Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entity [Domain] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Award Type [Axis] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] ASU 2015-17 [Member] Payables - related parties Amount due currently to related party at end of period ACCRUED LIABILITIES Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Accounts payable Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,901 in 2016 and $3,301 in 2015 Amount receivable from Micron Technology, Inc. Accounts Receivable, Net, Current ACCRUED LIABILITIES [Abstract] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Amortization of Cash Flows Hedge [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of Cash Flows Hedge [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Amortization of Cash Flow Hedge [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets acquired during the year Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional paid-in capital Amortization of deferred financing costs and intangible assets Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation costs incurred Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Accounts receivable, allowance Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of supply agreement Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Total potentially dilutive shares excluded (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Total assets Assets ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Total assets Current assets: Total current assets Assets, Current Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Buildings and Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and Improvements [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Other current assets Date of acquisition Other long-term assets Deferred tax liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Consideration transferred Ownership percentage in PDMC Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. [Abstract] Number of shares transferred to noncontrolling interests (in shares) Deferred tax asset Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition [Line Items] Other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Accounts payable and accrued expenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Consideration - 49.99% of fair value of PSMC Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro forma information Gain on acquisition Gain on acquisition Gain on acquisition Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Revenues Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Accounts receivable (gross amount of $28,560, of which $500 was estimated to be uncollectable) ACQUISITION OF DNP PHOTOMASK TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN CO., LTD. Identifiable intangible assets Net income Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Accounts receivable gross amount Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount Noncontrolling interests retained by DNP Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combinations Business Combinations Accounts receivable estimated to be uncollectable Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Estimated Uncollectible Inventory Acquisition costs related to the merger included in selling, general and administrative expense Total net assets acquired less noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Net minimum lease payments under capital lease Capital Lease Obligations Less current portion of net minimum lease payments Capital leased assets, net Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Minimum lease payments under the Company's capital lease obligations [Abstract] Capital leased assets, gross Accrual for property, plant and equipment purchased during year Less interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Long-term portion of minimum lease payments Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment [Abstract] Amount payable through the end of lease term Future minimum payments due Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less accumulated amortization Carrying Value [Member] Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash from acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Co-venturer [Member] DNP [Member] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 68,080 shares issued and outstanding at October 30, 2016, 66,602 shares issued and outstanding at November 1, 2015 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract] Comprehensive income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Software and Other [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Percent of net sales accounted for by significant customer Concentration Risk, Percentage Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Increase (decrease) in Photronics, Inc.'s additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Repurchase of Shares by Subsidiary Effect of change in the entity's ownership interest in subsidiaries Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table] Effect of the change in the entity's ownership interest in PSMC [Abstract] Change from net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders due to issuance of shares of PDMC and transfers to or from noncontrolling interests Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] Construction in Progress [Member] Convertible senior notes Convertible Debt Convertible Notes [Member] Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Cost and expenses: Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Foreign State Current [Abstract] Federal Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Conversion of debt to common stock Conversion price per share (in dollars per share) Conversion of debt to common stock Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount LONG-TERM BORROWINGS [Abstract] Conversion of debt to common stock (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Repayment period of debt Debt Instrument, Term Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Original face amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Periodic payments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Number of shares each note is convertible to (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Frequency of periodic payment Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Interest rate percentage Maturity date of debt Variable interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Financing expenses Deferred income tax assets [Abstract] Net deferred income tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Investments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred [Abstract] Deferred income taxes liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred income tax assets [Abstract] Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Net operating losses Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reported per adoption of new accounting standard (see below) [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforward [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Noncurrent assets Deferred income tax assets Current assets Alternative minimum tax credits Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Tax credit carryforwards Reserves not currently deductible Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Noncurrent liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Valuation allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Maximum percentage of employees' gross pay that Company will match Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Percentage of salary that can be contributed by the employee Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Maximum percentage of employees' contributions that Company will match Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Pro forma adjustment for additional depreciation recorded on acquired long-lived assets RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract] SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract] Dividends to noncontrolling interests Dividends Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Amount owed to MP Mask Due to Related Parties, Current Europe [Member] Earnings Per Share Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract] Earnings per share: Earnings per share [Abstract] Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents U.S. statutory rate Salaries, wages and related benefits Share-based compensation cost capitalized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Income tax benefits realized from stock option exercises Period for recognition of compensation cost not yet recognized Compensation cost not yet recognized related to share based payment awards other than options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested option awards Equity Component [Domain] Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Summarized financial information of MP Mask [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Gain on sale of equity method investment Distributions from joint venture Current liabilities Gross profit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. [Abstract] Noncurrent liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities JOINT VENTURE, TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Noncurrent assets Investments in Joint Ventures Summarized financial information of equity method investment Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Fair Value [Member] Fair Value Financial Instruments Policy Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Measurement Frequency [Axis] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Commission revenue earned under supply agreement Fees and Commissions, Other Fair and carrying values of the Company's convertible senior notes [Abstract] Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Net Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Amount Estimated useful lives Estimated amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible assets, net [Abstract] 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Intangible asset amortization over the next five years [Abstract] 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Fiscal Year Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Currency [Abstract] Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment [Member] Gains on sales of investments Gain on sale of investments Gains on sales of investments General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Impairment of Long-Lived Assets INCOME TAXES [Abstract] Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income Tax Authority [Axis] United States Income before income tax provision Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Authority [Domain] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income tax provision Income Tax Expense, Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Income tax holiday termination date U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate Income tax provision [Abstract] Income tax provision reconciliation [Abstract] Per share effect of income tax holiday (dollars per share) Dollar effect of income tax holiday Changes in valuation allowances Distributions from foreign subsidiaries Other, net Foreign tax rate differentials Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Income Taxes Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Positions Income taxes paid Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract] Uncertain tax positions, including reserves, settlements and resolutions Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Changes in assets and liabilities: Share-based payment awards (in shares) Convertible notes (in shares) INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible assets, net Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Interest expense on convertible notes, net of related tax effects Interest payments Inventories Inventory [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Inventory, Net Finished goods Work in process Raw materials Additional investment in joint venture Investment Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Investment in joint venture Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] OPERATING LEASES [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Current liabilities: Technology License Agreement [Member] Amount outstanding under credit facility Current borrowing capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Long-term borrowings and Long-term Debt, unclassified [Abstract] Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities [Abstract] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities LONG-TERM BORROWINGS Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-term borrowings Long-term debt and capital lease obligations non current Current portion of long-term borrowings Less current portion Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Customer [Axis] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Ownership percentage in subsidiary Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interests Repurchase of common stock by subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling interests Movement in Valuation Allowance and Qualifying Accounts [Roll Forward] Customer [Domain] Cash flows from financing activities: Earnings for diluted earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Recent Accounting Pronouncements RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract] Noncash net assets from acquisition Other income (expense): Acquisition of DPTT Non-Controlling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] SUBSIDIARY SHARE REPURCHASE [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Total future minimum payments due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases [Abstract] OPERATING LEASES Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] 2017 Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Thereafter Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Rent expense under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating income Operating Income (Loss) 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Expiration Periods 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Amortization of cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Outstanding commitments for capital expenditure Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT GAINS ON SALE OF INVESTMENTS [Abstract] Other current assets Other Assets, Current Other comprehensive income (loss), tax Other comprehensive income, tax Other assets Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $0: GAINS ON SALE OF INVESTMENTS Interest and other income (expense), net Other liabilities Other accrued liabilities Recorded in Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Less: other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Products and Services [Domain] Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Purchases of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Payments of deferred financing fees Deferred financing cost payments Payments of Financing Costs Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Return of capital to noncontrolling interests Payment to minority shareholders Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of equipment Company's contribution to defined contribution retirement plans Pension Expense EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding Pro Forma [Member] Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash received for refunds of income taxes Proceeds from sales of investments Proceeds from Sale of Investment Projects Proceeds from sale of equity method investment Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from share-based arrangements Cash received from options exercises Products and Services [Axis] Net income Net income Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Long-lived assets Property, plant and equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Total unrecorded purchase commitments Purchase Obligation QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties [Roll Forward] Recorded purchase commitments Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Domain] Expenses incurred for goods or services provided by related party during the period Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party [Axis] OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract] Repayments of convertible debt Repayments of long-term borrowings Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Research and development Research and development expenses Federal research and development [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research and Development Change Due to Adoption [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained earnings Revenue Recognition Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK [Abstract] Exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Percent of market price that participants pay for shares subscribed Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Expected term Intangible asset amortization over the next five years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Previously Reported [Member] Schedule of Inventory Income tax provision Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component Net deferred income tax assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Summary of option activity Geographic information Income before income tax provision for domestic and foreign Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options Outstanding securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair and carrying values of convertible senior notes Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Effect on financial statement deferred income taxes line items of adopting ASU 2015-17 Quarterly financial data Schedule of Investments [Table] Intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Minimum lease payments under the company's capital lease obligations Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Summary of the status of the company's outstanding restricted stock awards Property under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Income tax rate reconciliation Long-term borrowings Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] GEOGRAPHIC AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION [Abstract] Geographical [Domain] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restricted Stock, additional disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award vesting period Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date [Abstract] Exercised (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Shares [Rollforward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Granted (in shares) Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued (in shares) Risk-free rate of return Exercisable at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Stock Options Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Total intrinsic value of options exercised Vested (in dollars per share) Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cancelled and forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Weighted-average inputs and risk-free rate of return ranges used to calculate the grant date fair value of options [Abstract] Dividend yield Total fair value of awards for which restrictions lapsed Expected volatility Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Date and terms of plan modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Description and Terms Vested and expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Equity Award [Domain] Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Shares [Rollforward] Cancelled and forfeited (in dollars per share) Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Stock Options Accounting Policy Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Product Warranty State tax [Member] Statement [Line Items] Equity Components [Axis] Consolidated Statements of Equity [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Restricted stock awards vestings and expense (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock awards vestings and expense Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Payment Awards [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Share-based payment awards issued after fiscal year 2016 (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Sale of common stock through employee stock option and purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Equity: Total equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Tax credit carryforwards Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Operating loss carryforwards Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Expiration period Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax credit carryfoward amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Type of Adoption [Domain] Remaining undistributed earnings considered to be indefinitely invested Additions for tax positions in prior years Additions based on current year tax positions Lapses of statutes of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized tax benefits Balance at end of year Balance at beginning of year Reductions for tax positions in prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unremitted Earnings in Foreign Investment Estimates and Assumptions Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowance [Abstract] Balance at End of Year Balance at Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member] Valuation allowance change Tax benefits related to prior year Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Variable interest entity, methodology for determining whether entity is primary beneficiary Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Maximum exposure to loss from investment in VIE Income (loss) from equity-method investee Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity, Operating Income or Loss Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Diluted (in shares) Weighted-average common shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares) Weighted-average common shares computations [Abstract] Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract] Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted-average common shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares) Dilutive common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Korea [Member] Korea [Member] Taiwan [Member] Taiwan [Member] United States [Member] Refers to amount of investment, company has planned to invest in foreign country. Investment Amount Planned to Invest in Foreign Country Investment amount planned to invest in China Refers to term over which company will invest the planned amount of investment in the foreign country. Term of Planned Investment in Foreign Country Investment term The entire disclosure for the Company's announced expansion into China. Expansion into Foreign Country [Text Block] EXPANSION INTO CHINA EXPANSION INTO CHINA [Abstract] Written promise to pay a note which can be exchanged for a specified quantity of securities (typically common stock), at the option of the issuer or the holder. Convertible Senior Notes [Member] 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Refers to related party who provides information technology services. Information Technology Services Provider 1 [Member] Refers to related party who supplies photomask blanks. Photomask Blank Supplier [Member] Refers to related party who provides information technology services. Information Technology Services Provider [Member] Refers to investment in foreign entity. Investment in Foreign Entity [Member] Represents the name of the entity acquired by the Company's Taiwan-based manufacturing subsidiary to form PDMC. DNP Photomask Technology Taiwan Co., Ltd. (DPTT) [Member] DPTT [Member] Represents the Company's Taiwan-based manufacturing subsidiary prior to the merger with DPTT that formed PDMC. Photronics Semiconductor Mask Corporation [Member] PSMC [Member] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Options that are not yet available for exercise under the terms of entity's plan and any agreements. Unvested Options [Member] Changes to accumulated other comprehensive income including portion attributable to non-controlling interest resulting from other. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other [Member] Other [Member] Changes to accumulated comprehensive income resulting from other. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other [Member] Other [Member] Changes to accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest resulting from other. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other [Member] Other [Member] Represents one of the products of the entity. Flat Panel Displays [Member] FPD [Member] Represents one of the products of the entity. Integrated Circuits [Member] IC [Member] Represents a other customer of the Company. Other Customer [Member] Other Customer Accounted [Member] Represents a major customer of the Company. Major customer 1 [Member] One Customer Accounted [Member] Represents one of the geographical areas where entity's activities take place. All Other Asia [Member] All Other Asia [Member] Components Of Income Before Income Tax Provision [Abstract] Components of income before income tax provision [Abstract] Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to gain (loss) on acquisition. Income Tax Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) on Acquisition Gain on acquisition of DPTT Refers to adjustment of deferred tax asset. Adjustment of Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Refers to the income tax provision difference which is obtained from the taxes related to the foreign subsidiary earnings. Income Tax Reconciliation Tax on Foreign Subsidiary Earnings Tax on foreign subsidiary earnings Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to elimination of intercompany gain (loss). Income Tax Reconciliation, Intercompany gain (loss) elimination Intercompany gain elimination Financial statement deferred income taxes [Abstract] Financial Statement Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract] Tax credit carryforwards relating to alternate minimum tax. Alternate Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Federal alternate minimum tax [Member] Refers to term of tax year holidays. Term of tax year holidays Refers to foreign jurisdictions. Foreign Jurisdictions [Member] Foreign jurisdictions [Member] Amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not considered to be permanently reinvested outside of the United States. Earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings which are considered not to be permanently reinvested The total amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, including the amounts that are not considered to be permanently reinvested outside of the United States, and the amounts which are intended to be permanently reinvested outside of the United States, and that are not subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings Income taxes, additional disclosures [Abstract] Effect of a retrospective correction of an error, other prior year adjustment, or application of a new accounting pronouncement on a financial statement line item or any per share amounts. The cumulative effect of the change on retained earnings or net assets in the statement of financial position would also be represented under this domain member. Retrospectively Adjusted [Member] Retrospectively Adjusted [Member] Refers to supply agreement term subject to mutually agreeable renewals. Supply Agreement Term Subject To Mutually Agreeable Renewals Initial term of supply agreement term subject to mutually agreeable renewals The joint venture variable interest entity. MP Mask [Member] MP Mask [Member] Represents return of capital to noncontrolling interests. Return of capital to noncontrolling interests Return of capital to noncontrolling interest Written promise to pay a note which can be exchanged for a specified quantity of securities (typically common stock), at the option of the issuer or the holder. Convertible senior notes due on April 2016 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in April 2016 [Member] 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2016 [Member] A borrowing recorded for a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization. A lease is defined as an agreement conveying the right to use property, plant, or equipment (land or depreciable assets) usually for a stated period of time. Capital lease obligation payable through 2018 [Member] 2.77% Capital Lease Obligation Payable through July 2018 [Member] A borrowing recorded for a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization. A lease is defined as an agreement conveying the right to use property, plant, or equipment (land or depreciable assets) usually for a stated period of time. Capital Lease Obligation Payable Through 2016 [Member] 3.09% Capital Lease Obligation Payable through March 2016 [Member] Written promise to pay a note which can be exchanged for a specified quantity of securities (typically common stock), at the option of the issuer or the holder. Convertible Senior Notes Due On April2019 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in April 2019 [Member] 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 [Member] This line item represents the face amount of each note converted or convertible to common stock. Face Amount Of Each Note Converted Or Convertible Face amount of each note converted Estimated year that production will start at new manufacturing facility. Facility production start date Estimated year that construction will start on new manufacturing facility. Facility construction start date Represents the majority owned subsidiary. PK Ltd [Member] Represents the number of majority owned subsidiaries. Number of majority owned subsidiaries Represents the period of warranty. Period of warranty This line item represents the number of manufacturing facilities of the entity. Number of manufacturing facilities Number of manufacturing facilities Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Manufacturing Facilities By Geographical Region [Line Items] Manufacturing Facilities by Geographical Region [Line Items] Describes the operating facilities of the reporting entity by geographical region. Manufacturing Facilities by Geographical Region [Table] The board of directors of PSMC, a subsidiary of the Company based in Taiwan, has authorized several share repurchase programs for PSMC to purchase for retirement shares of its outstanding common stock. PSMC stock repurchase program [Member] PSMC [Member] The Company's IC manufacturing plant in Taiwan. Photronics DNP Mask Corporation (PDMC) [Member] PDMC [Member] Net of tax amount of the appreciation (loss) for other adjustments. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other Adjustments, Net of Tax Other Represents the number of months of service completed to come under retirement plans. Number of months of service completed Number of months of service completed to come under retirement plan Represents the minimum age of employees to come under retirement plan. Minimum age of employees to come under retirement plan Minimum age of employees to come under retirement plan Amount of liability arising from a business acquisition, due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Liability arising from a business acquisition Acquisition liabilities Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract] Represents the weighted-average fair value at grant date of restricted stock that is vested and expected to vest. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options That Are Vested And Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) Represents the number, as of the balance sheet date, of outstanding restricted stock awards that are vested and expected to vest. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Vested and Expected to Vest Vested and expected to vest (in shares) The cumulative number of shares that have been issued since the inception of the Company's employee stock purchase plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Cumulative Shares Issued Total shares issued under ESPP since inception (in shares) Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Stock options activity [Abstract] Agreement under which, for consideration previously provided, the Company is entitled to receive a commission based on specified sales of a counterparty to the agreement. Supply Agreement [Member] Supply Agreements [Member]