Noncontrolling Interests - Reconciliation of Net Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$ 55,121	$ 58,462	$ 193,661	$ 175,320
Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			18,025	15,213
Subtotal per statement of changes in equity			211,686	190,533
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			0	1,814
Net income	$ 60,121	$ 62,814	$ 211,686	$ 192,347