at November 2, 2014.

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	115,000	$	115,000
	5.50% convertible senior notes due and converted in October 2014		-		22,054
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		20,481		25,065
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		6,705		10,652
	Term loan, which bore interest at a variable rate, as defined (2.69% at November 3, 2013), repaid in December 2013		-		21,250
			142,186		194,021
	Less current portion		10,381		11,818
		$	131,805	$	182,203
	The $115.0 million of long-term borrowings, excluding capital lease obligations, that was outstanding as of November 2, 2014, matures in fiscal year 2016.
	As of November 2, 2014, minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations were as follows:
	Fiscal Years:
	2015	$	11,070
	2016		7,546
	2017		5,168
	2018		4,698
			28,482
	Less interest		1,296
	Net minimum lease payments under capital leases		27,186
	Less current portion of net minimum lease payments		10,381
	Long-term portion of minimum lease payments	$	16,805
	In October 2014 the 5.50% convertible senior notes, with a principal balance of $22.1 million, matured and were converted into 4.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock. See below for further discussion.
	In August 2014 the Company amended its credit facility.  The credit facility, which expires in December 2018, has a $50 million limit with an expansion capacity to $75 million, and is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets located in the United States and common stock the Company owns in certain of its foreign subsidiaries.  The credit facility is subject to a minimum interest coverage ratio, total leverage ratio and minimum unrestricted cash balance financial covenants, all of which the Company was in compliance with at November 2, 2014.  The Company had no outstanding borrowings against the credit facility at November 2, 2014, and $50 million was available for borrowing.  The interest rate on the credit facility (1.67% at November 2, 2014) is based on the Company’s total leverage ratio at LIBOR plus a spread, as defined in the credit facility.
	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 November 2, 2014, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $21.6 million, of which $20.5 million represented principal and $1.1 million represented interest.
	In March 2012 the Company, in connection with its purchase of the U.S. nanoFab facility (see Note 5 for further discussion), amended its credit facility (“the credit facility”) to include the addition of a $25 million term loan that was to mature in March 2017. Simultaneously with entering into the amended credit facility, the Company repaid the $21.3 million balance of this term loan.
	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 then outstanding 5.5% convertible senior notes 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 with a five year term.  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 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 of these notes were repurchased in fiscal 2011 with a portion of the proceeds from the March 2011 issuance of the Company’s 3.25% convertible senior notes. As discussed above, the remaining $22.1 million of these notes were converted in a non-cash transaction by their holders to 4.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock upon their maturity in October 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 November 2, 2014, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $6.9 million, of which $6.7 million represented principal and $0.2 million represented interest.
	Interest payments were $6.3 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, including deferred financing cost payments of $0.3 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2014 and 2012, respectively.

OPERATING_LEASES

OPERATING LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
OPERATING LEASES	NOTE 8 - OPERATING LEASES
	The Company leases various real estate and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, for which rental expense was $2.8 million, $2.7 million and $2.7 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2012 the Company paid the former lessor $35 million in connection with its purchase of the U.S. nanoFab, which reduced the Company’s outstanding operating lease commitments by a total of $15 million for fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
	At November 2, 2014, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year are as follows:
	2015	$	2,292
	2016		2,063
	2017		1,595
	2018		569
	2019		340
	Thereafter		1,983
		$	8,842
	See Note 7 for disclosures related to the Company's capital lease obligations.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has a 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. The maximum number of shares of common stock approved by the Company’s shareholders to be issued under the Plan was increased from six million to nine million shares during fiscal 2014. 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 expenses of $4.1 million, $4.0 million and $3.2 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as part of an asset and no related income tax benefits were recorded during the fiscal years 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 must 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 the closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the date 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 values of options issued during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the following table:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,				October 28,
		2014			2013				2012
	Expected volatility		61	%		98	%			102.1	%
	Risk-free rate of return		1.4	%		0.5 – 1.4	%			0.6 – 0.9	%
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%			0	%
	Expected term	4.6 years			4.3 years				4.3 years
	A summary of option activity under the Plan as of November 2, 2014, and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price			Remaining		Intrinsic Value
	Options							Contractual Life
	Outstanding at November 3, 2013		4,174,302		$	8.43
	Granted		632,500			8.86
	Exercised		(283,083	)		3.75
	Cancelled and forfeited		(446,938	)		19.5
	Outstanding at November 2, 2014		4,076,781		$	7.6		5.6 years		$	10,778
	Exercisable at November 2, 2014		2,628,203		$	7.78		4.2 years		$	8,314
	Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014		1,329,318		$	7.29		8.2 years		$	2,261
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $4.44,  $4.00 and $4.47, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.4 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
	The Company received cash from option exercises of $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of November 2, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost of unvested option awards was approximately $3.9 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.3 years.
	Restricted Stock
	The Company periodically grants restricted stock awards. The restrictions on these awards typically lapse over a service period of less-than-one to four years. The weighted-average grant date fair values of restricted stock awards issued during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $8.86, $5.48 and $6.28, respectively.  The total fair value of awards for which restrictions lapsed was $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $0.5 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of November 2, 2014, the total compensation cost for restricted stock awards not yet recognized was approximately $0.9 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.1 years.
	A summary of the status of the Company's outstanding restricted stock awards as of November 2, 2014, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average
					Fair Value
					at Grant
	Restricted Stock				Date
	Outstanding at November 3, 2013		303,627		$	6.48
	Granted		111,667			8.86
	Vested		(171,563	)		7.6
	Cancelled		(8,250	)		5.91
	Outstanding at November 2, 2014		235,481			6.81
	Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014		220,531			6.82
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") permits employees to purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value at the commencement of the offering or the last day of the payroll payment period. The maximum number of shares of common stock approved by the Company's shareholders to be purchased under the ESPP was increased from 1.2 million shares to 1.5 million shares during fiscal 2012. The vesting period for shares purchased under the ESPP is approximately one year. Under the ESPP, approximately 1.3 million shares had been issued through November 2, 2014, and approximately 57,000 shares are subject to outstanding subscriptions. As of November 2, 2014, the total compensation cost related to the ESPP not yet recognized was $0.1 million, which is expected to be recognized in fiscal 2015.

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLAN

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN	NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
	The Company maintains a 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plan ("401(k) Plan") which covers all full-time domestic employees who have completed three months of service and are 18 years of age or older. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, employees may contribute up to 50% of their salary, subject to certain maximum amounts, which will be matched by the Company at 50% of the employee's contributions that are not in excess of 4% of the employee's compensation. Employee and employer contributions vest upon contribution. Employer contributions amounted to $0.4 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

