Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill Allocated to Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 1,209,376	$ 1,305,599
Goodwill acquired	10,251
Goodwill Impairment	(584,847)	0	0
Other	(7,720)
Effect of change in exchange rates	9,850	(96,223)
Goodwill ending balance	636,910	1,209,376	1,305,599
Itron North America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	198,048	197,515
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill Impairment	0
Other	(6,739)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(310)	533
Goodwill ending balance	190,999	198,048
Itron International [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	1,011,328	1,108,084
Goodwill acquired	10,251
Goodwill Impairment	(584,847)
Other	(981)
Effect of change in exchange rates	10,160	(96,756)
Goodwill ending balance	$ 445,911	$ 1,011,328