Noncontrolling Interests - Reconciliation of Net Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Aug. 31, 2010	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$ 5,086	$ 57,920	$ 61,181	$ 63,974	$ 58,576	$ 47,789	$ 53,505	$ 49,368	$ 188,161	$ 209,238	$ 203,317
Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest									17,804	9,326	8,029
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest									11,601	9,592	7,763
Net income including noncontrolling interests									$ 217,566	$ 228,156	$ 219,109