Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 98,859	$ (4,639)	$ 148,126	$ 67,461
Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,594	4,594	9,188	9,188
Net income (loss) attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc.	94,265	(9,233)	138,938	58,273
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $267, $230, $505 and $574, respectively	417	362	790	900
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities, net of tax of $1,249, $(3,017), $2,453 and $(2,842), respectively	2,136	(4,719)	4,195	(4,445)
Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, net of tax of $3,613, $4,926, $7,254 and $11,266, respectively	6,280	9,391	12,422	20,993
Foreign currency translations	5,149	(17,554)	(2,202)	(59,758)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13,982	(12,520)	15,205	(42,310)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc.	$ 108,247	$ (21,753)	$ 154,143	$ 15,963