Global Payments (GPN) 10-Q 2 Oct 14 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001123360	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)	'	67,637,173

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$704,895	$629,685
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of service	259,839	230,745
Sales, general and administrative	320,658	291,556
Total costs and expenses	580,497	522,301
Operating income	124,398	107,384
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest and other income	1,192	3,338
Interest and other expense	-11,010	-7,879
Total nonoperating income (expense)	-9,818	-4,541
Income before income taxes	114,580	102,843
Provision for income taxes	-30,146	-31,135
Net income	84,434	71,708
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax	-9,068	-7,065
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$75,366	$64,643
Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$0.88
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.10	$0.87

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$84,434	$71,708
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-25,220	-2,288
Income tax benefit related to foreign currency translation adjustments	2,516	2,536
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-22,704	248
Comprehensive income	61,730	71,956
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,939	-9,627
Comprehensive income attributable to Global Payments	$57,791	$62,329

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$595,884	$581,872
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $531 and $401, respectively	206,641	214,574
Claims receivable, net	758	809
Settlement processing assets	1,141,608	780,917
Inventory	5,660	6,636
Deferred income taxes	12,793	12,963
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,380	45,673
Total current assets	2,006,724	1,643,444
Goodwill	1,324,374	1,337,285
Other intangible assets, net	511,265	535,173
Property and equipment, net	363,415	369,753
Deferred income taxes	100,813	101,928
Other	32,765	31,067
Total assets	4,339,356	4,018,650
Current liabilities:	'	'
Lines of credit	652,157	440,128
Current portion of long-term debt	31,250	17,677
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	248,639	290,106
Settlement processing obligations	634,061	451,317
Income taxes payable	13,390	12,390
Total current liabilities	1,579,497	1,211,618
Long-term debt	1,388,750	1,376,002
Deferred income taxes	209,941	209,099
Other long-term liabilities	90,655	89,132
Total liabilities	3,268,843	2,885,851
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized and none issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 67,672,753 issued and outstanding at August 31, 2014 and 68,845,643 issued and outstanding at May 31, 2014	0	0
Paid-in capital	139,141	183,023
Retained earnings	822,461	815,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-19,351	-1,776
Total Global Payments shareholders’ equity	942,251	997,227
Noncontrolling interests	128,262	135,572
Total equity	1,070,513	1,132,799
Total liabilities and equity	$4,339,356	$4,018,650

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$531	$401
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	67,672,753	68,845,643
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	67,672,753	68,845,643

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$84,434	$71,708
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	16,712	13,981
Amortization of acquired intangibles	17,854	14,393
Share-based compensation expense	4,066	4,788
Provision for operating losses and bad debts	4,308	5,234
Deferred income taxes	3,705	5,784
Other, net	-755	-1,891
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	7,933	802
Claims receivable	-2,742	-3,864
Settlement processing assets and obligations, net	-179,462	-115,383
Inventory	981	4,448
Prepaid expenses and other assets	644	16,772
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-22,151	-40,207
Income taxes payable	1,000	248
Net cash used in operating activities	-63,473	-23,187
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Business, intangible and other asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-4,773	0
Capital expenditures	-18,157	-20,263
Principal collections on financing receivables	219	665
Net proceeds from sales of investments and business	10,528	990
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,183	-18,608
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net borrowings on short-term lines of credit	212,029	141,026
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	390,000	440,000
Principal payments under long-term debt	-363,679	-331,515
Repurchase of common stock	-132,283	-143,700
Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans	12,588	3,998
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-15,105	-4,604
Tax benefit from share-based compensation plans	3,154	1,213
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-11,249	-12,482
Dividends paid	-1,370	-1,456
Net cash provided by financing activities	94,085	92,480
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,417	-5,268
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	14,012	45,417
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	581,872	680,470
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$595,884	$725,887

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Number of Shares [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total Global Payments Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance, beginning balance at May. 31, 2013	$1,286,607	'	$202,396	$958,751	($15,062)	$1,146,085	$140,522
Balance, beginning balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2013	'	75,426,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	71,708	'	'	64,643	'	64,643	7,065
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of in 2014 :$2,516, 2013: $2,536	248	'	'	'	-2,314	-2,314	2,562
Stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)	'	886,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock plans	3,998	'	3,998	'	'	3,998	'
Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans (in shares)	'	-341,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-5,413	'	-5,413	'	'	-5,413	'
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation, net	1,088	'	1,088	'	'	1,088	'
Share-based compensation expense	4,788	'	4,788	'	'	4,788	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-12,482	'	'	'	'	'	-12,482
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-3,100,000	-3,051,000	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-144,397	'	-40,009	-104,388	'	-144,397	'
Dividends paid (2014: $0.02, 2013: $0.02, per share)	-1,456	'	'	-1,456	'	-1,456	'
Balance, ending balance at Aug. 31, 2013	1,204,689	'	166,848	917,550	-17,376	1,067,022	137,667
Balance, ending balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2013	'	72,920,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning balance at May. 31, 2014	1,132,799	'	183,023	815,980	-1,776	997,227	135,572
Balance, beginning balance (in shares) at May. 31, 2014	'	68,846,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	84,434	'	'	75,366	'	75,366	9,068
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of in 2014 :$2,516, 2013: $2,536	-22,704	'	'	'	-17,575	-17,575	-5,129
Stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)	'	904,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock plans	12,588	'	12,588	'	'	12,588	'
Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans (in shares)	'	-294,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-6,713	'	-6,713	'	'	-6,713	'
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation, net	3,154	'	3,154	'	'	3,154	'
Share-based compensation expense	4,066	'	4,066	'	'	4,066	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-11,249	'	'	'	'	'	-11,249
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-1,800,000	-1,783,000	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-124,492	'	-56,977	-67,515	'	-124,492	'
Dividends paid (2014: $0.02, 2013: $0.02, per share)	-1,370	'	'	-1,370	'	-1,370	'
Balance, ending balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$1,070,513	'	$139,141	$822,461	($19,351)	$942,251	$128,262
Balance, ending balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014	'	67,673,000	'	'	'	'	'

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax benefit related to foreign currency translation adjustments	$2,516	$2,536
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.02	$0.02

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business, consolidation and presentation— Global Payments Inc. is a worldwide provider of payment solutions for merchants, value-added resellers, enterprise software providers, financial institutions, government agencies, multi-national corporations and independent sales organizations ("ISOs") located throughout North America, Brazil, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. We provide payment and digital commerce solutions and operate in two business segments: North America merchant services and International merchant services.
	We were incorporated in Georgia as Global Payments Inc. in September 2000, and we spun-off from our former parent company on January 31, 2001. Including our time as part of our former parent company, we have been in the payments business since 1967. Global Payments Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "Global Payments," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us," unless the context requires otherwise.
	These unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries, and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.
	In the opinion of our management, all known adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been made.  These adjustments consist of normal recurring accruals and estimates that impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities.  We suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014.
	Use of estimates— The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue recognition— Our two merchant services segments primarily provide processing solutions for credit cards, debit cards, electronic payments and check-related services. Revenue is recognized as such services are performed. Revenue for processing services provided directly to merchants is recorded net of interchange fees charged by card issuing banks. Our primary business model provides payment products and services directly to merchants as our end customers. We also provide similar products and services to financial institutions and a limited number of ISOs that, in turn, resell our products and services, in which case, the financial institutions and select ISOs are our end customers. The majority of merchant services revenue is generated on services priced as a percentage of transaction value or a specified fee per transaction, depending on card type. We also charge other fees based on specific services that are unrelated to the number of transactions or the transaction value. Revenue from credit cards and signature debit cards is generally based on a percentage of transaction value along with other related fees, while revenue from PIN-based debit cards is typically based on a fee per transaction.
	Cash and cash equivalents— Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and all liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents include reserve funds collected from our merchants that serve as collateral to minimize contingent liabilities associated with any losses that may occur under the merchant agreement (“Merchant Reserves”). We record a corresponding liability in settlement processing assets and settlement processing obligations in our consolidated balance sheet. While this cash is not restricted in its use, we believe that designating this cash to collateralize Merchant Reserves strengthens our fiduciary standing with our member sponsors and is in accordance with guidelines set by the card networks. As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents included $180.1 million and $124.7 million, respectively, related to Merchant Reserves.
	Certain of our member sponsors hold Merchant Reserves on our behalf. In these instances, neither the Merchant Reserve cash nor the corresponding liability appears on our consolidated balance sheet; however, we have access to the collateral in the event that we incur a merchant loss.
	Our cash and cash equivalents include settlement related cash balances. Settlement related cash balances represent surplus funds that we hold when the incoming amount from the card networks precedes the funding obligation to the merchant. Settlement related cash balances are not restricted; however, these funds are generally paid out in satisfaction of settlement processing obligations the following day. Please see Note 2 - Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations.
	Goodwill and other intangible assets— Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. We test goodwill for impairment annually as of January 1st and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its net carrying value. We have the option of performing a qualitative assessment of impairment to determine whether any further quantitative testing for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or not to perform a qualitative assessment is made from year-to-year and can vary by reporting unit.
	As of January 1, 2014, we elected to apply the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20, Goodwill, for each of our reporting units. Factors we consider in the qualitative assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance of our reporting units, events or changes affecting the composition or carrying value of the net assets of our reporting units, sustained decrease in our share price, and other relevant entity specific events. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment or if we determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value, a two-step quantitative test is required. In the first step, the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, is compared to its fair value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and step two must be performed. Step two measures the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all the assets and liabilities of that unit (including unrecognized intangibles) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value over the amounts allocated to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of the goodwill. The excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value of the goodwill is the impairment loss.
