Pitney Bowes (PBI) 10-K 20 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PITNEY BOWES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	78,814
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		188,243,432
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1.6

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		$ 2,629,541
Total revenue		3,522,380	$ 3,123,272	$ 2,981,323
Costs and expenses:
Financing interest expense		48,857	50,665	55,241
Selling, general and administrative		1,123,116	1,170,905	1,140,100
Research and development		125,588	118,703	107,378
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net		27,077	56,223	60,295
Goodwill impairment		0	0	148,181
Interest expense, net		110,900	113,497	88,970
Other components of net pension and postretirement cost		22,425	5,413	5,276
Other expense		7,964	3,856	0
Total costs and expenses		3,310,019	2,901,357	2,779,534
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		212,361	221,915	201,789
Provision for income taxes		12,383	553	106,975
Income from continuing operations		199,978	221,362	94,814
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		23,687	39,978	17,036
Net income		223,665	261,340	111,850
Less: Preferred stock dividends of subsidiaries attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	19,045
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.		223,665	261,340	92,805
Amounts attributable to common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations		199,978	221,362	75,769
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		23,687	39,978	17,036
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.		$ 223,665	$ 261,340	$ 92,805
Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 1.07	$ 1.19	$ 0.40
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.13	0.21	0.09
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	[1]	1.19	1.40	0.49
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	1.06	1.18	0.40
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.13	0.21	0.09
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 1.19	$ 1.39	$ 0.49
Equipment sales
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		$ 112,056
Total revenue		430,451	$ 476,691	$ 480,031
Cost of products and sales		181,766	201,116	203,220
Supplies
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		218,304	231,412	241,950
Cost of products and sales		60,960	66,302	65,509
Software
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		340,855	331,843	325,577
Cost of products and sales		100,681	95,033	96,151
Rentals
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		27,604
Total revenue		363,057	384,123	410,241
Cost of products and sales		86,330	82,703	74,457
Financing
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		75,787
Total revenue		314,778	330,985	366,424
Support services
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		293,413	299,792	329,424
Cost of products and sales		168,271	163,889	166,247
Business services
Revenue:
Total from contracts with customers		1,561,522	1,068,426	827,676
Cost of products and sales		$ 1,246,084	$ 773,052	$ 568,509
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 223,665	$ 261,340	$ 111,850
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translations, net of tax of $(6,289) in 2018	(54,531)	106,391	(4,464)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $232, $678, and $1,513, respectively	684	1,079	2,427
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax of $(1,545), $944 and $(244), respectively	(5,002)	1,477	(416)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of $(13,058), $3,089 and $(17,550), respectively	(46,170)	12,185	(73,141)
Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, net of tax of $21,675, $13,936, and $14,430, respectively	64,999	26,828	24,096
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(40,020)	147,960	(51,498)
Comprehensive income	183,645	409,300	60,352
Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	19,045
Comprehensive income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	$ 183,645	$ 409,300	$ 41,307

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translations, tax expense (benefit)	$ (6,289)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, tax	232	$ 678	$ 1,513
Net unrealized loss on investment securities, tax	(1,545)	944	(244)
Adjustments to pension and postretirement plans, tax benefit (expense)	(13,058)	3,089	(17,550)
Amortization of pension and postretirement costs, tax	$ 21,675	$ 13,936	$ 14,430

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 867,262	$ 1,009,021
Short-term investments	59,391	48,988
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $17,617 and $14,786 respectively)	455,807	427,022
Short-term finance receivables (net of allowance of $12,454 and $12,187, respectively)	789,661	828,003
Inventories	41,964	40,769
Current income taxes	5,947	58,439
Other current assets and prepayments	99,332	83,293
Assets of discontinued operations	4,854	334,848
Total current assets	2,324,218	2,830,383
Property, plant and equipment, net	410,114	373,503
Rental property and equipment, net	178,099	183,956
Long-term finance receivables (net of allowance of $7,768 and $6,446, respectively)	592,165	652,087
Goodwill	1,766,511	1,774,645
Intangible assets, net	227,137	272,186
Noncurrent income taxes	61,420	59,909
Other assets	413,239	540,751
Total assets	5,972,903	6,687,420
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,401,635	1,458,854
Current portion of long-term debt	199,535	271,057
Advance billings	237,529	257,766
Current income taxes	15,165	8,823
Liabilities of discontinued operations	3,276	72,808
Total current liabilities	1,857,140	2,069,308
Deferred taxes on income	295,808	249,143
Tax uncertainties and other income tax liabilities	39,548	102,051
Long-term debt	3,066,073	3,559,278
Other noncurrent liabilities	474,862	519,079
Total liabilities	5,733,431	6,498,859
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 16)
Stockholders' equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, $50 par value, 4% convertible	1	1
Cumulative preference stock, no par value, $2.12 convertible	396	441
Common stock, $1 par value (480,000,000 shares authorized; 323,337,912 shares issued)	323,338	323,338
Additional paid-in capital	121,475	138,367
Retained earnings	5,416,777	5,229,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(948,426)	(792,173)
Treasury stock, at cost (135,662,830 and 136,734,174 shares, respectively)	(4,674,089)	(4,710,997)
Total stockholders’ equity	239,472	188,561
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 5,972,903	$ 6,687,420

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 17,617	$ 14,786
Short-term finance receivables allowance	12,454	12,187
Long-term finance receivables allowance	$ 7,768	$ 6,446
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50
Preferred stock, dividend rate	4.00%	4.00%
Preference stock, dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 2.12	$ 2.12
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	480,000,000	480,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares)	323,337,912	323,337,912
Treasury stock (in shares)	135,662,830	136,734,147

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 223,665	$ 261,340	$ 111,850
Income from discontinued operations	(23,687)	(39,978)	(17,036)
Restructuring payments	(52,974)	(37,454)	(62,071)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net	27,077	56,223	60,295
Goodwill impairment	0	0	148,181
Depreciation and amortization	203,293	179,650	174,065
Pension plan settlement	31,329	0	0
Special pension plan contribution	0	0	(36,731)
Loss on sale of businesses	0	0	5,786
Gain on sale of technology	0	(6,085)	0
Gain on debt forgiveness	0	0	(10,000)
Stock-based compensation	21,042	24,389	14,882
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	56,981	(25,390)	3,467
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions/divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(35,565)	(15,923)	27,794
Decrease in finance receivables	79,918	125,991	119,883
Decrease (increase) in inventories	93	7,324	(2,880)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets and prepayments	(22,609)	9,118	(717)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(3,180)	(13,238)	(97,783)
Increase (decrease) in current and non-current income taxes	(24,807)	(14,581)	(1,661)
Decrease in advance billings	(21,506)	(21,193)	(48,432)
Other, net	(37,705)	(23,384)	14,017
Net cash provided by operating activities: continuing operations	421,365	466,809	402,909
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: discontinued operations	(29,103)	29,004	93,213
Net cash provided by operating activities	392,262	495,813	496,122
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(81,527)	(125,055)	(212,810)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of available-for-sale securities	175,820	113,501	211,696
Net change in short-term and other investments	11,838	(8,285)	75,654
Capital expenditures	(191,444)	(168,097)	(159,232)
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	5,458	17,671
Reserve account deposits	21,008	10,954	(2,183)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(10,484)	(482,853)	(37,842)
Other investing activities	(4,250)	(5,750)	(6,908)
Net cash used in investing activities: continuing operations	(79,039)	(660,127)	(113,954)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities: discontinued operations	338,783	(2,893)	(1,599)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	259,744	(663,020)	(115,553)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	1,436,660	894,744
Principal payments of long-term obligations	(570,180)	(964,550)	(371,007)
Decrease in short-term borrowings	0	0	(90,000)
Dividends paid to stockholders	(140,498)	(139,490)	(140,608)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(18,528)
Common stock repurchases	0	0	(197,267)
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	0	0	(300,000)
Other financing activities	(55,741)	35,127	(6,863)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(766,419)	367,747	(229,529)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(25,381)	43,959	(26,708)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(139,794)	244,499	124,332
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,009,021	764,522	640,190
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	869,227	1,009,021	764,522
Less cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	1,965	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	867,262	1,009,021	764,522
Cash interest paid	171,120	169,279	150,567
Cash income tax payments, net of refunds	$ 25,906	$ 53,247	$ 127,299

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred stock	Preference stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Treasury stock
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 178,721	$ 1	$ 505	$ 323,338	$ 161,280	$ 5,155,537	$ (888,635)	$ (4,573,305)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	92,805					92,805
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(51,498)						(51,498)
Cash dividends
Common ($0.75 per share)	(140,570)					(140,570)
Preference	(38)					(38)
Issuances of common stock	(970)				(27,856)			26,886
Conversions to common stock	0		(22)		(456)			478
Stock-based compensation	15,157				15,157
Repurchase of common stock	(197,267)							(197,267)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	(103,660)	1	483	323,338	148,125	5,107,734	(940,133)	(4,743,208)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	261,340					261,340
Other comprehensive income (loss)	147,960						147,960
Cash dividends
Common ($0.75 per share)	(139,454)					(139,454)
Preference	(36)					(36)
Issuances of common stock	(1,978)				(33,316)			31,338
Conversions to common stock			(42)		(831)			873
Stock-based compensation	24,389				24,389
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	188,561	1	441	323,338	138,367	5,229,584	(792,173)	(4,710,997)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect of accounting changes							(116,233)
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	223,665					223,665
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(40,020)						(40,020)
Cash dividends
Common ($0.75 per share)	(140,466)					(140,466)
Preference	(32)					(32)
Issuances of common stock	(1,071)				(37,030)			35,959
Conversions to common stock	0		(45)		(904)			949
Stock-based compensation	21,042				21,042
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	239,472	$ 1	$ 396	$ 323,338	$ 121,475	5,416,777	(948,426)	$ (4,674,089)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	$ (12,207)					$ 104,026	$ (116,233)

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock cash paid (USD per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 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. We revised our December 31, 2017 balance sheet to correct the classification between tax uncertainties and other income tax liabilities and deferred taxes on income by $14 million related to withholding taxes on unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The impact of this revision was not material to the prior quarters. In July 2018, we sold our Document Messaging Technology production mail business and supporting software (the Production Mail Business) to an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, a leading global private equity firm. 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). 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 assets and liabilities acquired 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 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 and remaining maturities of less than one year from the reporting date. 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 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 are composed of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. We estimate probable losses on finance receivables and provide an allowance for credit losses. We estimate probable losses on finance receivables 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. We 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 and 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 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 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 50 years for buildings, 10 to 20 years for building improvements, 3 to 10 years for internal use software development costs, 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment and 4 to 6 years for rental equipment. Major improvements that 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 their 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. Intangible assets Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using either the straight-line method or an accelerated attrition method over their estimated useful lives of up to 15 years. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs include engineering costs related to research and development activities and are expensed as incurred. 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 Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value an impairment loss is recognized for the difference, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. 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 for 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 We primarily issue restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options and performance stock units under our stock award plans. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized 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 the Black-Scholes valuation model or Monte Carlo simulation model. 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. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant to recognize expense for those awards that are expected to vest and are based on our historical forfeiture rates. Revenue Recognition Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) . We adopted this standard on the modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. We applied the following practical expedients and policy elections when adopting ASC 606: • Costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer are expensed if the amortization period of the asset is one year or less; • With the exception of certain services contracts, all taxes assessed by government authorities, such as sales and use taxes, value added taxes and excise tax, are excluded from the transaction price; • The transaction price is not adjusted for a significant financing component when a performance obligation is satisfied within one year; • Revenue is recognized based on the amount billable to the customer, when that amount corresponds to the value transferred to the customer; • Shipping and handling activities are accounted for as a fulfillment activity rather than a separate performance obligation; and • We reflected the aggregate effect of all modifications when identifying performance obligations and allocating transaction price. 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. We are required to determine whether each product and service within the contract should be treated as a separate performance obligation (unit of accounting) for revenue recognition purposes. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated based on relative standalone selling prices (SSP) which are a range of selling prices that we would sell a good or service to a customer on a separate basis. SSP is established for each performance obligation at the inception of the contract and can be based on observable prices or estimated. The allocation of the transaction price to the various performance obligations impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows: Equipment Sales We sell equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. For a sale transaction, the SSP of the equipment is 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. 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. We recognize revenue on non-lease transactions when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon delivery for customer installable models and upon installation or customer acceptance for other models. Supplies Revenue Supplies revenue is generally recognized upon delivery. Software Revenue We also have contracts that contain only performance obligations to deliver software licenses and software related products and services that may include maintenance and support services, data, and training and integration services. A majority of our software and data license products are considered "right to use" and are generally distinct from other promised goods and services within a contract. Revenue for right to use software and data licenses is recognized at a point in time when control has transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or acceptance for those licenses requiring significant integration or customization. Revenue from renewals are recognized at the beginning of the license term. We generally invoice customers upon delivery of our software and data licenses. Data contracts that include both data and data updates are invoiced in one or more equal installments. A contract asset is recognized on data licenses for which consideration will be received in future periods. We allocate the transaction price based on relative standalone selling prices, which are generally based on observable selling prices in standalone transactions for our data products, maintenance and professional services. We estimate the standalone selling prices for our software licenses using the residual approach, as the selling prices are highly variable and observable standalone selling prices exist for the other goods and services in the contract. We often bundle software licenses with lease contracts. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of those software licenses considered distinct and functional in nature. Rentals Revenue Rentals revenue includes revenue from the subscription for digital meter services, postage meters and mailing equipment. Revenue is allocated to the meter rental and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. 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, 2018 and 2017, there were $17 million and $10 million of initial direct costs included in rental property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Amortization of these costs was $5 million , $5 million and $7 million , for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 is allocated to the equipment maintenance agreement using selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. Since we have a stand-ready obligation to provide service over the entire contract term, revenue related to these equipment maintenance agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Business Services Revenue Business services revenue includes revenue from mail processing services and ecommerce solutions from our Commerce Services segment. These services represent a series of distinct services that are similar and revenue is recognized as the services are invoiced to the customer. We also 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 and have inventory risk. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, for multiple element arrangements, revenue was allocated to each of the elements based on relative "selling prices" determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We established VSOE of selling prices based on the prices charged for each element when sold separately in standalone transactions. Revenue was 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 was allocated to the equipment based on a range of selling prices in standalone transactions. For a lease transaction, revenue was allocated to the equipment based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments. The amount allocated to equipment was compared to the range of selling prices in standalone transactions during the period to ensure the allocated equipment amount approximated average selling prices. 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 allocated revenue based on VSOE for software related elements and used the residual method to determine the amount of software licenses revenue. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements was deferred and the remaining portion of the consideration was 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 established VSOE of fair value using a bell-shaped curve analysis for maintenance and support services renewal rates. If VSOE for any undelivered software element could not be determined, revenue was deferred until all deliverables were delivered or until VSOE could be determined for remaining undelivered software elements. For software licenses that were included in a lease contract, revenue was recognized upon delivery unless the lease contract specified that the license expired at the end of the lease or the price of the software was deemed not fixed or determinable based on historical evidence of similar software leases. In those instances, revenue was recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the amount or timing of recognition for our other revenue streams. Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs are recognized as incurred and recorded in cost of revenues. Costs to Obtain a Contract Upon the adoption of ASC 606, certain incremental costs to obtain a contract are capitalized if we expect the benefit of those costs to be realized over a period greater than one year. These costs primarily relate to sales commission on multi-year equipment and software support service contracts. These costs are amortized in a manner consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the contract performance period or longer, if renewals are expected and the renewal commission is not commensurate with the initial commission. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $ 15 million . Unamortized contract costs at December 31, 2018 were $29 million and are included in other assets. Deferred Marketing Costs Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, we capitalized certain costs associated with the acquisition of new customers and recognized those costs over the expected revenue stream of eight years. Deferred marketing costs at December 31, 2017 were $36 million and amortization of these costs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $13 million and $15 million , respectively. Upon the adoption of ASC 606, marketing costs associated with the acquisition of new customers are expensed as incurred and deferred marketing costs at January 1, 2018 were written off and included in the cumulative effect of accounting change. 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 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 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 only with financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure balances and the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of our derivative counterparties. 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 Basic earnings per share is computed based 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 common stock equivalents. 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 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 - Standards Adopted in 2018 Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of the initial application. See Revenue Recognition above and Note 2 for more information on the adoption of ASC 606. In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The ASU impacts disclosure requirements only. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021; however, we elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) . The ASU impacts only disclosure requirements of fair value measurements. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020; however, we elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) . The ASU permits a reclassification of the disproportionate income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within AOCI to retained earnings and requires certain new disclosures. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018 and recognized the reclassification of $116 million from AOCI to opening retained earnings as a cumulative effect adjustment. There was no impact to total Stockholders' equity. 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 early adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. There was no impact on our consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this standard. 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. We adopted this standard and prior period information has been recast to conform to the current period presentation. 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. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 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 previous guidance, the tax effects of transfers were deferred until the transferred asset was sold or otherwise recovered through use. We adopted this standard and recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by $3 million . 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. We adopted this standard and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Ado

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	Revenue from Contracts with Customers Adoption of ASC 606 We recorded a net decrease to opening retained earnings of $9 million as of January 1, 2018 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 606. Significant components of this cumulative effect adjustment include: • The write-off of previously capitalized deferred marketing costs that did not meet the criteria for capitalization under ASC 606; • The capitalization of certain costs to obtain a contract, primarily sales commissions, that are permitted to be capitalized under ASC 606; • The establishment of deferred revenue related to the early renewal of software and data license contracts with terms beginning in 2018, as ASC 606 requires revenue recognition at the commencement of the license term; • The write-off of deferred revenues and related costs for certain software licenses bundled with a lease that are recognized at time of delivery under ASC 606; and • The write-off of advance billings related to certain software data products that are recognized upon delivery under ASC 606. The impact on our consolidated financial statements as if they were presented under the prior guidance is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 As reported Prior guidance Increase (decrease) Income Statement Total revenue $ 3,522,380 $ 3,483,757 $ 38,623 Equipment sales $ 430,451 $ 432,911 $ (2,460 ) Software $ 340,855 $ 297,976 $ 42,879 Business services $ 1,561,522 $ 1,563,318 $ (1,796 ) Total costs and expenses $ 3,310,019 $ 3,318,288 $ (8,269 ) Cost of equipment sales $ 181,766 $ 181,957 $ (191 ) Cost of software $ 100,681 $ 96,332 $ 4,349 Selling, general and administrative $ 1,123,116 $ 1,135,543 $ (12,427 ) Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 212,361 $ 165,469 $ 46,892 The most significant impact to the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year December 31, 2018, was higher software revenue of $43 million primarily due to the acceleration of data subscription revenues which were previously recognized on a ratable basis and the renewal of software data licenses with a term beginning in 2018. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses were lower due to the deferral of certain sales commissions and lower amortization of deferred marketing costs. December 31, 2018 As reported Prior guidance Increase (decrease) Balance Sheet Total assets $ 5,972,903 $ 5,951,075 $ 21,828 Accounts receivable, net $ 455,807 $ 454,414 $ 1,393 Other current assets and prepayments $ 99,332 $ 90,659 $ 8,673 Other assets $ 413,239 $ 400,955 $ 12,284 Total liabilities $ 5,733,431 $ 5,737,751 $ (4,320 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,401,635 $ 1,396,650 $ 4,985 Advance billings $ 237,529 $ 252,472 $ (14,943 ) Other noncurrent liabilities $ 474,862 $ 477,208 $ (2,346 ) Total stockholders' equity $ 239,472 $ 213,325 $ 26,147 Retained earnings $ 5,416,777 $ 5,389,732 $ 27,045 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (948,426 ) $ (947,528 ) $ (898 ) The most significant impacts to the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018 were: • Higher other current assets and prepayments primarily due to contract assets that are recognized when data licenses are delivered in advance to the right to invoice. This was offset by lower prepaid costs related to software licenses and software data products, which are now recognized at time of delivery rather than ratably under previous guidance; • Higher other assets primarily due to contract assets that are recognized when data licenses are delivered in advance to the right to invoice; • Higher accounts payable and other accrued liabilities due to higher costs directly related to the higher data license revenue that is recorded at the time of delivery under ASC 606 rather than ratably under the previous guidance; and • Lower advance billings primarily due to our data license products for which revenue is recognized at time of delivery but invoicing occurs in future periods. Under previous guidance data subscriptions were billed in advance and recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term. Disaggregated Revenue The following tables disaggregate our revenue by major source: Year ended December 31, 2018 Major products/service lines Global Ecommerce Presort Services North America Mailing International Mailing Software Solutions Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606) Revenue from leasing transactions and financing Total Consolidated Revenue Equipment sales $ — $ — $ 59,589 $ 52,467 $ — $ 112,056 $ 318,395 $ 430,451 Supplies — — 144,283 74,021 — 218,304 — 218,304 Software — — — — 340,855 340,855 — 340,855 Rentals — — 19,390 8,214 — 27,604 335,453 363,057 Financing — — 64,279 11,508 — 75,787 238,991 314,778 Support services — — 208,855 84,558 — 293,413 — 293,413 Business services 1,022,862 515,795 16,997 5,868 — 1,561,522 — 1,561,522 $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ 892,839 $ 3,522,380 Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606) $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ — $ 2,629,541 Revenue from leasing transactions and financing — — 761,632 131,207 — — 892,839 892,839 Total revenue $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 1,275,025 $ 367,843 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ 892,839 $ 3,522,380 Timing of revenue recognition (ASC 606) Products/services transferred at a point in time $ — $ — $ 203,872 $ 126,488 $ 134,360 $ 464,720 Products/services transferred over time 1,022,862 515,795 309,521 110,148 206,495 2,164,821 Total revenue $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 Our performance obligations are as follows: Equipment sales and supplies : Our performance obligations generally include the sale of mailing equipment, excluding sales-type leases, and supplies. We recognize revenue upon delivery for self-install equipment and supplies and upon acceptance or installation for other equipment. We provide a warranty that our equipment is free of defects and meets stated specifications. The warranty is not considered a separate performance obligation. Software : Our performance obligations include the sale of software licenses, maintenance, data products and professional services. Revenue for licenses is generally recognized upon delivery or over time for those licenses that require critical updates over the term of the contract. Rentals : Our performance obligations include the fees associated with postage refills for meters. Financing : Our performance obligations include services under our equipment replacement program. The fees received for this program are recognized ratably over the contract term. Support Services : Our performance obligations include providing maintenance and professional services for our North America and International mailing equipment. Contract terms range from one year to five years, depending on the term of the lease contract for the related equipment. Maintenance revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period and revenue for professional services is recognized when services are provided. Business Services : Our performance obligations primarily include mail processing services and ecommerce solutions. Revenue is recognized over time as the services are provided. The contract terms for these services vary, with the initial contracts in the range of one to five years followed by annual renewal periods. Revenue from leasing transactions and financing include revenue from sales-type leases, finance income and late fees that are not accounted for under ASC 606. Contract Assets and Advance Billings from Contracts with Customers Contract assets are recorded in other current assets and prepayments (current portion) and other assets (noncurrent portion) and advance billings are recorded in advance billings (current portion) and other noncurrent liabilities (noncurrent portion) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table summarizes our contract assets and advanced billings balances: December 31, 2018 January 1, 2018 Total increase (decrease) Contracts assets, current portion $ 16,115 $ 5,075 $ 11,040 Contracts assets, noncurrent portion $ 13,092 $ 648 $ 12,444 Advance billings, current portion $ 185,322 $ 209,098 $ (23,776 ) Advance billings, noncurrent portion $ 12,778 $ 17,765 $ (4,987 ) Contract Assets We record contract assets when performance obligations are satisfied in advance of invoicing the customer when the right to consideration is conditional on the satisfaction of another performance obligation within a contract. The increase in contract assets is primarily due to an increase in multiple year data contracts where the license was delivered in 2018 but the right to invoice will occur in future periods. Advance Billings from Contracts with Customers Advance billings are recorded when cash payments are due in advance of performance. Items in advance billings primarily relate to support services on equipment and software licenses, subscription services and certain software data products. Revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term. The net decrease in advance billings at December 31, 2018 is primarily driven by revenues recognized during the period, which includes $190 million of advance billings at the beginning of the period, partially offset by advance billings for the year. Future Performance Obligations The transaction prices allocated to future performance obligations will be recognized as follows: 2019 2020 2021-2023 Total North America Mailing (1) $ 144,989 $ 110,930 $ 133,738 $ 389,657 International Mailing (1) 37,921 24,552 38,068 100,541 Software Solutions (2) 66,185 38,373 22,170 126,728 Total $ 249,095 $ 173,855 $ 193,976 $ 616,926 (1) Revenue streams bundled with our leasing contracts, primarily maintenance and other services. (2) Multiple-year software maintenance contracts, certain software and data licenses and data updates. The table above does not include revenue related to performance obligations for contracts with terms less than 12 months and expected consideration for those performance obligations where revenue is recognized based on the amount billable to the customer.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information In January 2018, we revised our business reporting groups to reflect how we manage these groups and clients served in each market. We formed the Commerce Services group to include our Global Ecommerce and Presort Services segments. Additionally, we classified the operating results of the Production Mail Business to discontinued operations and have recast prior year segment operating results to conform to the current year presentation. The principal products and services of each reportable segment are as follows: Commerce Services: Global Ecommerce: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from cross-border ecommerce transactions and domestic retail and ecommerce shipping solutions and fulfillment, delivery and return services. Presort Services : Includes revenue and related expenses from sortation services that allow clients to qualify large volumes of First Class Mail, Marketing Mail and Bound and Packet Mail (Standard Flats and Bound Printed Matter) for postal worksharing discounts. Small & Medium Business (SMB) Solutions: North America Mailing : Includes the revenue and related expenses from mailing and shipping solutions, financing, services and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create mail, evidence postage and help simplify and save on the sending, tracking and receiving of letters, parcels and flats in the U.S. and Canada. International Mailing : Includes the revenue and related expenses from mailing and shipping solutions, financing, services and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create mail, evidence postage and help simplify and save on the sending, tracking and receiving of letters, parcels and flats in areas outside the U.S. and Canada. Software Solutions: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from the licensing of customer engagement, customer information, location intelligence software, data solutions and related support services. Management uses segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to measure profitability and performance at the segment level and believes that it provides a useful measure of operating performance and underlying trends of the business. We determine segment EBIT by deducting from segment revenue the related costs and expenses attributable to the segment. Segment EBIT excludes interest, taxes, general corporate expenses, restructuring charges and other items not allocated to a particular business segment. Segment EBIT may not be indicative of our overall consolidated performance and therefore, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated results of operations. The following tables provide information about our reportable segments and reconciliation of segment EBIT to net income. Revenues Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 1,022,862 $ 552,242 $ 339,320 Presort Services 515,795 497,901 475,582 Commerce Services 1,538,657 1,050,143 814,902 North America Mailing 1,275,025 1,357,405 1,429,027 International Mailing 367,843 384,097 412,244 SMB Solutions 1,642,868 1,741,502 1,841,271 Software Solutions 340,855 331,627 325,150 Total Revenue $ 3,522,380 $ 3,123,272 $ 2,981,323 Geographic data: United States $ 2,865,228 $ 2,466,403 $ 2,299,607 Outside United States 657,152 656,869 681,716 Total $ 3,522,380 $ 3,123,272 $ 2,981,323 EBIT Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ (32,379 ) $ (17,899 ) $ 3,043 Presort Services 73,768 97,506 95,258 Commerce Services 41,389 79,607 98,301 North America Mailing 470,268 498,571 594,723 International Mailing 63,820 48,531 45,408 SMB Solutions 534,088 547,102 640,131 Software Solutions 47,094 33,818 22,119 Total segment EBIT 622,571 660,527 760,551 Reconciling items: Interest, net (159,757 ) (164,162 ) (144,211 ) Unallocated corporate expenses (180,481 ) (214,072 ) (199,954 ) Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net (27,077 ) (56,223 ) (60,295 ) Goodwill impairment — — (148,181 ) Pension settlement (31,329 ) — — Gain on sale of technology — 6,085 — Transaction costs (3,602 ) (6,384 ) (6,121 ) Other expense (7,964 ) (3,856 ) — Income from continuing operations before income taxes 212,361 221,915 201,789 Provision for income taxes 12,383 553 106,975 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 23,687 39,978 17,036 Net income $ 223,665 $ 261,340 $ 111,850 Depreciation and amortization Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 61,046 $ 36,662 $ 30,607 Presort Services 26,838 26,541 27,929 Commerce Services 87,884 63,203 58,536 North America Mailing 68,250 64,803 60,066 International Mailing 16,142 18,562 19,431 SMB Solutions 84,392 83,365 79,497 Software Solutions 9,540 8,978 14,621 Total for reportable segments 181,816 155,546 152,654 Unallocated amounts 21,477 24,104 21,411 Total depreciation and amortization $ 203,293 $ 179,650 — $ 174,065 Capital expenditures Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 46,117 $ 26,810 $ 15,647 Presort Services 42,532 20,860 17,537 Commerce Services 88,649 47,670 33,184 North America Mailing 61,458 69,131 83,547 International Mailing 10,701 11,982 3,163 SMB Solutions 72,159 81,113 86,710 Software Solutions 4,251 9,181 4,617 Total for reportable segments 165,059 137,964 124,511 Unallocated amount 26,385 30,133 34,721 Total capital expenditures $ 191,444 $ 168,097 $ 159,232 Assets December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 1,023,732 $ 1,016,045 $ 449,363 Presort Services 431,512 387,701 373,443 Commerce Services 1,455,244 1,403,746 822,806 North America Mailing 1,859,355 1,965,198 2,073,344 International Mailing 502,370 550,306 521,003 SMB Solutions 2,361,725 2,515,504 2,594,347 Software Solutions 593,050 583,549 569,414 Total for reportable segments 4,410,019 4,502,799 3,986,567 Cash and cash equivalents 867,262 1,009,021 764,522 Short-term investments 59,391 48,988 38,448 Assets of discontinued operations 4,854 334,848 317,333 Other corporate assets 631,377 791,764 730,263 Consolidated assets $ 5,972,903 $ 6,687,420 $ 5,837,133 Identifiable long-lived assets: United States $ 543,118 $ 501,251 $ 436,795 Outside United States 45,095 56,208 58,339 Total $ 588,213 $ 557,459 $ 495,134

