Quarterly Results (Unaudited) Quarterly Results (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 510,095	$ 496,454	$ 489,353	$ 474,795	$ 523,526	$ 495,491	$ 482,175	$ 447,536	$ 1,970,697	$ 1,948,728	$ 2,178,178
Gross profit	154,787	150,762	163,041	154,535	164,738	150,084	159,588	140,123	623,125	614,533	715,147
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	(49,233)	7,308	19,259	(254)	(154,430)	(7,348)	12,399	2,570	(22,920)	(146,809)	108,275
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$ (1.25)	$ 0.19	$ 0.49	$ (0.01)	$ (3.93)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.31	$ 0.07	$ (0.58)	$ (3.74)	$ 2.73
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$ (1.25)	$ 0.19	$ 0.49	$ (0.01)	$ (3.93)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.31	$ 0.06	$ (0.58)	$ (3.74)	$ 2.71
Goodwill, Impairment Loss									$ 977	$ 173,249	$ 0