The pyroelectric infrared detection element has a pyroelectric element including opposite first and second electrodes and an infrared absorption part. The first and second electrodes are formed on first and second thickness-direction surfaces of a pyroelectric substrate respectively. The detection element includes an output terminal unit including first and second output terminals on the substrate, and first and second wiring parts connecting the first and second output terminals to the first and second electrodes respectively. The first wiring part includes a connecting line being a conductive layer on the first surface to connect the first output terminal to the first electrode, and a canceling line for canceling charges generated at the connecting line in response to a change in temperature of the substrate. The canceling line is a conductive layer on the second surface to be insulated from the second electrode and to be connected to the connecting line.