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On July 2, 2018, we completed the sale of the Production Mail Business, other than in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, to an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, a leading global private equity firm. Subsequently during the last half of the year, we closed on the sale of most of the non-U.S. jurisdictions, and expect to close on the remaining non-U.S. jurisdictions in the first quarter of 2019, subject to local regulatory requirements. Cash proceeds from the sale were $340 million and net proceeds, after the payment of closing costs, transaction fees and taxes, were approximately $270 million . In connection with the sale, we entered into Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) with the purchaser whereby we will perform certain support functions for periods of a year or less. These TSAs will not have a material effect on our financial performance. Selected financial information of the Production Mail Business included in discontinued operations is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue $ 211,542 $ 426,676 $ 425,252 Earnings from discontinued operations $ 18,952 $ 61,074 $ 41,880 Gain on sale 60,611 — — Income from discontinued operations before taxes 79,563 61,074 41,880 Tax provision 55,876 21,096 24,844 Income from discontinued operations $ 23,687 $ 39,978 $ 17,036 The gain on sale includes a $13 million non-cash pension settlement charge and $11 million of transaction costs. The major categories of assets and liabilities of the Production Mail Business included in assets of discontinued operations and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,965 $ — Accounts receivable, net 1,057 97,402 Inventories 849 48,910 Other current assets and prepayments 278 3,365 Property, plant and equipment, net 526 5,541 Rental property and equipment, net 179 1,786 Goodwill — 177,799 Other assets — 45 Assets of discontinued operations $ 4,854 $ 334,848 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 662 $ 36,592 Advance billings 593 30,607 Other current liabilities 2,021 — Other noncurrent liabilities — 5,609 Liabilities of discontinued operations $ 3,276 $ 72,808

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are presented below. The sum of earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income from continuing operations $ 199,978 $ 221,362 $ 75,769 Income from discontinued operations 23,687 39,978 17,036 Net income (numerator for diluted EPS) 223,665 261,340 92,805 Less: Preference stock dividend 32 36 38 Income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic EPS) $ 223,633 $ 261,304 $ 92,767 Denominator: Weighted-average shares used in basic EPS 187,277 186,332 187,945 Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents 1,105 1,103 1,030 Weighted-average shares used in diluted EPS 188,382 187,435 188,975 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 1.07 $ 1.19 $ 0.40 Discontinued operations 0.13 0.21 0.09 Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 1.19 $ 1.40 $ 0.49 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 1.06 $ 1.18 $ 0.40 Discontinued operations 0.13 0.21 0.09 Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 1.19 $ 1.39 $ 0.49 Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted earnings per share: 12,089 10,267 8,126

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for most U.S. inventories and the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for most non-U.S. inventories. Inventories at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Raw materials $ 8,231 $ 11,767 Supplies and service parts 21,841 21,475 Finished products 14,897 13,261 Inventory at FIFO cost, net 44,969 46,503 Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost (3,005 ) (5,734 ) Total inventory, net $ 41,964 $ 40,769

Finance Assets

Finance Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance Assets	Finance Assets Finance Receivables Finance receivables are comprised of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. Sales-type lease receivables are generally due in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments over periods ranging from three to five years. Loan receivables arise primarily from financing services offered to our clients for postage and supplies. Loan receivables are generally due each month; however, customers may rollover outstanding balances. Interest on loan receivables is recognized using the effective interest method. Annual fees are initially deferred and recognized ratably over the annual period covered. Customer acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. Finance receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 North America International Total North America International Total Sales-type lease receivables Gross finance receivables $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 1,272,690 $ 1,023,549 $ 292,059 $ 1,315,608 Unguaranteed residual values 53,793 12,772 66,565 74,093 14,202 88,295 Unearned income (211,683 ) (55,113 ) (266,796 ) (216,720 ) (62,325 ) (279,045 ) Allowance for credit losses (10,253 ) (2,355 ) (12,608 ) (7,721 ) (2,794 ) (10,515 ) Net investment in sales-type lease receivables 836,348 223,503 1,059,851 873,201 241,142 1,114,343 Loan receivables Loan receivables 300,319 29,270 329,589 339,373 34,492 373,865 Allowance for credit losses (6,777 ) (837 ) (7,614 ) (7,098 ) (1,020 ) (8,118 ) Net investment in loan receivables 293,542 28,433 321,975 332,275 33,472 365,747 Net investment in finance receivables $ 1,129,890 $ 251,936 $ 1,381,826 $ 1,205,476 $ 274,614 $ 1,480,090 Loans receivable are due within one year. Maturities of gross sales-type lease finance receivables at December 31, 2018 were as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables North America International Total 2019 $ 469,288 $ 108,481 $ 577,769 2020 254,781 74,469 329,250 2021 163,481 48,136 211,617 2022 87,674 26,968 114,642 2023 29,086 9,143 38,229 Thereafter 181 1,002 1,183 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 1,272,690 Allowance for Credit Losses Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 6,606 $ 3,542 $ 10,024 $ 1,518 $ 21,690 Amounts charged to expense 5,136 1,161 6,238 836 13,371 Accounts written off (3,495 ) (2,056 ) (7,745 ) (1,265 ) (14,561 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 8,247 2,647 8,517 1,089 20,500 Amounts charged to expense 7,544 1,280 6,273 510 15,607 Accounts written off (8,070 ) (1,133 ) (7,692 ) (579 ) (17,474 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 7,721 2,794 7,098 1,020 18,633 Amounts charged to expense 7,928 1,315 6,825 532 16,600 Accounts written off (5,396 ) (1,754 ) (7,146 ) (715 ) (15,011 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 10,253 $ 2,355 $ 6,777 $ 837 $ 20,222 Aging of Receivables The aging of finance receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total December 31, 2018 1 - 90 days $ 966,868 $ 263,954 $ 294,126 $ 29,079 $ 1,554,027 > 90 days 37,623 4,245 6,193 191 48,252 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 300,319 $ 29,270 $ 1,602,279 Past due amounts > 90 days Still accruing interest $ 7,159 $ 1,202 $ 1,769 $ 72 $ 10,202 Not accruing interest 30,464 3,043 4,424 119 38,050 Total $ 37,623 $ 4,245 $ 6,193 $ 191 $ 48,252 Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total December 31, 2017 1 - 90 days $ 971,002 $ 286,170 $ 330,503 $ 34,239 $ 1,621,914 > 90 days 52,547 5,889 8,870 253 67,559 Total $ 1,023,549 $ 292,059 $ 339,373 $ 34,492 $ 1,689,473 Past due amounts > 90 days Still accruing interest $ 10,807 $ 1,738 $ — $ — $ 12,545 Not accruing interest 41,740 4,151 8,870 253 55,014 Total $ 52,547 $ 5,889 $ 8,870 $ 253 $ 67,559 Credit Quality The extension of credit lines to new and existing clients uses a combination of an automated credit score, where available, and a detailed manual review of the client's financial condition and, when applicable, payment history. Once credit is granted, the payment performance of the client is managed through automated collections processes and is supplemented with direct follow up should an account become delinquent. We have robust automated collections and extensive portfolio management processes. The portfolio management processes ensure that our global strategy is executed, collection resources are allocated appropriately and enhanced tools and processes are implemented as needed. We use a third party to score the majority of the North America portfolio on a quarterly basis using a commercial credit score. We do not use a third party to score our International portfolio because the cost to do so is prohibitive, given that it is a localized process and there is no single credit score model that covers all countries. The table below shows the North America portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by relative risk class (low, medium, high) based on the relative scores of the accounts within each class. The relative scores are determined based on a number of factors, including the company type, ownership structure, payment history and financial information. Some accounts are not scored; however, absence of a score is not indicative of the credit quality of the account. The degree of risk, as defined by the third party, refers to the relative risk that an account may become delinquent in the next 12 month period. • Low risk accounts are companies with very good credit scores and are considered to approximate the top 30% of all commercial borrowers. • Medium risk accounts are companies with average to good credit scores and are considered to approximate the middle 40% of all commercial borrowers. • High risk accounts are companies with poor credit scores, are delinquent or are at risk of becoming delinquent and are considered to approximate the bottom 30% of all commercial borrowers. December 31, 2018 2017 Sales-type lease receivables Low $ 834,230 $ 819,776 Medium 118,945 148,000 High 19,981 21,728 Not Scored 31,335 34,045 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 1,023,549 Loan receivables Low $ 238,620 $ 262,646 Medium 43,952 56,744 High 5,947 6,791 Not Scored 11,800 13,192 Total $ 300,319 $ 339,373

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets Fixed assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 9,333 $ 9,333 Buildings and improvements 198,025 206,752 Capitalized software 283,446 224,754 Machinery and equipment 718,557 688,725 1,209,361 1,129,564 Accumulated depreciation (799,247 ) (756,061 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 410,114 $ 373,503 Rental property and equipment $ 371,908 $ 386,039 Accumulated depreciation (193,809 ) (202,083 ) Rental property and equipment, net $ 178,099 $ 183,956 Depreciation expense was $159 million , $146 million and $134 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Acquisitions In October 2017, we acquired Newgistics for $471 million , net of cash acquired. The results of Newgistics are included in our consolidated operating results from the date of acquisition. Our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $140 million from Newgistics. On a pro forma basis, had we acquired Newgistics on January 1, 2016, revenue would have been $341 million and $481 million higher for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The impact on earnings would not have been material. Intangible assets Intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 480,837 $ (281,190 ) $ 199,647 $ 504,716 $ (271,066 ) $ 233,650 Software & technology 165,088 (143,877 ) 21,211 167,122 (138,724 ) 28,398 Trademarks & other 40,170 (33,891 ) 6,279 40,649 (30,511 ) 10,138 Total intangible assets, net $ 686,095 $ (458,958 ) $ 227,137 $ 712,487 $ (440,301 ) $ 272,186 Amortization expense was $44 million , $34 million and $40 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The future amortization expense for intangible assets at December 31, 2018 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 40,059 2020 35,001 2021 30,479 2022 29,245 2023 26,100 Thereafter 66,253 Total $ 227,137 Actual amortization expense may differ from the amounts above due to, among other things, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, acquisitions, divestitures and impairment charges. Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are shown in the tables below. Goodwill before accumulated impairment Accumulated impairment December 31, 2017 Acquisitions Other (1) December 31, 2018 Global Ecommerce $ 602,461 $ — $ 602,461 $ 7,623 $ (653 ) $ 609,431 Presort Services 204,781 — 204,781 2,684 — 207,465 Commerce Services 807,242 — 807,242 10,307 (653 ) 816,896 North America Mailing 368,905 — 368,905 — (657 ) 368,248 International Mailing 158,203 — 158,203 — (10,996 ) 147,207 SMB Solutions 527,108 — 527,108 — (11,653 ) 515,455 Software Solutions 588,476 (148,181 ) — 440,295 — (6,135 ) 434,160 Total goodwill $ 1,922,826 $ (148,181 ) $ 1,774,645 $ 10,307 $ (18,441 ) $ 1,766,511 Goodwill before accumulated impairment Accumulated impairment December 31, 2016 Acquisitions Other (1) December 31, 2017 Global Ecommerce $ 272,189 $ — $ 272,189 $ 330,272 $ — $ 602,461 Presort Services 196,890 — 196,890 7,891 — 204,781 Commerce Services 469,079 — 469,079 338,163 — 807,242 North America Mailing 354,000 — 354,000 — 14,905 368,905 International Mailing 145,566 — 145,566 — 12,637 158,203 SMB Solutions 499,566 — 499,566 — 27,542 527,108 Software Solutions 579,462 (148,181 ) 431,281 — 9,014 440,295 Total goodwill $ 1,548,107 $ (148,181 ) $ 1,399,926 $ 338,163 $ 36,556 $ 1,774,645 (1) Primarily represents foreign currency translation adjustments.

Fair Value Measurements and Der

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. An entity is required to classify certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value: Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and may be derived from internally developed methodologies based on management's best estimates. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The following tables show, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017 . December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Investment securities Money market funds / commercial paper $ 220,756 $ 391,891 $ — $ 612,647 Equity securities — 19,133 — 19,133 Commingled fixed income securities 1,570 20,141 — 21,711 Government and related securities 98,790 9,787 — 108,577 Corporate debt securities — 56,938 — 56,938 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities — 98,334 — 98,334 Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts — 2,031 — 2,031 Total assets $ 321,116 $ 598,255 $ — $ 919,371 Liabilities: Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts $ — $ (735 ) $ — $ (735 ) Total liabilities $ — $ (735 ) $ — $ (735 ) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Investment securities Money market funds / commercial paper $ 143,349 $ 542,568 $ — $ 685,917 Equity securities — 40,717 — 40,717 Commingled fixed income securities 1,569 4,516 — 6,085 Government and related securities 116,041 18,587 — 134,628 Corporate debt securities — 75,109 — 75,109 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities — 158,202 — 158,202 Derivatives Interest rate swap — 1,776 — 1,776 Foreign exchange contracts — 122 — 122 Total assets $ 260,959 $ 841,597 $ — $ 1,102,556 Liabilities: Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts $ — $ (335 ) $ — $ (335 ) Total liabilities $ — $ (335 ) $ — $ (335 ) Investment Securities The valuation of investment securities is based on the market approach using inputs that are observable, or can be corroborated by observable data, in an active marketplace. The following information relates to our classification into the fair value hierarchy: • Money Market Funds / Commercial Paper: Money market funds typically invest in government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other highly liquid, low risk securities. Money market funds are principally used for overnight deposits and are classified as Level 1 when unadjusted quoted prices in active markets are available and as Level 2 when they are not actively traded on an exchange. Direct investments in commercial paper are not listed on an exchange in an active market and are classified as Level 2. • Equity Securities: Comprised of mutual funds investing in U.S. and foreign stocks. These mutual funds are classified as Level 2. • Commingled Fixed Income Securities: Comprised of mutual funds that invest in a variety of fixed income securities including securities of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Fair value is based on the value of the underlying investments owned by each fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding, as reported by the fund manager. These mutual funds are classified as Level 2. • Government and related securities: Debt securities are classified as Level 1 where active, high volume trades for identical securities exist. Valuation adjustments are not applied to these securities. Debt securities valued using quoted market prices for similar securities or pricing models based on quoted market prices and trade data for comparable securities are classified as Level 2. • Corporate Debt Securities: Corporate debt securities are valued using recently executed transactions, market price quotations where observable, or bond spreads and are classified as Level 2. The spread data used are for the same maturity as the security. • Mortgage-Backed Securities / Asset-Backed Securities: These securities are valued based on external pricing indices or on external price/spread data when external index pricing is not observable. These securities are classified as Level 2. Available-For-Sale Securities Available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Government and related securities $ 109,776 $ 47 $ (1,336 ) $ 108,487 Corporate debt securities 58,714 4 (1,780 ) 56,938 Commingled fixed income securities 1,637 — (67 ) 1,570 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities 100,186 167 (2,019 ) 98,334 Total $ 270,313 $ 218 $ (5,202 ) $ 265,329 December 31, 2017 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Government and related securities $ 131,872 $ 1,984 $ (1,090 ) $ 132,766 Corporate debt securities 73,612 1,724 (227 ) 75,109 Commingled fixed income securities 1,796 — (40 ) 1,756 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities 158,496 1,348 (1,642 ) 158,202 Total $ 365,776 $ 5,056 $ (2,999 ) $ 367,833 Investment securities in a loss position at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Gross unrealized losses Greater than 12 continuous months $ 177,331 $ 4,355 $ 115,815 $ 2,290 Less than 12 continuous months 48,318 847 90,838 709 Total $ 225,649 $ 5,202 $ 206,653 $ 2,999 We have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment on any of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position because we have the ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery of the unrealized losses and expect to receive the stated principal and interest at maturity. At December 31, 2018 , scheduled maturities of available-for-sale securities were as follows: Amortized cost Estimated fair value Within 1 year $ 49,531 $ 49,286 After 1 year through 5 years 107,848 106,586 After 5 years through 10 years 35,531 34,627 After 10 years 77,403 74,830 Total $ 270,313 $ 265,329 The actual maturities may not coincide with scheduled maturities as certain securities contain early redemption features and/or allow for the prepayment of obligations with or without penalty. Derivative Instruments Foreign Exchange Contracts We enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the currency risk associated with anticipated inventory purchases between affiliates and from third parties. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the gain or loss on cash flow hedges is included in AOCI in the period that the change in fair value occurs and is reclassified to earnings in the period that the hedged item is recorded in earnings. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , outstanding contracts associated with these anticipated transactions had a notional amount of $8 million and $10 million , respectively. The valuation of foreign exchange derivatives is based on a market approach using observable market inputs, such as foreign currency spot and forward rates and yield curves. Interest Rate Swaps We had an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $300 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with $300 million of variable-rate term loans. This swap matured in September 2018. While outstanding, the swap was designated as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the gain or loss on the cash flow hedge was included in AOCI in the period that the change in fair value occurred and reclassified to earnings in the period that the hedged item was recorded in earnings. The fair value of our derivative instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: December 31, Designation of Derivatives Balance Sheet Location 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets and prepayments $ 61 $ 57 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (104 ) (144 ) Interest rate swap Other non-current assets — 1,776 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets and prepayments 1,970 65 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (631 ) (191 ) Total derivative assets 2,031 1,898 Total derivative liabilities (735 ) (335 ) Total net derivative asset $ 1,296 $ 1,563 The amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2018 will be recognized in earnings within the next 12 months. No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings for these designated cash flow hedges. The following represents the results of cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of Gain (Loss) (Effective Portion) Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion) Derivative Instrument 2018 2017 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 106 $ (650 ) Revenue $ 11 $ (179 ) Cost of sales 51 (32 ) Interest rate swap $ (1,776 ) $ 1,776 Interest Expense — — $ 62 $ (211 ) We also enter into foreign exchange contracts to minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on short-term intercompany loans and related interest that are denominated in a foreign currency. The revaluation of the intercompany loans and interest and the mark-to-market adjustment on the derivatives are both recorded in earnings. All outstanding contracts at December 31, 2018 mature over the next three months. The following represents the results of our non-designated derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Derivatives Instrument Location of Derivative Gain (Loss) 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general and administrative expense $ (33,453 ) $ (2,203 ) Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features Certain derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features that would require us to post collateral based on a combination of our long-term senior unsecured debt ratings and the net fair value of our derivatives. At December 31, 2018 , we were not required to post any collateral. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, loan receivables, derivative instruments, accounts payable and debt. The carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, loans receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. The fair value of our debt is estimated based on recently executed transactions and market price quotations. The inputs used to determine the fair value of our debt were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value and estimated fair value of our debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Carrying value $ 3,265,608 $ 3,830,335 Fair value $ 3,003,678 $ 3,718,986

Supplemental Balance Sheet Info

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental Balance Sheet Information The following table shows selected balance sheet information at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 2017 Other assets: Long-term investments $ 311,417 $ 435,612 Deferred marketing costs — 35,668 Contract assets and cost to obtain a contract 42,287 — Other 59,535 69,471 Total $ 413,239 $ 540,751 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 285,592 $ 284,857 Customer deposits 700,397 693,005 Employee related liabilities 230,044 251,545 Other 185,602 229,447 Total $ 1,401,635 $ 1,458,854

Restructuring Charges and Asset

Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments	Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments The table below shows the activity in our restructuring reserves for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Severance and benefits costs Other exit costs Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 28,234 $ 281 $ 28,515 Expenses, net 50,114 2,545 52,659 Cash payments (36,197 ) (1,257 ) (37,454 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 42,151 1,569 43,720 Expenses, net 19,130 6,507 25,637 Cash payments (47,640 ) (5,334 ) (52,974 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 13,641 $ 2,742 $ 16,383 The majority of the remaining restructuring reserves are expected to be paid over the next 12 - 24 months . Due to certain international labor laws and long-term lease agreements, some payments will extend beyond 24 months . We expect to fund these payments from cash flows from operations. Asset impairment Asset impairment charges were $2 million , $4 million , and $15 million in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt December 31, Interest rate 2018 2017 Notes due March 2018 5.60% $ — $ 250,000 Notes due March 2019 6.25% — 300,000 Notes due September 2020 3.875% 300,000 300,000 Notes due October 2021 3.875% 600,000 600,000 Notes due May 2022 4.375% 400,000 400,000 Notes due April 2023 4.95% 400,000 400,000 Notes due March 2024 4.625% 500,000 500,000 Notes due January 2037 5.25% 35,841 35,841 Notes due March 2043 6.70% 425,000 425,000 Term loans Variable 630,000 650,000 Other debt 5,297 5,476 Principal amount 3,296,138 3,866,317 Less: unamortized costs, net 30,530 35,982 Total debt 3,265,608 3,830,335 Less: current portion long-term debt 199,535 271,057 Long-term debt $ 3,066,073 $ 3,559,278 In 2018, Standard & Poor's lowered our corporate credit rating from BBB- to BB+ and as a result, the interest rate on certain notes and term loans increased 0.25% . During 2018, we repaid the $250 million , 5.6% notes that matured in March 2018 and $20 million of principal on our term loans. We also redeemed the $300 million , 6.25% notes due March 2019 and recorded an $8 million loss on the early redemption. In 2017, we recorded a loss of $4 million on the early redemption of debt. Pursuant to an extension option, we extended the maturity of a $150 million term loan to August 2019. Annual maturities of outstanding debt at December 31, 2018 are as follows: 2019 $ 200,194 2020 730,103 2021 600,000 2022 400,000 2023 400,000 Thereafter 965,841 Total $ 3,296,138

