Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment - Revenue	$ (5)
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment - Expense	$ 4

The amount of an expense reclassification adjustment made to prior period financial statement amounts

No definition available.

Name:	pbi_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentExpense
Namespace Prefix:	pbi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration