diff -r 9df126ee7005 Lib/pydoc.py
--- a/Lib/pydoc.py	Sun Jun 01 15:28:11 2014 -0700
+++ b/Lib/pydoc.py	Sat Jun 07 14:44:32 2014 -0700
@@ -1410,6 +1410,8 @@
 
 def getpager():
     """Decide what method to use for paging through text."""
+    if not hasattr(sys.stdin, "isatty"):
+        return plainpager
     if not hasattr(sys.stdout, "isatty"):
         return plainpager
     if not sys.stdin.isatty() or not sys.stdout.isatty():
diff -r 9df126ee7005 Lib/test/test_pydoc.py
--- a/Lib/test/test_pydoc.py	Sun Jun 01 15:28:11 2014 -0700
+++ b/Lib/test/test_pydoc.py	Sat Jun 07 14:44:32 2014 -0700
@@ -402,6 +402,28 @@
         result, doc_loc = get_pydoc_text(xml.etree)
         self.assertEqual(doc_loc, "", "MODULE DOCS incorrectly includes a link")
 
+    def test_stdin_none(self):
+        # change environment for this test case
+        previous_stdin = sys.stdin
+        try:
+            # assume stdin is not set to none (confirmed default)
+            with captured_output('stdout') as output:
+                help(1)
+            expected_output = output.getvalue()
+
+            # with stdin set to None
+            sys.stdin = None
+            with captured_output('stdout') as output:
+                help(1)
+            actual_output = output.getvalue()
+
+            if actual_output != expected_output:
+                self.fail("help should work regardless of stdin state")
+
+            # restore environment
+        finally:
+            sys.stdin = previous_stdin
+
     def test_non_str_name(self):
         # issue14638
         # Treat illegal (non-str) name like no name