Retirement Plans and Postretire

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits	Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits We provide certain retirement benefits to our U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2005 and to eligible employees outside the U.S. under various defined benefit retirement plans. Benefit accruals under most of our significant defined benefit plans have been frozen. We also provide certain employer subsidized health care and employer provided life insurance benefits in the U.S. and Canada to eligible retirees and their dependents. Employees hired before January 1, 2005 in the U.S. and April 1, 2005 in Canada become eligible for retiree medical benefits after reaching age 55 and with the completion of the required service period. The cost of these benefits is recognized over the period the employee provides credited service to the company. Retirement Plans The benefit obligations and funded status of defined benefit pension plans are as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,500,691 $ 1,726,824 $ 659,628 $ 737,580 Projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation - beginning of year $ 1,727,737 $ 1,678,097 $ 751,373 $ 688,172 Service cost 92 132 2,159 2,274 Interest cost 61,490 68,611 18,089 18,836 Plan participants' contributions — — 7 6 Actuarial (gain) loss (124,298 ) 92,789 (41,995 ) 2,098 Foreign currency changes — — (40,559 ) 64,236 Plan amendments — — 9,009 — Settlement / curtailment (82,273 ) — (6,703 ) — Benefits paid (81,608 ) (111,892 ) (28,736 ) (24,249 ) Benefit obligation - end of year $ 1,501,140 $ 1,727,737 $ 662,644 $ 751,373 Fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year $ 1,557,907 $ 1,464,082 $ 632,710 $ 547,290 Actual return on plan assets (73,745 ) 199,749 (17,043 ) 46,542 Company contributions 6,753 5,968 10,939 13,081 Plan participants' contributions — — 7 6 Settlement (82,273 ) — — — Foreign currency changes — — (35,360 ) 50,040 Benefits paid (81,608 ) (111,892 ) (28,736 ) (24,249 ) Fair value of plan assets - end of year $ 1,327,034 $ 1,557,907 $ 562,517 $ 632,710 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Noncurrent asset $ 277 $ 392 $ 14,225 $ 19,139 Current liability (10,975 ) (8,362 ) (1,197 ) (1,188 ) Noncurrent liability (163,408 ) (161,860 ) (113,155 ) (136,614 ) Funded status $ (174,106 ) $ (169,830 ) $ (100,127 ) $ (118,663 ) Information provided in the table below is only for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Projected benefit obligation $ 1,500,680 $ 1,727,292 $ 540,798 $ 614,371 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,500,231 $ 1,726,378 $ 538,666 $ 601,412 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,326,296 $ 1,557,069 $ 426,446 $ 476,825 Pretax amounts recognized in AOCI consist of: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ 809,836 $ 835,265 $ 318,474 $ 321,914 Prior service credit (330 ) (391 ) 8,496 (597 ) Transition asset — — (17 ) (24 ) Total $ 809,506 $ 834,874 $ 326,953 $ 321,293 The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for defined benefit pension plans were as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 92 $ 132 $ 105 $ 2,159 $ 2,274 $ 2,148 Interest cost 61,490 68,611 73,699 18,089 18,836 21,886 Expected return on plan assets (101,087 ) (97,656 ) (101,918 ) (35,687 ) (32,242 ) (32,615 ) Amortization of net transition asset — — — (7 ) (8 ) (8 ) Amortization of prior service credit (60 ) (60 ) (60 ) (71 ) (71 ) (73 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 31,298 28,954 27,220 7,264 8,052 5,264 Special termination benefits — — — 208 — 52 Settlement/Curtailment 44,665 — 2,109 (13 ) — 110 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 36,398 $ (19 ) $ 1,155 $ (8,058 ) $ (3,159 ) $ (3,236 ) In connection with the disposition of the Production Mail Business and certain other actions, a pre-tax, non-cash pension settlement charge of $45 million for the U.S. pension plans was incurred in 2018. We recognized $32 million of this charge in other components of net pension and postretirement cost and the remaining $13 million in income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for defined benefit pension plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 50,534 $ (9,304 ) $ 3,824 $ (12,202 ) Plan amendment — — 9,009 — Amortization of net actuarial loss (31,298 ) (28,954 ) (7,264 ) (8,052 ) Amortization of prior service credit 60 60 71 71 Net transition asset — — 7 8 Settlement/Curtailment (44,665 ) — 13 — Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ (25,369 ) $ (38,198 ) $ 5,660 $ (20,175 ) Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans include: 2018 2017 2016 United States Used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.34% 3.69% 4.20% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A Used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.69% 4.20% 4.55% Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 6.75% 7.00% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A Foreign Used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 0.75 % - 3.55% 0.65 % - 3.35% 0.70 % - 3.65% Rate of compensation increase 1.50 % - 2.50% 1.50 % - 2.50% 1.50 % - 2.50% Used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 0.65 % - 3.35% 0.70 % - 3.65% 1.15 % - 3.95% Expected return on plan assets 3.75 % - 6.25% 3.75 % - 6.25% 3.75 % - 6.51% Rate of compensation increase 1.50 % - 3.25% 1.50 % - 3.30% 1.50 % - 3.50% A discount rate is used to determine the present value of our future benefit obligations. The discount rate for our U.S. pension and postretirement medical benefit plans is determined by matching the expected cash flows associated with our benefit obligations to a pool of corporate long-term, high-quality fixed income debt instruments available as of the measurement date. The discount rate for our largest foreign plan, the U.K. Qualified Pension Plan (the U.K. Plan), is determined by using a model that discounts each year's estimated benefit payments by an applicable spot rate derived from a yield curve created from a large number of high quality corporate bonds. For our other smaller foreign pension plans, the discount rate is selected based on high-quality fixed income indices available in the country in which the plan is domiciled. The expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the plans' investment portfolio after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of the returns and volatility of the various asset classes. The overall expected rate of return for the portfolio is based on the target asset allocation of our global pension plans, adjusted for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results, when compared to the benchmark returns. During 2019 , we estimate making contributions of $11 million to our U.S. pension plans and $11 million to our foreign pension plans. Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation - U.S. Pension Plans The investment strategy of our U.S. pension plans is to maximize returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, to achieve and maintain full funding of the accumulated benefit obligation and the actuarial liabilities and to earn a nominal rate of return of at least 6.75% . The fund has established a strategic asset allocation policy to achieve these objectives. Investments are diversified across asset classes and within each class to reduce the risk of large losses and are periodically rebalanced. Derivatives, such as swaps, options, forwards and futures contracts may be used for market exposure, to alter risk/return characteristics and to manage foreign currency exposure. We do not have any significant concentrations of credit risk within the plan assets. Investment objectives and investment managers are reviewed periodically. Target and actual allocations for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 for the U.S. pension plans were as follows: Target allocation Percent of Plan Assets at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset category U.S. equities 14 % 13 % 15 % Non-U.S. equities 13 % 13 % 15 % Fixed income 63 % 64 % 62 % Real estate 5 % 7 % 6 % Private equity 5 % 3 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation - Foreign Pension Plans Our foreign pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers and monitored regularly by local trustees and our corporate personnel. Investment strategies vary by country and plan, with each strategy tailored to achieve the expected rate of return within an acceptable or appropriate level of risk, depending upon the liability profile of plan participants, local funding requirements, investment markets and restrictions. The U.K. Plan represents 76% of the total foreign pension assets. The U.K. pension plan's investment strategy is to maximize returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, to achieve and maintain full funding of the accumulated benefit obligation and the actuarial liabilities and to earn a nominal rate of return of at least 6.25% . The fund has established a strategic asset allocation policy to achieve these objectives. Investments are diversified across asset classes and within each class to minimize the risk of large losses and are periodically rebalanced. Derivatives, such as swaps, options, forwards and futures contracts may be used for market exposure, to alter risk/return characteristics and to manage currency exposure. We do not have any significant concentrations of credit risk within the plan assets. Investment objectives and investment managers are reviewed periodically. Target and actual asset allocations for the U.K. Plan for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Target Allocation Percent of Plan Assets at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset category U.K. equities 10 % 9 % 10 % Non-U.K. equities 30 % 29 % 29 % Fixed income 40 % 41 % 41 % Real estate 10 % 10 % 9 % Diversified growth 10 % 10 % 9 % Cash — % 1 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % The target asset allocation used to manage the investment portfolios is based on the broad asset categories shown above. The plan asset categories presented in the fair value hierarchy are subsets of the broad asset categories. The fair value of the U.K. plan assets was $426 million and $477 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and the expected long-term weighted average rate of return on these plan assets was 6.25% in both 2018 and 2017 . Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets The following tables show the U.S. and foreign pension plans' assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : United States Pension Plans December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ 3,498 $ 5,759 $ — $ 9,257 Equity securities 110,840 109,864 — 220,704 Commingled fixed income securities — 281,258 — 281,258 Government and related securities 258,535 16,144 — 274,679 Corporate debt securities — 435,285 — 435,285 Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities — 23,474 — 23,474 Private equity — — 32,750 32,750 Real estate — — 96,877 96,877 Securities lending collateral — 117,603 — 117,603 Total plan assets at fair value $ 372,873 $ 989,387 $ 129,627 $ 1,491,887 Securities lending payable (117,603 ) Cash 11,341 Other (58,591 ) Fair value of plan assets $ 1,327,034 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ 8,810 $ 9,350 $ — $ 18,160 Equity securities 152,815 150,043 — 302,858 Commingled fixed income securities — 377,078 — 377,078 Government and related securities 295,404 20,473 — 315,877 Corporate debt securities — 418,908 — 418,908 Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities — 19,223 — 19,223 Private equity — — 38,362 38,362 Real estate — — 91,352 91,352 Securities lending collateral — 152,179 — 152,179 Total plan assets at fair value $ 457,029 $ 1,147,254 $ 129,714 $ 1,733,997 Securities lending payable (152,179 ) Cash 5,186 Other (29,097 ) Fair value of plan assets $ 1,557,907 Foreign Plans December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ 11,172 $ — $ 11,172 Equity securities — 194,914 — 194,914 Commingled fixed income securities — 198,902 — 198,902 Government and related securities — 40,055 — 40,055 Corporate debt securities — 29,996 — 29,996 Real estate — — 42,143 42,143 Diversified growth funds — — 40,766 40,766 Total plan assets at fair value $ — $ 475,039 $ 82,909 $ 557,948 Cash 3,903 Other 666 Fair value of plan assets $ 562,517 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ 13,375 $ — $ 13,375 Equity securities — 226,032 — 226,032 Commingled fixed income securities — 213,844 — 213,844 Government and related securities — 66,115 — 66,115 Corporate debt securities — 24,889 — 24,889 Real estate — — 41,601 41,601 Diversified growth funds — — 44,024 44,024 Total plan assets at fair value $ — $ 544,255 $ 85,625 $ 629,880 Cash 2,203 Other 627 Fair value of plan assets $ 632,710 The following information relates to our classification of investments into the fair value hierarchy: • Money Market Funds: Money market funds typically invest in government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper of companies and other highly liquid, low risk securities. Money market funds are principally used for overnight deposits. • Equity Securities: Equity securities include U.S. and foreign stocks, American Depository Receipts, preferred stock and commingled funds. There are no shares of our common stock included in the plan assets of our pension plans. • Commingled Fixed Income Securities: Mutual funds that invest in fixed income securities of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Fair value is based on the market value of the underlying investments owned by each fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding as reported by the fund manager. • Government and Related Securities: Government and related securities include treasury notes and bonds, foreign government issues, U.S. government sponsored agency debt and commingled funds. Municipal debt securities include general obligation securities and revenue-backed securities. Fair value is based on benchmarking model derived prices to quotes market prices and trade data for identical comparable securities. • Corporate Debt Securities : Investments are comprised of both investment grade debt and high-yield debt. The fair value of corporate debt securities is determined using recently executed transactions, market price quotations where observable, or bond spreads. • Mortgage-Backed Securities / Asset-Backed Securities : Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are comprised of agency-backed MBS, non-agency MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial MBS and commingled funds. These securities are valued based on external pricing indices- external price/spread data or broker quotes. Asset-backed securities (ABS) are primarily comprised of credit card receivables, auto loan receivables, student loan receivables and Small Business Administration loans. • Private Equity : Investments are comprised of units in fund-of-funds investment vehicles. Fund-of-funds consist of various private equity investments and are used in an effort to gain greater diversification. The investments are valued in accordance with the most appropriate valuation techniques. • Real Estate: Investments include units in open-ended commingled real estate funds. Properties that comprise these funds are valued in accordance with the most appropriate valuation techniques. • Diversified Growth Funds: Investments are comprised of units in commingled diversified growth funds. These investments are valued based on the net asset value (NAV) per unit as reported by the fund manager. • Securities Lending Fund: Investment represents a commingled fund through our custodian's securities lending program. The U.S. pension plan lends securities that are held within the plan to other banks and/or brokers, and receives collateral, typically cash. This collateral is invested in a short-term fixed income securities commingled fund. This amount invested in the fund is offset by a corresponding liability reflected in the U.S. pension plan's net assets available for benefits. Level 3 Gains and Losses The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : United States Pension Plans MBS & ABS Private equity Real estate Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,236 $ 49,637 $ 87,852 $ 138,725 Realized gains 25 9,226 980 10,231 Unrealized gains (losses) 49 (2,334 ) 2,397 112 Net purchases, sales and settlements (1,310 ) (18,167 ) 123 (19,354 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 — 38,362 91,352 129,714 Realized gains — 8,264 1,001 9,265 Unrealized (losses) gains — (1,409 ) 4,462 3,053 Net purchases, sales and settlements — (12,467 ) 62 (12,405 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 32,750 $ 96,877 $ 129,627 Foreign Pension Plans Real estate Diversified growth funds Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 34,483 $ 36,779 $ 71,262 Unrealized gains 2,159 3,551 5,710 Net purchases, sales and settlements 1,481 — 1,481 Foreign currency 3,478 3,694 7,172 Balance at December 31, 2017 41,601 44,024 85,625 Unrealized gains (losses) 1,317 (4,948 ) (3,631 ) Net purchases, sales and settlements 1,653 4,090 5,743 Foreign currency (2,428 ) (2,400 ) (4,828 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 42,143 $ 40,766 $ 82,909 Nonpension Postretirement Benefits The benefit obligation and funded status for nonpension postretirement benefit plans are as follows: 2018 2017 Benefit obligation Benefit obligation - beginning of year $ 188,841 $ 189,772 Service cost 1,405 1,727 Interest cost 6,640 7,100 Plan participants' contributions 3,200 3,820 Actuarial (gain) loss (11,304 ) 5,134 Foreign currency changes (1,178 ) 1,066 Curtailment (533 ) — Benefits paid (20,596 ) (19,778 ) Benefit obligation - end of year (1) $ 166,475 $ 188,841 Fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year $ — $ — Company contribution 17,396 15,958 Plan participants' contributions 3,200 3,820 Benefits paid (20,596 ) (19,778 ) Fair value of plan assets - end of year $ — $ — Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Current liability $ (17,013 ) $ (17,712 ) Non-current liability (149,463 ) (171,129 ) Funded status $ (166,476 ) $ (188,841 ) (1) The benefit obligation for U.S. nonpension postretirement plans was $154 million and $172 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Pretax amounts recognized in AOCI consist of: 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ 28,368 $ 43,160 Prior service cost 823 1,466 Total $ 29,191 $ 44,626 The components of net periodic benefit cost for nonpension postretirement benefit plans were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 1,405 $ 1,727 $ 2,046 Interest cost 6,640 7,100 7,969 Amortization of prior service cost 304 297 297 Amortization of net actuarial loss 3,048 3,600 3,615 Curtailment 246 — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,643 $ 12,724 $ 13,927 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation for nonpension postretirement benefit plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: 2018 2017 Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (11,837 ) $ 5,134 Curtailment (246 ) — Amortization of net actuarial loss (3,048 ) (3,600 ) Amortization of prior service cost (304 ) (297 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ (15,435 ) $ 1,237 The weighted-average discount rates used to determine end of year benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost include: 2018 2017 2016 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation U.S. 4.20 % 3.55 % 3.90 % Canada 3.60 % 3.35 % 3.65 % Discount rate used to determine net period benefit cost U.S. 3.55 % 3.90 % 4.20 % Canada 3.35 % 3.65 % 3.95 % The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the U.S. plan was 7.0% for 2018 and 7.0% for 2017 . The assumed health care trend rate is 6.5% for 2019 and will gradually decline to 5.0% by the year 2025 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. Estimated Future Benefit Payments The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid. Pension Benefits Nonpension Benefits Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 137,312 $ 17,040 2020 131,672 16,376 2021 129,641 15,783 2022 128,972 14,737 2023 128,774 13,706 Thereafter 627,369 59,518 $ 1,283,740 $ 137,160 Savings Plans We offer voluntary defined contribution plans to our U.S. employees designed to help them accumulate additional savings for retirement. We provide a core contribution to all employees, regardless if they participate in the plan, and match a portion of each participating employees' contribution, based on eligible pay. Total contributions to our defined contribution plans were $31 million in both 2018 and 2017 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income from continuing operations before taxes consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. $ 114,982 $ 140,574 $ 126,856 International 97,379 81,341 74,933 Total $ 212,361 $ 221,915 $ 201,789 The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Federal: Current $ (50,333 ) $ 31,691 $ 76,117 Deferred 56,715 (49,812 ) (1,979 ) 6,382 (18,121 ) 74,138 U.S. State and Local: Current (10,489 ) (2,330 ) 6,377 Deferred (911 ) 15,316 4,682 (11,400 ) 12,986 11,059 International: Current 16,224 (3,418 ) 21,014 Deferred 1,177 9,106 764 17,401 5,688 21,778 Total current (44,598 ) 25,943 103,508 Total deferred 56,981 (25,390 ) 3,467 Total provision for income taxes $ 12,383 $ 553 $ 106,975 Effective tax rate 5.8 % 0.2 % 53.0 % On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Act) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, but were not limited to, a federal corporate income tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system by creating a minimum tax on earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of post-1986 cumulative foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2017, in accordance with the Act, we recorded a net provisional one-time non-cash benefit of $39 million , which was comprised of a provisional $130 million benefit from the remeasurement of net U.S. deferred tax liabilities arising from a lower U.S. tax rate, offset by a provisional $91 million charge related primarily to the U.S. tax on unremitted post-1986 earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant did not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. December 22, 2018 marked the end of the measurement period for purposes of SAB 118. As such, we have completed the analysis based on legislative updates relating to the Act currently available which resulted in an adjustment to the provisional tax recorded of $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is comprised of a $13 million benefit related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and a $24 million decrease in the U.S. tax on unremitted post-1986 earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. In addition to the adjustment to the provisional tax benefits, the effective tax rate for 2018 includes a benefit of $17 million from the resolution of certain tax examinations. The effective tax rate for 2017 includes provisional tax benefits of $ 39 million from the Act, and tax benefits of $ 30 million from the resolution of certain tax examinations. The effective tax rate for 2016 includes tax benefits of $ 15 million from the resolution of tax examinations, a $ 58 million charge associated with the goodwill impairment charge and a $ 6 million charge for a valuation allowance on tax attribute carryovers. A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and our provision for income taxes consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Federal statutory provision $ 44,596 $ 77,671 $ 70,627 State and local income taxes (1) 1,251 5,418 7,188 Impact of foreign operations taxed at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate (1,988 ) (15,859 ) (9,236 ) Accrual/release of uncertain tax amounts related to foreign operations (4,595 ) (17,919 ) (7,482 ) U.S. tax impacts of foreign income in the U.S. 7,683 2,778 2,929 Tax exempt income/reimbursement — — (935 ) Tax incentives/credits/exempt income 2,026 (14,329 ) (9,020 ) Goodwill impairments — — 50,003 Remeasurement of U.S. deferred taxes (13,121 ) (129,960 ) — U.S. tax on unremitted earnings (23,711 ) 90,916 — Other, net 242 1,837 2,901 Provision for income taxes $ 12,383 $ 553 $ 106,975 (1) Includes release of tax uncertainties of $(9) million , $(3) million and $(3) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation $ (102,726 ) $ (77,415 ) Deferred profit (for tax purposes) on sale to finance subsidiary (41,951 ) (60,340 ) Lease revenue and related depreciation (166,544 ) (133,908 ) Intangible assets (98,707 ) (106,488 ) Other (33,353 ) (22,468 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (443,281 ) (400,619 ) Deferred tax assets: Nonpension postretirement benefits 42,422 48,387 Pension 60,063 66,270 Inventory and equipment capitalization 7,216 11,380 Restructuring charges 5,064 12,476 Long-term incentives 11,517 11,544 Net operating loss 106,029 108,006 Tax credit carry forwards 64,148 82,285 Tax uncertainties gross-up 6,692 9,920 Other 46,885 36,936 Gross deferred tax assets 350,036 387,204 Less: Valuation allowance (142,496 ) (178,156 ) Net deferred tax assets 207,540 209,048 Total deferred taxes, net $ (235,741 ) $ (191,571 ) A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the total deferred tax assets to an amount that will more-likely-than-not be realized. The valuation allowance relates primarily to certain foreign, state and local net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards that are more-likely-than-not to expire unutilized. We have net operating loss carryforwards of $258 million as of December 31, 2018 , of which $211 million can be carried forward indefinitely and the remainder expire over the next 15 years. In addition, we have tax credit carryforwards of $64 million , of which $50 million can be carried forward indefinitely and the remainder expire over the next 5 to 15 years. As of December 31, 2018, we assert that we are no longer permanently reinvested in $724 million of post-1986 earnings generated from non-U.S. subsidiaries, which were subject to the deemed repatriation toll charge under the Act. We continue to be permanently reinvested in our remaining undistributed earnings of $301 million as well as other outside basis differences. While a determination of the full liability that would be incurred if these earnings were repatriated is not practical, we have estimated the withholding taxes would be approximately $13 million . Uncertain Tax Positions A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 89,767 $ 124,728 $ 139,249 Increases from prior period positions 88 528 — Decreases from prior period positions (15,145 ) (31,470 ) (21,207 ) Increases from current period positions 6,001 5,951 10,867 Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities (4,844 ) (6,953 ) (1,791 ) Reductions from lapse of applicable statute of limitations (4,409 ) (3,017 ) (2,390 ) Balance at end of year $ 71,458 $ 89,767 $ 124,728 The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized was $65 million , $74 million and $104 million , respectively. On a regular basis, we conclude tax return examinations, statutes of limitations expire, and court decisions interpret tax law. We regularly assess tax uncertainties in light of these developments. As a result, it is reasonably possible that the amount of our unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next 12 months, and we expect this change could be up to 30% of our unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes. We recognized interest and penalties of less than $(1) million , $(4) million and less than $1 million related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 respectively. We had $4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Other Tax Matters As is the case with other large corporations, our tax returns are examined each year by tax authorities in the U.S. and other global taxing jurisdictions in which we have operations. The IRS examinations of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for tax years prior to 2015 are closed to audit; however, various post-2011 U.S. state and local tax returns are still subject to examination. In Canada, the examination of our tax filings prior to 2014 are closed to audit. Other significant jurisdictions include France, (closed through 2014), Germany, (closed through 2012) and the U.K. (except for an item under appeal, closed through 2016). We also have other less significant tax filings currently subject to examination. We regularly assess the likelihood of tax adjustments in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we have operations and account for the related financial statement implications. We believe we have established tax reserves that are appropriate given the possibility of tax adjustments. However, determining the appropriate level of tax reserves requires judgment regarding the uncertain application of tax law and the possibility of tax adjustments. Future changes in tax reserve requirements could have a material impact, positive or negative, on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. These may involve litigation by or against us relating to, among other things, contractual rights under vendor, insurance or other contracts; intellectual property or patent rights; equipment, service, payment or other disputes with clients; or disputes with employees. Some of these actions may be brought as a purported class action on behalf of a purported class of employees, clients or others. In management's opinion, it is not reasonably possible that the potential liability, if any, that may result from these actions, either individually or collectively, will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, as litigation is inherently unpredictable, there can be no assurances in this regard. In August 2018, the Company, certain of its directors, officers and several banks who served as underwriters, were named as defendants in City of Livonia Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan v. Pitney Bowes Inc. et al. , a putative class action lawsuit filed in Connecticut state court. The complaint asserts claims under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on behalf of those who purchased notes issued by the Company in connection with a September 13, 2017 offering, alleging, among other things, that the Company failed to make certain disclosures relating to components of its third quarter 2017 performance at the time of the notes offering. The complaint seeks compensatory damages and other relief. In addition, in December 2018 and then in February 2018, certain of the Company’s officers and directors were named as defendants in two virtually identical derivative actions purportedly brought on behalf of the Company, Clem v. Lautenbach et al. and Devolin v. Lautenbach et al. These two actions, both filed by the same counsel in Connecticut state court allege, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duty relating to these same disclosures, and seek compensatory damages and other relief derivatively for the benefit of the Company. Although litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, we believe these matters are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously. A reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We lease office space and equipment under operating lease agreements with varying terms. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance and include renewal options and escalation clauses. Rent expense was $53 million , $46 million and $45 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2018 were as follows: Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 48,182 2020 41,366 2021 34,665 2022 26,616 2023 17,988 Thereafter 62,668 Total minimum lease payments $ 231,485

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity Preferred and Preference Stock We have two classes of preferred stock issued and outstanding, the 4% Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock) and the $2.12 Preference Stock (the Preference Stock) . The Preferred Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of $2 per year and can be converted into 24.24 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, in certain events. The Preferred Stock is redeemable at our option at a price of $50 per share, plus dividends accrued through the redemption date. We are authorized to issue 600,000 shares of Preferred Stock. There were 12 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 . There are no unpaid dividends in arrears. The Preference Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of $2.12 per year and can be converted into 16.53 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, in certain events. The Preference Stock is redeemable at our option at a price of $28 per share. We are authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of Preference Stock. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were 14,635 shares and 16,301 shares outstanding, respectively. There are no unpaid dividends in arrears. Common and Treasury Stock The following table summarizes the changes in shares of Common Stock outstanding and Treasury Stock: Common Stock Outstanding Treasury Stock Balance at December 31, 2015 195,521,208 127,816,704 Repurchases of common stock (10,633,235 ) 10,633,235 Issuance of common stock 767,060 (767,060 ) Conversions to common stock 13,685 (13,685 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 185,668,718 137,669,194 Issuance of common stock 881,480 (881,480 ) Conversions to common stock 53,540 (53,540 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 186,603,738 136,734,174 Issuance of common stock 1,043,809 (1,043,809 ) Conversions to common stock 27,535 (27,535 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 187,675,082 135,662,830 At December 31, 2018 , 33,572,744 shares were reserved for issuance under our stock plans, dividend reinvestment program and the conversion of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Amounts Reclassified from AOCI (a) Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Revenue $ 11 $ (179 ) $ 68 Cost of sales 51 (32 ) (222 ) Interest expense (1,183 ) (2,028 ) (2,028 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (1,267 ) — — Total before tax (2,388 ) (2,239 ) (2,182 ) Tax benefit (941 ) (872 ) (850 ) Net of tax $ (1,447 ) $ (1,367 ) $ (1,332 ) Gain (loss) on available for sale securities Interest income $ 3,244 $ (520 ) $ (1,126 ) Tax (benefit) provision 821 (201 ) (433 ) Net of tax $ 2,423 $ (319 ) $ (693 ) Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (b) Transition asset $ 7 $ 8 $ 8 Prior service costs (173 ) (166 ) (164 ) Actuarial losses (41,610 ) (40,606 ) (38,370 ) Settlement (44,898 ) — — Total before tax (86,674 ) (40,764 ) (38,526 ) Tax benefit (21,675 ) (13,936 ) (14,430 ) Net of tax $ (64,999 ) $ (26,828 ) $ (24,096 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to income and increases to other comprehensive income. (b) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other components of net pension and postretirement cost. These amounts are included in net periodic costs for defined benefit pension plans and nonpension postretirement benefit plans (see Note 14 for additional details). Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Cash flow hedges Available-for-sale securities Pension and postretirement benefit plans Foreign currency adjustments Total Balance January 1, 2016 $ (3,912 ) $ 536 $ (738,768 ) $ (146,491 ) $ (888,635 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) 1,095 (1,109 ) (73,141 ) (4,464 ) (77,619 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,332 693 24,096 — 26,121 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 2,427 (416 ) (49,045 ) (4,464 ) (51,498 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 (1,485 ) 120 (787,813 ) (150,955 ) (940,133 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) (288 ) 1,158 12,185 106,391 119,446 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,367 319 26,828 — 28,514 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,079 1,477 39,013 106,391 147,960 Balance at December 31, 2017 (406 ) 1,597 (748,800 ) (44,564 ) (792,173 ) Cumulative effect of accounting change (87 ) 344 (116,490 ) — (116,233 ) Restated balance at December 31, 2017 (493 ) 1,941 (865,290 ) (44,564 ) (908,406 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) (763 ) (2,579 ) (46,170 ) (54,531 ) (104,043 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,447 (2,423 ) 64,999 — 64,023 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 684 (5,002 ) 18,829 (54,531 ) (40,020 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 191 $ (3,061 ) $ (846,461 ) $ (99,095 ) $ (948,426 ) (a) Amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI. (b) See table above for additional details of these reclassifications.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	Stock-Based Compensation Plans We have a long-term incentive program whereby eligible employees may be granted restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options and performance stock units. The Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers these plans. We settle stock awards with treasury shares. At December 31, 2018 , there were 14,411,742 shares available for future grants under our long-term incentive program. Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units (RSUs) entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the units vest, typically over a three -year service period. The following table summarizes information about RSUs during 2018 and 2017 : 2018 2017 Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding - beginning of the year 2,651,053 $ 14.16 1,609,459 $ 17.50 Granted 1,754,098 12.36 1,995,473 13.24 Vested (963,010 ) 11.41 (784,295 ) 19.42 Forfeited (213,802 ) 13.26 (169,584 ) 14.76 Outstanding - end of the year 3,228,339 $ 13.33 2,651,053 $ 14.16 The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the stock price on the grant date less the present value of expected dividends. At December 31, 2018 , there was $15 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years . The intrinsic value of RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2018 was $18 million . The intrinsic value of RSUs vested during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $17 million , $26 million and $14 million , respectively. The fair value of RSUs vested during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $18 million , $14 million and $21 million , respectively. During 2016 , we granted 826,546 RSUs at a weighted average fair value of $17.20 . Non-employee directors receive restricted stock units which are convertible into shares of common stock one year from date of grant. In 2018 and 2017 , we granted 131,420 and 63,090 restricted stock units, respectively, to non-employee directors. Performance Stock Units Performance stock units (PSUs) are stock awards where the number of shares ultimately received by the employee is conditional upon the attainment of certain performance targets as well as total shareholder return relative to peer companies. PSUs vest at the end of a three -year service period and the actual number of shares awarded may range from 0% to 200% of the target award. However, the final determination of the number of shares to be issued is made by our Board of Directors, who may reduce, but not increase, the ultimate number of shares to be awarded (negative discretion). PSUs are accounted for as variable awards until the end of the service period when the grant date is established. The following table summarizes share information about PSUs during 2018 : 2018 2017 Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding - beginning of the year 1,145,025 $ 13.43 379,898 $ 25.01 Granted 733,148 12.64 1,073,934 10.51 Vested (91,493 ) 12.21 (258,688 ) 13.17 Forfeited (133,676 ) 14.26 (50,119 ) 26.10 Outstanding - end of the year 1,653,004 $ 13.08 1,145,025 $ 13.43 Share-based compensation expense for PSUs is recognized ratably over the service period based on the number shares expected to be awarded and the fair value of an award. The fair value of PSUs is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Due to the variability of these awards, significant fluctuations in share-based compensation expense for PSUs recognized from one period to the next are possible. Stock Options Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the stock price of our common stock on the grant date. Options vest ratably over three years and expire ten years from the grant date. At December 31, 2018 , there was $4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years . The intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2018 was not significant. There were no stock option exercises in 2018, 2017 or 2016. The following table summarizes information about stock option activity during 2018 and 2017 : 2018 2017 Shares Per share weighted average exercise prices Shares Per share weighted average exercise prices Options outstanding - beginning of the year 10,495,039 $ 21.67 9,122,762 $ 27.13 Granted 4,932,467 8.47 2,553,510 13.16 Canceled (258,509 ) 13.09 (63,517 ) 20.34 Expired (1,575,841 ) 36.86 (1,117,716 ) 46.88 Options outstanding - end of the year 13,593,156 $ 15.30 10,495,039 $ 21.67 Options exercisable - end of the year 6,824,433 $ 20.23 6,690,250 $ 25.57 The following table provides additional information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of per share exercise prices Shares Per share weighted-average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual life Shares Per share weighted-average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual life $5.99 - $13.11 4,537,267 $ 8.02 9.7 years — $ — — $13.16 - $17.71 4,903,330 14.72 7.3 years 2,879,149 15.21 6.8 years $19.45 - $26.07 4,152,559 23.94 2.0 years 3,945,284 23.90 1.7 years 13,593,156 $ 15.30 6.5 years 6,824,433 $ 20.23 3.9 years The fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes valuation 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. The follow table lists the weighted average of assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted during 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Expected dividend yield 9.9 % 5.7 % 4.5 % Expected stock price volatility 37.8 % 29.7 % 29.0 % Risk-free interest rate 2.8 % 2.3 % 1.6 % Expected life 7 years 7 years 7 years Weighted-average fair value per option granted $1.26 $2.00 $2.85 Fair value of options granted $6,229 $5,107 $5,013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan We maintain a non-compensatory Employee Stock Purchase Plan that enables substantially all U.S. and Canadian employees to purchase shares of our common stock at an offering price of 95% of the average market price on the offering date. At no time will the exercise price be less than the lowest price permitted under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees purchased 218,424 shares and 150,629 shares in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We have reserved 2,552,004 common shares for future purchase under the ESPP.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event In January 2019, we sold the direct operations and moved to a dealer model in six smaller markets within International Mailing. Proceeds from the sale were not material.

Quarterly Financial Data (unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total 2018 Revenue $ 880,948 $ 861,436 $ 832,856 $ 947,140 $ 3,522,380 Cost of revenues 463,861 455,816 446,753 526,519 1,892,949 Operating expenses 355,798 352,156 340,974 368,142 1,417,070 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 61,289 53,464 45,129 52,479 212,361 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 16,263 6,458 (1,976 ) (8,362 ) 12,383 Income from continuing operations 45,026 47,006 47,105 60,841 199,978 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 8,487 1,208 29,848 (15,856 ) 23,687 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 53,513 $ 48,214 $ 76,953 $ 44,985 $ 223,665 Basic earnings (loss) per share (1) Continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 1.07 Discontinued operations 0.05 0.01 0.16 (0.08 ) 0.13 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.29 $ 0.26 $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 1.19 Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1) Continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 1.06 Discontinued operations 0.05 0.01 0.16 (0.08 ) 0.13 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 1.19 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total 2017 Revenue $ 743,180 $ 730,413 $ 733,273 $ 916,406 $ 3,123,272 Cost of revenues 310,367 319,904 328,172 474,317 1,432,760 Operating expenses 348,307 368,258 348,836 403,196 1,468,597 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 84,506 42,251 56,265 38,893 221,915 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 27,082 790 10,828 (38,147 ) 553 Income from continuing operations 57,424 41,461 45,437 77,040 221,362 Income from discontinued operations 7,709 7,440 11,921 12,908 39,978 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 65,133 $ 48,901 $ 57,358 $ 89,948 $ 261,340 Basic earnings per share (1) : Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.41 $ 1.19 Discontinued operations 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.21 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.35 $ 0.26 $ 0.31 $ 0.48 $ 1.40 Diluted earnings per share (1): Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.41 $ 1.18 Discontinued operations 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.21 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.35 $ 0.26 $ 0.31 $ 0.48 $ 1.39 (1) The sum of earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	Description Balance at beginning of year Additions charged to expense Deductions Balance at end of year Allowance for doubtful accounts 2018 $ 14,786 $ 9,720 $ (6,889 ) $ 17,617 2017 $ 13,999 $ 8,081 $ (7,294 ) $ 14,786 2016 $ 11,541 $ 7,179 $ (4,721 ) $ 13,999 Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset 2018 $ 178,156 $ 3,682 $ (39,342 ) $ 142,496 2017 $ 127,095 $ 53,782 $ (2,721 ) $ 178,156 2016 $ 132,624 $ 6,523 $ (12,052 ) $ 127,095

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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. We revised our December 31, 2017 balance sheet to correct the classification between tax uncertainties and other income tax liabilities and deferred taxes on income by $14 million related to withholding taxes on unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The impact of this revision was not material to the prior quarters. In July 2018, we sold our Document Messaging Technology production mail business and supporting software (the Production Mail Business) to an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, a leading global private equity firm. 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).
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 assets and liabilities acquired 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 and remaining maturities of 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 probable losses on finance receivables and provide an allowance for credit losses. We estimate probable losses on finance receivables 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. We 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 and 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 50 years for buildings, 10 to 20 years for building improvements, 3 to 10 years for internal use software development costs, 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment and 4 to 6 years for rental equipment. Major improvements that 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 their 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.
Intangible assets	Intangible assets Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using either the straight-line method or an accelerated attrition method over their e
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs include engineering costs related to research and 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 Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value an impairment loss is recognized for the difference, not to exceed the carrying amount of 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 for 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 primarily issue restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options and performance stock units under our stock award plans. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized 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 the Black-Scholes valuation model or Monte Carlo simulation model. 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 Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) . We adopted this standard on the modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. We applied the following practical expedients and policy elections when adopting ASC 606: • Costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer are expensed if the amortization period of the asset is one year or less; • With the exception of certain services contracts, all taxes assessed by government authorities, such as sales and use taxes, value added taxes and excise tax, are excluded from the transaction price; • The transaction price is not adjusted for a significant financing component when a performance obligation is satisfied within one year; • Revenue is recognized based on the amount billable to the customer, when that amount corresponds to the value transferred to the customer; • Shipping and handling activities are accounted for as a fulfillment activity rather than a separate performance obligation; and • We reflected the aggregate effect of all modifications when identifying performance obligations and allocating transaction price. 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. We are required to determine whether each product and service within the contract should be treated as a separate performance obligation (unit of accounting) for revenue recognition purposes. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated based on relative standalone selling prices (SSP) which are a range of selling prices that we would sell a good or service to a customer on a separate basis. SSP is established for each performance obligation at the inception of the contract and can be based on observable prices or estimated. The allocation of the transaction price to the various performance obligations impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows: Equipment Sales We sell equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. For a sale transaction, the SSP of the equipment is 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. 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. We recognize revenue on non-lease transactions when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon delivery for customer installable models and upon installation or customer acceptance for other models. Supplies Revenue Supplies revenue is generally recognized upon delivery. Software Revenue We also have contracts that contain only performance obligations to deliver software licenses and software related products and services that may include maintenance and support services, data, and training and integration services. A majority of our software and data license products are considered "right to use" and are generally distinct from other promised goods and services within a contract. Revenue for right to use software and data licenses is recognized at a point in time when control has transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or acceptance for those licenses requiring significant integration or customization. Revenue from renewals are recognized at the beginning of the license term. We generally invoice customers upon delivery of our software and data licenses. Data contracts that include both data and data updates are invoiced in one or more equal installments. A contract asset is recognized on data licenses for which consideration will be received in future periods. We allocate the transaction price based on relative standalone selling prices, which are generally based on observable selling prices in standalone transactions for our data products, maintenance and professional services. We estimate the standalone selling prices for our software licenses using the residual approach, as the selling prices are highly variable and observable standalone selling prices exist for the other goods and services in the contract. We often bundle software licenses with lease contracts. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of those software licenses considered distinct and functional in nature. Rentals Revenue Rentals revenue includes revenue from the subscription for digital meter services, postage meters and mailing equipment. Revenue is allocated to the meter rental and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. 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, 2018 and 2017, there were $17 million and $10 million of initial direct costs included in rental property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Amortization of these costs was $5 million , $5 million and $7 million , for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 is allocated to the equipment maintenance agreement using selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. Since we have a stand-ready obligation to provide service over the entire contract term, revenue related to these equipment maintenance agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Business Services Revenue Business services revenue includes revenue from mail processing services and ecommerce solutions from our Commerce Services segment. These services represent a series of distinct services that are similar and revenue is recognized as the services are invoiced to the customer. We also 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 and have inventory risk. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, for multiple element arrangements, revenue was allocated to each of the elements based on relative "selling prices" determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We established VSOE of selling prices based on the prices charged for each element when sold separately in standalone transactions. Revenue was 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 was allocated to the equipment based on a range of selling prices in standalone transactions. For a lease transaction, revenue was allocated to the equipment based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments. The amount allocated to equipment was compared to the range of selling prices in standalone transactions during the period to ensure the allocated equipment amount approximated average selling prices. 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 allocated revenue based on VSOE for software related elements and used the residual method to determine the amount of software licenses revenue. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements was deferred and the remaining portion of the consideration was 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 established VSOE of fair value using a bell-shaped curve analysis for maintenance and support services renewal rates. If VSOE for any undelivered software element could not be determined, revenue was deferred until all deliverables were delivered or until VSOE could be determined for remaining undelivered software elements. For software licenses that were included in a lease contract, revenue was recognized upon delivery unless the lease contract specified that the license expired at the end of the lease or the price of the software was deemed not fixed or determinable based on historical evidence of similar software leases. In those instances, revenue was recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the amount or timing of recognition for our other revenue streams. Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs are recognized as incurred and recorded in cost of revenues.
Deferred Marketing Costs	Costs to Obtain a Contract Upon the adoption of ASC 606, certain incremental costs to obtain a contract are capitalized if we expect the benefit of those costs to be realized over a period greater than one year. These costs primarily relate to sales commission on multi-year equipment and software support service contracts. These costs are amortized in a manner consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the contract performance period or longer, if renewals are expected and the renewal commission is not commensurate with the initial commission. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $ 15 million . Unamortized contract costs at December 31, 2018 were $29 million and are included in other assets. Deferred Marketing Costs Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, we capitalized certain costs associated with the acquisition of new customers and recognized those costs over the expected revenue stream of eight years. Deferred marketing costs at December 31, 2017 were $36 million and amortization of these costs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $13 million and $15 million , respectively. Upon the adoption of ASC 606, marketing costs associated with the acquisition of new customers are expensed as incurred and deferred marketing costs at January 1, 2018 were written off and included in the cumulative effect of accounting change.
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 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 only with financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure balances and the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of our 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 based 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 common stock equivalents.
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 2018 Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of the initial application. See Revenue Recognition above and Note 2 for more information on the adoption of ASC 606. In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The ASU impacts disclosure requirements only. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021; however, we elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) . The ASU impacts only disclosure requirements of fair value measurements. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020; however, we elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) . The ASU permits a reclassification of the disproportionate income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within AOCI to retained earnings and requires certain new disclosures. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2018 and recognized the reclassification of $116 million from AOCI to opening retained earnings as a cumulative effect adjustment. There was no impact to total Stockholders' equity. 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 early adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. There was no impact on our consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this standard. 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. We adopted this standard and prior period information has been recast to conform to the current period presentation. 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. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 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 previous guidance, the tax effects of transfers were deferred until the transferred asset was sold or otherwise recovered through use. We adopted this standard and recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by $3 million . 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. We adopted this standard and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases ; and ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements. We will adopt the new lease accounting standard on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition approach of applying the standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. As a result, we will record a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017, recast comparative period financial statements and provide disclosures required by the standard. From a lessor perspective, the standard simplifies the accounting for lease modifications and aligns accounting of lease contracts with revenue recognition guidance. We will continue to classify leases as sales-type or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of income recognition. We expect changes in the timing and classification of revenue related to contract modifications. We expect certain income and costs to be accelerated that were previously recognized over the life of the lease due to conclusions on lease and non-lease components. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our results of operations or liquidity; and we do not expect the economics and overall profitability of our lease offerings to be materially impacted. From a lessee perspective, the standard requires us to recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities for our real estate and equipment operating leases and to provide new disclosures about our leasing activities. We will elect the short-term lease recognition exemption and will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months. We will also elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our lessee portfolio. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities in the range of $175 million to $225 million . The impact of adopting the standard related to lessee accounting will not have a material impact on our results of operations or liquidity. 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 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 adopted on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. The implementation 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.

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Pro Forma Impact on Financial Statements	December 31, 2018 As reported Prior guidance Increase (decrease) Balance Sheet Total assets $ 5,972,903 $ 5,951,075 $ 21,828 Accounts receivable, net $ 455,807 $ 454,414 $ 1,393 Other current assets and prepayments $ 99,332 $ 90,659 $ 8,673 Other assets $ 413,239 $ 400,955 $ 12,284 Total liabilities $ 5,733,431 $ 5,737,751 $ (4,320 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,401,635 $ 1,396,650 $ 4,985 Advance billings $ 237,529 $ 252,472 $ (14,943 ) Other noncurrent liabilities $ 474,862 $ 477,208 $ (2,346 ) Total stockholders' equity $ 239,472 $ 213,325 $ 26,147 Retained earnings $ 5,416,777 $ 5,389,732 $ 27,045 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (948,426 ) $ (947,528 ) $ (898 ) The impact on our consolidated financial statements as if they were presented under the prior guidance is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 As reported Prior guidance Increase (decrease) Income Statement Total revenue $ 3,522,380 $ 3,483,757 $ 38,623 Equipment sales $ 430,451 $ 432,911 $ (2,460 ) Software $ 340,855 $ 297,976 $ 42,879 Business services $ 1,561,522 $ 1,563,318 $ (1,796 ) Total costs and expenses $ 3,310,019 $ 3,318,288 $ (8,269 ) Cost of equipment sales $ 181,766 $ 181,957 $ (191 ) Cost of software $ 100,681 $ 96,332 $ 4,349 Selling, general and administrative $ 1,123,116 $ 1,135,543 $ (12,427 ) Income from continuing operations before taxes $ 212,361 $ 165,469 $ 46,892
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables disaggregate our revenue by major source: Year ended December 31, 2018 Major products/service lines Global Ecommerce Presort Services North America Mailing International Mailing Software Solutions Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606) Revenue from leasing transactions and financing Total Consolidated Revenue Equipment sales $ — $ — $ 59,589 $ 52,467 $ — $ 112,056 $ 318,395 $ 430,451 Supplies — — 144,283 74,021 — 218,304 — 218,304 Software — — — — 340,855 340,855 — 340,855 Rentals — — 19,390 8,214 — 27,604 335,453 363,057 Financing — — 64,279 11,508 — 75,787 238,991 314,778 Support services — — 208,855 84,558 — 293,413 — 293,413 Business services 1,022,862 515,795 16,997 5,868 — 1,561,522 — 1,561,522 $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ 892,839 $ 3,522,380 Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606) $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ — $ 2,629,541 Revenue from leasing transactions and financing — — 761,632 131,207 — — 892,839 892,839 Total revenue $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 1,275,025 $ 367,843 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541 $ 892,839 $ 3,522,380 Timing of revenue recognition (ASC 606) Products/services transferred at a point in time $ — $ — $ 203,872 $ 126,488 $ 134,360 $ 464,720 Products/services transferred over time 1,022,862 515,795 309,521 110,148 206,495 2,164,821 Total revenue $ 1,022,862 $ 515,795 $ 513,393 $ 236,636 $ 340,855 $ 2,629,541
Contract Assets and Advance Billings	The following table summarizes our contract assets and advanced billings balances: December 31, 2018 January 1, 2018 Total increase (decrease) Contracts assets, current portion $ 16,115 $ 5,075 $ 11,040 Contracts assets, noncurrent portion $ 13,092 $ 648 $ 12,444 Advance billings, current portion $ 185,322 $ 209,098 $ (23,776 ) Advance billings, noncurrent portion $ 12,778 $ 17,765 $ (4,987 )
Future Performance Obligations	The transaction prices allocated to future performance obligations will be recognized as follows: 2019 2020 2021-2023 Total North America Mailing (1) $ 144,989 $ 110,930 $ 133,738 $ 389,657 International Mailing (1) 37,921 24,552 38,068 100,541 Software Solutions (2) 66,185 38,373 22,170 126,728 Total $ 249,095 $ 173,855 $ 193,976 $ 616,926 (1) Revenue streams bundled with our leasing contracts, primarily maintenance and other services. (2) Multiple-year software maintenance contracts, certain software and data licenses and data updates.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue From Segments to Consolidated Statements	The following tables provide information about our reportable segments and reconciliation of segment EBIT to net income. Revenues Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 1,022,862 $ 552,242 $ 339,320 Presort Services 515,795 497,901 475,582 Commerce Services 1,538,657 1,050,143 814,902 North America Mailing 1,275,025 1,357,405 1,429,027 International Mailing 367,843 384,097 412,244 SMB Solutions 1,642,868 1,741,502 1,841,271 Software Solutions 340,855 331,627 325,150 Total Revenue $ 3,522,380 $ 3,123,272 $ 2,981,323 Geographic data: United States $ 2,865,228 $ 2,466,403 $ 2,299,607 Outside United States 657,152 656,869 681,716 Total $ 3,522,380 $ 3,123,272 $ 2,981,323
Reconciliation of EBIT From Segments to Consolidated Statements	EBIT Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ (32,379 ) $ (17,899 ) $ 3,043 Presort Services 73,768 97,506 95,258 Commerce Services 41,389 79,607 98,301 North America Mailing 470,268 498,571 594,723 International Mailing 63,820 48,531 45,408 SMB Solutions 534,088 547,102 640,131 Software Solutions 47,094 33,818 22,119 Total segment EBIT 622,571 660,527 760,551 Reconciling items: Interest, net (159,757 ) (164,162 ) (144,211 ) Unallocated corporate expenses (180,481 ) (214,072 ) (199,954 ) Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net (27,077 ) (56,223 ) (60,295 ) Goodwill impairment — — (148,181 ) Pension settlement (31,329 ) — — Gain on sale of technology — 6,085 — Transaction costs (3,602 ) (6,384 ) (6,121 ) Other expense (7,964 ) (3,856 ) — Income from continuing operations before income taxes 212,361 221,915 201,789 Provision for income taxes 12,383 553 106,975 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 23,687 39,978 17,036 Net income $ 223,665 $ 261,340 $ 111,850
Reconciliation of Depreciation and Amortization from Segments to Consolidated	Depreciation and amortization Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 61,046 $ 36,662 $ 30,607 Presort Services 26,838 26,541 27,929 Commerce Services 87,884 63,203 58,536 North America Mailing 68,250 64,803 60,066 International Mailing 16,142 18,562 19,431 SMB Solutions 84,392 83,365 79,497 Software Solutions 9,540 8,978 14,621 Total for reportable segments 181,816 155,546 152,654 Unallocated amounts 21,477 24,104 21,411 Total depreciation and amortization $ 203,293 $ 179,650 — $ 174,065
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated	Capital expenditures Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 46,117 $ 26,810 $ 15,647 Presort Services 42,532 20,860 17,537 Commerce Services 88,649 47,670 33,184 North America Mailing 61,458 69,131 83,547 International Mailing 10,701 11,982 3,163 SMB Solutions 72,159 81,113 86,710 Software Solutions 4,251 9,181 4,617 Total for reportable segments 165,059 137,964 124,511 Unallocated amount 26,385 30,133 34,721 Total capital expenditures $ 191,444 $ 168,097 $ 159,232
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	Assets December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Global Ecommerce $ 1,023,732 $ 1,016,045 $ 449,363 Presort Services 431,512 387,701 373,443 Commerce Services 1,455,244 1,403,746 822,806 North America Mailing 1,859,355 1,965,198 2,073,344 International Mailing 502,370 550,306 521,003 SMB Solutions 2,361,725 2,515,504 2,594,347 Software Solutions 593,050 583,549 569,414 Total for reportable segments 4,410,019 4,502,799 3,986,567 Cash and cash equivalents 867,262 1,009,021 764,522 Short-term investments 59,391 48,988 38,448 Assets of discontinued operations 4,854 334,848 317,333 Other corporate assets 631,377 791,764 730,263 Consolidated assets $ 5,972,903 $ 6,687,420 $ 5,837,133
Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country	Identifiable long-lived assets: United States $ 543,118 $ 501,251 $ 436,795 Outside United States 45,095 56,208 58,339 Total $ 588,213 $ 557,459 $ 495,134

