Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014 Itron Sistemas e Technologia Ltda. Employment Cases [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Itron Sistemas e Technologia Ltda. Employment Cases [Member] Employees of Previous Service Provider Hired Upon Agreement to Provide Installation and Maintenance Services to a Customer [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Itron Sistemas e Technologia Ltda. Employment Cases [Member] Employees Terminated Upon the Termination of Installation and Maintenance Services Contract with Customer [Member]	Jun. 30, 2014 Third Party SmartSynch Supplier [Member]
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs	300
Entity Number of Employees		800	870
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value				$ 60