	We have six reporting units: North America merchant services, U.K. merchant services, Asia-Pacific merchant services, Central and Eastern Europe merchant services, Russia merchant services and Spain merchant services. Based on our annual assessment as of January 1, 2014, we determined on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair values of the reporting units were not more likely than not less than their respective carrying values; and therefore, a two-step quantitative test was not required. We believe that the fair values of our reporting units are substantially in excess of their carrying values.
	Our goodwill impairment testing involves the use of estimates and the exercise of judgment on the part of management. Our assessment of the qualitative factors discussed above, involves significant judgments about expected future business performance and general market conditions. Significant changes in our assessment of such qualitative factors could affect our assessment of the fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period.
	Other intangible assets primarily represent customer-related intangible assets (such as customer lists and merchant contracts), contract-based intangible assets (such as non-compete agreements, referral agreements and processing rights), acquired technology and trademarks associated with acquisitions. Customer-related intangible assets, contract-based intangible assets and trademarks are amortized over their estimated useful lives from 5 to 30 years. The useful lives for customer-related intangible assets are determined based primarily on forecasted cash flows, which include estimates for the revenues, expenses, and customer attrition associated with the assets. The useful lives of contract-based intangible assets are equal to the terms of the agreements. The useful lives of amortizable trademarks are based on our plans to phase out the trademarks in the applicable markets. Acquired technology is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life.
	Amortization for most of our customer-related intangible assets is calculated using an accelerated method. In determining amortization expense under our accelerated method for any given period, we calculate the expected cash flows for that period that were used in determining the acquired value of the asset and divide that amount by the expected total cash flows over the estimated life of the asset. We multiply that percentage by the initial carrying value of the asset to arrive at the amortization expense for that period. If the cash flow patterns that we experience differ significantly from our initial estimates, we will adjust the amortization schedule accordingly. These cash flow patterns are derived using certain assumptions and cost allocations due to a significant amount of asset interdependencies that exist in our business.
	We believe that our accelerated method better approximates the distribution of cash flows generated by our acquired customer relationships. We use the straight-line method of amortization for our contract-based intangibles and amortizable trademarks.
	Impairment of long-lived assets— We regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that these long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, we assess the potential impairment by determining whether the carrying value of such long-lived assets will be recovered through the future undiscounted cash flows expected from use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analysis as applicable. We regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the useful lives of property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets may warrant revision. In our opinion, the carrying values of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets, were not impaired at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014.
	Earnings per share— Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Earnings available to common shareholders is the same as reported net income attributable to Global Payments for all periods presented.
	Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period and the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. All options with an exercise price less than the average market share price for the period are assumed to have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. The diluted share base for the three months ended August 31, 2014 excludes 0.2 million shares related to stock options that would have an antidilutive effect on the computation of diluted earnings per share. There were no such antidilutive stock options during the three months ended August 31, 2013. No additional securities were outstanding that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share.
	The following table sets forth the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14	31-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	68,146	73,765
	Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	471	524
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	68,617	74,289
	Repurchased shares— We account for the retirement of repurchased shares using the par value method under which we allocate the cost of repurchased and retired shares between paid-in capital and retained earnings by comparing the price of shares repurchased to the original issue proceeds of those shares. When the repurchase price of the shares repurchased is greater than the original issue proceeds, the excess is charged to retained earnings. We use a last-in, first-out cost flow assumption to identify the original issue proceeds to the cost of the shares repurchased. We believe that this allocation method is preferable because it more accurately reflects our paid-in capital balances by allocating the cost of the shares repurchased and retired to paid-in capital in proportion to paid-in capital associated with the original issuance of said shares.
