Debt Schedule of Unamortized Prepaid Debt Fees (Details) (2011 Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member], Credit Facilities [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
2011 Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] \| Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized prepaid debt fees	$ 5,763	$ 6,027

Prepaid debt fees represent the capitalized direct costs incurred related to the issuance of debt. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the lives of the respective borrowings using the effective interest method. When debt is repaid early, or first becomes convertible the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written-off and included in interest expense.

No definition available.

Name:	itri_PrepaidDebtFeesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	itri_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant