Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in the 2015 and 2014 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation. We consolidate any entity in which we have a controlling financial interest. Under the voting interest model, generally the investor that has voting control (usually more than 50% of an entity’s voting interests) consolidates the entity. Under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model, the party that has the power to direct the entity’s most significant economic activities and the ability to participate in the entity’s economics consolidates the entity. An entity is considered a VIE if it possesses one of the following characteristics: 1) the entity is thinly capitalized; 2) residual equity holders do not control the entity; 3) equity holders are shielded from economic losses; 4) equity holders do not participate fully in an entity’s residual economics; and 5) the entity was established with non-substantive voting interests. For consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned, the third-party holdings of equity interests are referred to as non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests that are redeemable or convertible for cash or other assets at the option of the holder are classified separate from stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest for such subsidiaries is presented as net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in the Consolidated Statement of Income. We have the following significant operating joint ventures: BFDS; IFDS U.K.; and IFDS L.P. We do not have a controlling financial interest in these entities and therefore account for the financial results of these operating joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. We are the lessee in a series of operating leases covering a large portion of our Kansas City, Missouri-based leased office facilities. The lessors are generally joint ventures (in which we have a 50% ownership) that have been established specifically to purchase, finance and engage in leasing activities with the joint venture partners and unrelated third parties. Our analysis of our real estate joint ventures for all periods presented indicate that none qualified as a VIE and, accordingly, they have not been consolidated. We provide investment management services to, and have transactions with, various exchange traded funds, mutual funds and other investment products sponsored by the Company in the normal course of business. We generally are considered to have a controlling financial interest in a fund when we own a majority of the outstanding controlling shares, which may arise as a result of seed capital investments in newly launched investment products from the time of initial launch to the time that the fund becomes majority-held by third-party investors.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and it is earned. The majority of our revenues are derived from computer processing and services and are recognized upon completion of the services provided. Software license fees, maintenance fees and other ancillary fees are recognized as services are provided or delivered and all customer obligations have been met. We generally do not have payment terms from customers that extend beyond one year. Revenue from operating leases is recognized monthly as the rent accrues. Billing for services in which cash is collected in advance of performance is recorded as deferred revenue. Allowances for billing adjustments and doubtful account expense are estimated as revenues are recognized. Allowances for billing adjustments are recorded as reductions in revenues and doubtful account expense is recorded within Costs and expenses. The annual amounts for these items are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 3) the sales price is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. If there is a customer-specific acceptance provision in a contract or if there is uncertainty about customer acceptance, the associated revenue is deferred until we have evidence of customer acceptance. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are evaluated to determine if the deliverables (items) can be divided into more than one unit of accounting. An item can generally be considered a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met: 1) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis and 2) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. Once separate units of accounting are determined, the arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. Relative selling price is obtained from sources such as vendor-specific objective evidence, which is based on the separate selling price for that or a similar item or from third-party evidence such as how competitors have priced similar items. If such evidence is unavailable, we use our best estimate of the selling price, which includes various internal factors such as our pricing strategy and market factors. Software license revenues are recognized at the time the contract is signed, the software is delivered and no future software obligations exist. Deferral of software license revenue results from delayed payment provisions, disproportionate discounts between the license and other services or the inability to unbundle certain services. We recognize revenues for maintenance services ratably over the contract term, after collectibility has been reasonably assured. Reimbursements received for “out-of-pocket” (“OOP”) expenses, such as postage and telecommunications charges, are recorded as revenue on an accrual basis. Because these additional revenues are offset by the reimbursable expenses incurred, they have minimal impact on income from operations and net income. For each segment, total revenues are reported in two categories, operating revenues and OOP reimbursements. OOP expenses are included in costs and expenses.
Costs and expenses	Costs and expenses Costs and expenses include all costs, excluding depreciation and amortization, incurred to produce revenues. We believe that the nature of our business as well as our organizational structure, in which virtually all officers and associates have operational responsibilities, does not allow for a meaningful segregation of selling, general and administrative costs. These costs, which we believe to be immaterial, are also included in costs and expenses. Substantially all depreciation and amortization is directly associated with the production of revenues.
Cash equivalents	Cash equivalents Short-term liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less are considered cash equivalents. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, carrying value approximates market value.