	New accounting pronouncements— From time-to-time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, our management believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers(Topic 606)." The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in ASC 205-20. The amendments change the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendments require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as "held for sale") that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. As permitted by the standard, we elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-08 as of June 1, 2014 and are applying the provisions prospectively. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Offsetting [Abstract]	'
Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations	'
	SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS
	Funds settlement refers to the process of transferring funds for sales and credits between card issuers and merchants. For transactions processed on our systems, we use our internal network to provide funding instructions to financial institutions that in turn fund the merchants. We process funds settlement under two models, a sponsorship model and a direct membership model.
	Under the sponsorship model, we are designated as a Merchant Service Provider by MasterCard and an ISO by Visa, which means that member clearing banks ("Member") sponsor us and require our adherence to the standards of the networks. In certain markets, we have sponsorship or depository and clearing agreements with financial institution sponsors. These agreements allow us to route transactions under the Members' control and identification numbers to clear credit card transactions through MasterCard and Visa. In this model, the standards of the card networks restrict us from performing funds settlement or accessing merchant settlement funds, and, instead, require that these funds be in the possession of the Member until the merchant is funded.
	Under the direct membership model, we are direct members in various payment networks, allowing us to process and fund transactions without third-party sponsorship. In this model, we route and clear transactions directly through the card brand’s network and are not restricted from performing funds settlement. Otherwise, we process these transactions similarly to how we process transactions in the sponsorship model. We are required to adhere to the standards of the various networks in which we are direct members. We maintain relationships with financial institutions, which may also serve as our Member sponsors for other card brands or in other markets, to assist with funds settlement.
	Timing differences, interchange expense, Merchant Reserves and exception items cause differences between the amount received from the card networks and the amount funded to the merchants. These intermediary balances arising in our settlement process for direct merchants are reflected as settlement processing assets and obligations on our balance sheet. Settlement processing assets and obligations include the components outlined below:
	•	Interchange reimbursement - our receivable from merchants for the portion of the discount fee related to reimbursement of the interchange expense.
	•	Receivable from Members - our receivable from the Members for transactions in which merchants have been funded in advance of receipt of card association funding.
	•	Receivable from networks - our receivable from the card networks for transactions processed on behalf of merchants where we are a direct member of that particular network.
	•	Exception items - items such as customer chargeback amounts received from merchants.
	•	Merchant Reserves - reserves held to minimize contingent liabilities associated with losses that may occur under the merchant agreement.
	•	Liability to Members - our liability to the Members for transactions for which funding from the network has been received by the Members but merchants have not yet been funded.
	•	Liability to merchants - our liability to merchants for transactions that have been processed but not yet funded where we are a direct member of that particular network.
	•	Reserve for operating losses - our allowance for charges or losses that we are not able to collect from the merchants due to merchant fraud, insolvency, bankruptcy or any other merchant-related reason.
	In accordance with ASC 210-20, Offsetting, we apply offsetting to our settlement processing assets and obligations where legal right of set-off exists. In the sponsorship model, we apply offsetting by Member because the Member is ultimately responsible for funds settlement. With these Member transactions, we do not have access to the gross proceeds of the receivable from the networks and, thus, do not have a direct obligation or any ability to satisfy the payable that funds the merchant. In these situations, we apply offsetting to determine a net position with each Member sponsor. If that net position is an asset, we reflect the net amount in settlement processing assets on our balance sheet and we present the individual components in the settlement processing assets table below. If that net position is a liability, we reflect the net amount in settlement processing obligations on our consolidated balance sheet and we present the individual components in the settlement processing obligations table below. In the direct membership model, offsetting is not applied, and the individual components are presented as an asset or obligation based on the nature of that component.
		August 31, 2014			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Settlement processing assets:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	205,411		$	217,806
	Receivable from Members	348,821			206,322
	Receivable from networks	649,243			430,763
	Exception items	20,114			5,573
	Merchant Reserves	(81,981		)	(79,547		)
		$	1,141,608		$	780,917
	Settlement processing obligations:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	54,801		$	54,459
	Liability to Members	(12,621		)	(5,490		)
	Liability to merchants	(580,900		)	(407,651		)
	Exception items	5,219			6,313
	Merchant Reserves	(98,130		)	(96,622		)
	Reserve for operating losses	(1,788		)	(1,725		)
	Reserves for sales allowances	(642		)	(601		)
		$	(634,061	)	$	(451,317	)

