Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due September 2017 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due May 2013 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due May 2013 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due May 2013 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Corporate Credit Facility [Member] Corporate Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of credit facility by country [Axis] Line of credit facility by country [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of credit facility by country [Domain] Line of credit facility by country [Domain] UNITED KINGDOM HONG KONG CANADA MALAYSIA SPAIN SINGAPORE PHILIPPINES MALDIVES MACAU SRI LANKA TAIWAN TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Unsecured Term Loan [Member] Unsecured Term Loan [Member] Term Loan USD and GBP [Member] Term Loan USD and GBP [Member] Notes Payable [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Currency Type [Axis] Currency Type [Axis] Currency Type [Domain] Currency Type [Domain] United States of America, Dollars Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Subsidiaries [Member] UCS [Member] UCS Subsidiary in Russian Federation [Member] UCS [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Corporate Credit Facility - long-term Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Short-term lines of credit Line of Credit, Current Total lines of credit Long-term Line of Credit Notes Payable Notes Payable Term loans Loans Payable to Bank Total debt Long-term Debt Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Line of Credit Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Lines of credit facilities, available borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Term Loans Loans Payable [Abstract] Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term of Agreement Debt Instrument, Term of Agreement Term loan borrowing capacity Debt instrument borrowing capacity Debt instrument borrowing capacity Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Term loan, quarterly principal payments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Repayment of term loans Repayments of Term Loans Repayments of Term Loans Term loan, number of payments remaining Debt Instrument, Number of Payments Remaining Debt Instrument, Number of Payments Remaining Notes Payable Notes Payable [Abstract] Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Leverage ratio Leverage ratio Leverage ratio Fixed coverage ratio Fixed Coverage Ratio Fixed Coverage Ratio Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, Including Revenues by Geographic Distribution, and Reconciliations to Consolidated Revenues and Consolidated Operating Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment and Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment and Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Accelerated Payment Technologies [Member] Accelerated Payment Technologies [Member] Accelerated Payment Technologies [Member] Alfa [Member] Alfa [Member] Alfa [Member] HSBC Malta [Member] HSBC Malta [Member] HSBC Malta [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Shareholders Equity [Table] Shareholders Equity [Table] Shareholders Equity [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Repurchase of Equity [Member] Repurchase of Equity [Member] Shareholders' Equity [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase of common stock, average cost per share Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Average Cost Per Share Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Average Cost Per Share Common stock, cost Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, income tax provision Tax On Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Tax On Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income to Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income to Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income to Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Income tax (expense) benefit related to foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, 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 (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Global Payments Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Processing System Intrusion [Abstract] Processing System Intrusion [Abstract] Processing System Intrusion Processing System Intrusion [Text Block] Processing System Intrusion [Text Block] Share - Based Awards and Options Share-Based Awards And Options Abstract Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] 2011 Plan [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PRSU [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member] TSR [Member] Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member] Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [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 employee compensation plans Number of share based employee compensation plans Number of share based employee compensation plans Shares available for future grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based compensation cost Share-based Compensation Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Number of performance units Number of performance units Earnable percentage of 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 Performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Award Performance Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Award Performance Period Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] 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 Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] HSBC Merchant Services LLP [Member] HSBC Merchant Services LLP [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Deferred tax asset arising from acquisition of noncontrolling interest Deferred Tax Asset Due to Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Deferred Tax Asset Due to Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Remaining interest in the LLP Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in enacted tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additional liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Expected increase in unrecognized benefits over next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, 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] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Retrospective adjustment for the correction of an error (see Note 1) Error Correction, Adjustment for Correction of Method of Recording Repurchases and Retirement of Treasury Stock Error Correction, Adjustment for Correction of Method of Recording Repurchases and Retirement of Treasury Stock Retrospective adjustment for the change in accounting method for the retirement of repurchased shares (see Note 1) Change in Accounting Principle, Adjustment for Change in Recording the Retirement of Share Repurchases Change in Accounting Principle, Adjustment for Change in Recording the Retirement of Share Repurchases Net income Equity Profit (Loss) Profit or loss as represented on the statement of changes in equity. Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Stock issued under employee stock plans, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock issued under employee stock plans, net (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans Stock Repurchased During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Stock Repurchased During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation, 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 interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Change in the maximum redemption amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Commitment to purchase redeemable noncontrolling interest Adjustments to Paid-in Capital, Commitment to Purchase Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to Paid-in Capital, Commitment to Purchase Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Dividends paid ($0.04 per share) Dividends, Cash Balance Balance (in shares) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 interests 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Processing System Intrusion [Table] Processing System Intrusion [Table] Processing System Intrusion [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Processing System Intrusion [Member] Processing System Intrusion [Member] Processing System Intrusion [Member] Expense by Category [Axis] Expense by Category [Axis] Expense by Category [Axis] Expense, Category [Domain] Expense, Category [Domain] Expense, Category [Domain] Fraud Losses and Fines [Member] Fraud Losses and Fines [Member] Fraud Losses and Fines [Member] Professional Fees and Other [Member] Professional Fees and Other [Member] Professional Fees and Other [Member] Processing System Intrusion [Line Items] Processing System Intrusion [Line Items] Processing System Intrusion [Line Items] Processing system intrusion expense Processing System Intrusion Expense Processing System Intrusion Expense Processing system intrusion expense, total recorded to date Processing System Intrusion Expense, Total Recorded to Date Processing System Intrusion Expense, Total Recorded to Date Insurance reimbursements receivable for claims submitted to date Insurance Settlements Receivable Adjustment of loss estimate Loss Contingency Accrual, Adjustment of Estimate Loss Contingency Accrual, Adjustment of Estimate Insurance carried, policy limits Insurance Carried, Policy Limits Insurance Carried, Policy Limits Insurance carried, deductible amount per claim Insurance Carried, Deductible Amount Per Claim Insurance Carried, Deductible Amount Per Claim Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Global Payments Asia Pacific Limited [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Banca Civica [Member] Acquisition [Member] Acquisition [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Purchase price of remaining interest in subsidiary Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent Remaining interest in subsidiary acquired, percentage Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent, Percentage Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent, Percentage Reduction of paid-in capital due to derecognition of redeemable noncontrolling interest Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Derecognition of Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Derecognition of Noncontrolling Interest Dividends payable to seller Dividends Payable to Seller, Current Dividends Payable to Seller, Current Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $833 and $532, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Claims receivable, net of allowances for losses of $3,876 and $3,435, respectively Other Receivables, Net, Current Settlement processing assets Settlement Assets, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $179,846 and $161,911, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Lines of credit Current portion of long-term debt Long term debt current maturities excluding lines of credit Long term debt current maturities excluding lines of credit Commitment to purchase redeemable noncontrolling interest (See Note 13) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Commitment to Purchase Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Commitment to Purchase Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Settlement processing obligations Settlement Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interest (See Note 13) Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount 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; 78,724,622 and 78,551,297 issued and outstanding at November 30, 2012 and May 31, 2012, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Global Payments shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Settlement Processing Obligations [Axis] Settlement Processing Obligations [Axis] Settlement Processing Obligations [Axis] Settlement Processing Obligations [Domain] Settlement Processing Obligations [Domain] Settlement Processing Obligations [Domain] Interchange reimbursement [Member] Interchange reimbursement obligations [Member] Interchange reimbursement obligations [Member] Liability to Members [Member] Liability to Members [Member] Liability to Members [Member] Liability to merchants [Member] Liability to merchants [Member] Liability to merchants [Member] Exception items [Member] Exception items obligations [Member] Exception items obligations [Member] Merchant Reserves [Member] Merchant Reserves Obligations [Member] Merchant Reserves Obligations [Member] Reserve for operating losses [Member] Fair value of guarantees of customer chargebacks [Member] Fair value of guarantees of customer chargebacks [Member] Reserves for sales allowances [Member] Allowance for Sales Returns [Member] Settlement Processing Assets [Axis] Settlement Processing Assets [Axis] Settlement Processing Assets [Axis] Settlement Processing Assets [Domain] Settlement Processing Assets [Domain] Settlement Processing Assets [Domain] Interchange reimbursement [Member] interchange reimbursement assets [Member] interchange reimbursement assets [Member] Receivable from Members [Member] Receivable from Members [Member] Receivable from Members [Member] Receivable from networks [Member] Receivable from networks [Member] Receivable from networks [Member] Exception items [Member] Exception items assets [Member] Exception items assets [Member] Merchant Reserves [Member] Merchant Reserves Assets [Member] Merchant Reserves Assets [Member] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Settlement processing obligations Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] North America merchant services [Member] North America merchant services [Member] International merchant services [Member] International merchant services [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, gross, balance at beginning of period Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses, balance at beginning of period 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 Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock Options [Member] 2011 Stock Option Plan [Member] Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member] 2005 Stock Option Plan [Member] Two Thousand Five Plan Stock Options [Member] Two Thousand Five Plan Stock Options [Member] 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 Contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Contractual Term Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Percent Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross 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 Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Beginning of Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Grants, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period (in years) Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, End of Period Options vested and exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options vested and exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based compensation expense Activity in Accrual for Fraud Losses, Fines and Charges Activity in Accrual for Fraud Losses, Fines and Charges [Table Text Block] Activity in Accrual for Fraud Losses, Fines and Charges [Table Text Block] Share-based Awards and Options Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Dividends paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [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 [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Trademarks, finite life [Member] Trademarks [Member] Contract-based [Member] Contractual Rights [Member] Acquired Technnology [Member] Acquired Technnology [Member] Acquired Technnology [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Balance at May 31, 2012 Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Adjustments Subtotal Loss Contingency Accrual, Excluding Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Excluding Payments Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Balance at November 30, 2012 Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock Option Plan Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Reportable Segment [Member] Reportable