CONSOLIDATION_RESTRUCTURING_AN

CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES	NOTE 11 - CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company ceased the manufacture of photomasks at its Singapore facility and, in connection therewith, recorded charges of $1.4 million during fiscal 2012. This restructuring, which was comprised primarily of employee termination costs, was substantially completed in fiscal 2012.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 12 - INCOME TAXES
	Income before the income tax provisions consist of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	(23,083	)	$	(14,164	)	$	(5,474	)
	Foreign		64,413			40,969			46,122
		$	41,330		$	26,805		$	40,648
	The income tax provisions consist of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	354		$	208		$	81
	State		-			65			(5	)
	Foreign		4,726			7,222			11,332
	Deferred:
	Federal		-			-			-
	State		(5	)		(181	)		-
	Foreign		4,220			(85	)		(615	)
	Total	$	9,295		$	7,229		$	10,793
	The income tax provisions differ from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	$	14,465		$	9,382		$	14,227
	Changes in valuation allowances		(7,575	)		1,325			1,806
	Distributions from foreign subsidiaries		12,674			1,957			2,073
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		(141	)		267			(1,956	)
	Foreign tax rate differentials		(4,864	)		(4,851	)		(3,805	)
	Tax credits		(2,847	)		(3,967	)		(1,071	)
	Uncertain tax positions, including reserves, settlements and resolutions		(2,255	)		1,471			1,984
	Debt extinguishment losses		-			-			(2,879	)
	Gain on acquisition of DPTT		(5,748	)		-			-
	Intercompany gain elimination		4,759			-			-
	Equity based compensation		714			765			499
	Other, net		113			880			(85	)
		$	9,295		$	7,229		$	10,793
	The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 primarily due to earnings, including the fiscal year 2014 gain on acquisition of DPTT, being taxed at lower statutory rates in foreign jurisdictions, combined with the benefit of various investment credits in a foreign jurisdiction. Valuation allowances in jurisdictions with historic and continuing losses eliminate the effective rate impact of these jurisdictions.
	The net deferred income tax assets consist of the following:
		As of
		November 2,			November 3,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	64,529		$	57,631
	Reserves not currently deductible		6,948			7,101
	Alternative minimum tax credits		3,121			3,116
	Tax credit carryforwards		8,368			7,051
	Other		1,773			1,892
			84,739			76,791
	Valuation allowances		(49,548	)		(56,661	)
			35,191			20,130
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		(5,366	)		(5,347	)
	Property, plant and equipment		(11,503	)		(890	)
	Investments		(2,660	)		(371	)
	Other		(448	)		(992	)
			(19,977	)		(7,600	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	15,214		$	12,530
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	7,223		$	1,082
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets		11,036			12,455
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(3,045	)		(1,007	)
		$	15,214		$	12,530
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
	Year Ended
	2-Nov-14			3-Nov-13			October 28,
							2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	4,757		$	3,793		$	1,824
Additions (reductions) for tax positions in prior years		3,437			1,224			1,932
Additions based on current year tax positions		272			207			616
Settlements		(3,155	)		(406	)		(518	)
Lapses of statutes of limitations		(318	)		(61	)		(61	)
Balance at end of year	$	4,993		$	4,757		$	3,793
Unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions were $5.1 million at November 2, 2014, of which $5.0 million is recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and $0.1 million is recorded as a reduction to deferred tax assets, and were $4.9 million at November 3, 2013, of which $1.7 million is recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, and $3.2 million is recorded as a reduction to deferred tax assets. If recognized, $5.0 million of the benefits would favorably impact the Company's effective tax rate in future periods. Included in these amounts for both fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was $0.1 million of interest and penalties. The Company includes any applicable interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax provision. The above table includes the fiscal year 2014 settlement of an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) income tax examination of the Company’s 2011 and 2012 federal income tax returns, as well as the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits resulting from the lapse of the assessment periods, which were offset in part by uncertain tax positions related to the acquisition of DPTT (as discussed in Note 2).  The IRS income tax settlement had limited impact on the fiscal 2014 income tax expense, as the changes that resulted from the examination were offset by loss carryforwards, for which the related deferred tax assets were subject to a valuation allowance.  Shortly after the close of the 2013 fiscal year, the Company reached a settlement with the relevant tax authorities regarding one of its non-US subsidiary’s 2010 tax year, as reflected in the fiscal 2013 table above.  As of November 2, 2014, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months. The Company is no longer subject to examination by the U.S. for years prior to and including fiscal year 2012. With respect to major foreign and state tax jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to tax authority examinations for years prior to and including fiscal year 2009.
As of November 2, 2014, the Company had available U.S. Federal tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately $123.6 million which expire between 2023 and 2034, and research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.0 million which expire between 2019 and 2034. As of November 2, 2014, the Company also has U.S. state tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately $209.5 million and foreign tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately $73.1 million, including $34.6 million remaining of the $58.6 million acquired in the acquisition of DPTT. These loss carryforwards expire between 2015 and 2034 with the exception of $1.0 million that has an indefinite life.
The Company has established a valuation allowance for a portion of its deferred tax assets because it believes, based on the weight of all available evidence, that it is more likely than not that a portion of its net operating loss carryforwards will expire prior to utilization. The valuation allowance increased (decreased) by $(7.1 million), $1.1 million and $2.5 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of November 2, 2014, the Company had $3.1 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards that are available to offset future federal income taxes payable and will not expire. The Company also has state tax credits available of $5.6 million which, if they are not utilized, will expire between 2015 and 2034 and a foreign investment tax credit of $0.8 million that expires in 2019 if not utilized.
As of November 2, 2014, the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings amounted to $142.5 million, of which $15.3 million is not considered to be permanently invested. No provision has been made for future U.S. taxes payable on the remaining undistributed earnings of $127.2 million, as they are expected to be indefinitely invested in foreign jurisdictions and therefore are not anticipated to be subject to U.S. tax. The amount of undistributed earnings is calculated taking into account the net amount of earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, considering its multitier subsidiary structure, and translating those earnings into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Prior to the acquisition of DPTT, PDMC (formerly PSMC), in accordance with the ownership provisions in the DPTT acquisition agreements, made a onetime remittance of $35 million in earnings that were previously considered to be indefinitely invested.  The Company has not changed its assertion on the balance of PDMC earnings which remain indefinitely invested.  Should the Company elect in the future to repatriate the foreign earnings so invested, it may incur additional income tax expense on those foreign earnings, the amount of which is not practicable to compute.
PKLT, the Company's FPD manufacturing facility in Taiwan, has been accorded a tax holiday, which started in 2012 and expires in 2017. This tax holiday had no dollar or per share effect in the fiscal years ended November 2, 2014, November 3, 2013 and October 28, 2012. PDMC, acquired  an IC manufacturing  facility in Taiwan as a result of the  DPTT Acquisition, that has been accorded a tax holiday which is scheduled to commence in 2015 and expire in 2019. This tax holiday had no dollar or per share effect on the 2014, 2013 or 2012 fiscal years. In Korea, various investment tax credits have been earned to reduce the Company's effective income tax rate.
Income tax payments were $5.2 million, $10.7 million and $14.3 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash received for refunds of income taxes paid in prior years amounted to $1.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE 13 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented as follows:
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	25,996	$	17,966	$	27,868
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects		1,426		-		6,168
	Gain related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment		-		-		(94	)
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	27,422	$	17,966	$	33,942
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		61,779		60,644		60,055
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible notes		3,945		-		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		955		813		767
	Common stock warrants		-		142		219
	Dilutive potential common shares		4,900		955		16,409
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		66,679		61,599		76,464
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.42	$	0.3	$	0.46
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.41	$	0.29	$	0.44
	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 antidilutive. The table also shows convertible notes that, if converted, would have been antidilutive.
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Convertible notes		11,085		6,168		-
	Share based payment awards		1,911		2,880		2,587
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		12,996		9,048		2,587
	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company awarded approximately 0.4 million shared-based payment awards to its employees and directors.

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_AN

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER [Abstract]
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER	NOTE 14 – SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER
	Since the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the board of directors of PSMC (in 2014 PSMC’s name was changed to PDMC, see Note 2), a subsidiary of the Company based in Taiwan, 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 fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in 2014 112.9 million shares of PSMC common stock were issued and 3.0 million shares were acquired, and shares of PSMC common stock were purchased in the amounts of 60.5 million shares in 2013 and 35.9 million shares in 2012).
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	25,996		$	17,966		$	27,868
	Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital		(6,183	)		600			1,985
	Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.’s accumulated other comprehensive income		399			(237	)		(78	)
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders due to issuance of shares of PDMC and transfers to or from  noncontrolling interests	$	20,212		$	18,329		$	29,775

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	At November 2, 2014, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments of $84 million, which included $83 million related to capital expenditures, and had recorded liabilities for the purchase of equipment of $31 million. See Note 8 for operating lease commitments.
	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 consolidated financial statements.

GEOGRAPHIC_AND_SIGNIFICANT_CUS

GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION [Abstract]
GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION	NOTE 16 - GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER 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 IC's and FPDs. Geographic net sales are based primarily on where the Company's manufacturing facility is located.
	The Company's 2014, 2013 and 2012 net sales by geographic area and of ICs and FPDs, and long-lived assets by geographic area were as follows:
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net sales
	Taiwan	$	167,075	$	117,364	$	109,232
	Korea		140,386		134,300		161,154
	United States		106,740		127,054		135,170
	Europe		38,726		41,126		40,653
	All other		2,600		2,336		4,230
		$	455,527	$	422,180	$	450,439
	IC	$	352,679	$	320,579	$	350,105
	FPD		102,848		101,601		100,334
		$	455,527	$	422,180	$	450,439
		As of
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Long-lived assets
	Taiwan	$	207,324	$	66,836	$	72,185
	Korea		176,141		153,878		120,628
	United States		158,325		191,518		177,614
	Europe		8,259		10,471		10,262
	All other		20		37		119
		$	550,069	$	422,740	$	380,808
	One customer accounted for 16%, 18% and 22% of the Company's net sales in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and another customer accounted for 11% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2014.

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	NOTE 17 - CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT
	The following tables set forth the changes in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income by component (net of tax of $0) for the years ended November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013:
		Year Ended November 2, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at November 3, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(5,916	)		-			(41	)		(5,957	)
	Amounts reclassified from other accumulated  comprehensive income		-			128			-			128
	Net current period other comprehensive  income (loss)		(5,916	)		128			(41	)		(5,829	)
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		770			-			31			801
	Other accumulated comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests								410			410
	Purchase of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(11	)		(11	)
	Balance at November 2, 2014	$	22,651		$	(434	)	$	(443	)	$	21,774
		Year Ended November 3, 2013
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at October 29, 2012	$	17,241		$	(690	)	$	(651	)	$	15,900
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		9,805			-			54			9,859
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			128			-			128
	Net current period other comprehensive income		9,805			128			54			9,987
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		751			-			2			753
	Purchase of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(237	)		(237	)
	Balance at November 3, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403
	The amortization of the cash flow hedge is included in Cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

CONCENTRATIONS_OF_CREDIT_RISK

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK [Abstract]
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK	NOTE 18 – CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk principally consist of trade accounts receivables and temporary cash investments. The Company sells its products primarily to manufacturers in the semiconductor and FPD industries in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company believes that the concentration of credit risk in its trade receivables is substantially mitigated by the Company's ongoing credit evaluation process and relatively short collection terms. The Company does not generally require collateral from customers. The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information.
	The Company's cash and cash equivalents are deposited in several financial institutions, including institutions located within all of the countries in which it manufactures photomasks. Portions of deposits in some of these institutions may exceed the amount of insurance available for such deposits at these institutions. As these deposits are generally redeemable upon demand and are held by high quality, reputable institutions, the Company considers them to bear minimal credit risk. The Company further mitigates credit risks related to its cash and cash equivalents by spreading such risk among a number of institutions.

