Photronics (PLAB) 10-Q 4 Jun 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15	29-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PHOTRONICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	810136
Current Fiscal Year End Date	10
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		66,668,408
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	3-May-15

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	3-May-15	Nov. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$176,050	$192,929
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,419 in 2015 and $3,078 in 2014	97,634	94,515
Inventories	23,233	22,478
Other current assets	24,705	26,570
Total current assets	321,622	336,492
Property, plant and equipment, net	602,982	550,069
Investment in joint venture	93,059	93,122
Intangible assets, net	27,883	30,294
Deferred income taxes	11,520	11,036
Other assets	6,128	8,170
Total assets	1,063,194	1,029,183
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term borrowings	17,651	10,381
Accounts payable	119,624	86,495
Accrued liabilities	32,971	42,241
Total current liabilities	170,246	139,117
Long-term borrowings	119,784	131,805
Other liabilities	19,181	18,767
Total liabilities	309,211	289,689
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, 66,298 shares issued and outstanding at May 3, 2015 and 65,930 shares issued and outstanding at November 2, 2014	663	659
Additional paid-in capital	522,873	520,182
Retained earnings	99,332	85,435
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,838	21,774
Total Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity	637,706	628,050
Noncontrolling interests	116,277	111,444
Total equity	753,983	739,494
Total liabilities and equity	$1,063,194	$1,029,183

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3-May-15	Nov. 02, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance	$3,419	$3,078
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)	66,298	65,930
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	66,298	65,930

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$127,309	$104,882	$250,814	$206,424
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	-94,214	-82,692	-189,535	-161,352
Selling, general and administrative	-12,421	-13,419	-24,365	-25,697
Research and development	-5,809	-5,939	-10,490	-10,913
Operating income	14,865	2,832	26,424	8,462
Other income (expense):
Gain on acquisition	0	16,372	0	16,372
Interest expense	-1,233	-1,816	-2,603	-3,800
Interest and other income (expense), net	-224	594	-137	1,705
Income before income tax provision	13,408	17,982	23,684	22,739
Income tax provision	-1,252	-2,032	-4,386	-4,747
Net income	12,156	15,950	19,298	17,992
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,096	-410	-5,401	-459
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$10,060	$15,540	$13,897	$17,533
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$0.21	$0.29
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.22	$0.21	$0.27
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	66,230	61,372	66,148	61,286
Diluted (in shares)	78,228	77,705	72,624	77,632

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$12,156	$15,950	$19,298	$17,992
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $0:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	12,507	11,630	-7,568	3,106
Amortization of cash flow hedge	32	32	64	64
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	12,539	11,662	-7,504	3,170
Comprehensive income	24,695	27,612	11,794	21,162
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,392	443	4,833	411
Comprehensive income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$19,303	$27,169	$6,961	$20,751

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$19,298	$17,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	40,318	36,782
Gain on acquisition	0	-16,372
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-4,244	3,552
Inventories	-985	-1,676
Other current assets	7	3,144
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other	3,513	-3,523
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,907	39,899
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-67,935	-42,385
Cash from acquisition	0	4,508
Other	-218	-910
Net cash used in investing activities	-68,153	-38,787
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-4,751	-25,100
Payments of deferred financing fees	0	-309
Proceeds from share-based arrangements	1,195	888
Other	-76	-543
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,632	-25,064
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-3,001	165
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-16,879	-23,787
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	192,929	215,615
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	176,050	191,828
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:
Accrual for property, plant and equipment purchased during the period	49,082	15,118
Noncash net assets from acquisition	$0	$110,211

BASIS_OF_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_P

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION [Abstract]
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	NOTE 1 - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
	Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Photronics" or “the Company") is one of the world's leading manufacturers of photomasks, which are high precision photographic quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits. Photomasks are a key element in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays ("FPDs"), and are used as masters to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates during the fabrication of integrated circuits ("ICs") and a variety of FPDs and, to a lesser extent, other types of electrical and optical components. The Company currently operates principally from nine manufacturing facilities, two of which are located in Europe, three in Taiwan, one in Korea, and three in the United States.
	On April 4, 2014, DNP Photomask Technology Taiwan Co., Ltd. (“DPTT”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (“DNP”), merged into Photronics Semiconductor Mask Corporation (“PSMC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Photronics. All of the assets and liabilities of DPTT existing prior to the merger were assumed by the renamed surviving entity of the merger, Photronics DNP Mask Corporation (“PDMC”). Photronics and DNP own 50.01 percent and 49.99 percent of PDMC, respectively.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Company is typically impacted during its first fiscal quarter by the North American and European holiday periods, as some customers reduce their effective workdays and orders during these periods. Additionally, the Company can be impacted during its first or second quarter by the Asian New Year holiday period, which may also reduce customer orders. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending November 1, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 2, 2014.

ACQUISITION_OF_DNP_PHOTOMASK_T

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD.	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
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 $98.3 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 Company also has the ability to appoint the majority of the directors of PDMC, including the chairman of its board of directors, select its management responsible for implementing its policies and procedures, and establish its operating and capital decisions and policies. Photronics determined it has control of PDMC by virtue of its tie-breaking voting rights within PDMC’s Board of Directors, thereby giving it the power to direct the activities of PDMC that most significantly impact its economic performance, including its decision making authority in the ordinary course of business. 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 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.
	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 three month period ended May 4, 2014, 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 first component of 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 fair value of the total consideration transferred as of the acquisition date was $98.3 million, comprised of the 49.99% noncontrolling interest in DPTT of $57.3 million, and 49.99% of the fair value of PSMC of $41.0 million (112.9 million shares, or 49.99% of the outstanding common stock of PSMC).
	We estimated the $114.7 million fair value of DPTT as of the acquisition date by applying an income approach as our valuation technique. Our income approach followed a discounted cash flow method, which applied our best estimates of future cash flows and an estimated terminal value discounted to present value at a rate of return taking into account the relative risk of the cash flows. To confirm the reasonableness of the value derived from the income approach, we also analyzed the values of comparable companies which are publicly traded. 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. Inputs utilized by the Company to determine fair values of DPTT’s property, plant and equipment included a cost approach, which was adjusted for depreciation and condition for equipment, and adjusted for depreciation and local market conditions for real property. The noncontrolling interest of DPTT was calculated using the 49.99% of its total fair value of $114.7 million. The Company also used a market approach to corroborate the enterprise value of DPTT. 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 $2.0 million and $2.5 million for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY

CHANGES IN EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
CHANGES IN EQUITY [Abstract]
CHANGES IN EQUITY	NOTE 3 - CHANGES IN EQUITY
	The following tables set forth the Company's consolidated changes in equity for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014:
		Three Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at February 1, 2015		66,209	$	662	$	521,580		$	89,272	$	5,595		$	110,936		$	728,045
	Net income		-		-		-			10,060		-			2,096			12,156
	Other comprehensive income		-		-		-			-		9,243			3,296			12,539
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		73		1		331			-		-			-			332
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		16		-		260			-		-			-			260
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		702			-		-			(51	)		651
	Balance at May 3, 2015		66,298	$	663	$	522,873		$	99,332	$	14,838		$	116,277		$	753,983
		Three Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at February 2, 2014		61,325	$	613	$	500,409		$	61,432	$	17,980		$	770		$	581,204
	Net income		-		-		-			15,540		-			410			15,950
	Other comprehensive income		-		-		-			-		11,628			34			11,662
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		66		1		282			-		-			-			283
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		17		-		356			-		-			-			356
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		687			-		-			-			687
	Acquisition of DPTT		-		-		(6,291	)		-		412			105,404			99,525
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-		-		73			-		(1	)		-			72
	Balance at May 4, 2014		61,408	$	614	$	495,516		$	76,972	$	30,019		$	106,618		$	709,739
		Six Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at November 2, 2014		65,930	$	659	$	520,182		$	85,435	$	21,774		$	111,444		$	739,494
	Net income		-		-		-			13,897		-			5,401			19,298
	Other comprehensive loss		-		-		-			-		(6,936	)		(568	)		(7,504	)
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		239		3		856			-		-			-			859
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		129		1		533			-		-			-			534
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		1,302			-		-			-			1,302
	Balance at May 3, 2015		66,298	$	663	$	522,873		$	99,332	$	14,838		$	116,277		$	753,983
		Six Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at November 3, 2013		61,083	$	611	$	498,861		$	59,439	$	26,403		$	2,517		$	587,831
	Net income		-		-		-			17,533		-			459			17,992
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		-		-		-			-		3,217			(47	)		3,170
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		196		2		690			-		-			-			692
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		129		1		564			-		-			-			565
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		1,583			-		-			-			1,583
	Acquisition of DPTT		-		-		(6,291	)		-		412			105,404			99,525
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-		-		109			-		(13	)		(1,715	)		(1,619	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014		61,408	$	614	$	495,516		$	76,972	$	30,019		$	106,618		$	709,739

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	Land	$	8,391	$	8,598
	Buildings and improvements		124,083		124,787
	Machinery and equipment		1,470,368		1,367,691
	Leasehold improvements		20,026		20,165
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		12,926		12,086
	Construction in progress		52,888		81,351
			1,688,682		1,614,678
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,085,700		1,064,609
		$	602,982	$	550,069
	Equipment under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		13,242		10,430
		$	43,003	$	45,815
	Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment was $17.8 million and $37.0 million for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015, respectively, and $17.1 million and $33.1 million for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, respectively.

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
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 ASC) because all costs of the joint venture are passed on to the Company and Micron through purchase agreements they have entered into with the joint venture, and it is dependent upon the Company and Micron for any additional cash requirements. On a quarterly basis the Company reassesses whether its interest in MP Mask gives it a controlling financial interest in this VIE. The purpose of this quarterly reassessment is to identify the primary beneficiary (which is defined in the ASC as the entity that consolidates a VIE) of the VIE. As a result of the reassessment in the current quarter, the Company determined that Micron is still the primary beneficiary of the VIE, by virtue of its tie-breaking voting rights within MP Mask’s Board of Managers, thereby giving it the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impact its economic performance, including its decision making authority in the ordinary course of business and its purchasing the majority of products produced by the VIE.
	The Company has utilized MP Mask for both high-end IC photomask production and research and development purposes. MP Mask charges its variable interest holders based on their actual usage of its facility. MP Mask separately charges for any research and development activities it engages in at the requests of its owners. The Company recorded cost of sales of $2.2 million and $3.4 million and research and development expenses of $0.2 million and $0.5 million during the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015. Cost of sales of $0.9 million and $1.9 million and research and development expenses of $0.2 million and $0.5 million were recorded during the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014. As of May 3, 2015 and November 2, 2014, the Company owed MP Mask $5.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, and had a receivable from Micron of $9.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively, both primarily related to the aforementioned supply agreements.
	MP Mask is governed by a Board of Managers, appointed by Micron and the Company. Since MP Mask's inception, Micron, as a result of its majority ownership, has held majority voting power on the Board of Managers. The voting power held by each party is subject to change as ownership interests change. Under the MP Mask joint venture operating agreement, the Company may be required to make additional capital contributions to MP Mask up to the maximum amount defined in the operating agreement. However, should the Board of Managers determine that further additional funding is required, MP Mask shall pursue its own financing. If MP Mask is unable to obtain its own financing, it may request additional capital contributions from the Company. Should the Company choose not to make a requested contribution to MP Mask, its ownership percentage may be reduced.
	The Company's investment in the VIE, which represents its maximum exposure to loss, was $93.1 million at May 3, 2015 and November 2, 2014. These amounts are reported in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets as "Investment in joint venture." The Company recorded a loss from its investment in the VIE of $0.1 million in the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015. The Company did not record any income or loss from its investment in the VIE in the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014.
	On March 24, 2015 the Company announced that the MP Mask joint venture would not be renewed after May 5, 2016. The MP Mask operating agreement provides that Micron will make a payment to the Company to purchase the Company’s equity interest in MP Mask based on the Company’s ownership percentage of the net book value of MP Mask at that time, which was aproximately $93.0 million as of March 5, 2015. The Company does not expect that it will incur a significant gain or loss on this transaction. Concurrently, the Company announced that it entered into supply and technology license agreements with Micron. This supply agreement, which commences on May 6, 2016 with a one-year term subject to mutually agreeable renewals, provides that the Company will be the majority outsource supplier of Micron’s photomasks and related services. This technology license agreement commenced in March 2015 and continues through the earlier of one year from the termination of the initial technology license agreement on May 5, 2016 or when Micron certifies that it has transferred certain defined technology to the Company. The Company forevermore has the rights to use the technology obtained under these technology license agreements.

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS	NOTE 6 - LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	57,500	$	115,000
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2019		57,500		-
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		17,931		20,481
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		4,504		6,705
			137,435		142,186
	Less current portion		17,651		10,381
		$	119,784	$	131,805
	The Company’s 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 May 3, 2015. The Company had no outstanding borrowings against the credit facility at May 3, 2015, and $50 million was available for borrowing. The interest rate on the credit facility (1.69% at May 3, 2015) is based on the Company’s total leverage ratio at LIBOR plus a spread, as defined in the credit facility.
	In January 2015 the Company privately exchanged $57.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.25% convertible senior notes with a maturity date of April 1, 2016, for new 3.25% convertible senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $57.5 million with a maturity date of April 1, 2019. The conversion rate of the new notes is the same as that of the exchanged notes, which were issued in March 2011 with a conversion rate of approximately 96 shares of common stock per $1,000 note principal, equivalent to a conversion price of $10.37 per share of common stock, and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, which are described in the indenture dated January 22, 2015. Note holders may convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding April 1, 2019, and 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 Company intends to repay $50 million of its outstanding 3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016 with borrowings against its credit facility, and therefore, has classified $50 million of these notes that were outstanding as of May 3, 2015 as long term.
	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 May 3, 2015, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $18.8 million, of which $17.9 million represented principal and $0.9 million represented interest.
	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 May 3, 2015, the total amount payable through the end of the lease term was $4.6 million, of which $4.5 million represented principal and $0.1 million represented interest.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE 7 - 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 shares to nine million shares during fiscal year 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. Total share-based compensation costs for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015, were $0.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and $1.0 million and $2.1 million for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, respectively. The Company received cash from option exercises of $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, respectively. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as part of an asset and no related income tax benefits were recorded during the periods presented.
	Stock Options
	Option awards generally vest in one to four years, and have a ten-year contractual term. All incentive and non-qualified stock option grants have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair values of options are based on closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock. The Company uses historical option exercise behavior and employee termination data to estimate expected term, which represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. The risk-free rate of return for the estimated term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.
	The weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options issued during the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014, are presented in the following table.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,			May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Expected volatility	54.90%		N/A			55.00%		61.10%
	Risk free rate of return	1.3%		N/A			1.3-1.6%		1.4%
	Dividend yield	N/A		N/A			N/A		N/A
	Expected term	4.7 years		N/A			4.7 years		4.6 years
	Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards as of May 3, 2015, is presented below.
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Contractual
	Options							Life
	Outstanding at May 3, 2015		4,012,981		$	7.18		6.4 years		$	9,496
	Exercisable at May 3, 2015		2,500,681		$	6.82		5.1 years		$	7,856
	There were 302,800 share options granted during the three month period ended May 3, 2015, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.84 per share, and there were no share options granted during the three month period ended May 4, 2014. There were 604,800 share options granted during the six month period ended May 3, 2015, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.86 per share and 612,500 share options granted during the six month period ended May 4, 2014, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.45 per share. As of May 3, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards was approximately $4.9 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.5 years.
	Restricted Stock
	The Company periodically grants restricted stock awards. The restrictions on these awards lapse over a service period that has ranged from less-than-one to four years. No restricted stock awards were granted during the three month period ended May 3, 2015, and 111,334 restricted stock awards were issued during the six month period ended May 3, 2015, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $8.23 per share. No restricted stock awards were granted during the three month period ended May 4, 2014, and 111,667 restricted stock awards were issued during the six month period ended May 4, 2014, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $8.86 per share. As of May 3, 2015, the total compensation cost not yet recognized related to unvested restricted stock awards was approximately $1.3 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.0 years. As of May 3, 2015, there were 217,776 shares of restricted stock outstanding.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
	The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% in the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014, primarily due to earnings being taxed at lower statutory rates in foreign jurisdictions, the partial reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and various investment credits in foreign jurisdictions. Valuation allowances in jurisdictions with historic losses eliminate the effective rate impact of these jurisdictions.
	As of May 3, 2015, the Company determined that deferred tax assets of $1.5 million in a foreign jurisdiction, whose realization was previously not considered to be more likely than not, are realizable and, therefore, reduced the related valuation allowance.
	Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions were $5.3 million at May 3, 2015, and $5.1 million at November 2, 2014, of which $5.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively, would, if recognized, favorably impact the Company's effective tax rate. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $0.2 million at May 3, 2015, $0.1 million of which was accrued during the three month period ended May 3, 2015, and $0.1 million at November 2, 2014. As of May 3, 2015, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.
	PKLT, the Company's FPD manufacturing facility in Taiwan, has been accorded a tax holiday that started in 2012 and expires in 2017. The PKLT tax holiday had no dollar or per share effect on the financial results of the three or six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014.  PDMC, as a result of the DPTT Acquisition, acquired an IC manufacturing facility in Taiwan that has been accorded a tax holiday that commenced in 2015 and expires in 2019. The Company realized a $0.1 million tax benefit from this tax holiday for the six month period ended May 3, 2015. The tax holiday had no per share effect in the three or six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE 9 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,		May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	10,060	$	15,540	$	13,897	$	17,533
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects		1,071		1,542		1,071		3,084
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	11,131	$	17,082	$	14,968	$	20,617
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		66,230		61,372		66,148		61,286
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible notes		11,084		15,423		5,542		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		914		910		934		923
	Potentially dilutive common shares		11,998		16,333		6,476		16,346
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		78,228		77,705		72,624		77,632
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	0.21	$	0.29
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.22	$	0.21	$	0.27
	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, and convertible notes that, if converted, would have been antidilutive.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,		May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Share-based payment awards		1,654		2,105		1,621		2,131
	Convertible notes		-		-		5,542		-
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		1,654		2,105		7,163		2,131

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT	NOTE 10 - CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT
	The following tables set forth the changes in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income by component (net of tax of $0) for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014:
		Three Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at February 1, 2015	$	6,424		$	(402	)	$	(427	)	$	5,595
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,532			-			(25	)		12,507
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		12,532			32			(25	)		12,539
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3,308	)		-			12			(3,296	)
	Balance at May 3, 2015	$	15,648		$	(370	)	$	(440	)	$	14,838
		Three Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at February 2, 2014	$	19,326		$	(530	)	$	(816	)	$	17,980
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		11,635			-			(5	)		11,630
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		11,635			32			(5	)		11,662
	Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		-			-			412			412
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33	)		-			(2	)		(35	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014	$	30,928		$	(498	)	$	(411	)	$	30,019
		Six Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at November 2, 2014	$	22,651		$	(434	)	$	(443	)	$	21,774
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(7,574	)		-			6			(7,568	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			64			-			64
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(7,574	)		64			6			(7,504	)
	Less: other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		571			-			(3	)		568
	Balance at May 3, 2015	$	15,648		$	(370	)	$	(440	)	$	14,838
		Six Months Ended May 4, 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 before reclassifications		3,084			-			22			3,106
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			64			-			64
	Net current period other comprehensive income		3,084			64			22			3,170
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		47			-			-			47
	Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		-			-			412			412
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			(13	)		(13	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014	$	30,928		$	(498	)	$	(411	)	$	30,019
	The amortization of the cash flow hedge is included in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	NOTE 11 - 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 May 3, 2015 or November 2, 2014.
	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 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 May 3, 2015 and November 2, 2014.
		3-May-15				2-Nov-14
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes due 2016	$	60,766	$	57,500	$	122,544	$	115,000
	3.25% convertible senior notes due 2019	$	62,048	$	57,500	$	-	$	-

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE [Abstract]
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE	NOTE 12 - SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE
	In January 2014 the Company increased its ownership percentage in PSMC, a subsidiary of the Company based in Taiwan, to 100% at a cost of $1.7 million for the then remaining 3.0 million shares that were not owned by the Company. In April 2014 DPTT merged into PSMC to form PDMC. See Note 2 for further discussion relating to this transaction.
	The table below presents the effect of the change in the Company’s ownership interest in PDMC on the Company's equity for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, (3.0 million shares of common stock acquired and 112.9 million shares of common stock issued, respectively).
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		May 4,			May 4,
		2014			2014
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	15,540		$	17,533
	Increase in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital		(6,218	)		(6,182	)
	Decrease in Photronics, Inc. shareholders’ accumulated other comprehensive income		411			399
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest	$	9,733		$	11,750

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 13 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	As of May 3, 2015, the Company had commitments outstanding for capital expenditures of approximately $6 million.
	The Company is subject to various claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes such claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NOTE 14 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In April 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 – “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from that debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This ASU will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. Upon adoption, all prior periods presented should be restated to reflect the amendments in this update. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014 the FASB issued 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_T1

ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract]
Business Combinations	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 three month period ended May 4, 2014, 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.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Polici

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Share-based compensation accounting policy	Option awards generally vest in one to four years, and have a ten-year contractual term. All incentive and non-qualified stock option grants have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN1

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In April 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 – “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from that debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This ASU will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. Upon adoption, all prior periods presented should be restated to reflect the amendments in this update. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014 the FASB issued 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)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract]
Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the 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.
	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

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY_Tables

CHANGES IN EQUITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
CHANGES IN EQUITY [Abstract]
Consolidated changes in equity	The following tables set forth the Company's consolidated changes in equity for the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014:
		Three Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at February 1, 2015		66,209	$	662	$	521,580		$	89,272	$	5,595		$	110,936		$	728,045
	Net income		-		-		-			10,060		-			2,096			12,156
	Other comprehensive income		-		-		-			-		9,243			3,296			12,539
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		73		1		331			-		-			-			332
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		16		-		260			-		-			-			260
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		702			-		-			(51	)		651
	Balance at May 3, 2015		66,298	$	663	$	522,873		$	99,332	$	14,838		$	116,277		$	753,983
		Three Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at February 2, 2014		61,325	$	613	$	500,409		$	61,432	$	17,980		$	770		$	581,204
	Net income		-		-		-			15,540		-			410			15,950
	Other comprehensive income		-		-		-			-		11,628			34			11,662
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		66		1		282			-		-			-			283
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		17		-		356			-		-			-			356
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		687			-		-			-			687
	Acquisition of DPTT		-		-		(6,291	)		-		412			105,404			99,525
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-		-		73			-		(1	)		-			72
	Balance at May 4, 2014		61,408	$	614	$	495,516		$	76,972	$	30,019		$	106,618		$	709,739
		Six Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at November 2, 2014		65,930	$	659	$	520,182		$	85,435	$	21,774		$	111,444		$	739,494
	Net income		-		-		-			13,897		-			5,401			19,298
	Other comprehensive loss		-		-		-			-		(6,936	)		(568	)		(7,504	)
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		239		3		856			-		-			-			859
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		129		1		533			-		-			-			534
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		1,302			-		-			-			1,302
	Balance at May 3, 2015		66,298	$	663	$	522,873		$	99,332	$	14,838		$	116,277		$	753,983
		Six Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Photronics, Inc. Shareholders
											Accumulated
		Common Stock				Additional					Other			Non-
						Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			controlling			Total
		Shares		Amount		Capital			Earnings		Income			Interests			Equity
	Balance at November 3, 2013		61,083	$	611	$	498,861		$	59,439	$	26,403		$	2,517		$	587,831
	Net income		-		-		-			17,533		-			459			17,992
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		-		-		-			-		3,217			(47	)		3,170
	Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans		196		2		690			-		-			-			692
	Restricted stock awards vesting and expense		129		1		564			-		-			-			565
	Share-based compensation expense		-		-		1,583			-		-			-			1,583
	Acquisition of DPTT		-		-		(6,291	)		-		412			105,404			99,525
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-		-		109			-		(13	)		(1,715	)		(1,619	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014		61,408	$	614	$	495,516		$	76,972	$	30,019		$	106,618		$	709,739

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	Land	$	8,391	$	8,598
	Buildings and improvements		124,083		124,787
	Machinery and equipment		1,470,368		1,367,691
	Leasehold improvements		20,026		20,165
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		12,926		12,086
	Construction in progress		52,888		81,351
			1,688,682		1,614,678
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		1,085,700		1,064,609
		$	602,982	$	550,069
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment	Equipment under capital leases are included in above property, plant and equipment as follows:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	Machinery and equipment	$	56,245	$	56,245
	Less accumulated amortization		13,242		10,430
		$	43,003	$	45,815

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Tables

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract]
Long-term borrowings	Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
		May 3,		November 2,
		2015		2014
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2016	$	57,500	$	115,000
	3.25% convertible senior notes due in April 2019		57,500		-
	2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018		17,931		20,481
	3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016		4,504		6,705
			137,435		142,186
	Less current portion		17,651		10,381
		$	119,784	$	131,805

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options	The weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options issued during the three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014, are presented in the following table.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,			May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Expected volatility	54.90%		N/A			55.00%		61.10%
	Risk free rate of return	1.3%		N/A			1.3-1.6%		1.4%
	Dividend yield	N/A		N/A			N/A		N/A
	Expected term	4.7 years		N/A			4.7 years		4.6 years
Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards	Information on outstanding and exercisable option awards as of May 3, 2015, is presented below.
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Contractual
	Options							Life
	Outstanding at May 3, 2015		4,012,981		$	7.18		6.4 years		$	9,496
	Exercisable at May 3, 2015		2,500,681		$	6.82		5.1 years		$	7,856