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial information and Assets and Liabilities	The major categories of assets and liabilities of the Production Mail Business included in assets of discontinued operations and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,965 $ — Accounts receivable, net 1,057 97,402 Inventories 849 48,910 Other current assets and prepayments 278 3,365 Property, plant and equipment, net 526 5,541 Rental property and equipment, net 179 1,786 Goodwill — 177,799 Other assets — 45 Assets of discontinued operations $ 4,854 $ 334,848 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 662 $ 36,592 Advance billings 593 30,607 Other current liabilities 2,021 — Other noncurrent liabilities — 5,609 Liabilities of discontinued operations $ 3,276 $ 72,808 Selected financial information of the Production Mail Business included in discontinued operations is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue $ 211,542 $ 426,676 $ 425,252 Earnings from discontinued operations $ 18,952 $ 61,074 $ 41,880 Gain on sale 60,611 — — Income from discontinued operations before taxes 79,563 61,074 41,880 Tax provision 55,876 21,096 24,844 Income from discontinued operations $ 23,687 $ 39,978 $ 17,036

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are presented below. The sum of earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income from continuing operations $ 199,978 $ 221,362 $ 75,769 Income from discontinued operations 23,687 39,978 17,036 Net income (numerator for diluted EPS) 223,665 261,340 92,805 Less: Preference stock dividend 32 36 38 Income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic EPS) $ 223,633 $ 261,304 $ 92,767 Denominator: Weighted-average shares used in basic EPS 187,277 186,332 187,945 Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents 1,105 1,103 1,030 Weighted-average shares used in diluted EPS 188,382 187,435 188,975 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 1.07 $ 1.19 $ 0.40 Discontinued operations 0.13 0.21 0.09 Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 1.19 $ 1.40 $ 0.49 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 1.06 $ 1.18 $ 0.40 Discontinued operations 0.13 0.21 0.09 Net income attributable to Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 1.19 $ 1.39 $ 0.49 Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted earnings per share: 12,089 10,267 8,126

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Components	Inventories at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Raw materials $ 8,231 $ 11,767 Supplies and service parts 21,841 21,475 Finished products 14,897 13,261 Inventory at FIFO cost, net 44,969 46,503 Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost (3,005 ) (5,734 ) Total inventory, net $ 41,964 $ 40,769

Finance Assets (Tables)

Finance Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables	Finance receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 North America International Total North America International Total Sales-type lease receivables Gross finance receivables $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 1,272,690 $ 1,023,549 $ 292,059 $ 1,315,608 Unguaranteed residual values 53,793 12,772 66,565 74,093 14,202 88,295 Unearned income (211,683 ) (55,113 ) (266,796 ) (216,720 ) (62,325 ) (279,045 ) Allowance for credit losses (10,253 ) (2,355 ) (12,608 ) (7,721 ) (2,794 ) (10,515 ) Net investment in sales-type lease receivables 836,348 223,503 1,059,851 873,201 241,142 1,114,343 Loan receivables Loan receivables 300,319 29,270 329,589 339,373 34,492 373,865 Allowance for credit losses (6,777 ) (837 ) (7,614 ) (7,098 ) (1,020 ) (8,118 ) Net investment in loan receivables 293,542 28,433 321,975 332,275 33,472 365,747 Net investment in finance receivables $ 1,129,890 $ 251,936 $ 1,381,826 $ 1,205,476 $ 274,614 $ 1,480,090
Schedule of Financing Receivables, Minimum Payments	Maturities of gross sales-type lease finance receivables at December 31, 2018 were as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables North America International Total 2019 $ 469,288 $ 108,481 $ 577,769 2020 254,781 74,469 329,250 2021 163,481 48,136 211,617 2022 87,674 26,968 114,642 2023 29,086 9,143 38,229 Thereafter 181 1,002 1,183 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 1,272,690
Allowance For Credit Losses On Financing Receivables	Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 6,606 $ 3,542 $ 10,024 $ 1,518 $ 21,690 Amounts charged to expense 5,136 1,161 6,238 836 13,371 Accounts written off (3,495 ) (2,056 ) (7,745 ) (1,265 ) (14,561 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 8,247 2,647 8,517 1,089 20,500 Amounts charged to expense 7,544 1,280 6,273 510 15,607 Accounts written off (8,070 ) (1,133 ) (7,692 ) (579 ) (17,474 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 7,721 2,794 7,098 1,020 18,633 Amounts charged to expense 7,928 1,315 6,825 532 16,600 Accounts written off (5,396 ) (1,754 ) (7,146 ) (715 ) (15,011 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 10,253 $ 2,355 $ 6,777 $ 837 $ 20,222
Past Due Financing Receivables	The aging of finance receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total December 31, 2018 1 - 90 days $ 966,868 $ 263,954 $ 294,126 $ 29,079 $ 1,554,027 > 90 days 37,623 4,245 6,193 191 48,252 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 268,199 $ 300,319 $ 29,270 $ 1,602,279 Past due amounts > 90 days Still accruing interest $ 7,159 $ 1,202 $ 1,769 $ 72 $ 10,202 Not accruing interest 30,464 3,043 4,424 119 38,050 Total $ 37,623 $ 4,245 $ 6,193 $ 191 $ 48,252 Sales-type Lease Receivables Loan Receivables North America International North America International Total December 31, 2017 1 - 90 days $ 971,002 $ 286,170 $ 330,503 $ 34,239 $ 1,621,914 > 90 days 52,547 5,889 8,870 253 67,559 Total $ 1,023,549 $ 292,059 $ 339,373 $ 34,492 $ 1,689,473 Past due amounts > 90 days Still accruing interest $ 10,807 $ 1,738 $ — $ — $ 12,545 Not accruing interest 41,740 4,151 8,870 253 55,014 Total $ 52,547 $ 5,889 $ 8,870 $ 253 $ 67,559
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	The table below shows the North America portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017 by relative risk class (low, medium, high) based on the relative scores of the accounts within each class. The relative scores are determined based on a number of factors, including the company type, ownership structure, payment history and financial information. Some accounts are not scored; however, absence of a score is not indicative of the credit quality of the account. The degree of risk, as defined by the third party, refers to the relative risk that an account may become delinquent in the next 12 month period. • Low risk accounts are companies with very good credit scores and are considered to approximate the top 30% of all commercial borrowers. • Medium risk accounts are companies with average to good credit scores and are considered to approximate the middle 40% of all commercial borrowers. • High risk accounts are companies with poor credit scores, are delinquent or are at risk of becoming delinquent and are considered to approximate the bottom 30% of all commercial borrowers. December 31, 2018 2017 Sales-type lease receivables Low $ 834,230 $ 819,776 Medium 118,945 148,000 High 19,981 21,728 Not Scored 31,335 34,045 Total $ 1,004,491 $ 1,023,549 Loan receivables Low $ 238,620 $ 262,646 Medium 43,952 56,744 High 5,947 6,791 Not Scored 11,800 13,192 Total $ 300,319 $ 339,373

Fixed Assets (Tables)

Fixed Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets	Fixed assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 9,333 $ 9,333 Buildings and improvements 198,025 206,752 Capitalized software 283,446 224,754 Machinery and equipment 718,557 688,725 1,209,361 1,129,564 Accumulated depreciation (799,247 ) (756,061 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 410,114 $ 373,503 Rental property and equipment $ 371,908 $ 386,039 Accumulated depreciation (193,809 ) (202,083 ) Rental property and equipment, net $ 178,099 $ 183,956

Acquisitions, Intangible Asse_2

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure	Intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 480,837 $ (281,190 ) $ 199,647 $ 504,716 $ (271,066 ) $ 233,650 Software & technology 165,088 (143,877 ) 21,211 167,122 (138,724 ) 28,398 Trademarks & other 40,170 (33,891 ) 6,279 40,649 (30,511 ) 10,138 Total intangible assets, net $ 686,095 $ (458,958 ) $ 227,137 $ 712,487 $ (440,301 ) $ 272,186
Future Amortization	The future amortization expense for intangible assets at December 31, 2018 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 40,059 2020 35,001 2021 30,479 2022 29,245 2023 26,100 Thereafter 66,253 Total $ 227,137
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are shown in the tables below. Goodwill before accumulated impairment Accumulated impairment December 31, 2017 Acquisitions Other (1) December 31, 2018 Global Ecommerce $ 602,461 $ — $ 602,461 $ 7,623 $ (653 ) $ 609,431 Presort Services 204,781 — 204,781 2,684 — 207,465 Commerce Services 807,242 — 807,242 10,307 (653 ) 816,896 North America Mailing 368,905 — 368,905 — (657 ) 368,248 International Mailing 158,203 — 158,203 — (10,996 ) 147,207 SMB Solutions 527,108 — 527,108 — (11,653 ) 515,455 Software Solutions 588,476 (148,181 ) — 440,295 — (6,135 ) 434,160 Total goodwill $ 1,922,826 $ (148,181 ) $ 1,774,645 $ 10,307 $ (18,441 ) $ 1,766,511 Goodwill before accumulated impairment Accumulated impairment December 31, 2016 Acquisitions Other (1) December 31, 2017 Global Ecommerce $ 272,189 $ — $ 272,189 $ 330,272 $ — $ 602,461 Presort Services 196,890 — 196,890 7,891 — 204,781 Commerce Services 469,079 — 469,079 338,163 — 807,242 North America Mailing 354,000 — 354,000 — 14,905 368,905 International Mailing 145,566 — 145,566 — 12,637 158,203 SMB Solutions 499,566 — 499,566 — 27,542 527,108 Software Solutions 579,462 (148,181 ) 431,281 — 9,014 440,295 Total goodwill $ 1,548,107 $ (148,181 ) $ 1,399,926 $ 338,163 $ 36,556 $ 1,774,645 (1) Primarily represents foreign currency translation adjustments.

Fair Value Measurements and D_2

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect its placement within the fair value hierarchy. The following tables show, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017 . December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Investment securities Money market funds / commercial paper $ 220,756 $ 391,891 $ — $ 612,647 Equity securities — 19,133 — 19,133 Commingled fixed income securities 1,570 20,141 — 21,711 Government and related securities 98,790 9,787 — 108,577 Corporate debt securities — 56,938 — 56,938 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities — 98,334 — 98,334 Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts — 2,031 — 2,031 Total assets $ 321,116 $ 598,255 $ — $ 919,371 Liabilities: Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts $ — $ (735 ) $ — $ (735 ) Total liabilities $ — $ (735 ) $ — $ (735 ) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Investment securities Money market funds / commercial paper $ 143,349 $ 542,568 $ — $ 685,917 Equity securities — 40,717 — 40,717 Commingled fixed income securities 1,569 4,516 — 6,085 Government and related securities 116,041 18,587 — 134,628 Corporate debt securities — 75,109 — 75,109 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities — 158,202 — 158,202 Derivatives Interest rate swap — 1,776 — 1,776 Foreign exchange contracts — 122 — 122 Total assets $ 260,959 $ 841,597 $ — $ 1,102,556 Liabilities: Derivatives Foreign exchange contracts $ — $ (335 ) $ — $ (335 ) Total liabilities $ — $ (335 ) $ — $ (335 )
Available-For-Sale Securities	Available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Government and related securities $ 109,776 $ 47 $ (1,336 ) $ 108,487 Corporate debt securities 58,714 4 (1,780 ) 56,938 Commingled fixed income securities 1,637 — (67 ) 1,570 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities 100,186 167 (2,019 ) 98,334 Total $ 270,313 $ 218 $ (5,202 ) $ 265,329 December 31, 2017 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Government and related securities $ 131,872 $ 1,984 $ (1,090 ) $ 132,766 Corporate debt securities 73,612 1,724 (227 ) 75,109 Commingled fixed income securities 1,796 — (40 ) 1,756 Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities 158,496 1,348 (1,642 ) 158,202 Total $ 365,776 $ 5,056 $ (2,999 ) $ 367,833 At December 31, 2018 , scheduled maturities of available-for-sale securities were as follows: Amortized cost Estimated fair value Within 1 year $ 49,531 $ 49,286 After 1 year through 5 years 107,848 106,586 After 5 years through 10 years 35,531 34,627 After 10 years 77,403 74,830 Total $ 270,313 $ 265,329
Investment Securities in a Loss Position	Investment securities in a loss position at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Gross unrealized losses Fair Value Gross unrealized losses Greater than 12 continuous months $ 177,331 $ 4,355 $ 115,815 $ 2,290 Less than 12 continuous months 48,318 847 90,838 709 Total $ 225,649 $ 5,202 $ 206,653 $ 2,999
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The fair value of our derivative instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: December 31, Designation of Derivatives Balance Sheet Location 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets and prepayments $ 61 $ 57 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (104 ) (144 ) Interest rate swap Other non-current assets — 1,776 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange contracts Other current assets and prepayments 1,970 65 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (631 ) (191 ) Total derivative assets 2,031 1,898 Total derivative liabilities (735 ) (335 ) Total net derivative asset $ 1,296 $ 1,563
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following represents the results of cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of Gain (Loss) (Effective Portion) Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion) Derivative Instrument 2018 2017 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 106 $ (650 ) Revenue $ 11 $ (179 ) Cost of sales 51 (32 ) Interest rate swap $ (1,776 ) $ 1,776 Interest Expense — — $ 62 $ (211 )
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following represents the results of our non-designated derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Derivatives Instrument Location of Derivative Gain (Loss) 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general and administrative expense $ (33,453 ) $ (2,203 )
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The carrying value and estimated fair value of our debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Carrying value $ 3,265,608 $ 3,830,335 Fair value $ 3,003,678 $ 3,718,986

Supplemental Balance Sheet In_2

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Information	The following table shows selected balance sheet information at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 2017 Other assets: Long-term investments $ 311,417 $ 435,612 Deferred marketing costs — 35,668 Contract assets and cost to obtain a contract 42,287 — Other 59,535 69,471 Total $ 413,239 $ 540,751 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 285,592 $ 284,857 Customer deposits 700,397 693,005 Employee related liabilities 230,044 251,545 Other 185,602 229,447 Total $ 1,401,635 $ 1,458,854

Restructuring Charges and Ass_2

Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The table below shows the activity in our restructuring reserves for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Severance and benefits costs Other exit costs Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 28,234 $ 281 $ 28,515 Expenses, net 50,114 2,545 52,659 Cash payments (36,197 ) (1,257 ) (37,454 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 42,151 1,569 43,720 Expenses, net 19,130 6,507 25,637 Cash payments (47,640 ) (5,334 ) (52,974 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 13,641 $ 2,742 $ 16,383

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	December 31, Interest rate 2018 2017 Notes due March 2018 5.60% $ — $ 250,000 Notes due March 2019 6.25% — 300,000 Notes due September 2020 3.875% 300,000 300,000 Notes due October 2021 3.875% 600,000 600,000 Notes due May 2022 4.375% 400,000 400,000 Notes due April 2023 4.95% 400,000 400,000 Notes due March 2024 4.625% 500,000 500,000 Notes due January 2037 5.25% 35,841 35,841 Notes due March 2043 6.70% 425,000 425,000 Term loans Variable 630,000 650,000 Other debt 5,297 5,476 Principal amount 3,296,138 3,866,317 Less: unamortized costs, net 30,530 35,982 Total debt 3,265,608 3,830,335 Less: current portion long-term debt 199,535 271,057 Long-term debt $ 3,066,073 $ 3,559,278
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Annual maturities of outstanding debt at December 31, 2018 are as follows: 2019 $ 200,194 2020 730,103 2021 600,000 2022 400,000 2023 400,000 Thereafter 965,841 Total $ 3,296,138

Retirement Plans and Postreti_2

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and the Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans	The benefit obligations and funded status of defined benefit pension plans are as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,500,691 $ 1,726,824 $ 659,628 $ 737,580 Projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation - beginning of year $ 1,727,737 $ 1,678,097 $ 751,373 $ 688,172 Service cost 92 132 2,159 2,274 Interest cost 61,490 68,611 18,089 18,836 Plan participants' contributions — — 7 6 Actuarial (gain) loss (124,298 ) 92,789 (41,995 ) 2,098 Foreign currency changes — — (40,559 ) 64,236 Plan amendments — — 9,009 — Settlement / curtailment (82,273 ) — (6,703 ) — Benefits paid (81,608 ) (111,892 ) (28,736 ) (24,249 ) Benefit obligation - end of year $ 1,501,140 $ 1,727,737 $ 662,644 $ 751,373 Fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year $ 1,557,907 $ 1,464,082 $ 632,710 $ 547,290 Actual return on plan assets (73,745 ) 199,749 (17,043 ) 46,542 Company contributions 6,753 5,968 10,939 13,081 Plan participants' contributions — — 7 6 Settlement (82,273 ) — — — Foreign currency changes — — (35,360 ) 50,040 Benefits paid (81,608 ) (111,892 ) (28,736 ) (24,249 ) Fair value of plan assets - end of year $ 1,327,034 $ 1,557,907 $ 562,517 $ 632,710 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Noncurrent asset $ 277 $ 392 $ 14,225 $ 19,139 Current liability (10,975 ) (8,362 ) (1,197 ) (1,188 ) Noncurrent liability (163,408 ) (161,860 ) (113,155 ) (136,614 ) Funded status $ (174,106 ) $ (169,830 ) $ (100,127 ) $ (118,663 )
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	Information provided in the table below is only for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 : United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Projected benefit obligation $ 1,500,680 $ 1,727,292 $ 540,798 $ 614,371 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,500,231 $ 1,726,378 $ 538,666 $ 601,412 Fair value of plan assets $ 1,326,296 $ 1,557,069 $ 426,446 $ 476,825
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Pretax amounts recognized in AOCI consist of: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ 809,836 $ 835,265 $ 318,474 $ 321,914 Prior service credit (330 ) (391 ) 8,496 (597 ) Transition asset — — (17 ) (24 ) Total $ 809,506 $ 834,874 $ 326,953 $ 321,293 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for defined benefit pension plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 50,534 $ (9,304 ) $ 3,824 $ (12,202 ) Plan amendment — — 9,009 — Amortization of net actuarial loss (31,298 ) (28,954 ) (7,264 ) (8,052 ) Amortization of prior service credit 60 60 71 71 Net transition asset — — 7 8 Settlement/Curtailment (44,665 ) — 13 — Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ (25,369 ) $ (38,198 ) $ 5,660 $ (20,175 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation for nonpension postretirement benefit plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: 2018 2017 Net actuarial (gain) loss $ (11,837 ) $ 5,134 Curtailment (246 ) — Amortization of net actuarial loss (3,048 ) (3,600 ) Amortization of prior service cost (304 ) (297 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ (15,435 ) $ 1,237
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The weighted-average discount rates used to determine end of year benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost include: 2018 2017 2016 Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation U.S. 4.20 % 3.55 % 3.90 % Canada 3.60 % 3.35 % 3.65 % Discount rate used to determine net period benefit cost U.S. 3.55 % 3.90 % 4.20 % Canada 3.35 % 3.65 % 3.95 % Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans include: 2018 2017 2016 United States Used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 4.34% 3.69% 4.20% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A Used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 3.69% 4.20% 4.55% Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 6.75% 7.00% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A Foreign Used to determine benefit obligations Discount rate 0.75 % - 3.55% 0.65 % - 3.35% 0.70 % - 3.65% Rate of compensation increase 1.50 % - 2.50% 1.50 % - 2.50% 1.50 % - 2.50% Used to determine net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 0.65 % - 3.35% 0.70 % - 3.65% 1.15 % - 3.95% Expected return on plan assets 3.75 % - 6.25% 3.75 % - 6.25% 3.75 % - 6.51% Rate of compensation increase 1.50 % - 3.25% 1.50 % - 3.30% 1.50 % - 3.50%
Schedule of Target Allocation and Percentage of Plan Assets for Domestic Pension Plan	Target and actual allocations for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 for the U.S. pension plans were as follows: Target allocation Percent of Plan Assets at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset category U.S. equities 14 % 13 % 15 % Non-U.S. equities 13 % 13 % 15 % Fixed income 63 % 64 % 62 % Real estate 5 % 7 % 6 % Private equity 5 % 3 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule of Target Allocation and Percentage of Plan Assets for Foreign Pension Plan	Target and actual asset allocations for the U.K. Plan for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Target Allocation Percent of Plan Assets at December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Asset category U.K. equities 10 % 9 % 10 % Non-U.K. equities 30 % 29 % 29 % Fixed income 40 % 41 % 41 % Real estate 10 % 10 % 9 % Diversified growth 10 % 10 % 9 % Cash — % 1 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule of Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets	Foreign Plans December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ 11,172 $ — $ 11,172 Equity securities — 194,914 — 194,914 Commingled fixed income securities — 198,902 — 198,902 Government and related securities — 40,055 — 40,055 Corporate debt securities — 29,996 — 29,996 Real estate — — 42,143 42,143 Diversified growth funds — — 40,766 40,766 Total plan assets at fair value $ — $ 475,039 $ 82,909 $ 557,948 Cash 3,903 Other 666 Fair value of plan assets $ 562,517 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ 13,375 $ — $ 13,375 Equity securities — 226,032 — 226,032 Commingled fixed income securities — 213,844 — 213,844 Government and related securities — 66,115 — 66,115 Corporate debt securities — 24,889 — 24,889 Real estate — — 41,601 41,601 Diversified growth funds — — 44,024 44,024 Total plan assets at fair value $ — $ 544,255 $ 85,625 $ 629,880 Cash 2,203 Other 627 Fair value of plan assets $ 632,710 United States Pension Plans December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ 3,498 $ 5,759 $ — $ 9,257 Equity securities 110,840 109,864 — 220,704 Commingled fixed income securities — 281,258 — 281,258 Government and related securities 258,535 16,144 — 274,679 Corporate debt securities — 435,285 — 435,285 Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities — 23,474 — 23,474 Private equity — — 32,750 32,750 Real estate — — 96,877 96,877 Securities lending collateral — 117,603 — 117,603 Total plan assets at fair value $ 372,873 $ 989,387 $ 129,627 $ 1,491,887 Securities lending payable (117,603 ) Cash 11,341 Other (58,591 ) Fair value of plan assets $ 1,327,034 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ 8,810 $ 9,350 $ — $ 18,160 Equity securities 152,815 150,043 — 302,858 Commingled fixed income securities — 377,078 — 377,078 Government and related securities 295,404 20,473 — 315,877 Corporate debt securities — 418,908 — 418,908 Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities — 19,223 — 19,223 Private equity — — 38,362 38,362 Real estate — — 91,352 91,352 Securities lending collateral — 152,179 — 152,179 Total plan assets at fair value $ 457,029 $ 1,147,254 $ 129,714 $ 1,733,997 Securities lending payable (152,179 ) Cash 5,186 Other (29,097 ) Fair value of plan assets $ 1,557,907
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets Domestic	The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : United States Pension Plans MBS & ABS Private equity Real estate Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,236 $ 49,637 $ 87,852 $ 138,725 Realized gains 25 9,226 980 10,231 Unrealized gains (losses) 49 (2,334 ) 2,397 112 Net purchases, sales and settlements (1,310 ) (18,167 ) 123 (19,354 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 — 38,362 91,352 129,714 Realized gains — 8,264 1,001 9,265 Unrealized (losses) gains — (1,409 ) 4,462 3,053 Net purchases, sales and settlements — (12,467 ) 62 (12,405 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 32,750 $ 96,877 $ 129,627 Foreign Pension Plans Real estate Diversified growth funds Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 34,483 $ 36,779 $ 71,262 Unrealized gains 2,159 3,551 5,710 Net purchases, sales and settlements 1,481 — 1,481 Foreign currency 3,478 3,694 7,172 Balance at December 31, 2017 41,601 44,024 85,625 Unrealized gains (losses) 1,317 (4,948 ) (3,631 ) Net purchases, sales and settlements 1,653 4,090 5,743 Foreign currency (2,428 ) (2,400 ) (4,828 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 42,143 $ 40,766 $ 82,909
Schedule of Change in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and the Funded Status of Nonpension Benefit Plans	The benefit obligation and funded status for nonpension postretirement benefit plans are as follows: 2018 2017 Benefit obligation Benefit obligation - beginning of year $ 188,841 $ 189,772 Service cost 1,405 1,727 Interest cost 6,640 7,100 Plan participants' contributions 3,200 3,820 Actuarial (gain) loss (11,304 ) 5,134 Foreign currency changes (1,178 ) 1,066 Curtailment (533 ) — Benefits paid (20,596 ) (19,778 ) Benefit obligation - end of year (1) $ 166,475 $ 188,841 Fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year $ — $ — Company contribution 17,396 15,958 Plan participants' contributions 3,200 3,820 Benefits paid (20,596 ) (19,778 ) Fair value of plan assets - end of year $ — $ — Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Current liability $ (17,013 ) $ (17,712 ) Non-current liability (149,463 ) (171,129 ) Funded status $ (166,476 ) $ (188,841 ) (1) The benefit obligation for U.S. nonpension postretirement plans was $154 million and $172 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Pretax amounts recognized in AOCI consist of: 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ 28,368 $ 43,160 Prior service cost 823 1,466 Total $ 29,191 $ 44,626
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for defined benefit pension plans were as follows: United States Foreign 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 92 $ 132 $ 105 $ 2,159 $ 2,274 $ 2,148 Interest cost 61,490 68,611 73,699 18,089 18,836 21,886 Expected return on plan assets (101,087 ) (97,656 ) (101,918 ) (35,687 ) (32,242 ) (32,615 ) Amortization of net transition asset — — — (7 ) (8 ) (8 ) Amortization of prior service credit (60 ) (60 ) (60 ) (71 ) (71 ) (73 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 31,298 28,954 27,220 7,264 8,052 5,264 Special termination benefits — — — 208 — 52 Settlement/Curtailment 44,665 — 2,109 (13 ) — 110 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 36,398 $ (19 ) $ 1,155 $ (8,058 ) $ (3,159 ) $ (3,236 ) The components of net periodic benefit cost for nonpension postretirement benefit plans were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 1,405 $ 1,727 $ 2,046 Interest cost 6,640 7,100 7,969 Amortization of prior service cost 304 297 297 Amortization of net actuarial loss 3,048 3,600 3,615 Curtailment 246 — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 11,643 $ 12,724 $ 13,927
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid. Pension Benefits Nonpension Benefits Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 137,312 $ 17,040 2020 131,672 16,376 2021 129,641 15,783 2022 128,972 14,737 2023 128,774 13,706 Thereafter 627,369 59,518 $ 1,283,740 $ 137,160

