Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Pitney Bowes Inc. (we, us, our, or the company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best knowledge of current events, historical experience and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. These estimates include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, the allocation of purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, goodwill and intangible asset impairment review, allowance for doubtful accounts and credit losses, residual values of leased assets, useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets, restructuring costs, pension and other postretirement costs, income tax reserves, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, stock-based compensation expense and loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Cash Equivalents and Investments	Cash Equivalents and Investments Cash equivalents include highly-liquid interest-earning investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Short-term investments include investments with an original maturity of greater than three months but less than one year from the reporting date.
Investment Securities	Our investment securities are primarily classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, excluding other-than-temporary impairments, reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Purchase premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the security. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date using the specific identification method. Investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Investment securities are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and other assets depending on the investment's maturity.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. Accounts deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients. We estimate the probable losses on accounts receivable and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our estimate is based on historical loss experience, the age of the receivables, specific troubled accounts and other currently available information. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts and make adjustments as necessary.
Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses	Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses Finance receivables are composed of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. We estimate the probable losses and provide an allowance for credit losses. Our estimate is based on historical loss experience, the nature and volume of our portfolios, specific troubled accounts, and our ability to manage the collateral. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and make adjustments as necessary. We establish credit approval limits based on the credit quality of the client and the type of equipment financed. Our policy is to discontinue revenue recognition for lease receivables that are more than 120 days past due and for unsecured loan receivables that are more than 90 days past due. We resume revenue recognition when the client's payments reduce the account aging to less than 60 days past due. Finance receivables deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our finance receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for most U.S. inventories and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for most non-U.S. inventories.
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets Property, plant and equipment and rental equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are up to 50 years for buildings, 10 to 20 years for building improvements, three to 12 years for machinery and equipment, four to six years for rental equipment and three to five years for computer equipment. Major improvements which add to productive capacity or extend the life of an asset are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term. Fully depreciated assets are retained in fixed assets and accumulated depreciation until they are removed from service. We capitalize certain costs for materials and services, payroll and other personnel-related costs and interest in the development of internal use software. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over three to 10 years.
Intangible assets	Intangible assets Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using either the straight-line method or an accelerated attrition method.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and product development costs include engineering costs related to research and product development activities and are expensed as incurred.
Impairment Review for Long-lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Impairment Review for Long-lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset is compared to the asset's carrying value. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for an amount by which the asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the impaired asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate. We derive cash flow estimates from our long-term business plans and historical experience.
Impairment Review for Goodwill	Impairment Review for Goodwill
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans Net periodic benefit cost includes current service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses arise from actual experiences that differ from previous assumptions as well as changes in assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates used to measure pension and other postretirement obligations and life expectancy. The expected return on assets is measured using the market-related value of assets, which is a calculated value that recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets over five years. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and amortized to benefit cost primarily over the life expectancy of plan participants. The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation We measure compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest (net of estimated forfeitures) and recognize the expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock awards is estimated based on the fair value of our common stock on the grant date, less the present value of expected dividends or using a Black-Scholes valuation model or a Monte Carlo simulation model. The determination of fair value requires assumptions be made regarding the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, life of the award and dividend yield. The expected stock price volatility is based on historical price changes of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasuries with a term equal to the expected life of the award. The expected life of the award and expected dividend yield are based on historical experience. We believe that the valuation techniques and underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of stock awards. The majority of stock-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We derive revenue from multiple sources including sales, rentals, financing and services. Certain transactions are consummated at the same time and can therefore generate revenue from multiple sources. The most common form of these transactions involves a sale or noncancelable lease of equipment, a meter rental and an equipment maintenance agreement. In these multiple element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each of the elements based on relative "selling prices" determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We establish VSOE of selling prices based on the prices charged for each element when sold separately in standalone transactions. The allocation of relative selling price to the various elements impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. Revenue is allocated to the meter rental and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. For a sale transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on a range of selling prices in standalone transactions. For a lease transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments. The amount allocated to equipment is compared to the range of selling prices in standalone transactions during the period to ensure the allocated equipment amount approximates average selling prices. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows: Sales Revenue Sales of Equipment We sell equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. We recognize revenue from these sales when the risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the client, which is generally upon shipment or acceptance by the customer. We recognize revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as equipment sales revenue at the inception of the lease. We do not typically offer any rights of return or stock balancing rights. Sales revenue from customized equipment, mail creation equipment and shipping products is generally recognized when installed. Sales of Supplies Revenue related to supplies is generally recognized upon delivery. Standalone Software Sales and Integration Services We also have multiple element arrangements containing only software and software related elements. Software related elements may include maintenance and support services, data subscriptions, training and integration services. Under these multiple element arrangements, we allocate revenue based on VSOE for software related elements and use the residual method to determine the amount of software licenses revenue. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the consideration is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue. The majority of our software license arrangements are bundled with maintenance and support services and we establish VSOE of fair value using a bell-shaped curve analysis for maintenance and support services renewal rates. If we cannot obtain VSOE for any undelivered software element, revenue is deferred until all deliverables have been delivered or until VSOE can be determined for any remaining undelivered software elements. We recognize revenue from standalone software licenses upon delivery of the product when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed and determinable and collectability is probable. For software licenses that are included in a lease contract, we recognize revenue upon shipment of the software unless the lease contract specifies that the license expires at the end of the lease or the price of the software is deemed not fixed or determinable based on historical evidence of similar software leases. In these instances, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract. We recognize revenue from software requiring integration services at the point of customer acceptance. We recognize revenue related to off-the-shelf perpetual software licenses generally upon shipment. Rentals Revenue We rent equipment, primarily postage meters and mailing equipment, under short-term rental agreements. Rentals revenue includes revenue from the subscription for digital meter services. We may invoice in advance for postage meter rentals according to the terms of the agreement. We initially defer these advanced billings and recognize rentals revenue on a straight-line basis over the invoice period. Revenues generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease are recognized as rentals revenue. We capitalize certain initial direct costs incurred in consummating a rental transaction and recognize these costs over the expected term of the agreement. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were $10 million and $11 million, respectively, of initial direct costs included in rental property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of initial direct costs was $5 million, $7 million and $8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Financing Revenue We provide lease financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases. We also provide revolving lines of credit to our clients for the purchase of postage and supplies. We believe that our sales-type lease portfolio contains only normal collection risk. Accordingly, we record the fair value of equipment as sales revenue, the cost of equipment as cost of sales and the minimum lease payments plus the estimated residual value as finance receivables. The difference between the finance receivable and the equipment fair value is recorded as unearned income and is amortized as income over the lease term using the interest method. Equipment residual values are determined at inception of the lease using estimates of fair value at the end of the lease term. Fair value estimates are based primarily on historical experience. We also consider forecasted supply and demand for products, product retirement and launch plans, client behavior, regulatory changes, remanufacturing strategies, used equipment markets competition and technological changes. We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Estimated increases in future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed. Support Services Revenue We provide support services for our equipment primarily through maintenance contracts. Revenue related to these agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Business Services Revenue Business services revenue includes revenue from presort mail services, global ecommerce solutions and shipping solutions and is recognized as services are provided. We also evaluate the appropriateness of recording revenue on a gross basis when we act as a principal in a transaction or net basis when we act as an agent between a client and vendor. We consider several factors in determining whether we are acting as principal or agent such as whether we are the primary obligor to the client, have control over the pricing and have credit risk.
Shipping and Handling	Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs are recognized as incurred and recorded in cost of revenues.
Deferred Marketing Costs	Deferred Marketing Costs We capitalize certain costs associated with the acquisition of new customers and recognize these costs over the expected revenue stream of eight years. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, deferred marketing costs were $36 million and $38 million, respectively. Amortization of deferred marketing costs was $13 million, $15 million and $18 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We review individual marketing programs for impairment on a quarterly basis or as circumstances warrant.
