| Cover Page | Feb. 17, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 17, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Pitney Bowes Inc |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-3579 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-0495050 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3001 Summer Street, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Stamford, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06926 |
| City Area Code | (203) |
| Local Phone Number | 356-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000078814 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PBI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.70% Notes due 2043 [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.70% Notes due 2043 |
| Trading Symbol | PBI.PRB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
