Offsetting [Abstract] Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations Offsetting [Text Block] Offsetting [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Awards and Options Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Buildings [Member] Building [Member] Equipment [Member] Equipment [Member] Software [Member] Software Development [Member] Leasehold improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Furniture and fixtures [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Work in progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Range of Useful Lives in Years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization of property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment Depreciation Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, No Par Value Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation adjustment Temporary Equity, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Decrease in the maximum redemption amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value Derecognition of redeemable noncontrolling interest Temporary Equity, Decrease From Redemptions Or Purchase of Interest Temporary Equity, Decrease From Redemptions Or Purchase of Interest Ending balance Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Rent expense on operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total future minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of share-based compensation plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Types of Performance Units Offered, Number of Share-Based Employee Compensation Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Types of Performance Units Offered, Number of Share-Based Employee Compensation Plans Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation Allowance, Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Other Tax Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance, Other Tax Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Movement in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward] Movement in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward] Movement in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward] Valuation allowance, beginning of period Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance, change Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Valuation allowance, end of period Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items] [Line Items] for Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table] Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest paid Interest Paid Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted share base Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Corporate Credit Facility [Member] Corporate Credit Facility [Member] Corporate Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Notes Payable [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Term loans [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt (including current portion) Long-term Debt Short-term debt Short-term Debt Total Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Notes Payable Notes Payable Current portion Debt, Long-term Current Maturities and Short-term Combined Amount Debt, Long-term Current Maturities and Short-term Combined Amount Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Trademarks, finite life [member] Trademarks [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Contract-based intangible assets [Member] Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract] Processing system intrusion charges Unusual or Infrequent Item, Net of Insurance Proceeds Insurance proceeds Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds Processing system intrusion Processing System Intrusion Expense Processing System Intrusion Expense Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards Activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2013 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2013 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2013 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2014 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2014 [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Program 2014 [Member] Other Than Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] Other Than Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] Other Than Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount ASR program, authorized amount Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Estimated Stock Repurchase and Retirement, in Next Period Stock Repurchase Program, Estimated Stock Repurchase and Retirement, in Next Period Stock Repurchase Program, Estimated Stock Repurchase and Retirement, in Next Period Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Number of reporting units Number of Operating Segments Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Schedule of Components of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Number of Shares [Member] Common Stock [Member] Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Total Global Payments Shareholders' Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Balance, beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Changes in unrecognized pension benefit costs, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Stock issued under share-based compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Tax benefit from share-based compensation plans, net Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Redeemable noncontrolling interest valuation adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Repurchase of common stock Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Dividends paid (2014: $0.08, 2013: $0.08, 2012: $0.08 per share) Dividends, Cash Balance, ending balance (in shares) Balance, ending balance Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Net income attributable to Global Payments Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Subtotal per statement of changes in equity Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Axis] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Axis] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Axis] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Domain] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Domain] [Domain] for Offsetting Assets and Liabilities by Type [Axis] Interchange Reimbursement [Member] Interchange Reimbursement [Member] Interchange Reimbursement [Member] (Liability To) Receivable From Members [Member] Receivables From Clearing Banks [Member] Receivables From "Member" Clearing Banks [Member] Liability to Merchants [Member] Liability to Merchants [Member] Liability to Merchants [Member] Receivables From Card Networks [Member] Receivables From Card Networks [Member] Receivables From Card Networks [Member] Exceptional Items [Member] Exceptional Items [Member] Exceptional Items [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Merchant Reserves [Member] Merchant Reserves [Member] Merchant Reserves [Member] Allowance For Operating Losses [Member] Allowance For Operating Losses [Member] Allowance For Operating Losses [Member] Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member] Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Settlement processing assets, gross Settlement Assets, Gross, Current Settlement Assets, Gross, Current Merchant Reserves Settlement Assets, Reserve Settlement Assets, Reserve Total Settlement Assets, Current Settlement processing obligations, gross Settlement Liabilities, Gross, Current Settlement Liabilities, Gross, Current Reserves for processing obligations Settlement Liabilities, Reserves Settlement Liabilities, Reserves Total Settlement Liabilities, Current Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for All Noncancelable Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Nonvested, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, end of period (in dollars per share) Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] PayPros [Member] PayPros [Member] PayPros [Member] Accelerated Payment Technologies [Member] Accelerate Payment Technologies [Member] Accelerate Payment Technologies [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Total revenues, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Total revenues, Pro forma Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income attributable to Global Payments, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net income attributable to Global Payments, Pro forma Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic earnings per share attributable to Global Payments (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Pro forma (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share attributable to Global Payments (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Pro forma (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Current tax expense: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax allocated to noncontrolling interest in a taxable entity Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income tax expense attributable to Global