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges Costs associated with restructuring actions include employee severance, other employee separation costs and contract termination costs, including leases. These costs are recognized when a liability is incurred, which is generally upon communication to the affected employees or exit from a leased facility, and the amount to be paid is both probable and reasonably estimable. Severance accruals are based on company policy, historical experience and negotiated settlements.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives. We use derivative instruments to limit the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on financial results and manage the related cost of debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record our derivative instruments at fair value and the accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative, the resulting designation and the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk exposure it is designed to hedge. To qualify as a hedge, a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated for hedging purposes. The hedge relationship must be formally documented at inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge. The effectiveness of the hedge relationship is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis. The use of derivative instruments exposes us to counterparty credit risk. To mitigate such risks, we enter into contracts with only those financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of those banks acting as derivative counterparties.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In estimating the necessity and amount of a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. We adjust the valuation allowance through income tax expense when new information becomes available that would alter our determination of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares plus the dilutive effect of preference and preferred shares, stock awards and employee stock purchase plans.
Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts	Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts In general, the functional currency of our foreign operations is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are translated at rates in effect at the end of the period and revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates during the period. Net deferred translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Loss Contingencies	Loss Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal action is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish a liability for the estimated loss. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of each claim or legal action and the determination of the potential financial exposure requires significant judgment. Estimates of potential liabilities for claims or legal actions are based only on information that is available at that time. As additional information becomes available, we may revise our estimates, and these revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Adopted in 2017 In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments by providing guidance on certain specific cash flow issues. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption during an interim period. We elected to early adopt this standard effective October 1, 2017. Accordingly, a $7 million premium payment associated with the early extinguishment of debt was classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2017. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test and requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss is measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt this standard effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The standard includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. We retroactively adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017. Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 has been recast to reclassify cash payments of $5 million and $8 million, respectively, from operating activities to financing activities. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value (estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation). Inventory measured under LIFO is not impacted by the new guidance. This standard became effective January 1, 2017 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The ASU changes the recognition and presentation requirements of hedge accounting and reduces the cost and complexity of applying hedge accounting by easing the requirements for effectiveness testing and hedge documentation. We will early adopt this standard as of January 1, 2018 and there will be no impact on our consolidated financial statements as of that date. The impact on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the facts and circumstances of any future transactions. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting. The ASU provides guidance about which changes to terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018 and would be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the effective date. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The standard will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2019, however early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Benefit Cost. The ASU requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs. Other components of the net periodic benefit cost are to be presented separately, in an appropriately titled line item outside of any subtotal of operating income or disclosed in the footnotes. The standard also limits the amount eligible for capitalization to the service cost component. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard will impact how net periodic pension costs are reported on the face of our income statement, but will not have an impact on our income from continuing operations or net income. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-06, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960); Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting. The ASU requires separate disclosure in the statement of net assets available for benefits and the statement of changes in net assets available for benefits of changes in any interests held in a Master Trust and other enhanced disclosures. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as an acquisition or disposal of assets or a business. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018. The impact on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the facts and circumstances of any future transactions. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory, which requires tax expense to be recognized from the sale of intra-entity assets, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, even though the effects of the transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Under current guidance, the tax effects of transfers are deferred until the transferred asset is sold or otherwise recovered through use. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The ASU sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model, which requires companies to measure expected credit losses for all financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonably supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This standard, among other things, requires lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability and provide enhanced disclosures. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires companies to recognize revenue when or as control of a promised good or service is transferred to a client in amounts that reflect the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. In addition, the standard requires enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of the initial application. We will adopt the standard on the modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment, which will not be material to the consolidated financial statements. Based on our assessment of the standard, we will not have changes in revenue recognition for the majority of our product and service offerings. The standard will have the most impact on the timing of certain revenues in our Software Solutions segment. Specifically, for certain data subscription offerings, the portion of the transaction price allocated to the initial data set will be recognized as revenue at the time of initial delivery rather than over the subscription period, and for certain software licenses, revenue will be recognized ratably over the specific contract term rather than predominately at the time of billing and delivery. With regard to costs, we concluded that certain marketing costs associated with the acquisition of new customers will be expensed as incurred rather than recognized over their expected revenue stream of eight years. Additionally, certain sales commission plans will qualify for capitalization under the new standard. We have elected to use the practical expedient that allows companies to expense costs to obtain a contract when the estimated amortization period is less than one year. We have implemented internal controls, accounting policies, and systems to facilitate the preparation of financial information that will be required under the new standard. We do not expect the adoption of this standard will have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis.