Noncontrolling Interests - Reconciliation of Net Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$ 61,181	$ 53,505	$ 125,155	$ 102,873
Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest			9,533	4,068
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			5,542	4,736
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 68,149	$ 57,883	$ 140,230	$ 111,677