Client funds/obligations	Client funds/obligations Funds held on behalf of clients In connection with providing data processing services for our clients, we may hold client funds on behalf of transfer agency clients and pharmacy processing clients. End-of-day available client bank balances for full service mutual fund transfer agency clients are invested overnight. Invested balances are returned to the full service mutual fund transfer agency client accounts the following business day. Funds received from clients for the payment of pharmacy claims incurred by its members are invested until the claim payments are presented to the bank. These amounts are included in funds held on behalf of clients in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represent assets that are restricted for use. Client funding receivable Client funding receivables represent amounts due to us for pharmacy claims paid in advance of receiving client funding and for pharmacy claims processed for which client funding requests have not been made. Client funds obligations Client funds obligations represent our contractual obligations to remit funds to satisfy client pharmacy claim obligations and are recorded on the balance sheet when incurred, generally after a claim has been processed by us. In addition, client funds obligations include transfer agency client balances invested overnight. We have reported the cash flows related to the purchases of investment funds (available-for-sale securities) held on behalf of clients and the cash flows related to the proceeds from the sales/maturities of investment funds held on behalf of clients on a gross basis in the investing section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. We have reported the cash inflows and outflows related to client fund investments on a net basis within net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents held to satisfy client funds obligations in the investing section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. We have reported the cash flows related to client funds used in investing activities on a net basis within net increase (decrease) in client funds obligations in the financing section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Investments	Investments The equity method of accounting is used for investments in entities, partnerships and similar interests (including investments in private equity funds where we are the limited partner) in which we have significant influence but do not control. Under the equity method, we recognize income or losses from our pro-rata share of these unconsolidated affiliates’ net income or loss, which changes the carrying value of the investment of the unconsolidated affiliate. In certain cases, pro-rata losses are recognized only to the extent of our investment in and advances to the unconsolidated affiliate. The cost method of accounting is used for these investments when we have a de minimis ownership percentage and do not have significant influence. Our cost method investments are held at the lower of cost or market. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and recorded net of deferred taxes directly to stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Investments classified as held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Investment funds which are consolidated as a result of our seed capital investment are considered investment companies and therefore we retain the specialized industry accounting principles of these investment products in our consolidated financial statements. Upon consolidation of a fund, the underlying securities of the fund are reflected at fair value with gains and losses included in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Security transactions and investment income	Security transactions and investment income Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Security gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, adjusted for discounts and premiums, is recorded on the accrual basis.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost with major additions and improvements capitalized. Cost includes the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. Depreciation of buildings is recorded using the straight-line method over 30 to 40 years. Technology equipment, furniture, fixtures and other equipment are depreciated using accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives, principally three to five years. Software is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the lesser of the term of the lease or life of the improvements. We review, on a quarterly basis, our property and equipment for possible impairment. Purchased software is recorded at cost and is amortized over the estimated economic life, which is generally three to five years. We capitalize costs for the development of internal use software, including coding and software configuration costs and costs of upgrades and enhancements, after the preliminary project phase has been completed and management has committed to funding the project. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis, depending on the nature of the project, generally over a three to five year period. We review, on a quarterly basis, our capitalized software for possible impairment. Development costs for software that will be sold or licensed to third parties, prior to the achievement of technological feasibility, are expensed as incurred. We capitalize software development costs for software that will be sold or licensed to third parties which are incurred after the products reach technological feasibility but prior to the general release of the product to customers. These capitalized development costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis using the greater of the amount computed by taking the ratio of current year’s gross revenues to current and anticipated future gross revenues or the amount computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the product, which is generally three to five years. We evaluate the net realizable value of capitalized software development costs on a product-by-product basis.
