Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Pro Forma Information - Unaudited (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 616,452	$ 578,746	$ 1,880,259	$ 1,757,571
Net income attributable to Global Payments	55,121	58,462	193,661	175,320
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Actual (in dollars per share)	$ 0.77	$ 0.75	$ 2.67	$ 2.24
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Actual (in dollars per share)	$ 0.76	$ 0.75	$ 2.65	$ 2.23
Accelerate Payment Technologies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total Revenues				1,757,571
Total revenues, Pro forma				1,761,746
Net income attributable to Global Payments, Pro forma				$ 164,124
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Pro forma (in dollars per share)				$ 2.09
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Pro forma (in dollars per share)				$ 2.08