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income before Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income from continuing operations before taxes consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. $ 114,982 $ 140,574 $ 126,856 International 97,379 81,341 74,933 Total $ 212,361 $ 221,915 $ 201,789
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. Federal: Current $ (50,333 ) $ 31,691 $ 76,117 Deferred 56,715 (49,812 ) (1,979 ) 6,382 (18,121 ) 74,138 U.S. State and Local: Current (10,489 ) (2,330 ) 6,377 Deferred (911 ) 15,316 4,682 (11,400 ) 12,986 11,059 International: Current 16,224 (3,418 ) 21,014 Deferred 1,177 9,106 764 17,401 5,688 21,778 Total current (44,598 ) 25,943 103,508 Total deferred 56,981 (25,390 ) 3,467 Total provision for income taxes $ 12,383 $ 553 $ 106,975 Effective tax rate 5.8 % 0.2 % 53.0 %
Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and our provision for income taxes consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Federal statutory provision $ 44,596 $ 77,671 $ 70,627 State and local income taxes (1) 1,251 5,418 7,188 Impact of foreign operations taxed at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate (1,988 ) (15,859 ) (9,236 ) Accrual/release of uncertain tax amounts related to foreign operations (4,595 ) (17,919 ) (7,482 ) U.S. tax impacts of foreign income in the U.S. 7,683 2,778 2,929 Tax exempt income/reimbursement — — (935 ) Tax incentives/credits/exempt income 2,026 (14,329 ) (9,020 ) Goodwill impairments — — 50,003 Remeasurement of U.S. deferred taxes (13,121 ) (129,960 ) — U.S. tax on unremitted earnings (23,711 ) 90,916 — Other, net 242 1,837 2,901 Provision for income taxes $ 12,383 $ 553 $ 106,975 (1) Includes release of tax uncertainties of $(9) million , $(3) million and $(3) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation $ (102,726 ) $ (77,415 ) Deferred profit (for tax purposes) on sale to finance subsidiary (41,951 ) (60,340 ) Lease revenue and related depreciation (166,544 ) (133,908 ) Intangible assets (98,707 ) (106,488 ) Other (33,353 ) (22,468 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (443,281 ) (400,619 ) Deferred tax assets: Nonpension postretirement benefits 42,422 48,387 Pension 60,063 66,270 Inventory and equipment capitalization 7,216 11,380 Restructuring charges 5,064 12,476 Long-term incentives 11,517 11,544 Net operating loss 106,029 108,006 Tax credit carry forwards 64,148 82,285 Tax uncertainties gross-up 6,692 9,920 Other 46,885 36,936 Gross deferred tax assets 350,036 387,204 Less: Valuation allowance (142,496 ) (178,156 ) Net deferred tax assets 207,540 209,048 Total deferred taxes, net $ (235,741 ) $ (191,571 )
Tax Uncertainties Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 89,767 $ 124,728 $ 139,249 Increases from prior period positions 88 528 — Decreases from prior period positions (15,145 ) (31,470 ) (21,207 ) Increases from current period positions 6,001 5,951 10,867 Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities (4,844 ) (6,953 ) (1,791 ) Reductions from lapse of applicable statute of limitations (4,409 ) (3,017 ) (2,390 ) Balance at end of year $ 71,458 $ 89,767 $ 124,728

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2018 were as follows: Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 48,182 2020 41,366 2021 34,665 2022 26,616 2023 17,988 Thereafter 62,668 Total minimum lease payments $ 231,485

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	The following table summarizes the changes in shares of Common Stock outstanding and Treasury Stock: Common Stock Outstanding Treasury Stock Balance at December 31, 2015 195,521,208 127,816,704 Repurchases of common stock (10,633,235 ) 10,633,235 Issuance of common stock 767,060 (767,060 ) Conversions to common stock 13,685 (13,685 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 185,668,718 137,669,194 Issuance of common stock 881,480 (881,480 ) Conversions to common stock 53,540 (53,540 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 186,603,738 136,734,174 Issuance of common stock 1,043,809 (1,043,809 ) Conversions to common stock 27,535 (27,535 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 187,675,082 135,662,830

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Amounts Reclassified from AOCI (a) Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Revenue $ 11 $ (179 ) $ 68 Cost of sales 51 (32 ) (222 ) Interest expense (1,183 ) (2,028 ) (2,028 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (1,267 ) — — Total before tax (2,388 ) (2,239 ) (2,182 ) Tax benefit (941 ) (872 ) (850 ) Net of tax $ (1,447 ) $ (1,367 ) $ (1,332 ) Gain (loss) on available for sale securities Interest income $ 3,244 $ (520 ) $ (1,126 ) Tax (benefit) provision 821 (201 ) (433 ) Net of tax $ 2,423 $ (319 ) $ (693 ) Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (b) Transition asset $ 7 $ 8 $ 8 Prior service costs (173 ) (166 ) (164 ) Actuarial losses (41,610 ) (40,606 ) (38,370 ) Settlement (44,898 ) — — Total before tax (86,674 ) (40,764 ) (38,526 ) Tax benefit (21,675 ) (13,936 ) (14,430 ) Net of tax $ (64,999 ) $ (26,828 ) $ (24,096 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to income and increases to other comprehensive income. (b) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other components of net pension and postretirement cost. These amounts are included in net periodic costs for defined benefit pension plans and nonpension postretirement benefit plans (see Note 14 for additional details).
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Cash flow hedges Available-for-sale securities Pension and postretirement benefit plans Foreign currency adjustments Total Balance January 1, 2016 $ (3,912 ) $ 536 $ (738,768 ) $ (146,491 ) $ (888,635 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) 1,095 (1,109 ) (73,141 ) (4,464 ) (77,619 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,332 693 24,096 — 26,121 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 2,427 (416 ) (49,045 ) (4,464 ) (51,498 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 (1,485 ) 120 (787,813 ) (150,955 ) (940,133 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) (288 ) 1,158 12,185 106,391 119,446 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,367 319 26,828 — 28,514 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,079 1,477 39,013 106,391 147,960 Balance at December 31, 2017 (406 ) 1,597 (748,800 ) (44,564 ) (792,173 ) Cumulative effect of accounting change (87 ) 344 (116,490 ) — (116,233 ) Restated balance at December 31, 2017 (493 ) 1,941 (865,290 ) (44,564 ) (908,406 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (a) (763 ) (2,579 ) (46,170 ) (54,531 ) (104,043 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a), (b) 1,447 (2,423 ) 64,999 — 64,023 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 684 (5,002 ) 18,829 (54,531 ) (40,020 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 191 $ (3,061 ) $ (846,461 ) $ (99,095 ) $ (948,426 ) (a) Amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI. (b) See table above for additional details of these reclassifications.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	The following table summarizes information about RSUs during 2018 and 2017 : 2018 2017 Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding - beginning of the year 2,651,053 $ 14.16 1,609,459 $ 17.50 Granted 1,754,098 12.36 1,995,473 13.24 Vested (963,010 ) 11.41 (784,295 ) 19.42 Forfeited (213,802 ) 13.26 (169,584 ) 14.76 Outstanding - end of the year 3,228,339 $ 13.33 2,651,053 $ 14.16
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Performance Stock Units Award Activity	The following table summarizes share information about PSUs during 2018 : 2018 2017 Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding - beginning of the year 1,145,025 $ 13.43 379,898 $ 25.01 Granted 733,148 12.64 1,073,934 10.51 Vested (91,493 ) 12.21 (258,688 ) 13.17 Forfeited (133,676 ) 14.26 (50,119 ) 26.10 Outstanding - end of the year 1,653,004 $ 13.08 1,145,025 $ 13.43
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table summarizes information about stock option activity during 2018 and 2017 : 2018 2017 Shares Per share weighted average exercise prices Shares Per share weighted average exercise prices Options outstanding - beginning of the year 10,495,039 $ 21.67 9,122,762 $ 27.13 Granted 4,932,467 8.47 2,553,510 13.16 Canceled (258,509 ) 13.09 (63,517 ) 20.34 Expired (1,575,841 ) 36.86 (1,117,716 ) 46.88 Options outstanding - end of the year 13,593,156 $ 15.30 10,495,039 $ 21.67 Options exercisable - end of the year 6,824,433 $ 20.23 6,690,250 $ 25.57
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	The following table provides additional information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of per share exercise prices Shares Per share weighted-average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual life Shares Per share weighted-average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual life $5.99 - $13.11 4,537,267 $ 8.02 9.7 years — $ — — $13.16 - $17.71 4,903,330 14.72 7.3 years 2,879,149 15.21 6.8 years $19.45 - $26.07 4,152,559 23.94 2.0 years 3,945,284 23.90 1.7 years 13,593,156 $ 15.30 6.5 years 6,824,433 $ 20.23 3.9 years
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The follow table lists the weighted average of assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted during 2018 and 2017 : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Expected dividend yield 9.9 % 5.7 % 4.5 % Expected stock price volatility 37.8 % 29.7 % 29.0 % Risk-free interest rate 2.8 % 2.3 % 1.6 % Expected life 7 years 7 years 7 years Weighted-average fair value per option granted $1.26 $2.00 $2.85 Fair value of options granted $6,229 $5,107 $5,013

Quarterly Financial Data (una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total 2018 Revenue $ 880,948 $ 861,436 $ 832,856 $ 947,140 $ 3,522,380 Cost of revenues 463,861 455,816 446,753 526,519 1,892,949 Operating expenses 355,798 352,156 340,974 368,142 1,417,070 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 61,289 53,464 45,129 52,479 212,361 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 16,263 6,458 (1,976 ) (8,362 ) 12,383 Income from continuing operations 45,026 47,006 47,105 60,841 199,978 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 8,487 1,208 29,848 (15,856 ) 23,687 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 53,513 $ 48,214 $ 76,953 $ 44,985 $ 223,665 Basic earnings (loss) per share (1) Continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 1.07 Discontinued operations 0.05 0.01 0.16 (0.08 ) 0.13 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.29 $ 0.26 $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 1.19 Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1) Continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 1.06 Discontinued operations 0.05 0.01 0.16 (0.08 ) 0.13 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 1.19 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total 2017 Revenue $ 743,180 $ 730,413 $ 733,273 $ 916,406 $ 3,123,272 Cost of revenues 310,367 319,904 328,172 474,317 1,432,760 Operating expenses 348,307 368,258 348,836 403,196 1,468,597 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 84,506 42,251 56,265 38,893 221,915 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 27,082 790 10,828 (38,147 ) 553 Income from continuing operations 57,424 41,461 45,437 77,040 221,362 Income from discontinued operations 7,709 7,440 11,921 12,908 39,978 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 65,133 $ 48,901 $ 57,358 $ 89,948 $ 261,340 Basic earnings per share (1) : Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.41 $ 1.19 Discontinued operations 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.21 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.35 $ 0.26 $ 0.31 $ 0.48 $ 1.40 Diluted earnings per share (1): Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.41 $ 1.18 Discontinued operations 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.21 Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. $ 0.35 $ 0.26 $ 0.31 $ 0.48 $ 1.39 (1) The sum of earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2019	Oct. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Reclassification of tax on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		$ 14,000,000
Rentals Revenue
Initial direct costs included in rental property and equipment	$ 17,000,000	10,000,000
Amortization of initial direct costs	5,000,000	5,000,000	$ 7,000,000
Costs to Obtain a Contract
Amortization expense	15,000,000
Unamortized contract costs	42,287,000	0
Deferred Marketing Costs
Deferred marketing costs	0	35,668,000
New Accounting Pronouncements
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	(12,207,000)
Retained earnings	5,416,777,000	5,229,584,000
Other assets
Costs to Obtain a Contract
Unamortized contract costs	29,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expense
Deferred Marketing Costs
Deferred costs expensed		$ 13,000,000	$ 15,000,000
ASU 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements
Reclassification from AOCI	116,000,000
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	$ 0
ASU 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements
Retained earnings					$ 3,000,000
Minimum | ASU 2016-02 | Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements
Right-of-use asset				$ 175,000,000
Lease liability				175,000,000
Maximum
Intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful lives	15 years
Maximum | ASU 2016-02 | Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements
Right-of-use asset				225,000,000
Lease liability				$ 225,000,000
Buildings
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	50 years
Building improvements | Minimum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Building improvements | Maximum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	20 years
Software development costs | Minimum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Software development costs | Maximum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	12 years
Rental equipment | Minimum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	4 years
Rental equipment | Maximum
Fixed Assets
Estimated useful lives	6 years

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ (5,416,777)	$ (5,229,584)
Advanced billings, revenue recognized	$ 190,000
Expected timing of satisfaction period	12 months
Software
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cost of products and sales	$ 100,681	95,033	$ 96,151
Support services
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cost of products and sales	$ 168,271	163,889	166,247
Support services | Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Period of recognition	1 year
Support services | Maximum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Period of recognition	5 years
Business services
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cost of products and sales	$ 1,246,084	$ 773,052	$ 568,509
Business services | Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Period of recognition	1 year
Business services | Maximum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Period of recognition	5 years
ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Retained earnings				$ 9,000
ASC 606 | Increase (decrease)
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ (27,045)
ASC 606 | Software
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cost of products and sales	43,000
ASC 606 | Software | Increase (decrease)
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cost of products and sales	$ 4,349

Revenue from Contracts with C_4

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Income Statement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 947,140	$ 832,856	$ 861,436	$ 880,948	$ 916,406	$ 733,273	$ 730,413	$ 743,180	$ 3,522,380	$ 3,123,272	$ 2,981,323
Total from contracts with customers									2,629,541
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses									3,310,019	2,901,357	2,779,534
Selling, general and administrative									1,123,116	1,170,905	1,140,100
Income before income taxes									212,361
ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									2,629,541
Prior guidance | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue									3,483,757
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses									3,318,288
Selling, general and administrative									1,135,543
Income before income taxes									165,469
Increase (decrease) | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue									38,623
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses									(8,269)
Selling, general and administrative									(12,427)
Income before income taxes									46,892
Equipment sales
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue									430,451	476,691	480,031
Total from contracts with customers									112,056
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									181,766	201,116	203,220
Equipment sales | Prior guidance | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue									432,911
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									181,957
Equipment sales | Increase (decrease) | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue									(2,460)
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									(191)
Software
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									340,855	331,843	325,577
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									100,681	95,033	96,151
Software | ASC 606
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									43,000
Software | Prior guidance | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									297,976
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									96,332
Software | Increase (decrease) | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									42,879
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									4,349
Business services
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,561,522	1,068,426	827,676
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products and sales									1,246,084	$ 773,052	$ 568,509
Business services | Prior guidance | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,563,318
Business services | Increase (decrease) | ASC 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									$ (1,796)

Revenue from Contracts with C_5

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Total assets	$ 5,972,903		$ 6,687,420	$ 5,837,133
Accounts receivable, net	455,807		427,022
Other current assets and prepayments	99,332		83,293
Other assets	413,239		540,751
Total Liabilities
Total liabilities	5,733,431		6,498,859
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,401,635		1,458,854
Advance billings	237,529		257,766
Other noncurrent liabilities	474,862		519,079
Stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders’ equity	239,472		188,561	$ (103,660)	$ 178,721
Retained earnings	5,416,777		5,229,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(948,426)		$ (792,173)
ASC 606
Stockholders' equity:
Retained earnings		$ (9,000)
Prior guidance | ASC 606
ASSETS
Total assets	5,951,075
Accounts receivable, net	454,414
Other current assets and prepayments	90,659
Other assets	400,955
Total Liabilities
Total liabilities	5,737,751
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,396,650
Advance billings	252,472
Other noncurrent liabilities	477,208
Stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders’ equity	213,325
Retained earnings	5,389,732
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(947,528)
Total increase (decrease) | ASC 606
ASSETS
Total assets	21,828
Accounts receivable, net	1,393
Other current assets and prepayments	8,673
Other assets	12,284
Total Liabilities
Total liabilities	(4,320)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,985
Advance billings	(14,943)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(2,346)
Stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders’ equity	26,147
Retained earnings	27,045
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (898)

Revenue from Contracts with C_6

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Disaggregates of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									$ 2,629,541
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									892,839
Revenue	$ 947,140	$ 832,856	$ 861,436	$ 880,948	$ 916,406	$ 733,273	$ 730,413	$ 743,180	3,522,380	$ 3,123,272	$ 2,981,323
ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									2,629,541
Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									464,720
Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									2,164,821
Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									2,629,541
Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									112,056
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									318,395
Revenue									430,451	476,691	480,031
Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									218,304	231,412	241,950
Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									340,855	331,843	325,577
Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									27,604
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									335,453
Revenue									363,057	384,123	410,241
Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									75,787
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									238,991
Revenue									314,778	330,985	366,424
Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									293,413	299,792	329,424
Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,561,522	1,068,426	827,676
Software Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									340,855	$ 331,627	$ 325,150
Software Solutions | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									340,855
Software Solutions | Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									134,360
Software Solutions | Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									206,495
Software Solutions | Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									340,855
Software Solutions | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Software Solutions | Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Software Solutions | Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									340,855
Software Solutions | Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Software Solutions | Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Software Solutions | Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Software Solutions | Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,022,862
Global Ecommerce | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,022,862
Global Ecommerce | Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,022,862
Global Ecommerce | Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,022,862
Global Ecommerce | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Global Ecommerce | Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									1,022,862
Presort Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									515,795
Presort Services | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									515,795
Presort Services | Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									515,795
Presort Services | Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									515,795
Presort Services | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
Presort Services | Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									515,795
North America Mailing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									513,393
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									761,632
Revenue									1,275,025
North America Mailing | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									513,393
North America Mailing | Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									203,872
North America Mailing | Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									309,521
North America Mailing | Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									513,393
North America Mailing | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									59,589
North America Mailing | Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									144,283
North America Mailing | Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
North America Mailing | Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									19,390
North America Mailing | Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									64,279
North America Mailing | Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									208,855
North America Mailing | Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									16,997
International Mailing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									236,636
Revenue from leasing transactions and financing									131,207
Revenue									367,843
International Mailing | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									236,636
International Mailing | Products/services transferred at a point in time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									126,488
International Mailing | Products/services transferred over time | ASC 606
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									110,148
International Mailing | Sales And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									236,636
International Mailing | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									52,467
International Mailing | Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									74,021
International Mailing | Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									0
International Mailing | Rentals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									8,214
International Mailing | Financing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									11,508
International Mailing | Support services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									84,558
International Mailing | Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue from sales and services (ASC 606)									$ 5,868

Revenue from Contracts with C_7

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Contract Assets and Advance Billings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contracts assets, current	$ 16,115	$ 5,075
Contracts assets, noncurrent	13,092	648
Advance billings, current	185,322	209,098
Advance billings, noncurrent	12,778	$ 17,765
Increase (decrease)
Contracts assets, current	11,040
Contracts assets, noncurrent	12,444
Advance billings, current	(23,776)
Advance billings, noncurrent	$ (4,987)

Revenue from Contracts with C_8

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Future Performance Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 249,095
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	173,855
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	193,976
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	616,926
Software Solutions | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 66,185
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Software Solutions | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 38,373
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Software Solutions | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 22,170
Expected timing of satisfaction period	3 years
Software Solutions | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 126,728
North America Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 144,989
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
North America Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 110,930
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
North America Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 133,738
Expected timing of satisfaction period	3 years
North America Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 389,657
International Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 37,921
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
International Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 24,552
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
International Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 38,068
Expected timing of satisfaction period	3 years
International Mailing | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Future performance obligations	$ 100,541

Segment Information (Revenues)

Segment Information (Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									$ 2,629,541
Revenue	$ 947,140	$ 832,856	$ 861,436	$ 880,948	$ 916,406	$ 733,273	$ 730,413	$ 743,180	3,522,380	$ 3,123,272	$ 2,981,323
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									2,865,228	2,466,403	2,299,607
Outside United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									657,152	656,869	681,716
Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,022,862
Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									515,795
North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									513,393
Revenue									1,275,025
International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									236,636
Revenue									367,843
Commerce Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,538,657	1,050,143	814,902
Commerce Services | Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,022,862	552,242	339,320
Commerce Services | Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									515,795	497,901	475,582
SMB Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,642,868	1,741,502	1,841,271
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									1,275,025	1,357,405	1,429,027
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									367,843	384,097	412,244
Software Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total from contracts with customers									$ 340,855	$ 331,627	$ 325,150

Segment Information (EBIT) (Det

Segment Information (EBIT) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciling items:
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net									$ (27,077)	$ (56,223)	$ (60,295)
Goodwill impairment									0	0	(148,181)
Gain on sale of technology									0	6,085	0
Other expense									(7,964)	(3,856)	0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 52,479	$ 45,129	$ 53,464	$ 61,289	$ 38,893	$ 56,265	$ 42,251	$ 84,506	212,361	221,915	201,789
Provision for income taxes	(8,362)	(1,976)	6,458	16,263	(38,147)	10,828	790	27,082	12,383	553	106,975
Income from discontinued operations	$ (15,856)	$ 29,848	$ 1,208	$ 8,487	$ 12,908	$ 11,921	$ 7,440	$ 7,709	23,687	39,978	17,036
Net income									223,665	261,340	111,850
Commerce Services | Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									(32,379)	(17,899)	3,043
Commerce Services | Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									73,768	97,506	95,258
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									470,268	498,571	594,723
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									63,820	48,531	45,408
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									622,571	660,527	760,551
Operating Segments | Commerce Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									41,389	79,607	98,301
Operating Segments | SMB Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									534,088	547,102	640,131
Operating Segments | Software Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
EBIT									47,094	33,818	22,119
Reconciling Items
Reconciling items:
Interest, net									(159,757)	(164,162)	(144,211)
Unallocated corporate expenses									(180,481)	(214,072)	(199,954)
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net									(27,077)	(56,223)	(60,295)
Goodwill impairment									0	0	(148,181)
Pension settlement									(31,329)	0	0
Gain on sale of technology									0	6,085	0
Transaction costs									3,602	6,384	6,121
Other expense									$ (7,964)	$ (3,856)	$ 0

Segment Information (Depreciati

Segment Information (Depreciation and Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 203,293	$ 179,650	$ 174,065
Digital Commerce Solutions | Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	61,046	36,662	30,607
Digital Commerce Solutions | Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	26,838	26,541	27,929
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	68,250	64,803	60,066
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	16,142	18,562	19,431
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	181,816	155,546	152,654
Operating Segments | Digital Commerce Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	87,884	63,203	58,536
Operating Segments | SMB Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	84,392	83,365	79,497
Operating Segments | Software Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	9,540	8,978	14,621
Unallocated amount
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 21,477	$ 24,104	$ 21,411

Segment Information (Capital Ex

Segment Information (Capital Expenditures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 191,444	$ 168,097	$ 159,232
Commerce Services | Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	46,117	26,810	15,647
Commerce Services | Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	42,532	20,860	17,537
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	61,458	69,131	83,547
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	10,701	11,982	3,163
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	165,059	137,964	124,511
Operating Segments | Commerce Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	88,649	47,670	33,184
Operating Segments | SMB Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	72,159	81,113	86,710
Operating Segments | Software Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	4,251	9,181	4,617
Unallocated amount
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 26,385	$ 30,133	$ 34,721

