Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business Pitney Bowes Inc. (we, us, our, or the company) is a global technology company providing innovative products and commerce solutions that power billions of transactions and help our clients navigate the complex world of commerce. We offer shipping, mailing, fulfillment, returns and cross-border ecommerce products and solutions that enable the sending of parcels and packages across the globe and customer information management, location intelligence and customer engagement products and solutions to help our clients market to their customers. Clients around the world rely on our products, solutions and services. Pitney Bowes Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1920. For more information about us, our products, services and solutions, visit www.pb.com. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the December 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In management's opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been included. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2019. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2018 Annual Report). The accompanying financial statements reflect the adoption of the new lease accounting standard as of January 1, 2017 (see New Accounting Pronouncements). We also determined that based on their nature, certain costs previously classified as research and development and cost of business services should be classified in other line items within costs and expenses. Accordingly, we revised our March 31, 2018 income statement to correct the classification by reducing research and development expense by $6 million and cost of business services by $3 million and increasing cost of equipment sales by $3 million and selling, general and administrative expense by $6 million. Additionally, our March 31, 2018 income statement has also been revised to correct the classification of certain costs of revenue by reducing cost of equipment sales by $1 million and cost of rentals by $1 million, and increasing cost of support services by $2 million to conform to the current year presentation. In January 2019, we sold the direct operations and moved to a dealer model in six smaller markets within International Mailing (Market Exits). We recognized a pre-tax loss of $18 million in other expense. In July 2018, we sold our Document Messaging Technology production mail business and supporting software (the Production Mail Business). The Production Mail Business qualified as a discontinued operation and accordingly, the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Production Mail Business are reported as discontinued operations (see Note 4). New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Adopted on January 1, 2019 On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, Leases (ASC 842), using the modified retrospective transition approach of applying the standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Accordingly, prior period financial statements have been recast and required disclosures have been provided. We also recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017 to reduce retained earnings by $137 million. See Notes 7 and 15 for more information. From a lessor perspective, the standard simplifies the accounting for lease modifications and aligns accounting of lease contracts with revenue recognition guidance. We continue to classify leases as sales-type or operating, with the determination affecting both the pattern and classification of income recognition. There have been changes in the timing and classification of revenue related to contract modifications. Certain income and costs are now accelerated that were previously recognized over the life of the lease due to conclusions on lease and non-lease components. From a lessee perspective, the standard requires us to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for our real estate and equipment operating leases and to provide new disclosures about our leasing activities. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and did not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months. We also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our lessee portfolio. Updates to significant accounting policies disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report due to the adoption of ASC 842 are discussed below. Equipment Sales: We sell and lease equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. The amount of revenue allocated to the equipment is based on a range of observable selling prices in standalone transactions. We recognize revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as equipment sales revenue when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon shipment for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. We do not typically offer any rights of return. Rentals: Rentals revenue includes revenue from mailing equipment that does not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a sales-type lease. We may invoice in advance for 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 rental period. Revenue generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease are recognized as rentals revenue. Financing: We provide lease financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases. We also provide revolving lines of credit 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 financing income over the lease term using the interest method. Financing also includes amounts related to sales-type leases that customers have extended or renewed for an additional term. Revenue for those contracts will be recognized over the term of the modified lease as financing income 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: Support services revenue includes revenue from equipment service contracts, subscriptions and meter services. Revenue is allocated to these services using selling prices charged in standalone replacement and renewal transactions. Since we have a stand-ready obligation to provide these services over the entire contract term, revenue related to these agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Business services: Business services revenue includes revenue from mail processing services and ecommerce solutions. These services represent a series of distinct services that are similar in nature, and revenue is recognized as the services are provided. We review certain third party relationships and 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 or have inventory risk. On January 1, 2019, we also adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which 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 adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software. The ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have 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 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.

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Pitney Bowes Inc. (we, us, our, or the company) is a global technology company providing innovative products and commerce solutions that power billions of transactions and help our clients navigate the complex world of commerce. We offer shipping, mailing, fulfillment, returns and cross-border ecommerce products and solutions that enable the sending of parcels and packages across the globe and customer information management, location intelligence and customer engagement products and solutions to help our clients market to their customers. Clients around the world rely on our products, solutions and services. Pitney Bowes Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1920. For more information about us, our products, services and solutions, visit www.pb.com.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the December 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In management's opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been included. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2019. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2018 Annual Report).

The accompanying financial statements reflect the adoption of the new lease accounting standard as of January 1, 2017 (see New Accounting Pronouncements). We also determined that based on their nature, certain costs previously classified as research and development and cost of business services should be classified in other line items within costs and expenses. Accordingly, we revised our March 31, 2018 income statement to correct the classification by reducing research and development expense by $6 million and cost of business services by $3 million and increasing cost of equipment sales by $3 million and selling, general and administrative expense by $6 million. Additionally, our March 31, 2018 income statement has also been revised to correct the classification of certain costs of revenue by reducing cost of equipment sales by $1 million and cost of rentals by $1 million, and increasing cost of support services by $2 million to conform to the current year presentation.

In January 2019, we sold the direct operations and moved to a dealer model in six smaller markets within International Mailing (Market Exits). We recognized a pre-tax loss of $18 million in other expense. In July 2018, we sold our Document Messaging Technology production mail business and supporting software (the Production Mail Business). The Production Mail Business qualified as a discontinued operation and accordingly, the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Production Mail Business are reported as discontinued operations (see Note 4).

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted on January 1, 2019

On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, Leases (ASC 842), using the modified retrospective transition approach of applying the standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Accordingly, prior period financial statements have been recast and required disclosures have been provided. We also recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017 to reduce retained earnings by $137 million. See Notes 7 and 15 for more information.

From a lessor perspective, the standard simplifies the accounting for lease modifications and aligns accounting of lease contracts with revenue recognition guidance. We continue to classify leases as sales-type or operating, with the determination affecting both the pattern and classification of income recognition. There have been changes in the timing and classification of revenue related to contract modifications. Certain income and costs are now accelerated that were previously recognized over the life of the lease due to conclusions on lease and non-lease components.

From a lessee perspective, the standard requires us to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for our real estate and equipment operating leases and to provide new disclosures about our leasing activities. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and did not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months. We also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our lessee portfolio.

Updates to significant accounting policies disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report due to the adoption of ASC 842 are discussed below.

Equipment Sales: We sell and lease equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. The amount of revenue allocated to the equipment is based on a range of observable selling prices in standalone transactions. We recognize revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as equipment sales revenue when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon shipment for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. We do not typically offer any rights of return.

Rentals: Rentals revenue includes revenue from mailing equipment that does not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a sales-type lease. We may invoice in advance for 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 rental period. Revenue generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease are recognized as rentals revenue.

Financing: We provide lease financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases. We also provide revolving lines of credit 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 financing income over the lease term using the interest method. Financing also includes amounts related to sales-type leases that customers have extended or renewed for an additional term. Revenue for those contracts will be recognized over the term of the modified lease as financing income 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: Support services revenue includes revenue from equipment service contracts, subscriptions and meter services. Revenue is allocated to these services using selling prices charged in standalone replacement and renewal transactions. Since we have a stand-ready obligation to provide these services over the entire contract term, revenue related to these agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

Business services: Business services revenue includes revenue from mail processing services and ecommerce solutions. These services represent a series of distinct services that are similar in nature, and revenue is recognized as the services are provided. We review certain third party relationships and 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 or have inventory risk.

On January 1, 2019, we also adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which 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 adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software. The ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have 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 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.