Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 49,267	$ 72,100
Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,594	4,594
Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc.	44,673	67,506
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $238 and $344, respectively	373	538
Net unrealized gain on investment securities, net of tax of $1,204 and $175, respectively	2,059	274
Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, net of tax of $3,641 and $6,139, respectively	6,142	10,631
Foreign currency translations	(7,351)	(42,204)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,223	(30,761)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc.	$ 45,896	$ 36,745