OTHER_RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIO

OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]
OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	NOTE 19 - OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Company is also a director of a company that provides secure managed information technology services to Photronics. Another director of the Company is also a shareholder, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of this company. Since 2002, the Company has entered into various service contracts with this company to provide services to all of the Company's worldwide facilities. The Company incurred expenses for services provided by this company of $1.2 million, $1.7 million, and $1.8 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and had an outstanding balance of $0.1 million due to this company as of November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013. As of November 2, 2014, the Company had contracted with this company for various services through June 2015 at a cost of $0.9 million.
	The Company purchases photomask blanks from a company of which an officer of the Company is a significant shareholder. The Company purchased $20.1 million, $20.0 million and $20.1 million of photomask blanks from this company in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for which the amount owed to this company was $4.4 million at November 2, 2014, and $4.6 million at November 3, 2013.
	The Company believes that the terms of its transactions with the related parties described above were negotiated at arm's length and were no less favorable to the Company than terms it could have obtained from unrelated third parties. See Note 5 for other related party transactions.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	NOTE 20 - 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 November 2, 2014, or November 3, 2013. During the three month period ended May 4, 2014, the Company measured and recorded the net assets it acquired in its subsidiary’s acquisition of DPTT at fair value. See Note 2 for further information.
	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 is a Level 2 measurement and approximates 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 November 2, 2014, and November 3, 2013.
		2-Nov-14				3-Nov-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes	$	122,544	$	115,000	$	130,330	$	115,000
	5.5% convertible senior notes	$	-	$	-	$	37,567	$	22,054

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	NOTE 21 - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data:
			First		Second		Third		Fourth		Year
	Fiscal 2014:
			(a)		(b) (c)						(b) (d)
	Net sales		$	101,542	$	104,882	$	124,852	$	124,251	$	455,527
	Gross margin			22,882		22,190		28,650		26,624		100,346
	Net income			2,041		15,950		7,344		6,700		32,035
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders			1,993		15,540		4,186		4,277		25,996
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.03	$	0.25	$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.42
	Diluted		$	0.03	$	0.22	$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.41
	Fiscal 2013:
									(e)		(e)
	Net sales		$	99,839	$	106,680	$	109,652	$	106,009	$	422,180
	Gross margin			21,098		24,789		27,078		26,675		99,640
	Net income			2,859		5,442		6,364		4,911		19,576
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders			2,323		4,863		5,940		4,840		17,966
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.1	$	0.08	$	0.3
	Diluted		$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.1	$	0.08	$	0.29
		(a)	Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(b)	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(c)	Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(d)	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(e)	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NOTE 22 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of this ASU is that revenue should be recognized for the amount of consideration expected to be received for promised goods or services transferred to customers. This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments, and assets recognized for costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This ASU will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the potential effects of the adoption of this ASU on its financial statements.

Schedule_IIValuation_and_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	for the Years Ended November 2, 2014, November 3, 2013
	and October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)
			Balance at		Charged to			Deductions				Balance at
			Beginning of		Costs and							End of
			Year		Expenses							Year
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Year ended November 2, 2014		$	3,541	$	(740	)	$	277		(a)	$	3,078
	Year ended November 3, 2013		$	3,902	$	(398	)	$	37		(a)	$	3,541
	Year ended October 28, 2012		$	4,055	$	(203	)	$	50		(a)	$	3,902
	Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
	Year ended November 2, 2014		$	56,661	$	-		$	(7,113	)	(b)	$	49,548
	Year ended November 3, 2013		$	55,536	$	1,125		$	-			$	56,661
	Year ended October 28, 2012		$	53,063	$	3,331		$	(858	)	(c)	$	55,536
	(a)	Uncollectible accounts written off, net, and impact of foreign currency translation.
	(b)	Decrease offset by increase in deferred tax liability net of utilization of net operating losses.
	(c)	Primarily due to utilization of net operating losses and expiration of investment tax credit.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Photronics, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Estimates and Assumptions	Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in them. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time they are made. Actual results reported by the Company may differ from such estimates. The Company reviews these estimates periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period in which they are determined.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company records derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The Company does not engage in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives are reflected in earnings, or as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a separate component of equity, depending on the use of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, among other criteria, a derivative must be a hedge of an interest rate, price, foreign currency exchange rate, or credit risk that is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge, be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item during the term of the hedge and formally documented at the inception of the hedge. In general, the types of risks the Company has hedged are those related to the variability of future cash flows caused by movements in foreign currency exchange and interest rates. The Company documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of, and during the term of, each hedge.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year
	The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to October thirty-first, and, as a result, a 53-week year occurs every 5 to 6 years. Fiscal years 2014 and 2012 each included 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2013 included 53 weeks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 3 months or less. The carrying values of cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are primarily comprised of raw materials and are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment, except as explained below under "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance, as well as renewals and replacements of a routine nature, are charged to operations as incurred, while those that improve or extend the lives of existing assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings.
	Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment over 3 to 10 years and, furniture, fixtures and office equipment over 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Judgment and assumptions are used in establishing estimated useful lives and depreciation periods. The Company also uses judgment and assumptions as it periodically reviews property, plant and equipment for any potential impairment in carrying values whenever events such as a significant industry downturn, plant closures, technological obsolescence, or other change in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist primarily of a technology license agreement, a supply agreement and acquisition-related intangibles. These assets are stated at fair value as of the date acquired less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 15 years, using the straight-line method or another method that more fairly represents the utilization of the assets.
	The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of its intangible assets to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. In the event that the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life has changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. If it is determined that an intangible asset has an indefinite useful life, that intangible asset would be subject to impairment testing annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not, based on future undiscounted cash flows or market factors, be recoverable, and an impairment loss would be recorded in the period so determined. The measurement of the impairment loss would be based on the fair value of the intangible asset.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the Company's judgment and estimates of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the assets. The carrying values of assets determined to be impaired are reduced to their estimated fair values. Fair values of any impaired assets would generally be determined using a market or income approach.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations
	When acquiring other businesses or participating in mergers or joint ventures in which the Company is deemed to be the acquirer, the Company generally recognizes identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests at their acquisition date fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized.  Goodwill, when recognizable, would be measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is generally measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Accounting for such transactions requires the Company’s management to make significant assumptions and estimates and, although the Company believes any estimates and assumptions it makes to be reasonable and appropriate at the time they are made, unanticipated events and circumstances may arise that affect their accuracy, causing actual results to differ from those estimated by the Company. When required, the Company will adjust the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed against the acquisition gain or goodwill, as initially recorded, for a period of up to one year after the transaction.
	Costs incurred to effect a merger or acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other third party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.  Costs incurred to issue any debt and equity securities are recognized in accordance with other applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
Investments in Joint Ventures	Investments in Joint Ventures
	The financial results of investments in joint ventures of which the Company has a controlling financial interest are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Investments in joint ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence and that, in general, are at least 20 percent owned are accounted for under the equity method. An impairment loss would be recognized whenever a decrease in the fair value of such an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other than temporary. In judging "other than temporary," the Company would consider the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying amount of the investment, the near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of the investee, and the Company's longer-term intent of retaining its investment in the investee.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company accounts for the investments it makes in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have 1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, 2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or, 3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These certain legal entities are referred to as “variable interest entities”, or “VIEs”.
	The Company would consolidate the results of any such entity in which it determined that it has a controlling financial interest. The Company would have a “controlling financial interest” in such an entity when the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, the Company reassesses whether it has a controlling financial interest in any investments it has in these certain legal entities.
	The Company accounts for investments it makes in VIEs in which it has determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest but has significant influence over and holds at least a 20 percent ownership interest using the equity method. Any investment not meeting the parameters to be accounted under the equity method would be accounted for using the cost method unless the investment had a readily determinable fair value, at which it would then be reported.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The income tax provision is computed on the basis of the various tax jurisdictions' income or loss before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company uses judgment and assumptions to determine if valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets are required, if their realization is not more likely than not, by considering future market growth, forecasted operations, future taxable income, and the amount of earnings in the tax jurisdictions in which it operates.
	The Company considers income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates in order to determine its effective income tax rate. Current income tax exposure is identified and temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and financial reporting purposes are assessed. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company evaluates the potential realization of deferred income tax assets from future taxable income and establishes valuation allowances if their realization is deemed not more likely than not. Accordingly, income taxes charged against earnings may have been impacted by changes in the valuation allowance. Significant management estimates and judgment are required in determining any valuation allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets.
	The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions by recording a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in its tax returns. The Company includes any applicable interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax provision.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding any dilutive common share equivalents. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if certain share-based payment awards or financial instruments were exercised, earned or converted.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. Share-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, which are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. Determining the appropriate option pricing model, calculating the grant date fair value of share-based awards and estimating forfeiture rates requires considerable judgment, including the estimations of stock price volatility and the expected term of options granted.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value employee stock options. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on daily averages of its historical volatility over a term approximately equal to the estimated time period the grant will remain outstanding. The expected term of options and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data.
Research and Development	Research and Development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, and consist primarily of global development efforts related to high-end process technologies for advanced sub-wavelength reticle solutions for IC photomask technologies. Research and development expenses also include the amortization of the carrying value of a technology license agreement with Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”). Under this technology license agreement, the Company has access to certain photomask technology developed by Micron.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company's international subsidiaries maintain their accounts in their respective local currencies. Assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates on foreign currency transactions, which are included in interest and other income (expense), net were a net gain of $1.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represents the minority shareholders' proportionate share in the equity of the Company's two majority-owned subsidiaries, PK Ltd. ("PKL") in Korea of which noncontrolling shareholders owned approximately 0.3% as of November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, and Photronics DNP Mask Corporation ("PDMC") in Taiwan, of which noncontrolling interests owned 49.99% and 1.37%, as of November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013, respectively. The effect on its equity of the change in the Company’s ownership interest in PDMC is presented in Note 14.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Delivery is determined by the shipping terms of the individual sales transactions. For sales with FOB destination or similar shipping terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product reaches its destination and is received by the customer. For sales with FOB shipping point terms, delivery occurs when the Company’s product is received by the common carrier. The Company uses judgment when estimating the effect on revenue of discounts and product warranty obligations, both of which are accrued when the related revenue is recognized.
Warranty and Other Post Shipment Obligations	Warranties and Other Post Shipment Obligations – For a 30-day period, the Company warrants that items sold will conform to customer specifications. However, the Company’s liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the photomasks at its sole option. The Company inspects photomasks for conformity to customer specifications prior to shipment.  Accordingly, customer returns of items under warranty have historically been insignificant.  However, the Company records a liability at the time it recognizes revenue for the insignificant amount of estimated warranty returns based on historical experience. The Company’s specific return policies include accepting returns of products with defects, or products that have not been produced to precise customer specifications.
Sales Taxes	Sales Taxes – The Company reports its revenues net of any sales taxes billed to its customers.