Segment Information (Assets) (D

Segment Information (Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 5,972,903	$ 6,687,420	$ 5,837,133
Cash and cash equivalents	867,262	1,009,021	764,522
Short-term investments	59,391	48,988
Identifiable long-lived assets	588,213	557,459	495,134
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable long-lived assets	543,118	501,251	436,795
Outside United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable long-lived assets	45,095	56,208	58,339
Commerce Services | Global Ecommerce
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,023,732	1,016,045	449,363
Commerce Services | Presort Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	431,512	387,701	373,443
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,859,355	1,965,198	2,073,344
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	502,370	550,306	521,003
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	4,410,019	4,502,799	3,986,567
Operating Segments | Commerce Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,455,244	1,403,746	822,806
Operating Segments | SMB Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,361,725	2,515,504	2,594,347
Operating Segments | Software Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	593,050	583,549	569,414
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	867,262	1,009,021	764,522
Short-term investments	59,391	48,988	38,448
Assets of discontinued operations	4,854	334,848	317,333
Consolidated assets	$ 631,377	$ 791,764	$ 730,263

Discontinued Operations (Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - DMT - Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pension settlement		$ 13
Transaction costs		$ 11
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash transferred	$ 340
Proceeds from sale, net	$ 270

Discontinued Operations (Financ

Discontinued Operations (Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations	$ (15,856)	$ 29,848	$ 1,208	$ 8,487	$ 12,908	$ 11,921	$ 7,440	$ 7,709	$ 23,687	$ 39,978	$ 17,036
DMT | Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue									211,542	426,676	425,252
Earnings from discontinued operations									18,952	61,074	41,880
Gain on sale									60,611	0	0
Income from discontinued operations before taxes									79,563	61,074	41,880
Tax provision									55,876	21,096	24,844
Income from discontinued operations									$ 23,687	$ 39,978	$ 17,036

Discontinued Operations (Assets

Discontinued Operations (Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,965	$ 0	$ 0
DMT | Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,965	0
Accounts receivable, net	1,057	97,402
Inventories	849	48,910
Other current assets and prepayments	278	3,365
Property, plant and equipment, net	526	5,541
Rental property and equipment, net	179	1,786
Goodwill	0	177,799
Other assets	0	45
Assets of discontinued operations	4,854	334,848
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	662	36,592
Advance billings	593	30,607
Other current liabilities	2,021	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	5,609
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 3,276	$ 72,808

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations									$ 199,978		$ 221,362		$ 75,769
Income from discontinued operations	$ (15,856)	$ 29,848	$ 1,208	$ 8,487	$ 12,908	$ 11,921	$ 7,440	$ 7,709	23,687		39,978		17,036
Net income (numerator for diluted EPS)									223,665		261,340		92,805
Less: Preference stock dividend									32		36		38
Income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic EPS)									$ 223,633		$ 261,304		$ 92,767
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares used in basic EPS (in shares)									187,277		186,332		187,945
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (shares)									1,105		1,103		1,030
Weighted-average shares used in diluted EPS (in shares)									188,382		187,435		188,975
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.41	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 1.07	[1]	$ 1.19	[1]	$ 0.40	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.08)	0.16	0.01	0.05	0.07	0.06	0.04	0.04	0.13	[1]	0.21	[1]	0.09	[1]
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	0.24	0.41	0.26	0.29	0.48	0.31	0.26	0.35	1.19	[1]	1.40	[1]	0.49	[1]
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.32	0.25	0.25	0.24	0.41	0.24	0.22	0.31	1.06	[1]	1.18	[1]	0.40	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.08)	0.16	0.01	0.05	0.07	0.06	0.04	0.04	0.13	[1]	0.21	[1]	0.09	[1]
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.41	$ 0.26	$ 0.28	$ 0.48	$ 0.31	$ 0.26	$ 0.35	$ 1.19	[1]	$ 1.39	[1]	$ 0.49	[1]
Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)									12,089		10,267		8,126
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 8,231	$ 11,767
Supplies and service parts	21,841	21,475
Finished products	14,897	13,261
Inventory at FIFO cost, net	44,969	46,503
Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost	(3,005)	(5,734)
Total inventory, net	$ 41,964	$ 40,769

Finance Assets (Finance Receiva

Finance Assets (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Net investment in finance receivables	$ 1,381,826	$ 1,480,090
North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Net investment in finance receivables	1,129,890	1,205,476
International
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Net investment in finance receivables	251,936	274,614
Sales-type lease receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	1,272,690	1,315,608
Unguaranteed residual values	66,565	88,295
Unearned income	(266,796)	(279,045)
Allowance for credit losses	(12,608)	(10,515)
Net investment in receivables	1,059,851	1,114,343
Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	1,004,491	1,023,549
Unguaranteed residual values	53,793	74,093
Unearned income	(211,683)	(216,720)
Allowance for credit losses	(10,253)	(7,721)
Net investment in receivables	836,348	873,201
Sales-type lease receivables | International
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	268,199	292,059
Unguaranteed residual values	12,772	14,202
Unearned income	(55,113)	(62,325)
Allowance for credit losses	(2,355)	(2,794)
Net investment in receivables	223,503	241,142
Loan receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	329,589	373,865
Allowance for credit losses	(7,614)	(8,118)
Net investment in receivables	321,975	365,747
Loan receivables | North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	300,319	339,373
Allowance for credit losses	(6,777)	(7,098)
Net investment in receivables	293,542	332,275
Loan receivables | International
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Receivables	29,270	34,492
Allowance for credit losses	(837)	(1,020)
Net investment in receivables	$ 28,433	$ 33,472
Minimum
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Lease period	3 years
Maximum
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Lease period	5 years

Finance Assets (Minimum Payment

Finance Assets (Minimum Payments) (Details) - Sales-type lease receivables $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
2,019	$ 577,769
2,020	329,250
2,021	211,617
2,022	114,642
2,023	38,229
Thereafter	1,183
Total	1,272,690
North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
2,019	469,288
2,020	254,781
2,021	163,481
2,022	87,674
2,023	29,086
Thereafter	181
Total	1,004,491
International
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
2,019	108,481
2,020	74,469
2,021	48,136
2,022	26,968
2,023	9,143
Thereafter	1,002
Total	$ 268,199

Finance Assets (Allowance for C

Finance Assets (Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at	$ 18,633	$ 20,500	$ 21,690
Amounts charged to expense	16,600	15,607	13,371
Accounts written off	(15,011)	(17,474)	(14,561)
Balance at	20,222	18,633	20,500
Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at	7,721	8,247	6,606
Amounts charged to expense	7,928	7,544	5,136
Accounts written off	(5,396)	(8,070)	(3,495)
Balance at	10,253	7,721	8,247
Sales-type lease receivables | International
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at	2,794	2,647	3,542
Amounts charged to expense	1,315	1,280	1,161
Accounts written off	(1,754)	(1,133)	(2,056)
Balance at	2,355	2,794	2,647
Loan receivables | North America
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at	7,098	8,517	10,024
Amounts charged to expense	6,825	6,273	6,238
Accounts written off	(7,146)	(7,692)	(7,745)
Balance at	6,777	7,098	8,517
Loan receivables | International
Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at	1,020	1,089	1,518
Amounts charged to expense	532	510	836
Accounts written off	(715)	(579)	(1,265)
Balance at	$ 837	$ 1,020	$ 1,089

Finance Assets (Aging of Receiv

Finance Assets (Aging of Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,602,279	$ 1,689,473
1 to 90 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	1,554,027	1,621,914
Greater Than 90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	48,252	67,559
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Still accruing interest	10,202	12,545
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Not accruing interest	38,050	55,014
North America | Sales-type lease receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	1,004,491	1,023,549
North America | Sales-type lease receivables | 1 to 90 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	966,868	971,002
North America | Sales-type lease receivables | Greater Than 90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	37,623	52,547
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Still accruing interest	7,159	10,807
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Not accruing interest	30,464	41,740
North America | Loan receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	300,319	339,373
North America | Loan receivables | 1 to 90 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	294,126	330,503
North America | Loan receivables | Greater Than 90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	6,193	8,870
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Still accruing interest	1,769	0
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Not accruing interest	4,424	8,870
International | Sales-type lease receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	268,199	292,059
International | Sales-type lease receivables | 1 to 90 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	263,954	286,170
International | Sales-type lease receivables | Greater Than 90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	4,245	5,889
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Still accruing interest	1,202	1,738
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Not accruing interest	3,043	4,151
International | Loan receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total	29,270	34,492
International | Loan receivables | 1 to 90 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	29,079	34,239
International | Loan receivables | Greater Than 90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Aging of receivables	191	253
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Still accruing interest	72	0
Past due amounts greater than 90 days - Not accruing interest	$ 119	$ 253

Finance Assets (Credit Quality)

Finance Assets (Credit Quality) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Sales-type lease receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 1,272,690	$ 1,315,608
Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	1,004,491	1,023,549
Loan receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	329,589	373,865
Loan receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 300,319	339,373
Low
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Approximate percentage of portfolio	30.00%
Low | Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 834,230	819,776
Low | Loan receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 238,620	262,646
Medium
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Approximate percentage of portfolio	40.00%
Medium | Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 118,945	148,000
Medium | Loan receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 43,952	56,744
High
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Approximate percentage of portfolio	30.00%
High | Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 19,981	21,728
High | Loan receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	5,947	6,791
Not Scored | Sales-type lease receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	31,335	34,045
Not Scored | Loan receivables | North America
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 11,800	$ 13,192

Fixed Assets (Details)

Fixed Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,209,361	$ 1,129,564
Accumulated depreciation	(799,247)	(756,061)
Property, plant and equipment, net	410,114	373,503
Rental property and equipment	371,908	386,039
Accumulated depreciation	(193,809)	(202,083)
Rental property and equipment, net	178,099	183,956
Depreciation expense	159,000	146,000	$ 134,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	9,333	9,333
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	198,025	206,752
Capitalized software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	283,446	224,754
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 718,557	$ 688,725

Acquisitions, Intangible Asse_3

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Acquisitions) (Details) - Newgistics - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of business	$ 471
Revenue		$ 140
Pro forma revenue		$ 341	$ 481

Acquisitions, Intangible Asse_4

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 686,095	$ 712,487
Accumulated Amortization	(458,958)	(440,301)
Net Carrying Amount	227,137	272,186
Amortization expense	44,000	34,000	$ 40,000
Customer relationships
Finite lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	480,837	504,716
Accumulated Amortization	(281,190)	(271,066)
Net Carrying Amount	199,647	233,650
Software & technology
Finite lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	165,088	167,122
Accumulated Amortization	(143,877)	(138,724)
Net Carrying Amount	21,211	28,398
Trademarks & other
Finite lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	40,170	40,649
Accumulated Amortization	(33,891)	(30,511)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 6,279	$ 10,138

Acquisitions, Intangible Asse_5

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Future Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 40,059
2,020	35,001
2,021	30,479
2,022	29,245
2,023	26,100
Thereafter	66,253
Net Carrying Amount	$ 227,137	$ 272,186

Acquisitions, Intangible Asse_6

Acquisitions, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment					$ 1,548,107
Accumulated impairment					(148,181)
Goodwill	$ 1,774,645	$ 1,399,926	$ 1,399,926	$ 1,774,645	1,399,926
Goodwill
Balance at	1,774,645	1,399,926
Acquisitions	10,307	338,163
Impairment	0	0	148,181
Other	(18,441)	36,556
Balance at	1,766,511	1,774,645	1,399,926
Commerce Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				807,242	469,079
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	807,242	469,079	469,079	807,242	469,079
Goodwill
Balance at	807,242	469,079
Acquisitions	10,307	338,163
Other	(653)	0
Balance at	816,896	807,242	469,079
Commerce Services | Global Ecommerce
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				602,461	272,189
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	602,461	272,189	272,189	602,461	272,189
Goodwill
Balance at	602,461	272,189
Acquisitions	7,623	330,272
Other	(653)	0
Balance at	609,431	602,461	272,189
Commerce Services | Presort Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				204,781	196,890
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	204,781	196,890	196,890	204,781	196,890
Goodwill
Balance at	204,781	196,890
Acquisitions	2,684	7,891
Other	0	0
Balance at	207,465	204,781	196,890
SMB Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				527,108	499,566
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	527,108	499,566	499,566	527,108	499,566
Goodwill
Balance at	527,108	499,566
Acquisitions	0	0
Other	(11,653)	27,542
Balance at	515,455	527,108	499,566
SMB Solutions | North America Mailing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				368,905	354,000
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	368,905	354,000	354,000	368,905	354,000
Goodwill
Balance at	368,905	354,000
Acquisitions	0	0
Other	(657)	14,905
Balance at	368,248	368,905	354,000
SMB Solutions | International Mailing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				158,203	145,566
Accumulated impairment				0	0
Goodwill	158,203	145,566	145,566	158,203	145,566
Goodwill
Balance at	158,203	145,566
Acquisitions	0	0
Other	(10,996)	12,637
Balance at	147,207	158,203	145,566
Software Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment				588,476	579,462
Accumulated impairment				(148,181)	(148,181)
Goodwill	440,295	431,281	431,281	$ 440,295	$ 431,281
Goodwill
Balance at	440,295	431,281
Acquisitions	0	0
Other	(6,135)	9,014
Balance at	$ 434,160	$ 440,295	$ 431,281

Fair Value Measurements and D_3

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	$ 919,371	$ 1,102,556
Liabilities	(735)	(335)
Money market funds / commercial paper
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	612,647	685,917
Equity securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	19,133	40,717
Commingled fixed income securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	21,711	6,085
Government and related securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	108,577	134,628
Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	56,938	75,109
Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	98,334	158,202
Interest rate swap
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets		1,776
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	2,031	122
Liabilities	(735)	(335)
Level 1
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	321,116	260,959
Liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Money market funds / commercial paper
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	220,756	143,349
Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Commingled fixed income securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	1,570	1,569
Level 1 | Government and related securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	98,790	116,041
Level 1 | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Interest rate swap
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets		0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	598,255	841,597
Liabilities	(735)	(335)
Level 2 | Money market funds / commercial paper
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	391,891	542,568
Level 2 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	19,133	40,717
Level 2 | Commingled fixed income securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	20,141	4,516
Level 2 | Government and related securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	9,787	18,587
Level 2 | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	56,938	75,109
Level 2 | Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	98,334	158,202
Level 2 | Interest rate swap
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets		1,776
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	2,031	122
Liabilities	(735)	(335)
Level 3
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Level 3 | Money market funds / commercial paper
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Commingled fixed income securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Government and related securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Interest rate swap
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets		0
Level 3 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and D_4

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 270,313	$ 365,776
Gross unrealized gains	218	5,056
Gross unrealized losses	(5,202)	(2,999)
Estimated fair value	265,329	367,833
Government and related securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized cost	109,776	131,872
Gross unrealized gains	47	1,984
Gross unrealized losses	(1,336)	(1,090)
Estimated fair value	108,487	132,766
Corporate debt securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized cost	58,714	73,612
Gross unrealized gains	4	1,724
Gross unrealized losses	(1,780)	(227)
Estimated fair value	56,938	75,109
Commingled fixed income securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,637	1,796
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	(67)	(40)
Estimated fair value	1,570	1,756
Mortgage-backed / asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized cost	100,186	158,496
Gross unrealized gains	167	1,348
Gross unrealized losses	(2,019)	(1,642)
Estimated fair value	$ 98,334	$ 158,202

Fair Value Measurements and D_5

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Unrealized Holding Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Greater than 12 continuous months	$ 177,331	$ 115,815
Less than 12 continuous months	48,318	90,838
Total	225,649	206,653
Gross unrealized losses
Greater than 12 continuous months	4,355	2,290
Less than 12 continuous months	847	709
Total	$ 5,202	$ 2,999

Fair Value Measurements and D_6

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amortized cost
Within 1 year	$ 49,531
After 1 year through 5 years	107,848
After 5 years through 10 years	35,531
After 10 years	77,403
Amortized cost	270,313	$ 365,776
Estimated fair value
Within 1 year	49,286
After 1 year through 5 years	106,586
After 5 years through 10 years	34,627
After 10 years	74,830
Total	$ 265,329	$ 367,833

Fair Value Measurements and D_7

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Total net derivative asset	$ 1,296,000	$ 1,563,000
Total derivative assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	2,031,000	1,898,000
Total derivative liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(735,000)	(335,000)
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other current assets and prepayments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	61,000	57,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(104,000)	(144,000)
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other current assets and prepayments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	1,970,000	65,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(631,000)	(191,000)
Interest rate swap | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other non-current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	1,776,000
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount of outstanding contracts	8,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest rate contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount of outstanding contracts	$ 300,000,000

Fair Value Measurements and D_8

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Foreign Exchange Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	$ 62	$ (211)
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	106	(650)
Interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion)	(1,776)	1,776
Revenue
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	11	(179)
Cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	51	(32)
Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expense | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$ (33,453)	$ (2,203)

Fair Value Measurements and D_9

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt	$ 3,265,608	$ 3,830,335
Fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt	$ 3,003,678	$ 3,718,986

Supplemental Balance Sheet In_3

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other assets:
Long-term investments	$ 311,417	$ 435,612
Deferred marketing costs	0	35,668
Contract assets and cost to obtain a contract	42,287	0
Other	59,535	69,471
Total	413,239	540,751
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	285,592	284,857
Customer deposits	700,397	693,005
Employee related liabilities	230,044	251,545
Other	185,602	229,447
Total	$ 1,401,635	$ 1,458,854

Restructuring Charges and Ass_3

Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Reserve
Balance at	$ 43,720	$ 28,515
Expenses, net	25,637	52,659
Cash payments	(52,974)	(37,454)	$ (62,071)
Balance at	$ 16,383	43,720	28,515
Restructuring reserve, payment period	24 months
Asset impairment charges	$ 2,000	4,000	15,000
Minimum
Restructuring Reserve
Restructuring reserve, payment period	12 months
Maximum
Restructuring Reserve
Restructuring reserve, payment period	24 months
Severance and benefits costs
Restructuring Reserve
Balance at	$ 42,151	28,234
Expenses, net	19,130	50,114
Cash payments	(47,640)	(36,197)
Balance at	13,641	42,151	28,234
Other exit costs
Restructuring Reserve
Balance at	1,569	281
Expenses, net	6,507	2,545
Cash payments	(5,334)	(1,257)
Balance at	$ 2,742	$ 1,569	$ 281

Debt (Long-term Debt) (Details)

Debt (Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 3,296,138	$ 3,866,317
Less: unamortized costs, net	30,530	35,982
Total debt	3,265,608	3,830,335
Less: current portion long-term debt	199,535	271,057
Long-term debt	$ 3,066,073	3,559,278
Notes due | Notes due March 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.60%
Principal amount	$ 0	250,000
Notes due | Notes due March 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.25%
Principal amount	$ 0	300,000
Notes due | Notes due September 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.875%
Principal amount	$ 300,000	300,000
Notes due | Notes due October 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.875%
Principal amount	$ 600,000	600,000
Notes due | Notes due May 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.375%
Principal amount	$ 400,000	400,000
Notes due | Notes due April 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.95%
Principal amount	$ 400,000	400,000
Notes due | Notes due March 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.625%
Principal amount	$ 500,000	500,000
Notes due | Notes due January 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.25%
Principal amount	$ 35,841	35,841
Notes due | Notes due March 2043
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.70%
Principal amount	$ 425,000	425,000
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	630,000	650,000
Term loans | Notes due March 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	150,000
Other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 5,297	$ 5,476

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 02, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 3,296,138	$ 3,866,317
Notes due
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate increase	0.25%
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 20,000
Principal amount	630,000	650,000
Debt due 2018 | Notes due
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 250,000
Interest rate	5.60%
Notes due March 2019 | Notes due
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase amount			$ 300,000
Interest rate	6.25%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 8,000	4,000
Principal amount	0	$ 300,000
Notes due March 2019 | Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 150,000

Debt (Maturities of Outstanding

Debt (Maturities of Outstanding Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 200,194
2,020	730,103
2,021	600,000
2,022	400,000
2,023	400,000
Thereafter	965,841
Total debt	$ 3,296,138	$ 3,866,317

Retirement Plans and Postreti_3

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Eligibility age for retiree medical benefits									55 years
Pension plan settlement									$ 31,329	$ 0	$ 0
Other components of net pension and postretirement cost									22,425	5,413	5,276
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (15,856)	$ 29,848	$ 1,208	$ 8,487	$ 12,908	$ 11,921	$ 7,440	$ 7,709	$ 23,687	39,978	$ 17,036
Percent of all foreign plan assets									76.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 426,000				$ 477,000				$ 426,000	$ 477,000
Expected return on plan assets									6.25%	6.25%
Assumed health care cost trend rate	7.00%				7.00%				7.00%	7.00%
Next year's assumed health care cost trend rate	6.50%								6.50%
Assumed health care cost trend rate decline	5.00%								5.00%
Total contributions to defined contribution plans									$ 31,000	$ 31,000
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Next year's anticipated total contributions to pension plans	$ 11,000								$ 11,000
Nominal rate of return	6.75%								6.75%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,326,296				$ 1,557,069				$ 1,326,296	$ 1,557,069
Expected return on plan assets									7.00%	6.75%	7.00%
United States | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan settlement									$ 45,000
Other components of net pension and postretirement cost									32,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax									13,000
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Next year's anticipated total contributions to pension plans	$ 11,000								$ 11,000
Nominal rate of return	6.25%								6.25%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 426,446				$ 476,825				$ 426,446	$ 476,825

Retirement Plans and Postreti_4

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Benefit Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year	$ 1,557,907
Fair value of plan assets - end of year	1,327,034	$ 1,557,907
Foreign
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year	632,710
Fair value of plan assets - end of year	562,517	632,710
Pension Benefits | United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,500,691	1,726,824
Projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation - beginning of year	1,727,737	1,678,097
Service cost	92	132	$ 105
Interest cost	61,490	68,611	73,699
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	(124,298)	92,789
Foreign currency changes	0	0
Plan amendments	0	0
Settlement / curtailment	(82,273)	0
Benefits paid	(81,608)	(111,892)
Benefit obligation - end of year	1,501,140	1,727,737	1,678,097
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year	1,557,907	1,464,082
Actual return on plan assets	(73,745)	199,749
Company contributions	6,753	5,968
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Settlement / curtailment	(82,273)	0
Foreign currency changes	0	0
Benefits paid	(81,608)	(111,892)
Fair value of plan assets - end of year	1,327,034	1,557,907	1,464,082
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Noncurrent asset	277	392
Current liability	(10,975)	(8,362)
Noncurrent liability	(163,408)	(161,860)
Funded status	(174,106)	(169,830)
Pension Benefits | Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	659,628	737,580
Projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation - beginning of year	751,373	688,172
Service cost	2,159	2,274	2,148
Interest cost	18,089	18,836	21,886
Plan participants' contributions	7	6
Actuarial (gain) loss	(41,995)	2,098
Foreign currency changes	(40,559)	64,236
Plan amendments	9,009	0
Settlement / curtailment	(6,703)	0
Benefits paid	(28,736)	(24,249)
Benefit obligation - end of year	662,644	751,373	688,172
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year	632,710	547,290
Actual return on plan assets	(17,043)	46,542
Company contributions	10,939	13,081
Plan participants' contributions	7	6
Settlement / curtailment	0	0
Foreign currency changes	(35,360)	50,040
Benefits paid	(28,736)	(24,249)
Fair value of plan assets - end of year	562,517	632,710	547,290
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Noncurrent asset	14,225	19,139
Current liability	(1,197)	(1,188)
Noncurrent liability	(113,155)	(136,614)
Funded status	(100,127)	(118,663)
Nonpension postretirement benefit plans
Projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation - beginning of year	188,841	189,772
Service cost	1,405	1,727	2,046
Interest cost	6,640	7,100	7,969
Plan participants' contributions	3,200	3,820
Actuarial (gain) loss	(11,304)	5,134
Foreign currency changes	(1,178)	1,066
Settlement / curtailment	(533)	0
Benefits paid	(20,596)	(19,778)
Benefit obligation - end of year	166,475	188,841	189,772
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year	0	0
Company contributions	17,396	15,958
Plan participants' contributions	3,200	3,820
Benefits paid	(20,596)	(19,778)
Fair value of plan assets - end of year	0	0	$ 0
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liability	(17,013)	(17,712)
Noncurrent liability	(149,463)	(171,129)
Funded status	(166,476)	(188,841)
Nonpension postretirement benefit plans | United States
Projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation - beginning of year	172,000
Benefit obligation - end of year	$ 154,000	$ 172,000

Retirement Plans and Postreti_5

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 426,000	$ 477,000
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	1,500,680	1,727,292
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,500,231	1,726,378
Fair value of plan assets	1,326,296	1,557,069
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	540,798	614,371
Accumulated benefit obligation	538,666	601,412
Fair value of plan assets	$ 426,446	$ 476,825

Retirement Plans and Postreti_6

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Pretax Amounts Recognized in AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Nonpension postretirement benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 28,368	$ 43,160
Prior service credit	823	1,466
Total	29,191	44,626
United States | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	809,836	835,265
Prior service credit	(330)	(391)
Transition asset	0	0
Total	809,506	834,874
Foreign | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	318,474	321,914
Prior service credit	8,496	(597)
Transition asset	(17)	(24)
Total	$ 326,953	$ 321,293

