Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 60,249	$ 35,053	$ 15,003
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	54,338	(24,977)	(72,929)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	923	(275)	1,086
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent	(3,588)	3,468	(6,296)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	58,849	(28,720)	(65,547)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	119,098	6,333	(50,544)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		3,283	2,325
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax:		3,283	2,325
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$ 116,147	$ 3,050	$ (52,869)