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T1

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations
	When acquiring other businesses or participating in mergers or joint ventures in which the Company is deemed to be the acquirer, the Company generally recognizes identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests at their acquisition date fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized.  Goodwill, when recognizable, would be measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is generally measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Accounting for such transactions requires the Company’s management to make significant assumptions and estimates and, although the Company believes any estimates and assumptions it makes to be reasonable and appropriate at the time they are made, unanticipated events and circumstances may arise that affect their accuracy, causing actual results to differ from those estimated by the Company. When required, the Company will adjust the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed against the acquisition gain or goodwill, as initially recorded, for a period of up to one year after the transaction.
	Costs incurred to effect a merger or acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other third party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.  Costs incurred to issue any debt and equity securities are recognized in accordance with other applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
DNP Photomask Technology Taiwan Co., Ltd. (DPTT) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combinations	The DPTT Acquisition met the conditions of a business combination as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 and, as such, is accounted for under ASC 805 using the acquisition method of accounting. ASC 805 defines the three elements of a business as Input, Process and Output. As a result of the DPTT Acquisition, Photronics acquired the machinery and equipment utilized in the processes to manufacture product, the building that houses the entire operation and the processes needed to manufacture the product, all previously owned by DPTT. The former DPTT employees hired by Photronics in connection with the acquisition brought with them the skills, experience and know-how necessary to provide the operational processes that, when applied to the acquired assets, represent processes being applied to inputs to create outputs. Having met all three elements of a business as defined in ASC 805, the Company determined that the DPTT Acquisition should be accounted for as a business combination.
	In addition to recording the fair values of the net assets acquired, the Company also recorded a gain on acquisition of $16.4 million in the consolidated statement of income within other income (expense) in accordance with ASC 805 using the acquisition method of accounting. The gain on acquisition was primarily due to the difference between the market values of the acquired real estate and personal property exceeding the fair value of the consideration transferred. In addition, a deferred tax liability of $3.0 million was recorded in the opening balance sheet, which had the effect of reducing the gain on acquisition to $16.4 million. Prior to recording the gain, the Company reassessed whether it had correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed. Additionally, the Company also reviewed the procedures used to measure the amounts of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred.
	The fair value of the consideration represents 49.99 percent of the fair value of PSMC, and is based on recent prices paid by the Company to acquire outstanding shares of PSMC (prior to the acquisition). As a result of the merger, the Company acquired the net assets of DPTT having a fair value of $114.7 million, less noncontrolling interests of $57.3 million retained by DNP, and transferred consideration with a fair value of $41.0 million, resulting in a gain of $16.4 million.
	The acquisition date fair value of the property, plant and equipment of DPTT was $95.4 million, which was determined by utilizing the cost and, to a lesser extent, the market approach, based on an in-use premise of value. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Key assumptions include local and current construction replacement cost multipliers, amounts of ancillary replacement costs, physical deterioration, and economic and functional obsolescence to adjust the current replacement costs by, as well as the estimated economic lives of the assets.
	Identifiable intangible assets acquired were primarily customer relationships, which represent the fair value of relationships and agreements DPTT had in place at the date of the merger. The customer relationships had a fair value of $1.5 million at the acquisition date, determined by using the multi-period excess earnings method, and are amortized over a twelve year estimated useful life. The acquisition date fair value of the remainder of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed were equivalent to, or did not materially differ from, their carrying values.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Polici

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options accounting policy	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. Share-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, which are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. Determining the appropriate option pricing model, calculating the grant date fair value of share-based awards and estimating forfeiture rates requires considerable judgment, including the estimations of stock price volatility and the expected term of options granted.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value employee stock options. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on daily averages of its historical volatility over a term approximately equal to the estimated time period the grant will remain outstanding. The expected term of options and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data.
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options 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 must 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 the closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the date 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.

INCOME_TAXES_Policies

INCOME TAXES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Unremitted Earnings in Foreign Investment	As of November 2, 2014, the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings amounted to $142.5 million, of which $15.3 million is not considered to be permanently invested. No provision has been made for future U.S. taxes payable on the remaining undistributed earnings of $127.2 million, as they are expected to be indefinitely invested in foreign jurisdictions and therefore are not anticipated to be subject to U.S. tax. The amount of undistributed earnings is calculated taking into account the net amount of earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, considering its multitier subsidiary structure, and translating those earnings into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Prior to the acquisition of DPTT, PDMC (formerly PSMC), in accordance with the ownership provisions in the DPTT acquisition agreements, made a onetime remittance of $35 million in earnings that were previously considered to be indefinitely invested.  The Company has not changed its assertion on the balance of PDMC earnings which remain indefinitely invested.  Should the Company elect in the future to repatriate the foreign earnings so invested, it may incur additional income tax expense on those foreign earnings, the amount of which is not practicable to compute.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Polici

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
Fair value financial instruments policy	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.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN1

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of this ASU is that revenue should be recognized for the amount of consideration expected to be received for promised goods or services transferred to customers. This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments, and assets recognized for costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This ASU will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the potential effects of the adoption of this ASU on its financial statements.

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T2

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract]
Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the provisional fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of DPTT, the fair value of the noncontrolling interests and consideration for DPTT at the acquisition date. These provisional amounts could change as a result of the ultimate realization of the acquired net working capital.
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,508
	Accounts receivable (gross amount of $28,560, of which $500 is estimated to be uncollectable)		28,060
	Inventory		1,279
	Deferred tax asset		9,787
	Other current assets		11,517
	Property, plant and equipment		95,431
	Identifiable intangible assets		1,552
	Other long-term assets		1,328
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(32,410	)
	Deferred tax liability		(3,042	)
	Other long-term liabilities		(3,291	)
	Total net assets acquired		114,719
	Noncontrolling interests retained by DNP		57,348
			57,371
	Consideration – 49.99% of fair value of PSMC		40,999
	Gain on acquisition	$	16,372
Pro forma information	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents financial information as if the DPTT acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of fiscal year 2013. The pro forma earnings for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were adjusted to exclude the above mentioned $2.5 million and $0.8 million non-recurring acquisition related costs and the gain on acquisition of $16.4 million. Other material non-recurring pro forma adjustments made to arrive at the below earnings amounts included the add back of additional depreciation recorded against DPTT long-lived assets of $6.6 million and $12.9 million for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively. The pro forma information presented does not purport to represent results that would have been achieved had the merger occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented, or to be indicative of the Company’s future financial performance.
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	499,968		$	514,265
	Net income	$	23,969		$	34,922
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	12,169		$	21,902
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.19		$	0.36

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	8,598	$	8,692
	Buildings and improvements		124,787		103,676
	Machinery and equipment		1,367,691		1,225,091
	Leasehold improvements		20,165		4,179
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		12,086		11,546
	Construction in progress		81,351		97,319
			1,614,678		1,450,503
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,064,609		1,027,763
		$	550,069	$	422,740
Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment	Property under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	21,327
	Construction in progress		-		34,918
			56,245		56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		10,430		4,932
		$	45,815	$	51,313

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Intangible assets	Intangible assets consist of:
		Gross		Accumulated		Net
	As of November 2, 2014	Amount		Amortization		Amount
	Technology license agreement	$	59,616	$	33,451	$	26,165
	Customer relationships		8,716		6,394		2,322
	Supply agreements		6,959		6,605		354
	Software and other		6,223		4,770		1,453
		$	81,514	$	51,220	$	30,294
	As of November 3, 2013
	Technology license agreement	$	59,616	$	29,477	$	30,139
	Customer relationships		7,210		5,599		1,611
	Supply agreements		6,959		6,381		578
	Software and other		5,728		3,976		1,752
		$	79,513	$	45,433	$	34,080
Intangible asset amortization over the next five years	Intangible asset amortization over the next five years is estimated to be as follows:
	Fiscal Years:
	2015	$	6,120
	2016		5,668
	2017		5,340
	2018		5,064
	2019		4,972

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN1

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. [Abstract]
Summarized financial information of equity method investment	Summarized financial information of MP Mask is presented below.
		As of Fiscal Year End
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	31,696	$	35,794
	Noncurrent assets		205,457		177,769
	Current liabilities		44,024		28,497
	Noncurrent liabilities		6,804		-
		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Net sales	$	81,399	$	77,900	$	84,216
	Gross profit		3,427		4,663		1,799
	Net income		1,259		4,735		831

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Tables

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]
Long-term borrowings	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		November 2,		November 3,
		2014		2013
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	115,000	$	115,000
	5.50% convertible senior notes due and converted in October 2014		-		22,054
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		20,481		25,065
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		6,705		10,652
	Term loan, which bore interest at a variable rate, as defined (2.69% at November 3, 2013), repaid in December 2013		-		21,250
			142,186		194,021
	Less current portion		10,381		11,818
		$	131,805	$	182,203
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations	As of November 2, 2014, minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations were as follows:
	Fiscal Years:
	2015	$	11,070
	2016		7,546
	2017		5,168
	2018		4,698
			28,482
	Less interest		1,296
	Net minimum lease payments under capital leases		27,186
	Less current portion of net minimum lease payments		10,381
	Long-term portion of minimum lease payments	$	16,805

OPERATING_LEASES_Tables

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases	At November 2, 2014, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year are as follows:
	2015	$	2,292
	2016		2,063
	2017		1,595
	2018		569
	2019		340
	Thereafter		1,983
		$	8,842

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 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 values of options issued during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the followingtable:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,				October 28,
		2014			2013				2012
	Expected volatility		61	%		98	%			102.1	%
	Risk-free rate of return		1.4	%		0.5 – 1.4	%			0.6 – 0.9	%
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%			0	%
	Expected term	4.6 years			4.3 years				4.3 years
Summary of option activity	A summary of option activity under the Plan as of November 2, 2014, and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price			Remaining		Intrinsic Value
	Options							Contractual Life
	Outstanding at November 3, 2013		4,174,302		$	8.43
	Granted		632,500			8.86
	Exercised		(283,083	)		3.75
	Cancelled and forfeited		(446,938	)		19.5
	Outstanding at November 2, 2014		4,076,781		$	7.6		5.6 years		$	10,778
	Exercisable at November 2, 2014		2,628,203		$	7.78		4.2 years		$	8,314
	Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014		1,329,318		$	7.29		8.2 years		$	2,261
Summary of the status of the Company's outstanding restricted stock awards	A summary of the status of the Company's outstanding restricted stock awards as of November 2, 2014, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average
					Fair Value
					at Grant
	Restricted Stock				Date
	Outstanding at November 3, 2013		303,627		$	6.48
	Granted		111,667			8.86
	Vested		(171,563	)		7.6
	Cancelled		(8,250	)		5.91
	Outstanding at November 2, 2014		235,481			6.81
	Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014		220,531			6.82

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income tax provision for domestic and foreign	Income before the income tax provisions consist of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	(23,083	)	$	(14,164	)	$	(5,474	)
	Foreign		64,413			40,969			46,122
		$	41,330		$	26,805		$	40,648
Income tax provision	The income tax provisions consist of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	354		$	208		$	81
	State		-			65			(5	)
	Foreign		4,726			7,222			11,332
	Deferred:
	Federal		-			-			-
	State		(5	)		(181	)		-
	Foreign		4,220			(85	)		(615	)
	Total	$	9,295		$	7,229		$	10,793
Income tax rate reconciliation	The income tax provisions differ from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	$	14,465		$	9,382		$	14,227
	Changes in valuation allowances		(7,575	)		1,325			1,806
	Distributions from foreign subsidiaries		12,674			1,957			2,073
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		(141	)		267			(1,956	)
	Foreign tax rate differentials		(4,864	)		(4,851	)		(3,805	)
	Tax credits		(2,847	)		(3,967	)		(1,071	)
	Uncertain tax positions, including reserves, settlements and resolutions		(2,255	)		1,471			1,984
	Debt extinguishment losses		-			-			(2,879	)
	Gain on acquisition of DPTT		(5,748	)		-			-
	Intercompany gain elimination		4,759			-			-
	Equity based compensation		714			765			499
	Other, net		113			880			(85	)
		$	9,295		$	7,229		$	10,793
Net deferred income tax assets	The net deferred income tax assets consist of the following:
		As of
		November 2,			November 3,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	64,529		$	57,631
	Reserves not currently deductible		6,948			7,101
	Alternative minimum tax credits		3,121			3,116
	Tax credit carryforwards		8,368			7,051
	Other		1,773			1,892
			84,739			76,791
	Valuation allowances		(49,548	)		(56,661	)
			35,191			20,130
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		(5,366	)		(5,347	)
	Property, plant and equipment		(11,503	)		(890	)
	Investments		(2,660	)		(371	)
	Other		(448	)		(992	)
			(19,977	)		(7,600	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	15,214		$	12,530
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	7,223		$	1,082
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets		11,036			12,455
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(3,045	)		(1,007	)
		$	15,214		$	12,530
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
		Year Ended
		2-Nov-14			3-Nov-13			October 28,
								2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	4,757		$	3,793		$	1,824
	Additions (reductions) for tax positions in prior years		3,437			1,224			1,932
	Additions based on current year tax positions		272			207			616
	Settlements		(3,155	)		(406	)		(518	)
	Lapses of statutes of limitations		(318	)		(61	)		(61	)
	Balance at end of year	$	4,993		$	4,757		$	3,793

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 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 as follows:
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	25,996	$	17,966	$	27,868
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects		1,426		-		6,168
	Gain related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment		-		-		(94	)
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	27,422	$	17,966	$	33,942
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		61,779		60,644		60,055
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible notes		3,945		-		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		955		813		767
	Common stock warrants		-		142		219
	Dilutive potential common shares		4,900		955		16,409
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		66,679		61,599		76,464
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.42	$	0.3	$	0.46
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.41	$	0.29	$	0.44
Outstanding securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings 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 antidilutive. The table also shows convertible notes that, if converted, would have been antidilutive.
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Convertible notes		11,085		6,168		-
	Share based payment awards		1,911		2,880		2,587
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		12,996		9,048		2,587

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_AN1

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER [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 fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in 2014 112.9 million shares of PSMC common stock were issued and 3.0 million shares were acquired, and shares of PSMC common stock were purchased in the amounts of 60.5 million shares in 2013 and 35.9 million shares in 2012).
		Year Ended
		November 2,			November 3,			October 28,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	25,996		$	17,966		$	27,868
	Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital		(6,183	)		600			1,985
	Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.’s accumulated other comprehensive income		399			(237	)		(78	)
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders due to issuance of shares of PDMC and transfers to or from  noncontrolling interests	$	20,212		$	18,329		$	29,775

GEOGRAPHIC_AND_SIGNIFICANT_CUS1

GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION [Abstract]
Geographic information	The Company's 2014, 2013 and 2012 net sales by geographic area and of ICs and FPDs, and long-lived assets by geographic area were as follows:
		Year Ended
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net sales
	Taiwan	$	167,075	$	117,364	$	109,232
	Korea		140,386		134,300		161,154
	United States		106,740		127,054		135,170
	Europe		38,726		41,126		40,653
	All other		2,600		2,336		4,230
		$	455,527	$	422,180	$	450,439
	IC	$	352,679	$	320,579	$	350,105
	FPD		102,848		101,601		100,334
		$	455,527	$	422,180	$	450,439
		As of
		November 2,		November 3,		October 28,
		2014		2013		2012
	Long-lived assets
	Taiwan	$	207,324	$	66,836	$	72,185
	Korea		176,141		153,878		120,628
	United States		158,325		191,518		177,614
	Europe		8,259		10,471		10,262
	All other		20		37		119
		$	550,069	$	422,740	$	380,808

