Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization Expense In Future Periods Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Sales-type lease receivables Finance Leases Portfolio Segment [Member] Loan receivables Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Geographic Distribution [Axis] Geographic Distribution [Axis] Geographic Distribution [Domain] Geographic Distribution [Domain] North America Geographic Distribution, Domestic [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Low Risk Level, Low [Member] Medium Risk Level, Medium [Member] High Risk Level, High [Member] Not Scored Not Scored [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Approximate percentage of portfolio Percentage of Portfolio, Risk Designation Percentage of Portfolio, Risk Designation Gross finance receivables Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Restructuring payments Payments for Restructuring Special pension plan contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer, Special Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer, Special Contributions Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Loss on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain on sale of technology Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Gain on debt forgiveness Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net Restructuring Charges And Asset Impairments, Including Discontinued Operations Adjustment to remove noncash portion of restructuring costs and impairment charges including discontinued operations. Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions/divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Decrease in finance receivables Increase (Decrease) in Finance Receivables Increase in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Increase) decrease in other current assets and prepayments Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Decrease) increase in current and noncurrent income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Decrease in advance billings Increase (Decrease) in Customer Advances Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sales/maturities of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Net change in short-term and other investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Change in reserve account deposits Payments for (Proceeds from) Change in Reserve Account Deposits, Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Change in Reserve Account Deposits, Investing Activities Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Dividends paid to stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Common stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Equity Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash interest paid Interest Paid, Net Cash income tax payments, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Preferred Unit Holders, Redeemable Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $122, $(40), $361 and $224, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gain on investment securities, net of tax of $220, $956, $1,322 and $4,399, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Adjustments to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of $(304) and $(777) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, net of tax of $3,484, $3,243, $10,440 and $10,362, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Components Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Statements Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of EBIT from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation Of E B I T From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure about the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment, as a single block of text. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenue Sales [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] International Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] 1 - 90 days Financing Receivables, 1 to 90 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivables, 1 to 90 Days Past Due Greater than 90 days Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing receivables Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Total Financing Receivable, Net Still accruing interest Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Not accruing interest Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status Contract value Payment contract value Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Small & Medium Business Solutions Small And Medium Business Solutions [Member] PBI Small & Medium business group Enterprise Business Solutions Enterprise Business Solutions [Member] PBI Enterprise Businesses business group Digital Commerce Solutions Digital Commerce Solutions [Member] Digital Commerce Solutions Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] North America Mailing North America Mailing [Member] US and Canada Mailing Segment International Mailing International Mailing [Member] PBI International Mailing segment Production Mail Production Mail [Member] PBI Production Mail segment Presort Services Mail Services [Member] PBI Mail Services segment Software Solutions Software Solutions [Member] Software Solutions [Member] Global Ecommerce Global Ecommerce [Member] Global Ecommerce [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Goodwill Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cash flow hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Available for sale securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and postretirement benefit plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Transition credit Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Transition Attributable to Parent [Member] Prior service costs Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Actuarial losses Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Interest expense, net Interest Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Benefit provision for income tax Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Numerator: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. (numerator for diluted EPS) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Less: Preference stock dividend Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic EPS) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Denominator: Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted-average shares used in basic EPS (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive shares: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Conversion of Preferred stock and Preference stock (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Employee stock plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average shares used in diluted EPS (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive shares not used in calculating diluted weighted-average shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Foreign currency adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balances, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Reclassifications into earnings Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Balances, end of period Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment reporting information profit (loss) Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] EBIT Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Interest Expense, Interest Income, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests, Net Reconciling items: Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Interest, net Unallocated corporate expenses Corporate Expenses Represents amount of Corporate expenses unallocated to reporting segments Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Gain from the sale of technology Acquisition and disposition-related expenses Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Provision for income taxes Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Nonpension Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] United States Domestic Plan [Member] Foreign Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of transition credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Asset (Obligation) Amortization of prior service (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Net periodic benefit cost (income) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Short-term finance receivables allowance Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current Long-term finance receivables allowance Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Noncurrent Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preference stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, No Par Value Preference stock dividend rate (in dollars per share) Preference Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount The amount per share used to calculated dividend payments on preference stock. Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Preferred stock Preferred Stock [Member] Preference stock Cumulative Preference Stock [Member] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss) Dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Conversion to common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Repurchase of common stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Notes due Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Fixed Rate Notes Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] New Term Loan New Term Loan [Member] New Term Loan [Member] Notes due September 2020 Debt Due 2020 [Member] Debt Due 2020 [Member] Notes due April 2023 Debt Due 2023 [Member] Debt Due 2023 [Member] Notes due August 2018 Debt Due 2018 [Member] Debt Due 2018 [Member] Notes due May 2022 Debt Due 2022 [Member] Debt Due 2022 [Member] Notes Due in June 2017 Debt Due June 2017 [Member] Debt Due June 2017 [Member] Notes due September 2017 Debt Due 2017 [Member] Debt Due 2017 Notes due May 2018 4.75% Debt Due 2018 [Member] 4.75% Debt Due 2018 [Member] Notes due January 2037 Debt Due 2037 [Member] Debt Due 2037 Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Loan amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Extension period Debt Instrument, Extension Period Debt Instrument, Extension Period Effective interest rate percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Redemption amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Amount Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Money market funds / commercial paper Money Market Funds [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Commingled fixed income securities Fixed Income Securities [Member] Debt securities - U.S. and foreign governments, agencies and municipalities US Treasury and Government [Member] Debt securities - corporate Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gain on investment securities, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Adjustments to pension and postretirement plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax Finance Assets Financing Receivables [Text Block] Financing Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Past Due Financing Receivables Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Cost, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and benefits costs Employee Severance [Member] Other exit costs Other Restructuring [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Costs Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance Beginning Restructuring Reserve Expenses, net Restructuring Charges Cash payments Balance Ending Restructuring reserve, expected payment period Restructuring Reserve, Payment Period Restructuring Reserve, Payment Period Restructuring reserve, expected international payment period, extend beyond Restructuring Reserve, International Payment Period Restructuring Reserve, International Payment Period Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Revenue recognition discontinuation period (more than) Threshold Period Past Due for Write-off of Financing Receivable Revenue recognition resume period (less than) Threshold Period Past Due for Resuming Recognition of Financing Receivable Threshold Period Past Due for Resuming Recognition of Financing Receivable Allowance for Credit Losses Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Balance Beginning Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Amounts charged to expense Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Write-offs and other Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Balance Closing ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Current Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $15,610 and $14,372, respectively) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Short-term finance receivables (net of allowance of $11,921 and $13,323, respectively) Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Current income taxes Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other current assets and prepayments Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Rental property and equipment, net Rental property and equipment, net Represents the cost of equipment on rental, including postage meters, scales, mailing machines, copiers, facsimile equipment, voice processing systems, merchandise identification equipment, and other machines, net of accumulated depreciation. Long-term finance receivables (net of allowance of $5,999 and $7,177, respectively) Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Noncurrent income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Current income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Advance billings Customer Advances, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred taxes on income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Tax uncertainties and other income tax liabilities Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity (deficit): Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Cumulative preferred stock, $50 par value, 4% convertible Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Cumulative preference stock, no par value, $2.12 convertible Preference Stock Value Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preference stock (or preference stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Common stock, $1 par value (480,000,000 shares authorized; 323,337,912 shares issued) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost (136,777,086 and 137,669,194 shares, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Total Pitney Bowes Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Software & technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trademarks & other Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Finite lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Pensions and Other Benefit Programs Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Term loans Loans Payable [Member] Other debt Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Notes due March 2018 5.60% Debt Due 2018 [Member] 5.60% Debt Due 2018 [Member] Notes due March 2019 Debt Due 2019 [Member] Debt Due 2019 Notes due October 2021 Debt due 2021 [Member] Debt due 2021 [Member] Notes due March 2024 Debt Due 2024 [Member] Debt Due 2024 [Member] Notes due March 2043 Debt Due 2043 [Member] Debt Due 2043 [Member] Less: unamortized debt discount and issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Plus: unamortized interest rate swap proceeds Deferred Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Total debt Long-term Debt Less: current portion long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Finite lived intangible assets future amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remaining for year ending December 31, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Year ending December 31, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Year ending December 31, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Year ending December 31, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Year ending December 31, 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Effective tax rate (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Charge from valuation allowance for tax carryovers Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Tax benefit from resolution of settlement Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Benefit from resolution of tax examinations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount Charge from establishment of valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Percent decrease in unrecognized benefits, reasonably possible (up to) Percent Decrease In Unrecognized Benefits is Reasonably Possible Percent Decrease In Unrecognized Benefits is Reasonably Possible Asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Loss on sale of building Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Other asset impairment charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Within 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis After 1 year through 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis After 5 years through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis After 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Total Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Within 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value After 1 year through 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value After 5 years through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value After 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Contract [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedge Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Term Loan Notes due December 2020 Notes due December 2020 [Member] Notes due December 2020 [Member] Investment securities at a loss position for more than 12 months, aggregate unrealized holding losses (less than at December 31, 2016) Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Investment securities at a loss position for more than 12 months, estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Investment securities at a loss position for less than 12 months, aggregate unrealized holding losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Investment securities at a loss position for less than 12 months, estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Derivative notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Amount of ineffectiveness Amount of Ineffectiveness on Net Investment Hedges Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Supplies and service parts Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventory at FIFO cost FIFO Inventory Amount Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value Total inventory, net Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Reduction to cash and cash equivalents Increase (decrease) in net cash provided by operating activities Increase (decrease) in net cash used in financing activities Capitalization period Deferred Marketing Cost, Capitalization Period Deferred Marketing Cost, Capitalization Period Estimated amortization period, less than Deferred Marketing Cost, Estimated Amortization Period Deferred Marketing Cost, Estimated Amortization Period Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Lease period Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases Period Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases Period Unguaranteed residual values Loans and Leases Receivable, Unguaranteed Residual Values Loans and Leases Receivable, Unguaranteed Residual Values Unearned income Loans and Leases Receivable, Unearned Income Loans and Leases Receivable, Unearned Income Allowance for credit losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Net investment in receivables Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Net investment in finance receivables Loans Receivable, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets and prepayments Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Total derivative assets Assets [Member] Total derivative liabilities Liability [Member] Total net derivative asset (liabilities) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Newgistics Newgistics [Member] Newgistics [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition of business Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Income Statement [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Equipment sales Equipment Sales Revenue Represents net sales of equipment to customers, as well as distributors and dealers throughout the world, net of discounts and trade-in allowances Supplies Supplies revenue Represents net revenue from sale of consumable supplies. Software License and Maintenance Revenue Rentals Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Financing Financial Services Revenue Support services Maintenance Revenue Business services Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total revenue Costs and expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of equipment sales Cost of equipment sales Includes the cost of equipment sold. This account may also include other cost of sales such as inventory adjustments, depreciation, gain (loss) on derivative instruments, etc. Cost of supplies Cost of supplies Includes all costs associated with the sale of parts and supplies Cost of software Cost of Services, Licenses and Maintenance Agreements Cost of rentals Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Financing interest expense Financing Interest Expense Cost of support services Cost of Services, Maintenance Costs Cost of business services Other Cost of Services Selling, general and administrative Research and development Research and Development Expense Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net Interest expense, net Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared U.S. and foreign governments, agencies and municipalities Corporate notes and bonds Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross unrealized gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities