XML 32 R43.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Finance Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Net investment in finance receivables $ 1,737,296us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount   $ 1,820,025us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]      
Balance Beginning 28,110us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses 36,949us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses  
Amounts charged to expense 2,391us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses 4,074us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses  
Write-offs and other (5,600)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs (5,402)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs  
Balance Closing 24,901us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses 35,621us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses  
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
1 to 30 days 1,865,503us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue   1,970,209us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
31 to 60 days 46,147us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue   39,895us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
61 to 90 days 31,040us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue   32,603us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
Total 1,983,631us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross   2,077,945us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross
Still accruing interest 12,426us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing   8,448us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
Not accruing interest 28,515us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus   26,790us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
Total 40,941us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue   35,238us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
Revenue recognition resume period 60 days    
Low      
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Approximate percentage of portfolio 30.00%pbi_PercentageOfPortfolioRiskDesignation
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
   
Medium      
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Approximate percentage of portfolio 40.00%pbi_PercentageOfPortfolioRiskDesignation
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
   
High      
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Approximate percentage of portfolio 30.00%pbi_PercentageOfPortfolioRiskDesignation
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
   
North America      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Net investment in finance receivables 1,430,289us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  1,477,427us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
International      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Net investment in finance receivables 307,007us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  342,598us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Sales-type lease receivables      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 1,577,656us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  1,653,293us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Unguaranteed residual values 118,611us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  123,496us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Unearned income (340,045)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  (353,306)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Allowance for credit losses (12,531)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  (15,410)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Net investment in sales-type lease receivables 1,343,691us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  1,408,073us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 1,577,656us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
  1,653,293us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
Revenue recognition discontinuation period 120 days    
Sales-type lease receivables | North America      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 1,254,166us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  1,286,624us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Unguaranteed residual values 102,322us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  105,205us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Unearned income (266,176)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  (270,196)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Allowance for credit losses (8,465)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  (10,281)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Net investment in sales-type lease receivables 1,081,847us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  1,111,352us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]      
Balance Beginning 10,281us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
14,165us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Amounts charged to expense 16us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
1,052us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Write-offs and other (1,832)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
(2,310)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Balance Closing 8,465us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
12,907us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
1 to 30 days 1,174,381us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  1,217,623us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
31 to 60 days 29,268us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  23,242us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
61 to 90 days 20,723us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  24,198us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 1,254,166us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  1,286,624us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Still accruing interest 9,818us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  5,931us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Not accruing interest 19,976us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  15,630us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Total 29,794us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  21,561us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type lease receivables | North America | Low      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 934,494us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  936,979us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 934,494us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  936,979us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type lease receivables | North America | Medium      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 220,809us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  230,799us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 220,809us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  230,799us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type lease receivables | North America | High      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 44,232us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  45,202us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 44,232us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  45,202us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type lease receivables | North America | Not Scored      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 54,631us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  73,644us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 54,631us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  73,644us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Sales-type lease receivables | International      
Sales-type lease receivables      
Gross finance receivables 323,490us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  366,669us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Unguaranteed residual values 16,289us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  18,291us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Unearned income (73,869)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  (83,110)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDeferredIncome
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Allowance for credit losses (4,066)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  (5,129)us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Net investment in sales-type lease receivables 261,844us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  296,721us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeases
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]      
Balance Beginning 5,129us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
9,703us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Amounts charged to expense (270)us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
169us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Write-offs and other (793)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
(93)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Balance Closing 4,066us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
9,779us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
1 to 30 days 301,905us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  347,236us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
31 to 60 days 7,993us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  6,207us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
61 to 90 days 6,699us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  4,494us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Sales-type Lease Receivables - Total 323,490us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  366,669us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Still accruing interest 2,608us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  2,517us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Not accruing interest 4,285us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  6,215us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Total 6,893us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  8,732us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= us-gaap_FinanceLeasesFinancingReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Loan receivables      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 405,975us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
  424,652us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
Allowance for credit losses (12,370)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
  (12,700)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
Net investment in loan receivables 393,605us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
  411,952us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
Revenue recognition discontinuation period 90 days    
Loan receivables | North America      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 359,174us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  376,987us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Allowance for credit losses (10,732)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  (10,912)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Net investment in loan receivables 348,442us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  366,075us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]      
Balance Beginning 10,912us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
11,165us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Amounts charged to expense 2,431us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
2,492us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Write-offs and other (2,611)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
(2,663)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Balance Closing 10,732us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
10,994us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
 
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
1 to 30 days 344,225us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  359,672us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
31 to 60 days 7,769us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  9,245us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
61 to 90 days 3,312us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  3,498us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Total     376,987us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Still accruing interest 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Not accruing interest 3,868us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  4,572us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Total 3,868us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  4,572us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Loan receivables | North America | Low      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 246,071us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  259,436us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelLowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Loan receivables | North America | Medium      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 91,725us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  96,243us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelMediumMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Loan receivables | North America | High      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 10,730us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  10,913us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= us-gaap_RiskLevelHighMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Loan receivables | North America | Not Scored      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 10,648us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
  10,395us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis
= pbi_NotScoredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Loan receivables | International      
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount [Abstract]      
Loan receivables 46,801us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  47,665us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Allowance for credit losses (1,638)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  (1,788)us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Net investment in loan receivables 45,163us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  45,877us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]      
Balance Beginning 1,788us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
1,916us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Amounts charged to expense 214us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
361us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Write-offs and other (364)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
(336)us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Balance Closing 1,638us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
1,941us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
 
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]      
1 to 30 days 44,992us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  45,678us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment1To29DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
31 to 60 days 1,117us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  1,201us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
61 to 90 days 306us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  413us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Total     47,665us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Still accruing interest 0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  0us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Not accruing interest 386us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  373us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
Total $ 386us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember
  $ 373us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDue
/ us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis
= pbi_ClientLoanReceivableMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= pbi_InternationalMember