Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7945
Entity Registrant Name	DELUXE CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000027996
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MN
Entity Tax Identification Number	41-0216800
Entity Address, Address Line One	3680 Victoria St. N.
Entity Address, City or Town	Shoreview
Entity Address, State or Province	MN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	55126-2966
City Area Code	651
Local Phone Number	483-7111
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol	DLX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,831,715