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,		May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	10,060	$	15,540	$	13,897	$	17,533
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects		1,071		1,542		1,071		3,084
	Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	11,131	$	17,082	$	14,968	$	20,617
	Weighted-average common shares computations:
	Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share		66,230		61,372		66,148		61,286
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible notes		11,084		15,423		5,542		15,423
	Share-based payment awards		914		910		934		923
	Potentially dilutive common shares		11,998		16,333		6,476		16,346
	Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share		78,228		77,705		72,624		77,632
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	0.21	$	0.29
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.22	$	0.21	$	0.27
Outstanding securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings or loss per share	The table below shows the outstanding weighted-average share-based payment awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price exceeded the average market value of the common shares for the period, and convertible notes that, if converted, would have been antidilutive.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		May 3,		May 4,		May 3,		May 4,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Share-based payment awards		1,654		2,105		1,621		2,131
	Convertible notes		-		-		5,542		-
	Total potentially dilutive shares excluded		1,654		2,105		7,163		2,131

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C1

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
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 three and six month periods ended May 3, 2015 and May 4, 2014:
		Three Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at February 1, 2015	$	6,424		$	(402	)	$	(427	)	$	5,595
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,532			-			(25	)		12,507
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		12,532			32			(25	)		12,539
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3,308	)		-			12			(3,296	)
	Balance at May 3, 2015	$	15,648		$	(370	)	$	(440	)	$	14,838
		Three Months Ended May 4, 2014
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at February 2, 2014	$	19,326		$	(530	)	$	(816	)	$	17,980
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		11,635			-			(5	)		11,630
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			32			-			32
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		11,635			32			(5	)		11,662
	Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		-			-			412			412
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(33	)		-			(2	)		(35	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014	$	30,928		$	(498	)	$	(411	)	$	30,019
		Six Months Ended May 3, 2015
		Foreign Currency			Amortization			Other			Total
		Translation			of Cash
		Adjustments			Flow Hedge
	Balance at November 2, 2014	$	22,651		$	(434	)	$	(443	)	$	21,774
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(7,574	)		-			6			(7,568	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			64			-			64
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(7,574	)		64			6			(7,504	)
	Less: other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		571			-			(3	)		568
	Balance at May 3, 2015	$	15,648		$	(370	)	$	(440	)	$	14,838
		Six Months Ended May 4, 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 before reclassifications		3,084			-			22			3,106
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		-			64			-			64
	Net current period other comprehensive income		3,084			64			22			3,170
	Less: other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		47			-			-			47
	Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		-			-			412			412
	Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-			-			(13	)		(13	)
	Balance at May 4, 2014	$	30,928		$	(498	)	$	(411	)	$	30,019

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
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 May 3, 2015 and November 2, 2014.
		3-May-15				2-Nov-14
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	3.25% convertible senior notes due 2016	$	60,766	$	57,500	$	122,544	$	115,000
	3.25% convertible senior notes due 2019	$	62,048	$	57,500	$	-	$	-

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_Ta

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	3-May-15
SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE [Abstract]
Effect of change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC	The table below presents the effect of the change in the Company’s ownership interest in PDMC on the Company's equity for the three and six month periods ended May 4, 2014, (3.0 million shares of common stock acquired and 112.9 million shares of common stock issued, respectively).
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		May 4,			May 4,
		2014			2014
	Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$	15,540		$	17,533
	Increase in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital		(6,218	)		(6,182	)
	Decrease in Photronics, Inc. shareholders’ accumulated other comprehensive income		411			399
	Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest	$	9,733		$	11,750

BASIS_OF_FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_P1

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	3-May-15
	Facility
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION [Abstract]
Effective date of acquisition	4-Apr-14
Ownership percentage in PDMC (in hundredths)	50.01%
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities	9
DNP [Member]
Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	49.99%
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	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2014	3-May-15	4-May-14	4-May-14
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of acquisition		4-Apr-14
Consideration transferred	$98.30
Ownership percentage in PDMC (in hundredths)		50.01%
Acquisition costs related to the merger included in selling, general and administrative expense			$2	$2.50
DNP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)		49.99%
PSMC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares transferred to noncontrolling interests (in shares)		112.9
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 $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2014	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
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	0	16,372	0	16,372
Accounts receivable gross amount	28,560
Accounts receivable estimated to be uncollectable	$500

CHANGES_IN_EQUITY_Details

CHANGES IN EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
Beginning balance	$728,045	$581,204	$739,494	$587,831
Net income	12,156	15,950	19,298	17,992
Other comprehensive loss (income)	12,539	11,662	-7,504	3,170
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	332	283	859	692
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	260	356	534	565
Share-based compensation expense	651	687	1,302	1,583
Acquisition of DPTT		99,525		99,525
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		72		-1,619
Ending balance	753,983	709,739	753,983	709,739
Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance	662	613	659	611
Beginning balance (in shares)	66,209	61,325	65,930	61,083
Net income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive loss (income)	0	0	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	1	1	3	2
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans (in shares)	73	66	239	196
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0	1	1
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense (in shares)	16	17	129	129
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Acquisition of DPTT		0		0
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		0		0
Ending balance	663	614	663	614
Ending balance (in shares)	66,298	61,408	66,298	61,408
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Beginning balance	521,580	500,409	520,182	498,861
Net income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive loss (income)	0	0	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	331	282	856	690
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	260	356	533	564
Share-based compensation expense	702	687	1,302	1,583
Acquisition of DPTT		-6,291		-6,291
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		73		109
Ending balance	522,873	495,516	522,873	495,516
Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance	89,272	61,432	85,435	59,439
Net income	10,060	15,540	13,897	17,533
Other comprehensive loss (income)	0	0	0	0
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Acquisition of DPTT		0		0
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		0		0
Ending balance	99,332	76,972	99,332	76,972
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Beginning balance	5,595	17,980	21,774	26,403
Net income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive loss (income)	9,243	11,628	-6,936	3,217
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Acquisition of DPTT		412		412
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		-1		-13
Ending balance	14,838	30,019	14,838	30,019
Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance	110,936	770	111,444	2,517
Net income	2,096	410	5,401	459
Other comprehensive loss (income)	3,296	34	-568	-47
Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plans	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards vesting and expense	0	0	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	-51	0	0	0
Acquisition of DPTT		105,404		105,404
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary		0		-1,715
Ending balance	$116,277	$106,618	$116,277	$106,618

