| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PHOTRONICS INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CT |
| Entity File Number | 0-15451 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-0854886 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 15 Secor Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Brookfield |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06804 |
| City Area Code | 203 |
| Local Phone Number | 775-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000810136 |
| NASDAQ Global Select Market [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | COMMON STOCK, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PLAB |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| NONE [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS |
| Trading Symbol | N/A |