Payments Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Parent Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Parent Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Reserve for operating losses-Merchant card processing [Member] Allowance For Uncollectible Customer's Liability - Merchant Card Processing Services [Member] Allowance For Uncollectible Customer's Liability - Merchant Card Processing Services [Member] Reserve for sales allowances-Merchant card processing [Member] Reserve for operating losses-Check guarantee processing [Member] Allowance For Uncollectible Customer's Liability - Check Guarantee Processing Services [Member] Allowance For Uncollectible Customer's Liability - Check Guarantee Processing Services [Member] Deferred tax asset valuation allowance [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Acquired Balances Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Reserves of Businesses Acquired Uncollectible Accounts Write-Off Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at End of Year Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Foreign currency impact for tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decreases) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decreases) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Balance at the end of the year Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment Amortization of acquired intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Provision for operating losses and bad debts Provision For Operating Losses And Doubtful Accounts Provision For Operating Losses And Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Other Noncash Deferred Income Tax Expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excluding Amounts Paid Relating To Business Acquisitions Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Claims receivable Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Settlement processing assets and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Settlement Processing Assets And Obligations Net The net change during the reporting period in settlement processing assets and Obligations. Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Business, intangible and other asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Businesses And Intangible Assets Net Of Cash Acquired The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business and intangible assets, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Principal collections on financing receivables Payments for (Proceeds From) Finance Receivables Payments for (Proceeds From) Finance Receivables Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments under long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock For Other Than Share-based Compensation Plans Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock For Other Than Share-based Compensation Plans Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock for Share-based Compensation Plans Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock for Share-based Compensation Plans Tax benefit from share-based compensation plans Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period Accelerated Payment Technologies (United States) [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Alfa-Bank [Member] Alfa-Bank [Member] Alfa-Bank [Member] Merchant Acquiring Business, Malta [Member] Merchant Acquiring Business, Malta [Member] Merchant Acquiring Business, Malta [Member] Schedule of Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Options vested and exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of period (in dollars per share) Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options vested and exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Valuation Allowance Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Share-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Bad debt expense Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Foreign NOL carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign U.S. NOL carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic U.S. capital loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Basis difference - U.K. business Deferred Tax Assets, Basis Difference, Foreign Business Deferred Tax Assets, Basis Difference, Foreign Business Foreign tax credit Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Other tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Deferred tax assets, gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less: valuation allowance Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Taxes on unremitted earnings and other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings and Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings and Other Foreign currency translation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains Acquired intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Prepaid expenses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Property and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred tax liabilities, gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Assets, Net Less: current net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Net noncurrent deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Contract-based and Customer-related Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member] Contract-based and Customer-related Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member] Contract-based and Customer-related Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member] Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] American Express Portfolio [Member] American Express Portfolio [Member] American Express Portfolio [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] HSBC Malta [Member] HSBC Malta [Member] Merchant Acquiring Buisness, Malta [Member] Visa [Member] Visa [Member] Visa [Member] Commercia Global Payments Brazil [Member] Commercia Global Payments Brazil [Member] Comercia Global Payments Brazil [Member] Comercia Global Payments [Member] Comercia Global Payments [Member] Comercia Global Payments [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] North America merchant services [Member] Americas Merchant Services [Member] North America merchant services [Member] Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Intangible assets acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Cash paid for working capital Payments to Acquire Business, Working Capital Payments to Acquire Business, Working Capital Percentage of controlling financial interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Remaining noncontrolling interest purchased by parent Reduction accounted for in equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Purchase of Redeemable Noncontrollling Interest Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Purchase of Redeemable Noncontrollling Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Marketing alliance agreement, term Marketing Alliance Agreement, Term Marketing Alliance Agreement, Term Payments to acquire intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Customer-related intangible assets [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Intangible assets weighted average amortization periods Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Amortization expense of acquired intangibles Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Canada [Member] CANADA Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Asia-Pacific Region [Member] Asia Pacific [Member] South America [Member] South America [Member] International merchant services [member] International merchant services [Member] International merchant services [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Revenues Revenues Operating income (loss) for segments Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured Debt [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019 [Member] Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019 [Member] Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019 [Member] 5 Year Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring December 2015 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring December 2015 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Expiring December 2015 [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Loan, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Interest rate at period end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Debt instrument, periodic principal payment, minimum Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal, Percentage, Minimum Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal, Percentage, Minimum Debt instrument, periodic principal payment, maximum Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal, Percentage, Maximum Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal, Percentage, Maximum Debt instrument, periodic payment terms, principal to be paid prior to balloon payment at maturity, percentage Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Principal to be Paid Prior to Balloon Payment at