Retirement Plans and Postreti_7

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Pension Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Nonpension postretirement benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,405	$ 1,727	$ 2,046
Interest cost	6,640	7,100	7,969
Amortization of prior service credit	304	297	297
Amortization of net actuarial loss	3,048	3,600	3,615
Curtailment	246	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	11,643	12,724	13,927
United States | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	92	132	105
Interest cost	61,490	68,611	73,699
Expected return on plan assets	(101,087)	(97,656)	(101,918)
Amortization of net transition asset	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(60)	(60)	(60)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	31,298	28,954	27,220
Special termination benefits	0	0	0
Settlement/Curtailment	44,665	0	2,109
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	36,398	(19)	1,155
Foreign | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,159	2,274	2,148
Interest cost	18,089	18,836	21,886
Expected return on plan assets	(35,687)	(32,242)	(32,615)
Amortization of net transition asset	(7)	(8)	(8)
Amortization of prior service credit	(71)	(71)	(73)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	7,264	8,052	5,264
Special termination benefits	208	0	52
Settlement/Curtailment	(13)	0	110
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (8,058)	$ (3,159)	$ (3,236)

Retirement Plans and Postreti_8

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Nonpension postretirement benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (11,837)	$ 5,134
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(3,048)	(3,600)
Amortization of prior service credit	(304)	(297)
Settlement/Curtailment	(246)	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(15,435)	1,237
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	50,534	(9,304)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(31,298)	(28,954)
Amortization of prior service credit	60	60
Net transition asset	0	0
Settlement/Curtailment	(44,665)	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(25,369)	(38,198)
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	3,824	(12,202)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	9,009	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(7,264)	(8,052)
Amortization of prior service credit	71	71
Net transition asset	7	8
Settlement/Curtailment	13	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$ 5,660	$ (20,175)

Retirement Plans and Postreti_9

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets	6.25%	6.25%
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.34%	3.69%	4.20%
Discount rate	3.69%	4.20%	4.55%
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%	6.75%	7.00%
Foreign | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.75%	0.65%	0.70%
Discount rate	0.65%	0.70%	1.15%
Expected return on plan assets	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Rate of compensation increase	1.50%	1.50%	1.50%
Rate of compensation increase	1.50%	1.50%	1.50%
Foreign | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.55%	3.35%	3.65%
Discount rate	3.35%	3.65%	3.95%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25%	6.25%	6.51%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.25%	3.30%	3.50%
Pension Benefits | United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.20%	3.55%	3.90%
Discount rate	3.55%	3.90%	4.20%
Pension Benefits | Canada
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	3.35%	3.65%
Discount rate	3.35%	3.65%	3.95%

Retirement Plans and Postret_10

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Target Asset Allocation) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	100.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
United States | U.S. equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	14.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	13.00%	15.00%
United States | Non-U.S. equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	13.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	13.00%	15.00%
United States | Commingled fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	63.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	64.00%	62.00%
United States | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	5.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	7.00%	6.00%
United States | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	5.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	3.00%	2.00%
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	100.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Foreign | U.S. equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	10.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	9.00%	10.00%
Foreign | Non-U.S. equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	30.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	29.00%	29.00%
Foreign | Commingled fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	40.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	41.00%	41.00%
Foreign | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	10.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	10.00%	9.00%
Foreign | Diversified growth
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	10.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	10.00%	9.00%
Foreign | Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	0.00%
Percent of Plan Assets	1.00%	2.00%

Retirement Plans and Postret_11

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	$ 919,371	$ 1,102,556
Cash and cash equivalents	867,262	1,009,021	$ 764,522
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	321,116	260,959
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	598,255	841,597
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	1,491,887	1,733,997
Securities lending payable	(117,603)	(152,179)
Cash and cash equivalents	11,341	5,186
Other	(58,591)	(29,097)
Fair value of plan assets	1,327,034	1,557,907
United States | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	372,873	457,029
United States | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	989,387	1,147,254
United States | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	129,627	129,714
United States | Money market funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	9,257	18,160
United States | Money market funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	3,498	8,810
United States | Money market funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	5,759	9,350
United States | Money market funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	220,704	302,858
United States | Equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	110,840	152,815
United States | Equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	109,864	150,043
United States | Equity securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Commingled fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	281,258	377,078
United States | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	281,258	377,078
United States | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Government and related securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	274,679	315,877
United States | Government and related securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	258,535	295,404
United States | Government and related securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	16,144	20,473
United States | Government and related securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Corporate debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	435,285	418,908
United States | Corporate debt securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Corporate debt securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	435,285	418,908
United States | Corporate debt securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	23,474	19,223
United States | Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	23,474	19,223
United States | Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	32,750	38,362
United States | Private equity | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Private equity | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Private equity | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	32,750	38,362
United States | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	96,877	91,352
United States | Real estate | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Real estate | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Real estate | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	96,877	91,352
United States | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	117,603	152,179
United States | Securities lending collateral | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
United States | Securities lending collateral | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	117,603	152,179
United States | Securities lending collateral | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	557,948	629,880
Cash and cash equivalents	3,903	2,203
Other	666	627
Fair value of plan assets	562,517	632,710
Foreign | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	475,039	544,255
Foreign | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	82,909	85,625
Foreign | Money market funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	11,172	13,375
Foreign | Money market funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Money market funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	11,172	13,375
Foreign | Money market funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	194,914	226,032
Foreign | Equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	194,914	226,032
Foreign | Equity securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Commingled fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	198,902	213,844
Foreign | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	198,902	213,844
Foreign | Commingled fixed income securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Government and related securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	40,055	66,115
Foreign | Government and related securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Government and related securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	40,055	66,115
Foreign | Government and related securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Corporate debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	29,996	24,889
Foreign | Corporate debt securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Corporate debt securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	29,996	24,889
Foreign | Corporate debt securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	42,143	41,601
Foreign | Real estate | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Real estate | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Real estate | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	42,143	41,601
Foreign | Diversified growth funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	40,766	44,024
Foreign | Diversified growth funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Diversified growth funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	0	0
Foreign | Diversified growth funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total plan assets at fair value	$ 40,766	$ 44,024

Retirement Plans and Postret_12

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Level 3 Gains and Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	$ 129,714	$ 138,725
Realized gains	9,265	10,231
Unrealized gains (losses)	3,053	112
Net purchases, sales and settlements	(12,405)	(19,354)
Balance at	129,627	129,714
United States | Mortgage-backed securities /asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	0	1,236
Realized gains	0	25
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	49
Net purchases, sales and settlements	0	(1,310)
Balance at	0	0
United States | Private equity
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	38,362	49,637
Realized gains	8,264	9,226
Unrealized gains (losses)	(1,409)	(2,334)
Net purchases, sales and settlements	(12,467)	(18,167)
Balance at	32,750	38,362
United States | Real estate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	91,352	87,852
Realized gains	1,001	980
Unrealized gains (losses)	4,462	2,397
Net purchases, sales and settlements	62	123
Balance at	96,877	91,352
Foreign
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	85,625	71,262
Unrealized gains (losses)	(3,631)	5,710
Net purchases, sales and settlements	5,743	1,481
Foreign currency	(4,828)	7,172
Balance at	82,909	85,625
Foreign | Real estate
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	41,601	34,483
Unrealized gains (losses)	1,317	2,159
Net purchases, sales and settlements	1,653	1,481
Foreign currency	(2,428)	3,478
Balance at	42,143	41,601
Foreign | Diversified growth funds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at	44,024	36,779
Unrealized gains (losses)	(4,948)	3,551
Net purchases, sales and settlements	4,090	0
Foreign currency	(2,400)	3,694
Balance at	$ 40,766	$ 44,024

Retirement Plans and Postret_13

Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits (Nonpension Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,019	$ 137,312
2,020	131,672
2,021	129,641
2,022	128,972
2,023	128,774
Thereafter	627,369
Total	1,283,740
Nonpension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,019	17,040
2,020	16,376
2,021	15,783
2,022	14,737
2,023	13,706
Thereafter	59,518
Total	$ 137,160

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax benefit from Tax Act		$ 39,000
Remeasurement of U.S. deferred tax liability		130,000
U.S. tax on unremitted earnings	$ (23,711)	90,916	$ 0
Adjustment to provisional tax	37,000
Remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities	13,000
Tax benefits from IRS tax settlements and resolution of U.S. tax examinations	17,000	30,000	15,000
Goodwill impairment			58,000
Valuation allowance on tax attribute carryovers			6,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	258,000
Indefinite lived net operating loss carryforwards	$ 211,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration period	15 years
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 64,148	82,285
Tax credit carry forward without expiration	50,000
Foreign earnings reinvested	724,000
Undistributed earnings	301,000
Tax liability, undistributed earnings	13,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	$ 65,000	74,000	104,000
Possible change to unrecognized tax benefits	30.00%
Interest and penalties	$ (1,000)	(4,000)	$ (1,000)
Income tax interest and penalties accrued		$ 4,000
Minimum
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration period	5 years
Maximum
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration period	15 years

Income Taxes (Income From Conti

Income Taxes (Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 114,982	$ 140,574	$ 126,856
International									97,379	81,341	74,933
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 52,479	$ 45,129	$ 53,464	$ 61,289	$ 38,893	$ 56,265	$ 42,251	$ 84,506	$ 212,361	$ 221,915	$ 201,789

Income Taxes (Provision for Inc

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. Federal:
Current									$ (50,333)	$ 31,691	$ 76,117
Deferred									56,715	(49,812)	(1,979)
U.S. Federal: Total									6,382	(18,121)	74,138
U.S. State and Local:
Current									(10,489)	(2,330)	6,377
Deferred									(911)	15,316	4,682
U.S. State and Local: Total									(11,400)	12,986	11,059
International:
Current									16,224	(3,418)	21,014
Deferred									1,177	9,106	764
International: Total									17,401	5,688	21,778
Total current									(44,598)	25,943	103,508
Total deferred									56,981	(25,390)	3,467
Total provision for income taxes	$ (8,362)	$ (1,976)	$ 6,458	$ 16,263	$ (38,147)	$ 10,828	$ 790	$ 27,082	$ 12,383	$ 553	$ 106,975
Effective tax rate									5.80%	0.20%	53.00%

Income Taxes (Effective Income

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal statutory provision									$ 44,596	$ 77,671	$ 70,627
State and local income taxes									1,251	5,418	7,188
Impact of foreign operations taxed at rates other than the U.S. statutory rate									(1,988)	(15,859)	(9,236)
Accrual/release of uncertain tax amounts related to foreign operations									(4,595)	(17,919)	(7,482)
U.S. tax impacts of foreign income in the U.S.									7,683	2,778	2,929
Tax exempt income/reimbursement									0	0	(935)
Tax incentives/credits/exempt income									2,026	(14,329)	(9,020)
Goodwill impairments									0	0	50,003
Remeasurement of U.S. deferred taxes									(13,121)	(129,960)	0
U.S. tax on unremitted earnings									(23,711)	90,916	0
Other, net									242	1,837	2,901
Total provision for income taxes	$ (8,362)	$ (1,976)	$ 6,458	$ 16,263	$ (38,147)	$ 10,828	$ 790	$ 27,082	12,383	553	106,975
Tax uncertainties									$ (9,000)	$ (3,000)	$ (3,000)

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Liab

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	$ (102,726)	$ (77,415)
Deferred profit (for tax purposes) on sale to finance subsidiary	(41,951)	(60,340)
Lease revenue and related depreciation	(166,544)	(133,908)
Intangible assets	(98,707)	(106,488)
Other	(33,353)	(22,468)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(443,281)	(400,619)
Deferred tax assets:
Nonpension postretirement benefits	42,422	48,387
Pension	60,063	66,270
Inventory and equipment capitalization	7,216	11,380
Restructuring charges	5,064	12,476
Long-term incentives	11,517	11,544
Net operating loss	106,029	108,006
Tax credit carry forwards	64,148	82,285
Tax uncertainties gross-up	6,692	9,920
Other	46,885	36,936
Gross deferred tax assets	350,036	387,204
Less: Valuation allowance	(142,496)	(178,156)
Net deferred tax assets	207,540	209,048
Total deferred taxes, net	$ (235,741)	$ (191,571)

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance at beginning of year	$ 89,767	$ 124,728	$ 139,249
Increases from prior period positions	88	528	0
Decreases from prior period positions	(15,145)	(31,470)	(21,207)
Increases from current period positions	6,001	5,951	10,867
Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities	(4,844)	(6,953)	(1,791)
Reductions from lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(4,409)	(3,017)	(2,390)
Balance at end of year	$ 71,458	$ 89,767	$ 124,728

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 53,000	$ 46,000	$ 45,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019	48,182
2,020	41,366
2,021	34,665
2,022	26,616
2,023	17,988
Thereafter	62,668
Total minimum lease payments	$ 231,485

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018class$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2016shares	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Number of classes of preferred stock | class	2
Preferred stock, dividend rate	4.00%	4.00%
Stock
Shares reserved for issuance under stock plans, dividend reinvestment program and conversion of Preferred and Preference Stock				33,572,744
Preferred Stock
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate	4.00%
Dividends (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 2
Shares issued upon conversion (shares)				24.24
Redemption price per share (USD per share) | $ / shares				$ 50
Shares authorized to be issued (shares)				600,000
Shares outstanding (shares)	12	12		12
Stock
Shares outstanding (shares)	12
Shares outstanding (shares)	12	12
Preference Stock
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Dividends (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.12
Shares issued upon conversion (shares)				16.53
Redemption price per share (USD per share) | $ / shares				$ 28
Shares authorized to be issued (shares)				5,000,000
Shares outstanding (shares)	16,301	16,301		14,635
Stock
Shares outstanding (shares)	16,301
Shares outstanding (shares)	14,635	16,301
Common Stock
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (shares)	186,603,738	185,668,718	195,521,208	187,675,082
Stock
Shares outstanding (shares)	186,603,738	185,668,718	195,521,208
Repurchases of common stock			(10,633,235)
Issuance of common stock	1,043,809	881,480	767,060
Conversions to common stock	27,535	53,540	13,685
Shares outstanding (shares)	187,675,082	186,603,738	185,668,718
Treasury Stock
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (shares)	136,734,174	137,669,194	127,816,704	135,662,830
Stock
Shares outstanding (shares)	136,734,174	137,669,194	127,816,704
Repurchases of common stock			(10,633,235)
Issuance of common stock	1,043,809	881,480	767,060
Conversions to common stock	27,535	53,540	13,685
Shares outstanding (shares)	135,662,830	136,734,174	137,669,194

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 947,140	$ 832,856	$ 861,436	$ 880,948	$ 916,406	$ 733,273	$ 730,413	$ 743,180	$ 3,522,380	$ 3,123,272	$ 2,981,323
Interest expense									(110,900)	(113,497)	(88,970)
Total before tax									212,361
Tax (benefit) provision	8,362	1,976	(6,458)	(16,263)	38,147	(10,828)	(790)	(27,082)	(12,383)	(553)	(106,975)
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	44,985	$ 76,953	$ 48,214	53,513	89,948	$ 57,358	$ 48,901	65,133	223,665	261,340	92,805
Selling, general and administrative									(1,123,116)	(1,170,905)	(1,140,100)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				188,561				(103,660)	188,561	(103,660)	178,721
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications									(104,043)	119,446	(77,619)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									(64,023)	(28,514)	(26,121)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									(40,020)	147,960	(51,498)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	(12,207)								(12,207)
Balance	239,472				188,561				239,472	188,561	(103,660)
Cash flow hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				(406)				(1,485)	(406)	(1,485)	(3,912)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications									(763)	(288)	1,095
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									(1,447)	(1,367)	(1,332)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									684	1,079	2,427
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					(87)					(87)
Restated balance at December 31, 2017					(493)					(493)
Balance	191				(406)				191	(406)	(1,485)
Available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				1,597				120	1,597	120	536
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications									(2,579)	1,158	(1,109)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									2,423	(319)	(693)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									(5,002)	1,477	(416)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					344					344
Restated balance at December 31, 2017					1,941					1,941
Balance	(3,061)				1,597				(3,061)	1,597	120
Pension and postretirement benefit plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				(748,800)				(787,813)	(748,800)	(787,813)	(738,768)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications									(46,170)	12,185	(73,141)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									(64,999)	(26,828)	(24,096)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									18,829	39,013	(49,045)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					(116,490)					(116,490)
Restated balance at December 31, 2017					(865,290)					(865,290)
Balance	(846,461)				(748,800)				(846,461)	(748,800)	(787,813)
Foreign currency adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				(44,564)				(150,955)	(44,564)	(150,955)	(146,491)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications									(54,531)	106,391	(4,464)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)									(54,531)	106,391	(4,464)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					0					0
Restated balance at December 31, 2017					(44,564)					(44,564)
Balance	(99,095)				(44,564)				(99,095)	(44,564)	(150,955)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance				$ (792,173)				$ (940,133)	(792,173)	(940,133)	(888,635)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	(116,233)				(116,233)				(116,233)	(116,233)
Restated balance at December 31, 2017					(908,406)					(908,406)
Balance	$ (948,426)				$ (792,173)				(948,426)	(792,173)	(940,133)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Cash flow hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Revenue									11	(179)	68
Cost of sales									51	(32)	(222)
Interest expense									(1,183)	(2,028)	(2,028)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(1,267)	0	0
Total before tax									(2,388)	(2,239)	(2,182)
Tax (benefit) provision									(941)	(872)	(850)
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.									(1,447)	(1,367)	(1,332)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest expense									3,244	(520)	(1,126)
Tax (benefit) provision									821	(201)	(433)
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.									2,423	(319)	(693)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Pension and postretirement benefit plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total before tax									(21,675)	(13,936)	(14,430)
Tax (benefit) provision									(64,999)	(26,828)	(24,096)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Transition asset
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative									7	8	8
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Prior service costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative									(173)	(166)	(164)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Actuarial losses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative									(41,610)	(40,606)	(38,370)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Settlement
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative									(44,898)	0	0
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Total before tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative									$ (86,674)	$ (40,764)	$ (38,526)

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants	14,411,742
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 15
Weighted average recognition period	1 year 8 months 12 days
Intrinsic value of units outstanding	$ 18
Intrinsic value of units vested	17	$ 26	$ 14
Fair value of units vested	$ 18	$ 14	$ 21
Shares granted (in shares)	1,754,098	1,995,473	826,546
Issued weighted average fair value (in dollars per shares)	$ 12.36	$ 13.24	$ 17.20
Restricted Stock Units | Directors' Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Shares granted (in shares)	131,420	63,090
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Shares granted (in shares)	733,148	1,073,934
Issued weighted average fair value (in dollars per shares)	$ 12.64	$ 10.51
Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target number of awards granted	0.00%
Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target number of awards granted	200.00%
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 4
Weighted average recognition period	1 year 8 months 12 days
Expiration period	10 years
Options exercised (in shares)	0	0	0
Stock Options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan discounted offering price of commons stock	95.00%
Shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (in shares)	218,424	150,629
Shares reserved for future purchase under the ESPP (in shares)	2,552,004

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Shares
Units outstanding beginning (in shares)	2,651,053	1,609,459
Granted (in shares)	1,754,098	1,995,473	826,546
Vested (in shares)	(963,010)	(784,295)
Forfeited (in shares)	(213,802)	(169,584)
Units outstanding ending (in shares)	3,228,339	2,651,053	1,609,459
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value - Beginning (in dollars per shares)	$ 14.16	$ 17.50
Granted (in dollars per shares)	12.36	13.24	$ 17.20
Vested (in dollars per shares)	11.41	19.42
Forfeited (in dollars per shares)	13.26	14.76
Weighted average grant date fair value - Ending (in dollars per shares)	$ 13.33	$ 14.16	$ 17.50

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Performance Stock Units) (Details) - Performance Stock Units - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares
Units outstanding beginning (in shares)	1,145,025	379,898
Granted (in shares)	733,148	1,073,934
Vested (in shares)	(91,493)	(258,688)
Forfeited (in shares)	(133,676)	(50,119)
Units outstanding ending (in shares)	1,653,004	1,145,025
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value - Beginning (in dollars per shares)	$ 13.43	$ 25.01
Granted (in dollars per shares)	12.64	10.51
Vested (in dollars per shares)	12.21	13.17
Forfeited (in dollars per shares)	14.26	26.10
Weighted average grant date fair value - Ending (in dollars per shares)	$ 13.08	$ 13.43

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_5

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares
Closing Balance (in shares)	13,593,156
Options outstanding - end of the year (in shares)	6,824,433
Per share weighted average exercise prices
Closing Balance (in dollars per shares)	$ 15.30
Options exercisable - end of the year (in dollars per share)	$ 20.23
Stock Options
Shares
Closing Balance (in shares)	10,495,039	9,122,762
Granted (in shares)	4,932,467	2,553,510
Canceled (in shares)	(258,509)	(63,517)
Expired (in shares)	(1,575,841)	(1,117,716)
Closing Balance (in shares)	13,593,156	10,495,039
Options outstanding - end of the year (in shares)	6,824,433	6,690,250
Per share weighted average exercise prices
Opening Balance (in dollars per shares)	$ 21.67	$ 27.13
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.47	13.16
Canceled (in dollars per share)	13.09	20.34
Expired (in dollars per share)	36.86	46.88
Closing Balance (in dollars per shares)	15.30	21.67
Options exercisable - end of the year (in dollars per share)	$ 20.23	$ 25.57

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Exercise Price Range) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding - Shares (in shares) | shares	13,593,156
Options Outstanding - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.30
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 6 months
Options Exercisable - Shares (in shares) | shares	6,824,433
Options Exercisable - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.23
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 10 months 24 days
$5.99 - $13.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of per share exercise prices, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 5.99
Range of per share exercise prices, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 13.11
Options Outstanding - Shares (in shares) | shares	4,537,267
Options Outstanding - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.02
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	9 years 8 months 12 days
Options Exercisable - Shares (in shares) | shares	0
Options Exercisable - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 0
$13.16 - $17.71
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of per share exercise prices, lower range (in dollars per share)	13.16
Range of per share exercise prices, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 17.71
Options Outstanding - Shares (in shares) | shares	4,903,330
Options Outstanding - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.72
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	7 years 3 months 18 days
Options Exercisable - Shares (in shares) | shares	2,879,149
Options Exercisable - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.21
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 9 months 18 days
$19.45 - $26.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of per share exercise prices, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 19.45
Range of per share exercise prices, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 26.07
Options Outstanding - Shares (in shares) | shares	4,152,559
Options Outstanding - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.94
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	2 years
Options Exercisable - Shares (in shares) | shares	3,945,284
Options Exercisable - Per share weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.90
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	1 year 8 months 12 days

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_7

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Stock Options Assumptions) (Details) - Stock Options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	9.90%	5.70%	4.50%
Expected stock price volatility	37.80%	29.70%	29.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.80%	2.30%	1.60%
Expected life	7 years	7 years	7 years
Weighted-average fair value per option granted	$ 1.26	$ 2	$ 2.85
Fair value of options granted	$ 6,229	$ 5,107	$ 5,013

Quarterly Financial Data (una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 947,140	$ 832,856	$ 861,436	$ 880,948	$ 916,406	$ 733,273	$ 730,413	$ 743,180	$ 3,522,380		$ 3,123,272		$ 2,981,323
Cost of revenues	526,519	446,753	455,816	463,861	474,317	328,172	319,904	310,367	1,892,949		1,432,760
Operating expenses	368,142	340,974	352,156	355,798	403,196	348,836	368,258	348,307	1,417,070		1,468,597
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	52,479	45,129	53,464	61,289	38,893	56,265	42,251	84,506	212,361		221,915		201,789
Provision for income taxes	(8,362)	(1,976)	6,458	16,263	(38,147)	10,828	790	27,082	12,383		553		106,975
Income from continuing operations	60,841	47,105	47,006	45,026	77,040	45,437	41,461	57,424	199,978		221,362		94,814
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(15,856)	29,848	1,208	8,487	12,908	11,921	7,440	7,709	23,687		39,978		17,036
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc.	$ 44,985	$ 76,953	$ 48,214	$ 53,513	$ 89,948	$ 57,358	$ 48,901	$ 65,133	$ 223,665		$ 261,340		$ 92,805
Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.41	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 1.07	[1]	$ 1.19	[1]	$ 0.40	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.08)	0.16	0.01	0.05	0.07	0.06	0.04	0.04	0.13	[1]	0.21	[1]	0.09	[1]
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	0.24	0.41	0.26	0.29	0.48	0.31	0.26	0.35	1.19	[1]	1.40	[1]	0.49	[1]
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.32	0.25	0.25	0.24	0.41	0.24	0.22	0.31	1.06	[1]	1.18	[1]	0.40	[1]
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.08)	0.16	0.01	0.05	0.07	0.06	0.04	0.04	0.13	[1]	0.21	[1]	0.09	[1]
Net income - Pitney Bowes Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.41	$ 0.26	$ 0.28	$ 0.48	$ 0.31	$ 0.26	$ 0.35	$ 1.19	[1]	$ 1.39	[1]	$ 0.49	[1]
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of year	$ 14,786	$ 13,999	$ 11,541
Additions charged to expense	9,720	8,081	7,179
Deductions	(6,889)	(7,294)	(4,721)
Balance at end of year	17,617	14,786	13,999
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of year	178,156	127,095	132,624
Additions charged to expense	3,682	53,782	6,523
Deductions	(39,342)	(2,721)	(12,052)
Balance at end of year	$ 142,496	$ 178,156	$ 127,095