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures	'
	BUSINESS AND INTANGIBLE ASSET ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES
	Fiscal 2014
	Comercia Global Payments Brazil
	Effective September 30, 2013, CaixaBank, S.A. ("CaixaBank"), which owns 49% of Comercia Global Payments ("Comercia"), our subsidiary in Spain, purchased 50% of Global Payments Brazil for $2.1 million in cash and a commitment to fund the capital needs of the business until such time as its cumulative funding is equal to funding that we have provided from inception through the effective date of the transaction. The transaction created a new joint venture which does business as Comercia Global Payments Brazil.  As a result of the transaction, we deconsolidated Global Payments Brazil, and we apply the equity method of accounting to our retained interest in Comercia Global Payments Brazil.  We recorded a gain on the transaction of $2.1 million which is included in interest and other income in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014. The results of the Brazil operation from inception until the restructuring into a joint venture on September 30, 2013 were not material to our consolidated results of operations, and the assets and liabilities that we derecognized were not material to our consolidated balance sheet.
	In late fiscal 2014, CaixaBank completed its initial funding commitment. During the three months ended August 31, 2014, CaixaBank and Global Payments each made an additional investment of $3.9 million in Comercia Global Payments Brazil to fund the ongoing operations of the business.
	American Express Portfolio
	On October 24, 2013, we acquired a merchant portfolio in the Czech Republic from American Express Limited for $1.9 million. The acquired assets have been classified as customer-related intangible assets and contract-based intangible assets with estimated amortization periods of 10 years.
	PayPros
	On March 4, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Payment Processing, Inc. ("PayPros") for $420.0 million in cash plus $6.5 million in cash for working capital. We funded the acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from our Term Loan. PayPros, based in California, is a provider of fully-integrated payment solutions for small-to-medium sized merchants in the United States.  PayPros delivers its products and services through a network of technology-based enterprise software partners to vertical markets that are complementary to the markets served by Accelerated Payment Technologies, which we acquired in October 2012. We acquired PayPros to expand our direct distribution capabilities in the United States and to further enhance our existing integrated solutions offerings. This acquisition was recorded as a business combination, and the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Due to the timing of this transaction, the allocation of the purchase price is preliminary pending final valuation of deferred income taxes. The purchase price of PayPros was determined by analyzing the historical and prospective financial statements. Acquisition costs associated with this purchase were not material.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Goodwill	$	270,991
	Customer-related intangible assets	147,500
	Contract-based intangible assets	30,200
	Acquired technology	10,800
	Fixed assets	1,680
	Other assets	4,229
	Total assets acquired	465,400
	Deferred income taxes	(38,948		)
	Net assets acquired	$	426,452
	The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill, included in the North America merchant services segment, of $271.0 million. Such goodwill is attributable primarily to synergies with the services offered and markets served by PayPros. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. The customer-related intangible assets and the contract-based intangible assets have an estimated amortization period of 13 years. The acquired technology has an estimated amortization period of 7 years.
	The following pro forma information shows the results of our operations for the three months ended August 31, 2013 as if the PayPros acquisition had occurred June 1, 2013. The pro forma information is presented for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred if the acquisition had been made as of that date. The pro forma information is also not intended to be a projection of future results due to the integration of the acquired business.
		Unaudited
		31-Aug-13			31-Aug-13
		(Actual)			(Pro forma)
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	629,685		$	652,748
	Net income attributable to Global Payments	$	64,643		$	62,590
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic	$	0.88		$	0.85
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted	$	0.87		$	0.84