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and intangible assets We have recorded goodwill and intangible assets in connection with various acquisitions of businesses. Intangible assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 primarily represent customer relationships and other definite lived intangible assets (trade names, non-compete agreements, etc.) acquired. The estimated useful life on these intangible assets ranges from 3 to 19 years. The weighted average amortization period at December 31, 2016 for customer relationships and other intangible assets is 14.7 and 8.7 years, respectively. We assess the impairment of goodwill at least annually (as of October 1) and assess identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and related assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Intangible assets that have finite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Our assessment of goodwill for impairment for 2016 included a quantitative assessment that compared the fair value to the net book value of our reporting units. The fair value of the reporting units was estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows and substantially exceeded the carrying value of the reporting units. For 2015, we performed a qualitative assessment that considered various factors, including growth in operating revenues and income from operations of our reporting units since our last quantitative assessment in 2014. Our 2016, 2015 and 2014 annual goodwill impairment tests determined that goodwill was not impaired, except during 2016 for the goodwill held at the Customer Communications U.K. reporting unit, which is included as a component of discontinued operations, as further described in Note 4, Discontinued Operations.
Income taxes	Income taxes We recognize the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax effects of transactions reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax return purposes are recorded by the liability method. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences of deferred income or expense items and differences between the income tax and financial accounting statement bases of assets and liabilities and immediately recognizes changes in income tax laws upon enactment. The income statement effect is generally derived from changes in deferred income taxes on the balance sheet. From time to time, we enter into transactions for which the tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state tax laws is uncertain. We provide federal and/or state income taxes on such transactions, together with related interest, net of income tax benefit, and any applicable penalties in accordance with accounting guidance for income tax uncertainties. We record income tax uncertainties that are estimated to take more than 12 months to resolve as non-current. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recorded in income tax expense.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation Our international subsidiaries use the local currency as the functional currency. We translate our assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at average rates during the period.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Basic earnings per share are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are determined by including the dilutive effect of all potential common shares outstanding during the year. See Note 13, Equity, for additional details regarding our earnings per share computation.
Derivative and hedging activities	Derivative and hedging activities We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value and the changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. From time to time, we utilize derivatives to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks. We do not enter into derivative arrangements for speculative purposes. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had derivative instruments outstanding as described in Note 11, Hedging Transactions and Derivative Financial Instruments.
Comprehensive income	Comprehensive income Our comprehensive income consists of net income and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, our proportional share of unconsolidated affiliates’ other comprehensive income (limited by the carrying value of the investment), unrealized gains or losses on our cash flow hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments, which are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, net of tax and reclassifications to earnings.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation We have share-based compensation plans covering our employees and our non-employee directors and have outstanding share awards (primarily in the form of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units) under each of these plans. We recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards offset by estimates of compensation costs related to awards that are not expected to vest. For share-based awards granted, we expense the grant date fair value of these awards using the straight-line method over the service period. Amortization for the grant date fair value of share-based awards containing both service and performance features depends on our judgments on whether the performance conditions will be achieved.
New authoritative accounting guidance	New authoritative accounting guidance In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which requires the statement of cash flows to explain changes during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 and requires retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the standard and the impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires the recognition of income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 and requires modified retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the standard and the impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to clarify how certain transactions are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this new standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We expect increased volatility in earnings as the excess tax benefits driven by changes in our stock price will be recorded to the Consolidated Statement of Income upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied under the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the standard and the impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which updates the reporting model for certain financial instruments, including the requirement for equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 and requires a cumulative-effective adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the standard and the impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Effects on earnings as a result of the change to the provisional amounts should be recorded in the same period’s financial statements and calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The guidance was adopted on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. In connection with the adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2016, the Company reevaluated all of its investment products for consolidation and determined that certain of its investments in private equity funds met the definition of a VIE as our equity interests lacked the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The revised consolidation guidance did not result in consolidation of any of our investments. See Note 5, Investments, for additional details regarding our investments in variable interest entities. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which requires companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard and subsequently issued amendments will become effective for us beginning with the first quarter 2018, and although permitted, we will not early adopt this guidance. We are in the process of selecting the method of adoption, either the full retrospective or modified retrospective transition approach, however we have not yet determined the method by which the standard will be adopted. In addition, we are currently evaluating the impacts of the application of the new standard to our existing portfolio of customer contracts and will continue to review new contracts entered into prior to the adoption of the new standard. While we expect the adoption of the standard will change the timing of when revenue is recognized for certain revenue streams, we anticipate that the majority of our contracts with customers will be accounted for under the series deliverable guidance in the new standard which will likely result in no change as compared to current revenue recognition. We expect to continue finalizing our assessment of the expected impact of adoption throughout 2017.