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C1

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]
Schedule changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component	The following tables set forth the changes in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income by component (net of tax of $0) for the years ended November 2, 2014 and November 3, 2013:
		Year Ended November 2, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at November 3, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(5,916	)		-			(41	)		(5,957	)
	Amounts reclassified from other accumulated  comprehensive income		-			128			-			128
	Net current period other comprehensive  income (loss)		(5,916	)		128			(41	)		(5,829	)
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		770			-			31			801
	Other accumulated comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests								410			410
	Purchase of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(11	)		(11	)
	Balance at November 2, 2014	$	22,651		$	(434	)	$	(443	)	$	21,774
		Year Ended November 3, 2013
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at October 29, 2012	$	17,241		$	(690	)	$	(651	)	$	15,900
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		9,805			-			54			9,859
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			128			-			128
	Net current period other comprehensive income		9,805			128			54			9,987
	Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		751			-			2			753
	Purchase of common stock of subsidiary		-			-			(237	)		(237	)
	Balance at November 3, 2013	$	27,797		$	(562	)	$	(832	)	$	26,403

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 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 November 2, 2014, and November 3, 2013.
		2-Nov-14				3-Nov-13
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes	$	122,544	$	115,000	$	130,330	$	115,000
	5.5% convertible senior notes	$	-	$	-	$	37,567	$	22,054

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION1

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data	The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data:
			First		Second		Third		Fourth		Year
	Fiscal 2014:
			(a)		(b) (c)						(b) (d)
	Net sales		$	101,542	$	104,882	$	124,852	$	124,251	$	455,527
	Gross margin			22,882		22,190		28,650		26,624		100,346
	Net income			2,041		15,950		7,344		6,700		32,035
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders			1,993		15,540		4,186		4,277		25,996
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.03	$	0.25	$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.42
	Diluted		$	0.03	$	0.22	$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.41
	Fiscal 2013:
									(e)		(e)
	Net sales		$	99,839	$	106,680	$	109,652	$	106,009	$	422,180
	Gross margin			21,098		24,789		27,078		26,675		99,640
	Net income			2,859		5,442		6,364		4,911		19,576
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders			2,323		4,863		5,940		4,840		17,966
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.1	$	0.08	$	0.3
	Diluted		$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.1	$	0.08	$	0.29
		(a)	Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(b)	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(c)	Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(d)	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
		(e)	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
	Subsidiary
	Facility
Manufacturing Facilities by Geographical Region [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities	9
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gain	$1.40	$0.50	$0.20
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Number of majority owned subsidiaries	2
Period of warranty	30 days
PK Ltd [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	0.30%	0.30%
PDMC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	49.99%	1.37%
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
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	3
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

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T3

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		7 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2014	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Nov. 02, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of acquisition		4-Apr-14
Consideration transferred	$41
Ownership percentage in PDMC (in hundredths)		50.01%		50.01%
Acquisition costs related to the merger included in selling, general and administrative expense		2.5	0.8
DNP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)		49.99%		49.99%
DPTT Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma adjustment for additional depreciation recorded on acquired long-lived assets		6.6	12.9
PDMC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues				101.8
Net income				$6
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated amortization period		12 years

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T4

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD., Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	4-May-14	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Apr. 04, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Gain on acquisition	$16,400	$16,372	$0	$0
PDMC [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents					4,508
Accounts receivable (gross amount of $28,560, of which $500 is estimated to be uncollectable)					28,060
Inventory					1,279
Deferred tax asset					9,787
Other current assets					11,517
Property, plant and equipment					95,431
Identifiable intangible assets					1,552
Other long-term assets					1,328
Accounts payable and accrued expenses					-32,410
Deferred tax liability					-3,042
Other long-term liabilities					-3,291
Total net assets acquired					114,719
Noncontrolling interests retained by DNP					57,348
Total net assets acquired less noncontrolling interests					57,371
Consideration - 49.99% of fair value of PSMC					40,999
Gain on acquisition					16,372
Accounts receivable gross amount					28,560
Accounts receivable estimated to be uncollectable					$500

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T5

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD., Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Nov. 02, 2014

Aug. 03, 2014

4-May-14

Feb. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Jul. 28, 2013

Apr. 28, 2013

Jan. 27, 2013

Nov. 02, 2014

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]

Revenues

$499,968

$514,265

Net income

23,969

34,922

Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders

4,277

4,186

15,540

[1],[2]

1,993

[3]

4,840

[4]

5,940

4,863

2,323

25,996

[1],[5]

17,966

[4]

27,868

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)

$0.19

$0.36

Pro Forma [Member]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]

Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders

$12,169

$21,902

[1]

Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

[2]

Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

[3]

Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

[4]

Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.

[5]

Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$1,614,678	$1,450,503
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,064,609	1,027,763
Property, plant and equipment, net	550,069	422,740	380,808
Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Capital leased assets, gross	56,245	56,245
Less accumulated amortization	10,430	4,932
Capital leased assets, net	45,815	51,313
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,598	8,692
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	124,787	103,676
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,367,691	1,225,091
Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Capital leased assets, gross	56,245	21,327
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	20,165	4,179
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,086	11,546
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	81,351	97,319
Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Capital leased assets, gross	$0	$34,918

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$5,800,000	$5,500,000	$5,000,000
Weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired during the year	9 years
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	81,514,000	79,513,000
Accumulated Amortization	51,220,000	45,433,000
Net Amount	30,294,000	34,080,000
Intangible asset amortization over the next five years [Abstract]
2015	6,120,000
2016	5,668,000
2017	5,340,000
2018	5,064,000
2019	4,972,000
Technology License Agreement [Member]
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	59,616,000	59,616,000
Accumulated Amortization	33,451,000	29,477,000
Net Amount	26,165,000	30,139,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired during the year	12 years
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	8,716,000	7,210,000
Accumulated Amortization	6,394,000	5,599,000
Net Amount	2,322,000	1,611,000
Supply Agreements [Member]
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	6,959,000	6,959,000
Accumulated Amortization	6,605,000	6,381,000
Net Amount	354,000	578,000
Software and Other [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired during the year	3 years	3 years
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	6,223,000	5,728,000
Accumulated Amortization	4,770,000	3,976,000
Net Amount	$1,453,000	$1,752,000

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN2

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012
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 reassessments in fiscal year 2014, 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.
Additional investment in joint venture	$0	$0
Distributions from Joint Venture	0	0
Maximum exposure to loss from investment in VIE	93,100,000	93,100,000
Income (Loss) from equity-method investee	0	-100,000	-100,000
Amount owed to MP Mask	4,200,000	4,500,000
Amount receivable from Micron Technology, Inc.	94,515,000	73,357,000
Commission revenue earned under supply agreement	1,200,000	900,000	1,600,000
Amortization of Supply Agreement	5,800,000	5,500,000	5,000,000
Cost of sales	355,181,000	322,540,000	338,519,000
Research and development expenses and other	21,913,000	20,758,000	19,371,000
Purchase of Equipment	1,300,000	6,100,000	1,900,000
Summarized financial information of MP Mask [Abstract]
Current assets	31,696,000	35,794,000
Noncurrent assets	205,457,000	177,769,000
Current liabilities	44,024,000	28,497,000
Noncurrent liabilities	6,804,000	0
Net sales	81,399,000	77,900,000	84,216,000
Gross Profit	3,427,000	4,663,000	1,799,000
Net income	1,259,000	4,735,000	831,000
Capital Lease Obligations With Micron [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payment to purchase U.S. nanoFab facility				35,000,000
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of sales	3,200,000	8,700,000	7,600,000
Research and development expenses and other	1,600,000	1,600,000	2,000,000
Co-venturer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount receivable from Micron Technology, Inc.	6,800,000	4,900,000
Supply Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amortization of Supply Agreement	$200,000	$300,000	$400,000

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Details

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ACCRUED LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Salaries, wages and related benefits	$10.40	$10.20
Acquisition liabilities	$7.20