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:
		August 31, 2014			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	1,324,374		$	1,337,285
	Other intangible assets:
	Customer-related intangible assets	$	708,157		$	714,704
	Trademarks	5,575			6,140
	Acquired technology	25,800			25,700
	Contract-based intangible assets	142,468			145,967
		882,000			892,511
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Customer-related intangible assets	328,293			317,629
	Trademarks	4,239			4,147
	Acquired technology	4,413			3,531
	Contract-based intangible assets	33,790			32,031
		370,735			357,338
		$	511,265		$	535,173
	The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
		North America Merchant Services			International Merchant Services			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at May 31, 2014	$	786,655		$	550,630		$	1,337,285
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			—
		786,655			550,630			1,337,285
	Adjustment(1)	(586		)	—			(586		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	(282		)	(12,043		)	(12,325		)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	785,787		$	538,587		$	1,324,374
	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.6 million in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset valuation and the working capital settlement associated with the purchase price allocation for the PayPros acquisition.

LongTerm_Debt_And_Credit_Facil

Long-Term Debt And Credit Facilities	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
	As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, outstanding debt consisted of the following:
		August 31, 2014		May 31, 2014
	Lines of credit:	(in thousands)
	Corporate Credit Facility - long-term	$	170,000	$	140,000
	Short-term lines of credit	652,157		440,128
	Total lines of credit	822,157		580,128
	Notes payable	—		3,679
	Term loan	1,250,000		1,250,000
	Total debt	$	2,072,157	$	1,833,807
	Current portion	$	683,407	$	457,805
	Long-term debt	1,388,750		1,376,002
	Total debt	$	2,072,157	$	1,833,807
	On February 28, 2014, we entered into an amended and restated term loan agreement ("Term Loan") and an amended and restated credit agreement ("Corporate Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Term Loan and the Corporate Credit Facility amended and restated the Term Loan agreement dated September 28, 2012 and the credit agreement dated December 7, 2010, respectively.
	The Term Loan is a five-year senior unsecured $1.25 billion Term Loan. We used proceeds from the Term Loan to partially fund our acquisition of PayPros on March 4, 2014 and to repay the outstanding balances on our previously existing revolving credit facility and our previously existing Term Loan.
	The Term Loan expires February 28, 2019 and bears interest, at our election, at either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate, in each case plus a leverage-based margin. As of August 31, 2014, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 1.62%. Commencing in May 2015 and ending in November 2018, the Term Loan has scheduled quarterly principal payments of 1.25%, increasing up to 2.50%. At maturity, 27.5% of the Term Loan will have been repaid through scheduled amortization and the remaining principal balance will be due. With notice, the Term Loan may be voluntarily prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty.
	The Corporate Credit Facility is a five-year senior unsecured revolving $1.0 billion revolving credit facility that expires February 28, 2019 and bears interest, at our election, at either LIBOR or a base rate, in each case plus a leverage-based margin. Borrowing under the Corporate Credit Facility is available in various currencies. As of August 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the Corporate Credit Facility was $170.0 million, and the interest rate was 1.62%. The Corporate Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes.
	The Corporate Credit Facility allows us to issue standby letters of credit of up to $100.0 million in the aggregate. Outstanding letters of credit under the Corporate Credit Facility reduce the amount of borrowings available to us. At August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, we had standby letters of credit of $8.2 million and $8.1 million, respectively. The total available incremental borrowings under our Corporate Credit Facility at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014 was $821.8 million and $851.9 million, respectively.
	The agreements contain customary affirmative and restrictive covenants, including, among others, financial covenants based on our leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. Please see "Compliance with Covenants" below. Each of the agreements includes customary events of default, the occurrence of which, following any applicable cure period, would permit lenders to, among other things, declare the principal, accrued interest and other obligations to be immediately due and payable.
	Short-term Lines of Credit
	We have short-term lines of credit with banks in the United States and Canada as well as several countries in Europe and Asia in which we do business. The short-term lines of credit, which are primarily used to fund settlement, generally have variable short-term interest rates and are subject to annual review. The credit facilities are generally denominated in local currency but may, in some cases, facilitate borrowings in multiple currencies. For certain of our lines of credit, the line of credit balance is reduced by the amount of cash we have on deposit in specific accounts with the lender when determining compliance with the credit limit. Accordingly, the line of credit balance may exceed the stated credit limit at any given point in time, when in fact the combined position is less than the credit limit. As of August 31, 2014, we had $639.0 million of additional borrowing capacity under our short-term lines of credit to fund settlement.
	Compliance with Covenants
	There are certain financial and non-financial covenants contained in our various credit facilities and Term Loan. Our Term Loan and Corporate Credit Facility include financial covenants requiring (i) a leverage ratio no greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (3.75 to 1.00 in the case of a business acquisition, subject to certain conditions) and (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio no less than 2.50 to 1.00. We complied with all applicable covenants as of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014.

Income_Tax

Income Tax	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax	'
	INCOME TAX
	Our effective tax rates were 26.3% and 30.3% for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2013 reflects additional income tax expense we recorded as a result of the reduction of certain U.K. deferred tax assets due to enacted corporate tax rate reductions in the United Kingdom of 3%. The U.K. corporate tax rate reduction reached completion during our first quarter of 2013 and is not reflected in the effective tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2014. Our effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate due to domestic and international tax planning initiatives and income generated in international jurisdictions with lower tax rates.
	As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, other long-term liabilities included liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits of $68.8 million and $67.6 million, respectively. During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we recognized an increase in liabilities of $1.2 million for unrecognized income tax benefits. During the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, amounts recorded for accrued interest and penalty expense related to the unrecognized income tax benefits were insignificant.
	We conduct business globally and file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities around the world, including, without limitation, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. We are no longer subject to state income tax examinations for years ended on or before May 31, 2006 and are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for fiscal years prior to 2012.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we repurchased and retired 1.8 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $124.5 million, or an average of $69.82 per share, including commissions. During the three months ended August 31, 2013, we repurchased and retired 3.1 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $144.4 million, or an average of $47.33 per share, including commissions. As of August 31, 2014, we had $245.1 million of remaining authorized share repurchases.

