diff --git a/IPython/core/page.py b/IPython/core/page.py
index 2a0305e..067b540 100644
--- a/IPython/core/page.py
+++ b/IPython/core/page.py
@@ -100,7 +100,10 @@ def _detect_screen_size(screen_lines_def):
     # flags each time), we just save the initial terminal state and
     # unconditionally reset it every time.  It's cheaper than making
     # the checks.
-    term_flags = termios.tcgetattr(sys.stdout)
+    try:
+        term_flags = termios.tcgetattr(sys.stdout)
+    except termios.error as err:
+        raise TypeError
 
     # Curses modifies the stdout buffer size by default, which messes
     # up Python's normal stdout buffering.  This would manifest itself