Maturity, Percentage Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Principal to be Paid Prior to Balloon Payment at Maturity, Percentage Long-term debt Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Corporate Credit Facility - long-term Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Lines of credit facility, available borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Business, Consolidation and Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Settlement processing assets and obligations Settlement Assets And Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Settlement Assets and Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Reserve for operating losses Reserve For Operating Losses [Policy Text Block] Reserve For Operating Losses [Policy Text Block] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currencies Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Repurchased shares Retirement of Repurchased Shares, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement of Repurchased Shares, Policy [Policy Text Block] New accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of service Cost of Services Sales, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest and other income Interest and Other Income Interest and other expense Interest and Other Expense Interest and Other Expense Total nonoperating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Net income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Settlement processing assets Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member] Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member] Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member] Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] One Year Increment [Member] One Year Increment [Member] One Year Increment [Member] Number of types of performance units offered Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Types of Performance Units Offered Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Types of Performance Units Offered Target shares of company stock Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options Target Shares of Company Stock Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options Target Shares of Company Stock Award performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Period Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Total fair value of share awards vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $401 and $509, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Claims receivable, net Other Receivables, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Property and equipment, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Lines of credit Line of Credit, Current Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Settlement processing obligations Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized and none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, no par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 68,845,643 and 75,426,099 issued and outstanding at May 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Global Payments shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Foreign interest income not subject to tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Percent Tax credits and other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits and Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits and Other Effective tax rate attributable to Global Payments Effective Income Tax Rate, Attributable to Parent Effective Income Tax Rate, Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Effective Income Tax Rate, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Effective Income Tax Rate, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Number of merchant services segments Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] UCS Subsidiary in Russian Federation [Member] UCS Subsidiary in Russian Federation [Member] UCS [Member] Notes Payable Due June 2013 Through November 2016 [Member] Notes Payable Due June 2013 Through November 2016 [Member] Notes Payable Due June 2013 Through November 2016 [Member] Short-term Debt [Member] Short-term Debt [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt Line of credit facility, average outstanding amount Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount Short term debt, weighted average interest rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Maximum leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Minimum interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Fixed Rate Coverage Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Fixed Rate Coverage Ratio, Minimum Schedule II of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair market value, percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Fair Market Value Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Fair Market Value Percent Stock option term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Options granted (in shares) Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Income tax (expense) benefit related to changes in unrecognized pension benefit costs Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Income tax benefit related to foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Dividends per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Foreign currency translation attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] American Express merchant portfolio (Czech Republic)[Member] PayPros (United States) [Member] Alfa-Bank (Russian Federation) [Member] HSBC Malta (Republic of Malta) [Member] CyberSource Merchant Portfolio (United States) [Member] CyberSource Merchant Portfolio (United States) [Member] CyberSource Merchant Portfolio (United States) [Member] Percentage of intangible assets acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired, Percentage Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired, Percentage Acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Acquired intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Fixed assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Hardware and Software [Member] Hardware and Software [Member] Hardware and Software [Member] Number of markets Number Of Markets Number Of Markets Processing System Intrusion Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred tax liability not recognized Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Operating income Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Global Payments Processing system intrusion expense (credit) Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Common stock authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum employee subscription amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Amount Maximum employee subscription rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate Discounted market value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discounted Market Price, Purchase Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discounted Market Price, Purchase Date Shares issued in period (in shares) Share-based compensation expense Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Discount from market price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, gross Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, balance at beginning of period Goodwill acquired Goodwill, Acquired During Period Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, balance at end of period Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Breakdown of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Regions Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Income before income taxes - U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Income before income taxes - foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Third-party processing expenses Accrued Third Party Processing, Current Accrued Third Party Processing, Current Commissions to third parties Accrued Sales Commission, Current Accrued fees and assessment expenses Accrued Fees and Assessment Expenses, Current Accrued Fees and Assessment Expenses, Current Transition service fees payable Business Acquisition, Transition Services Payable, Current Business Acquisition, Transition Services Payable, Current Accrued processing system intrusion costs Unusual Or Infrequent Item, Current Liability Unusual Or Infrequent Item, Current Liability Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Other Receivables, Net, Current [Member] Other Receivables, Net, Current [Member] Other Receivables, Net, Current [Member] Allowance For Uncollectible Customer's Liability - Merchant Card Processing Services [Member] Reserve for Operating Losses-Check Guarantee Processing [Member] Valuation and allowance reserve Valuation and allowance charges Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Changes in unrecognized pension benefit costs Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to Global Payments Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Non-current deferred income tax asset per balance sheet Non-current deferred income tax liability per balance sheet Net non-current deferred tax liability