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Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 4 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 428900000 428.9 false false false 2 true true false false 444100000 444.1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. 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Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 false 7 Amortization 3 us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 55500000 55.5 false false false 2 false true false false 45900000 45.9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of intangible assets over their estimated remaining economic lives. No authoritative reference available. false 8 Stock compensation expense 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 20600000 20.6 false false false 2 false true false false 16200000 16.2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 9 Other non-cash items, net 3 us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -4900000 -4.9 false false false 2 false true false false 28600000 28.6 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Transactions that do not result in cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 10 Increase/(decrease) in cash, excluding the effects of acquisitions, resulting from changes in: 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 11 Other assets 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 64200000 64.2 false false false 2 false true false false 10700000 10.7 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 12 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -36300000 -36.3 false false false 2 false true false false -24000000 -24.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 14 Other liabilities 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -18500000 -18.5 false false false 2 false true false false -9800000 -9.8 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other operating obligations not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 true 15 Net cash provided by operating activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 326100000 326.1 false false false 2 false true false false 606300000 606.3 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 16 Cash flows from investing activities 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 17 Capitalization of contract costs 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -13000000 -13.0 false false false 2 false true false false -5500000 -5.5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to acquire asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 18 Capitalization of purchased and developed software 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -9800000 -9.8 false false false 2 false true false false -6500000 -6.5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the development, modification or acquisition of software programs or applications for internal use (that is, not to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed to others) that qualify for capitalization. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 19 Purchases of property and equipment 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -20800000 -20.8 false false false 2 false true false false -27900000 -27.9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 20 Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -145200000 -145.2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 false 21 Proceeds from receivable for securities sold 2 wu_ProceedsFromReceivableForSecuritiesSold wu false debit duration Represents partial repayment of receivable related to requested redemption of shares in the Reserve International Liquidity... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 234900000 234.9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Represents partial repayment of receivable related to requested redemption of shares in the Reserve International Liquidity Fund, Ltd. No authoritative reference available. false 22 Repayments of notes receivable issued to agents 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 16900000 16.9 false false false 2 false true false false 11100000 11.1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with principal collections from a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a true 23 Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -26700000 -26.7 false false false 2 false true false false 60900000 60.9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 24 Cash flows from financing activities 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 25 Proceeds from exercise of options 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 11900000 11.9 false false false 2 false true false false 5900000 5.9 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a false 27 Common stock repurchased 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -417100000 -417.1 false false false 2 false true false false -100100000 -100.1 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph b false 30 Principal payments on borrowings 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -500000000 -500.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b true 31 Net cash used in financing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -237800000 -237.8 false false false 2 false true false false -180400000 -180.4 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 32 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 61600000 61.6 false false false 2 false true false false 486800000 486.8 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 33 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 1685200000 1685.2 false false false 2 false true false false 1295600000 1295.6 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 34 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 1746800000 1746.8 false false false 2 false true false false 1782400000 1782.4 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 35 Supplemental cash flow information: 1 us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 36 Interest paid 2 us-gaap_InterestPaid us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 77800000 77.8 false false false 2 false true false false 83000000 83.0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed; includes amount of interest capitalized Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 false 37 Income taxes paid (Note 14) 2 us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 341400000 341.4 false false false 2 false true false false 84300000 84.3 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph f false 38 Non-cash exchange of 5.400% notes due 2011 for 5.253% notes due 2020 2 wu_NonCashExchangeOnDebtExchange wu false credit duration Non-cash exchange on debt exchange. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 303700000 303.7 false false false 2 true true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Non-cash exchange on debt exchange. No authoritative reference available. false 2 36 false HundredThousands UnKnown UnKnown false true