Segment [Member] Corporation [Member] UNITED STATES Europe Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Asia-Pacific Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Two [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of reportable segments Number of reportable segments Revenues [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Consolidation [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement of repurchased shares [Policy Text Block] Retirement of Repurchased Shares, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement of Repurchased Shares, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Settlement processing assets and obligations [Policy Text Block] Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations [Policy Text Block] Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations [Policy Text Block] Reserve for operating losses [Policy Text Block] Reserve For Operating Losses [Policy Text Block] Reserve For Operating Losses [Policy Text Block] Property and equipment [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets, Goodwill [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets, Intangible assets [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financing receivables [Policy Text Block] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy or Methodology Change [Policy Text Block] Foreign currencies [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Abstract] Restricted Stock [Abstract] Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number 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 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period 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 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period 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 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, end of period (in shares) Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, end of period (in dollars per share) Total fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares in ESOP [Abstract] 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 Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discounted Market Price , Purchase Period Shares issued in period (in shares) Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance Weighted average grant-date fair value 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 Fair value of guarantees of customer chargebacks [Member] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustment for correction error [Member] Adjustment for correction of recording repurchases and retirement of treasury stock [Member] Adjustment for correction of an error [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Hardware and Software [Member] Hardware and Software [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Check guarantee loss reserve [Member] Check guarantee loss reserve [Member] Equity Retrospective adjustment for the correction of an error New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets 1 Amount of cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle or new accounting pronouncement on retained earnings or other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. Retrospective adjustment for the change in accounting method for the retirement of repurchased shares Number of merchant services segments Number of merchant services segments Number of merchant services segments Cost of service Cost of Services Recoverability of guaranteed checks Recoverability of Guaranteed Checks Recoverability of Guaranteed Checks Claims receivable, allowance for losses Allowance for Doubtful Other Receivables, Current Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Property plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Number of reporting units Number of reporting units Number of reporting units Intangible assets, useful life, minimum (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Intangible assets, useful life, maximum (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted share base (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Loans and Leases Receivable, Foreign, Net of Deferred Income [Abstract] Financing receivable Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross, Foreign Financing receivables, net of deferred income Loans and Leases Receivable, Foreign, Net of Deferred Income Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, No Par Value Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net income attributable to Global Payments Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Other Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income including noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Temporary Equity, Net Income Foreign currency translation adjustment Temporary Equity, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Change in the maximum redemption amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest Derecognition of redeemable noncontrolling interest (See Note 13) Derecognition of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Derecognition of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] CyberSource [Member] CyberSource [Member] CyberSource [Member] Percentage of common stock acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Finite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangibles Fixed assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other 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 Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets (2013 taxonomy item) 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, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Cost of acquired entity, cash paid Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Intangible assets, useful lives (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Marketing alliance agreement term Marketing Alliance Agreement, Term Marketing Alliance Agreement, Term Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest paid Interest Paid Financing receivables: Financing receivables [Abstract] Financing receivable [Abstract] Investment in equipment for financing leases Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Principal collections from customers – financing leases Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Net decrease in financing receivables Payments for Proceeds From Finance Receivable Payments for Proceeds From Finance Receivable Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Amortization of acquired intangibles Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Provision for operating losses and bad debts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 Property Plant Equipment and Software Payments to Acquire Property Plant Equipment and Software Net decrease in financing receivables 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 payments on short-term lines of credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Notes Payable Principal payments under long-term debt Repayments of Notes Payable Payment of debt issuance cost Payments of Debt Issuance Costs 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 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 Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Distributions to noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Dividends paid Payments of 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 Increase (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, end of the period Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Plus: dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] 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 Debt 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 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax provision of $948, $1,077, $2,568 and $2,935, respectively Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends per share (in dollars per share) Schedule of Settlement Processing Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Settlement Processing Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Settlement Processing Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]