Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 13,270	$ (13,614)	$ 5,853	$ 3,830	$ 21,421	$ (914)	$ (7,761)	$ 20,507	$ 5,509	$ 24,337	$ 15,003	$ (22,300)	$ (150,934)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,241)	13,757	(60,319)	(48,889)	(7,986)	(3,214)	(46,562)	(11,200)	(60,803)	(60,089)	(72,929)	(89,297)	7,904
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges	71	123	(114)	400	(119)	163	9	44	80	444	1,086	488	433
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	866	493	504	98	118	97	997	215	1,863	313	6,296	(24,947)	5,117
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(13,304)	14,373	(59,929)	(48,391)	(7,987)	(2,954)	(45,556)	(10,941)	(58,860)	(59,332)	(65,547)	(113,756)	13,454
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(34)	759	(54,076)	(44,561)	13,434	(3,868)	(53,317)	9,566	(53,351)	(34,995)	(50,544)	(136,056)	(137,480)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	630	732	455	245	585	136	1,187	721	1,817	966	2,325	1,370	2,219
Foreign currency translation adjustments											0	0	(35)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	630	732	455	245	585	136	1,187	721	1,817	966	2,325	1,370	2,184
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$ (664)	$ 27	$ (54,531)	$ (44,806)	$ 12,849	$ (4,004)	$ (54,504)	$ 8,845	$ (55,168)	$ (35,961)	$ (52,869)	$ (137,426)	$ (139,664)