Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (145,270)	$ 16,014
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	16,300	15,016
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges	1,169	292
Pension benefit obligation adjustment	414	401
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	17,883	15,709
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(127,387)	31,723
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	396	169
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$ (127,783)	$ 31,554