Commitments and Contingencies Warranty Expense by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Warranty charge				$ 13,800,000
Warranty Expense	27,775,000	11,809,000	37,939,000	35,976,000
Itron North America [Member] | Vendor Supplied Component Warranty Expense Type [Member]
Warranty charge	12,600,000
Itron North America [Member]
Warranty Expense	21,850,000	6,575,000	28,364,000	14,990,000
Itron International [Member]
Warranty Expense	$ 5,925,000	$ 5,234,000	$ 9,575,000	$ 20,986,000