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14	Nov. 02, 2014
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$1,688,682,000		$1,688,682,000		$1,614,678,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,085,700,000		1,085,700,000		1,064,609,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	602,982,000		602,982,000		550,069,000
Depreciation and amortization expense	17,800,000	17,100,000	37,000,000	33,100,000
Equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Capital leased assets, gross	56,245,000		56,245,000		56,245,000
Less accumulated amortization	13,242,000		13,242,000		10,430,000
Capital leased assets, net	43,003,000		43,003,000		45,815,000
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,391,000		8,391,000		8,598,000
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	124,083,000		124,083,000		124,787,000
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,470,368,000		1,470,368,000		1,367,691,000
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	20,026,000		20,026,000		20,165,000
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,926,000		12,926,000		12,086,000
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$52,888,000		$52,888,000		$81,351,000

JOINT_VENTURE_TECHNOLOGY_LICEN1

JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14	Nov. 02, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, methodology for determining whether entity is primary beneficiary				This joint venture is a variable interest entity ("VIE") (as that term is defined in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")) because all costs of the joint venture are passed on to the Company and Micron through purchase agreements they have entered into with the joint venture, and it is dependent upon the Company and Micron for any additional cash requirements. On a quarterly basis the Company reassesses whether its interest in MP Mask gives it a controlling financial interest in this VIE. The purpose of this quarterly reassessment is to identify the primary beneficiary (which is defined in the ASC as the entity that consolidates a VIE) of the VIE. As a result of the reassessment in the current quarter, the Company determined that Micron is still the primary beneficiary of the VIE, by virtue of its tie-breaking voting rights within MP Maskbs Board of Managers, thereby giving it the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impact its economic performance, including its decision making authority in the ordinary course of business and its purchasing the majority of products produced by the VIE.
Cost of sales		$94,214,000	$82,692,000	$189,535,000	$161,352,000
Research and development expenses		5,809,000	5,939,000	10,490,000	10,913,000
Amount owed to MP Mask		5,100,000		5,100,000		4,200,000
Amount receivable from Micron Technology, Inc.		97,634,000		97,634,000		94,515,000
Maximum exposure to loss from investment in VIE		93,100,000		93,100,000		93,100,000
Approximate net book value of equity method investment	93,000,000
Income (loss) from equity-method investee		100,000	0	100,000	0
Valuation date of net book value of equity method investment	5-Mar-15
New agreements announcement date	24-Mar-15
Joint venture end date	6-May-16
License agreement commencement date	6-May-16
License agreement term subject to mutually agreeable renewals	1 year
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of sales		2,200,000	900,000	3,400,000	1,900,000
Research and development expenses		200,000	200,000	500,000	500,000
Co-venturer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount receivable from Micron Technology, Inc.		$9,400,000		$9,400,000		$6,800,000

LONGTERM_BORROWINGS_Details

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	3-May-15	3-May-15	Mar. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2015	Aug. 25, 2013	Apr. 30, 2011	Nov. 02, 2014
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$137,435,000	$137,435,000					$142,186,000
Less current portion	17,651,000	17,651,000					10,381,000
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations non current	119,784,000	119,784,000					131,805,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Maturity date of debt	31-Dec-18	31-Dec-18
Available borrowing capacity	50,000,000	50,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000	75,000,000
Amount outstanding under credit facility	0	0
Current borrowing capacity	50,000,000	50,000,000
Variable interest rate (in hundredths)	1.69%	1.69%
3.25% convertible senior notes due on April 1, 2016 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	57,500,000	57,500,000					115,000,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	3.25%	3.25%
Maturity date of debt		1-Apr-16
Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares)			96
Face amount of each note converted			1,000
Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)			$10.37
Amount intended to be repaid with credit facility		50,000,000
3.25 convertible senior notes due on April 2019 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	57,500,000	57,500,000					0
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	3.25%	3.25%
Maturity date of debt		1-Apr-19
Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares)				96
Face amount of each note converted				1,000
Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)				$10.37
2.77% capital lease obligation payable through July 2018 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	17,931,000	17,931,000					20,481,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	2.77%	2.77%
Maturity date of debt		31-Jul-18
Original face amount of debt					26,400,000
Repayment period of debt					5 years
Periodic payments					500,000
Frequency of periodic payment					per month
Amount payable through the end of lease term	18,800,000	18,800,000
Interest included in lease payments	900,000	900,000
3.09% capital lease obligation payable through March 2016 [Member]
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,504,000	4,504,000					6,705,000
Interest rate percentage (in hundredths)	3.09%	3.09%
Maturity date of debt		30-Mar-16
Original face amount of debt						21,200,000
Repayment period of debt						5 years
Periodic payments						400,000
Frequency of periodic payment						per month
Amount payable through the end of lease term	4,600,000	4,600,000
Interest included in lease payments	$100,000	$100,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
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	9,000,000	6,000,000
Share-based compensation costs incurred	$900,000	$1,000,000	$1,800,000	$2,100,000
Cash received from option exercises	300,000	300,000	1,000,000	700,000
Share-based compensation cost capitalized	0	0	0	0
Income tax benefits realized from stock option exercises	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term			10 years
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized			2 years 6 months
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)	54.90%		55.00%	61.10%
Risk free rate of return (in hundredths)	1.30%			1.40%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)
Expected term	4 years 8 months 12 days		4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 7 months 6 days
Shares [Abstract]
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	4,012,981		4,012,981
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	2,500,681		2,500,681
Share options granted (in shares)	302,800	0	604,800	612,500
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (in dollar per share)	$7.18		$7.18
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at end of period (in dollar per share)	$6.82		$6.82
Stock options, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual life, Outstanding at end of period			6 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life, Exercisable at end of period			5 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding at end of period	9,496,000		9,496,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable at end of period	7,856,000		7,856,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollar per share)	$3.84	$0	$3.86	$4.45
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards	4,900,000		4,900,000
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			1 year
Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options [Abstract]
Risk free rate of return (in hundredths)			1.30%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			4 years
Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options [Abstract]
Risk free rate of return (in hundredths)			1.60%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized			2 years
Nonvested shares [Abstract]
Restricted stock awards granted (in shares)	0	0	111,334	111,667
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards (in dollar per share)			$8.23	$8.86
Compensation cost not yet recognized related to unvested restricted stock awards	$1,300,000		$1,300,000
Number of shares of restricted stock outstanding (in shares)	217,776		217,776
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			1 year
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			4 years

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14	Nov. 02, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
U.S. statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Valuation allowance decrease			$1.50
Unrecognized tax benefits	5.3		5.3		5.1
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	5.2		5.2		5
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	0.2		0.2		0.1
Interest and penalties expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	0.1
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | PDMC [Member]
Income Tax Holiday [Line Items]
Income tax holiday commencement date	1-Jan-15
Income tax holiday termination date	31-Oct-19
Dollar effect of income tax holiday			0.1
Per share effect of income tax holiday (dollars per share)	$0	0
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | PKLT [Member]
Income Tax Holiday [Line Items]
Income tax holiday commencement date	1-Jan-12
Income tax holiday termination date	31-Oct-17
Dollar effect of income tax holiday	$0	0
Per share effect of income tax holiday (dollars per share)	$0	0

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$10,060	$15,540	$13,897	$17,533
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects	1,071	1,542	1,071	3,084
Earnings for diluted earnings per share	$11,131	$17,082	$14,968	$20,617
Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	66,230	61,372	66,148	61,286
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Convertible notes (in shares)	11,084	15,423	5,542	15,423
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	914	910	934	923
Potentially dilutive common shares (in shares)	11,998	16,333	6,476	16,346
Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	78,228	77,705	72,624	77,632
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$0.21	$0.29
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.22	$0.21	$0.27
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	1,654	2,105	7,163	2,131
Share-Based Payment Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	1,654	2,105	1,621	2,131
Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	0	0	5,542	0

CHANGES_IN_ACCUMULATED_OTHER_C2

CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax	$0	$0	$0	$0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	5,595	17,980	21,774	26,403
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,507	11,630	-7,568	3,106
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	32	32	64	64
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	12,539	11,662	-7,504	3,170
Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		412		412
Less: other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,296	-35	568	47
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary				-13
Ending Balance	14,838	30,019	14,838	30,019
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,424	19,326	22,651	27,797
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,532	11,635	-7,574	3,084
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	12,532	11,635	-7,574	3,084
Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		0		0
Less: other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,308	-33	571	47
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary				0
Ending Balance	15,648	30,928	15,648	30,928
Amortization of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-402	-530	-434	-562
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	32	32	64	64
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	32	32	64	64
Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		0		0
Less: other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary				0
Ending Balance	-370	-498	-370	-498
Other [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-427	-816	-443	-832
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-25	-5	6	22
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-25	-5	6	22
Other comprehensive income allocated to noncontrolling interests		412		412
Less: other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	-2	-3	0
Redemption of common stock by subsidiary				-13
Ending Balance	($440)	($411)	($440)	($411)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3-May-15	Nov. 02, 2014
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 due 2016 [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	60,766	122,544
Fair Value [Member] | 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	62,048	0
Carrying Value [Member] | 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2016 [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	57,500	115,000
Carrying Value [Member] | 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 [Member]
Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract]
Convertible senior notes	$57,500	$0

SUBSIDIARY_SHARE_REPURCHASE_De

SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	3-May-15	4-May-14	3-May-15	4-May-14	Jan. 31, 2014
Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders	$10,060,000	$15,540,000	$13,897,000	$17,533,000
Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income				-13,000
Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and transfer from noncontrolling interest		9,733,000		11,750,000
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		-6,218,000		-6,182,000
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		411,000		399,000
PSMC [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary (in hundredths)					100.00%
Payment to minority shareholders					$1,700,000
Subsidiary shares acquired (in shares)					3
PDMC [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Common stock issued by subsidiary (in shares)				112.9

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	3-May-15
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Outstanding commitments for capital expenditure	$6