Commitments and Contingencies Warranty Expense by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Warranty Expense	$ 7,827	$ 17,587	$ 10,164	$ 21,613
Itron North America [Member]
Warranty Expense	3,625	6,068	6,514	8,739
Itron International [Member]
Warranty Expense	$ 4,202	$ 11,519	$ 3,650	$ 12,874