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Details

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2009	Aug. 25, 2013	Apr. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2011
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		$142,186,000	$194,021,000
Less current portion		10,381,000	11,818,000
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations non current		131,805,000	182,203,000
Long-term borrowings maturing in 2016		115,000,000
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
2015		11,070,000
2016		7,546,000
2017		5,168,000
2018		4,698,000
Future minimum payments due		28,482,000
Less interest		1,296,000
Net minimum lease payments under capital leases		27,186,000
Less current portion of net minimum lease payments		10,381,000
Long-term portion of minimum lease payments		16,805,000
Notes converted to common stock		22,054,000	0	0
Capital lease obligations repaid	19,800,000
Interest payments		6,300,000	6,300,000	6,300,000
Deferred financing cost payments		346,000	40,000	198,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Variable interest rate (in hundredths)		1.67%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Maturity date of debt					31-Dec-18
Maximum borrowing capacity					75,000,000
Current borrowing capacity		50,000,000
Available borrowing capacity					50,000,000
Amount outstanding under credit facility		0
Repayment period of debt					5 years
3.25% convertible senior notes due on April 1, 2016 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		115,000,000	115,000,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)		3.25%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Maturity date of debt		1-Apr-16
Notes converted to common stock		22,100,000
Face amount of each note converted	1,000
Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares)	96
Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)	$10.37
Proceeds from notes payable, net	110,700,000
5.50% convertible senior notes due on October 1, 2014 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		0	22,054,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)		5.50%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Original face amount of debt							57,500,000
Face amount of each note converted							1,000
Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares)							197
Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)							$5.08
Proceeds from notes payable, net							54,900,000
Face amount of debt repurchased											35,400,000
Common stock issued upon conversion of debt (in shares)						4,300,000
Repayment period of debt		5 years
2.77% Capital lease obligations payable through July 2018 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		20,481,000	25,065,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)		2.77%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Less interest		1,100,000
Maturity date of debt		31-Jul-18
Original face amount of debt								26,400,000
Periodic payments								500,000
Frequency of periodic payment								per month
Repayment period of debt								5 years
Amount payable through the end of lease term		21,600,000
3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		6,705,000	10,652,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)		3.09%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Less interest		200,000
Maturity date of debt		30-Mar-16
Original face amount of debt									21,200,000
Periodic payments									400,000
Frequency of periodic payment									per month
Repayment period of debt									5 years
Amount payable through the end of lease term		6,900,000
Term Loan [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		0	21,250,000
Variable interest rate (in hundredths)			2.69%
Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Maturity date of debt			31-Mar-17
Original face amount of debt			25,000,000
Repayment of term loan										$21,300,000

OPERATING_LEASES_Details

OPERATING LEASES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012
OPERATING LEASES [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases	$2,800,000	$2,700,000	$2,700,000
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Reduction of operating lease commitments			15,000,000
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract]
2015	2,292,000
2016	2,063,000
2017	1,595,000
2018	569,000
2019	340,000
Thereafter	1,983,000
Total future minimum payments due	8,842,000
Capital Lease Obligations With Micron [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Payment to purchase U.S. nonoFab facility				$35,000,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Date and terms of plan modification	The Company has a 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)	9,000,000	6,000,000
Share-based compensation costs incurred	$4,100,000	$4,000,000	$3,200,000
Share-based compensation cost capitalized	0	0	0
Income tax benefits realized from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term	10 years
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)	61.00%	98.00%	102.10%
Risk free rate of return (in hundredths)	1.40%
Risk free rate of return, minimum (in hundredths)		0.50%	0.60%
Risk free rate of return, maximum (in hundredths)		1.40%	0.90%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 3 months 18 days	4 years 3 months 18 days
Shares [Rollforward]
Outstanding at November 3, 2013 (in shares)	4,174,302
Granted (in shares)	632,500
Exercised (in shares)	-283,083
Cancelled and forfeited (in shares)	-446,938
Outstanding at November 2, 2014 (in shares)	4,076,781	4,174,302
Exercisable at November 2, 2014 (in shares)	2,628,203
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014 (in shares)	1,329,318
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at November 3, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$8.43
Granted (in dollars per share)	$8.86
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$3.75
Cancelled and forfeited (in dollars per share)	$19.50
Outstanding at November 2, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$7.60	$8.43
Exercisable at November 2, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$7.78
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$7.29
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]
Outstanding at November 2, 2014	5 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable at November 2, 2014	4 years 2 months 12 days
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014	8 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Outstanding at November 2, 2014	10,778,000
Exercisable at November 2, 2014	8,314,000
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014	2,261,000
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$4.44	$4	$4.47
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	1,400,000	1,600,000	1,300,000
Cash received from options exercises	1,100,000	500,000	300,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards	3,900,000
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized	2 years 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized	2 years 1 month 6 days
Shares [Rollforward]
Outstanding at November 3, 2013 (in shares)	303,627
Granted (in shares)	111,667
Vested (in shares)	-171,563
Cancelled (in shares)	-8,250
Outstanding at November 2, 2014 (in shares)	235,481	303,627
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014 (in shares)	220,531
Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date [Abstract]
Outstanding at November 3, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$6.48
Granted (in dollars per share)	$8.86	$5.48	$6.28
Vested (in dollars per share)	$7.60
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$5.91
Outstanding at November 2, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$6.81	$6.48
Expected to vest as of November 2, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$6.82
Total fair value of awards for which restrictions lapsed	1,500,000	1,300,000	500,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized related to share based payment awards other than options	900,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued (in shares)			1,500,000	1,200,000
Award vesting period	1 year
Shares [Rollforward]
Outstanding at November 2, 2014 (in shares)	57,000
Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date [Abstract]
Compensation cost not yet recognized related to share based payment awards other than options	$100,000
Percent of market price that participants pay for shares subscribed (in hundredths)	85.00%
Total shares issued under ESPP since inception (in shares)	1,300,000
Minimum [Member] | Stock Options [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] | Stock Options [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	4 years

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLAN_Detai

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN [Abstract]
Number of months of service completed to come under retirement plan	3 months
Minimum age of employees to come under retirement plan	18 years
Percentage of salary that can be contributed by the employee (in hundredths)	50.00%
Maximum percentage of employees' contributions that Company will match (in hundredths)	50.00%
Maximum percentage of employees' gross pay that Company will match (in hundredths)	4.00%
Company's contribution to 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plan	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40

CONSOLIDATION_RESTRUCTURING_AN1

CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Activities related to restructuring reserve [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$0	$0	$1,428
Singapore Restructuring [Member]
Activities related to restructuring reserve [Abstract]
Restructuring charges			$1,400

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Components of income before income tax provision [Abstract]
United States	($23,083,000)	($14,164,000)	($5,474,000)
Foreign	64,413,000	40,969,000	46,122,000
Income before income tax provision	41,330,000	26,805,000	40,648,000
Current [Abstract]
Federal	354,000	208,000	81,000
State	0	65,000	-5,000
Foreign	4,726,000	7,222,000	11,332,000
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	0	0	0
State	-5,000	-181,000	0
Foreign	4,220,000	-85,000	-615,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	9,295,000	7,229,000	10,793,000
Income tax provision reconciliation [Abstract]
U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate	14,465,000	9,382,000	14,227,000
Changes in valuation allowances	-7,575,000	1,325,000	1,806,000
Distributions from foreign subsidiaries	12,674,000	1,957,000	2,073,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	-141,000	267,000	-1,956,000
Foreign tax rate differentials	-4,864,000	-4,851,000	-3,805,000
Tax credits	-2,847,000	-3,967,000	-1,071,000
Uncertain tax positions, including reserves, settlements and resolutions	-2,255,000	1,471,000	1,984,000
Debt extinguishment losses	0	0	-2,879,000
Gain on acquisition of DPTT	-5,748,000	0	0
Intercompany gain elimination	4,759,000	0	0
Equity based compensation	714,000	765,000	499,000
Other, net	113,000	880,000	-85,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	9,295,000	7,229,000	10,793,000
U.S. statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Net operating losses	64,529,000	57,631,000
Reserves not currently deductible	6,948,000	7,101,000
Alternative minimum tax credits	3,121,000	3,116,000
Tax credit carryforwards	8,368,000	7,051,000
Other	1,773,000	1,892,000
Deferred tax assets	84,739,000	76,791,000
Valuation allowances	-49,548,000	-56,661,000
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	35,191,000	20,130,000
Deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	-5,366,000	-5,347,000
Property, plant and equipment	-11,503,000	-890,000
Investments	-2,660,000	-371,000
Other	-448,000	-992,000
Deferred income taxes liabilities	-19,977,000	-7,600,000
Net deferred income tax assets	15,214,000	12,530,000
Reported as [Abstract]
Current deferred tax assets	7,223,000	1,082,000
Noncurrent deferred tax assets	11,036,000	12,455,000
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	-3,045,000	-1,007,000
Net deferred income tax assets	15,214,000	12,530,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	4,993,000	4,757,000	3,793,000	1,824,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	5,000,000
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions.	100,000	100,000
Including Interest and Penalties [Member]
Reported as [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	5,100,000	4,900,000
Recorded in Other Liabilities [Member]
Reported as [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	5,000,000	1,700,000
Reduction of Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Reported as [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$100,000	$3,200,000

INCOME_TAXES_Part_2_Details

INCOME TAXES, Part 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$4,757,000	$3,793,000	$1,824,000
Additions for tax positions in prior years	3,437,000	1,224,000	1,932,000
Additions based on current year tax positions	272,000	207,000	616,000
Settlements	-3,155,000	-406,000	-518,000
Lapses of statutes of limitations	-318,000	-61,000	-61,000
Balance at end of year	4,993,000	4,757,000	3,793,000
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)	-7,100,000	1,100,000	2,500,000
Income taxes, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings	142,500,000
Earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings which are considered not to be permanently reinvested	15,300,000
Remaining undistributed earnings considered to be indefinitely invested	127,200,000
Dollar effect of income tax holiday	0	0	0
Per share effect of income tax holiday (dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0
Income taxes paid	5,200,000	10,700,000	14,300,000
Cash received for refunds of income taxes	1,400,000	300,000	100,000
DPTT Acquisition [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	58,600,000
PDMC [Member]
Income taxes, additional disclosures [Abstract]
One-time remittance in conjunction with acquisition	35,000,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	123,600,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-23
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-34
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Tax credit carryfoward amount	4,000,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Tax credit carryfoward expiration date	31-Oct-19
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Tax credit carryfoward expiration date	31-Oct-34
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Alternate Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Tax credit carryfoward amount	3,100,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	73,100,000
Operating loss carryforward not subject to expiration	1,000,000
Tax credit carryfoward amount	800,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-15
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-34
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | DPTT Acquisition [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	34,600,000
Tax credit carryfoward expiration date	31-Oct-19
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | PDMC [Member]
Income taxes, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Income tax holiday commencement date	1-Jan-15
Income tax holiday termination date	31-Oct-19
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | PKLT [Member]
Income taxes, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Income tax holiday commencement date	1-Jan-12
Income tax holiday termination date	31-Oct-17
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	209,500,000
Tax credit carryfoward amount	$5,600,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-15
Tax credit carryfoward expiration date	31-Oct-15
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforward expiration date	31-Oct-34
Tax credit carryfoward expiration date	31-Oct-34

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2014	4-May-14		Feb. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2015
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$4,277	$4,186	$15,540	[1],[2]	$1,993	[3]	$4,840	[4]	$5,940	$4,863	$2,323	$25,996	[1],[5]	$17,966	[4]	$27,868
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects												1,426		0		6,168
Gain related to common stock warrants fair value adjustment												0		0		-94
Earnings for diluted earnings per share												$27,422		$17,966		$33,942
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)												61,779,000		60,644,000		60,055,000
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Convertible notes (in shares)												3,945,000		0		15,423,000
Share-based payment awards (in shares)												955,000		813,000		767,000
Common stock warrants (in shares)												0		142,000		219,000
Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)												4,900,000		955,000		16,409,000
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)												66,679,000		61,599,000		76,464,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.03	[3]	$0.08	[4]	$0.10	$0.08	$0.04	$0.42	[1],[5]	$0.30	[4]	$0.46
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.22	[1],[2]	$0.03	[3]	$0.08	[4]	$0.10	$0.08	$0.04	$0.41	[1],[5]	$0.29	[4]	$0.44
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)												12,996,000		9,048,000		2,587,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share-based payment awards issued after fiscal year 2014 (in shares)																	400,000
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)												11,085,000		6,168,000		0
Share-based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)												1,911,000		2,880,000		2,587,000
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[4]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.
[5]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_AN2

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE AND TENDER OFFER (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2014	4-May-14		Feb. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Payment to minority shareholders												$0		$32,374		$15,598
Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	4,277	4,186	15,540	[1],[2]	1,993	[3]	4,840	[4]	5,940	4,863	2,323	25,996	[1],[5]	17,966	[4]	27,868
Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income												-11		-237
Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders due to issuance of shares of PDMC and transfers to or from noncontrolling interests												20,212		18,329		29,775
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												-6,183		600		1,985
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												399		-237		-78
PSMC [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Subsidiary shares acquired (in shares)											9.2			60.5		35.9	3
Payment to minority shareholders											4,200						1,700
Ownership percentage in subsidiary (in hundredths)											75.11%					72.09%	100.00%
Common stock issued by subsidiary (in shares)												112.9
PSMC [Member] | Tender Offer [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Subsidiary shares acquired (in shares)														51.4
Payment to minority shareholders														$28,100
Ownership percentage in subsidiary (in hundredths)							98.63%							98.63%
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[4]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.
[5]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 02, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Outstanding commitments for capital expenditure	$83
Recorded purchase commitments	31
Total unrecorded purchase commitments	$84

GEOGRAPHIC_AND_SIGNIFICANT_CUS2

GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2014	4-May-14	Feb. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$124,251	$124,852	$104,882	$101,542	$106,009	$109,652	$106,680	$99,839	$455,527	$422,180	$450,439
Long-lived assets	550,069				422,740				550,069	422,740	380,808
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | One Customer Accounted [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of net sales accounted for by significant customer (in hundredths)									16.00%	18.00%	22.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Other Customer Accounted [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of net sales accounted for by significant customer (in hundredths)									11.00%
IC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									352,679	320,579	350,105
FPD [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									102,848	101,601	100,334
Taiwan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									167,075	117,364	109,232
Long-lived assets	207,324				66,836				207,324	66,836	72,185
Korea [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									140,386	134,300	161,154
Long-lived assets	176,141				153,878				176,141	153,878	120,628
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									106,740	127,054	135,170
Long-lived assets	158,325				191,518				158,325	191,518	177,614
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									38,726	41,126	40,653
Long-lived assets	8,259				10,471				8,259	10,471	10,262
All Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									2,600	2,336	4,230
Long-lived assets	$20				$37				$20	$37	$119

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C2

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0	$0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	26,403	15,900
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-5,957	9,859
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income	128	128
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,829	9,987	7,207
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	801	753
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	-11	-237
Other accumulated comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests	410
Ending Balance	21,774	26,403	15,900
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	27,797	17,241
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-5,916	9,805
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,916	9,805
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	770	751
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	0
Ending Balance	22,651	27,797
Amortization of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-562	-690
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income	128	128
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	128	128
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	0	0
Ending Balance	-434	-562
Other [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-832	-651
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-41	54
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41	54
Less: other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	31	2
Purchase of common stock of subsidiary	-11	-237
Other accumulated comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests	410
Ending Balance	($443)	($832)

OTHER_RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIO1

OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014	Nov. 03, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Information Technology Services Provider [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses incurred for services provided by related party during the period	$1.20	$1.70	$1.80
Amount due currently to related party at end of period	0.1	0.1
Amount of future services contracted for with related party	0.9
Photomask Blank Supplier [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount due currently to related party at end of period	4.4	4.6
Purchases from related party	$20.10	$20	$20.10

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 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	122,544	130,330
Fair Value [Member] | 5.5% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	0	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] | 5.5% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	$0	$22,054

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION2

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2014	4-May-14		Feb. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$124,251,000	$124,852,000	$104,882,000		$101,542,000		$106,009,000		$109,652,000	$106,680,000	$99,839,000	$455,527,000		$422,180,000		$450,439,000
Gross margin	26,624,000	28,650,000	22,190,000		22,882,000		26,675,000		27,078,000	24,789,000	21,098,000	100,346,000		99,640,000
Net income	6,700,000	7,344,000	15,950,000	[1],[2]	2,041,000	[3]	4,911,000	[4]	6,364,000	5,442,000	2,859,000	32,035,000	[1],[5]	19,576,000	[4]	29,855,000
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	4,277,000	4,186,000	15,540,000	[1],[2]	1,993,000	[3]	4,840,000	[4]	5,940,000	4,863,000	2,323,000	25,996,000	[1],[5]	17,966,000	[4]	27,868,000
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.25	[1],[2]	$0.03	[3]	$0.08	[4]	$0.10	$0.08	$0.04	$0.42	[1],[5]	$0.30	[4]	$0.46
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.22	[1],[2]	$0.03	[3]	$0.08	[4]	$0.10	$0.08	$0.04	$0.41	[1],[5]	$0.29	[4]	$0.44
Transaction expenses, net of tax	2,500,000		2,000,000		500,000		800,000					2,500,000		800,000
Non cash gain related to acquisition, net of tax			$16,400,000									$16,372,000		$0		$0
[1]	Includes non-cash gain of $16.4 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[2]	Includes expenses of $2.0 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[3]	Includes expenses of $0.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.
[4]	Includes expenses of $0.8 million, net of tax, related to the subsequent acquisition of DPTT.
[5]	Includes expenses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to the acquisition of DPTT.

Schedule_IIValuation_and_Quali1

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2014		Nov. 03, 2013		Oct. 28, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowance and Qualifying Accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$3,541		$3,902		$4,055
Charged to Costs and Expenses	-740		-398		-203
Deductions	277	[1]	37	[1]	50	[1]
Balance at End of Year	3,078		3,541		3,902
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowance and Qualifying Accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	56,661		55,536		53,063
Charged to Costs and Expenses	0		1,125		3,331
Deductions	-7,113	[2]	0		-858	[3]
Balance at End of Year	$49,548		$56,661		$55,536
[1]	Uncollectible accounts written off and impact of foreign currency translation.
[2]	Decrease offset by increase in deferred tax liability.
[3]	Primarily due to utilization of net operating losses and expiration of investment tax credit.