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options

Share-Based Awards and Options	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Awards and Options	'
	SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS
	As of August 31, 2014, we had awards outstanding under four share-based employee compensation plans. The fair value of share-based awards is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
	Non-qualified stock options and restricted stock have been granted to officers, key employees and directors under the Global Payments Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "2000 Plan"), the Global Payments Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Incentive Plan (the "2005 Plan"), the Amended and Restated 2000 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Stock Option Plan"), and the Global Payments Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan") (collectively, the "Plans"). There were no further grants made under the 2000 Plan after the 2005 Plan was effective, and the Director Stock Option Plan expired by its terms on February 1, 2011. There will be no future grants under the 2000 Plan, the 2005 Plan or the Director Stock Option Plan.
	The 2011 Plan permits grants of equity to employees, officers, directors and consultants. A total of 7.0 million shares of our common stock was reserved and made available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan.
	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation cost charged to income and the related total income tax benefit recognized for stock options, restricted stock awards, performance units and TSR units (each as defined below), and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan.
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14			31-Aug-13
		(in millions)
	Share-based compensation expense	$	4.1		$	4.8
	Income tax benefit	$	3.3		$	1.1
	We award shares and performance units pursuant to the Plans under what we refer to as our "long-term incentive plan." The awards are held in escrow and released to the grantee upon the grantee’s satisfaction of conditions of the grantee’s award certificate. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the quoted market value of our common stock at the award date.
	Restricted Stock
	Grants of restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if a grantee leaves our employment prior to expiration of the restricted period. Restricted stock awards that were granted before fiscal 2015 vest in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock awards that were granted during fiscal 2015 will vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
	Performance Units
	Certain of our executives have been granted up to two types of "performance units" under our long-term incentive plan. "Performance units" are performance-based restricted stock units that, after a performance period, convert into a number of shares, which may or may not be restricted, that depends on the achievement of certain performance measures during the fiscal year. The target number of performance units and the market-based performance measures (at threshold, target, and maximum) are set by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Performance units are converted to restricted stock grants only after the Compensation Committee certifies our performance based on its pre-established goals.
	The performance units granted to certain executives in fiscal 2014 were based on a one-year performance period. After the Compensation Committee certified the performance results, these performance units converted into restricted shares, 25% of which vest after the certification date of performance results.  The remaining 75% vest in equal installments on each of the next three anniversaries of the conversion date. Depending on the achievement of the performance measures, the grantee may earn as little as 0% and up to a maximum of 200% of the target number of shares. As of August 31, 2014, all performance units granted in fiscal 2014 had converted into restricted shares.
	The performance units granted to certain executives during the three months ended August 31, 2014 were based on a three-year performance period. After the Compensation Committee certifies the performance results, these performance units will convert into fully-vested shares of common stock. The Compensation Committee may set a range of possible performance-based outcomes for the award. Depending on the achievement of the performance measures, the grantee may earn as little as 0% and up to a maximum of 200% of the target number of shares. We recognize compensation expense over the performance period based on the fair value of the award at the grant date based on the number of shares expected to be earned according to the level of achievement of performance goals. If our expectations were to change at any time during the performance period, we would make a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense based on the revised number of shares expected to be earned.
	TSR Units
	Certain of our executives have been granted “TSR units,” which are performance-based restricted stock units that are earned based on our total shareholder return over a three-year performance period compared to companies in the S&P 500. Once the performance results are certified, TSR units convert into fully-vested shares of our common stock. Depending on our performance, the grantee may earn as little as 0% and up to a maximum of 200% of the target number of shares. The target number of TSR units for each executive is set by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and a monte carlo simulation is used to calculate the estimated share payout.
	The following table summarizes the changes in unvested share-based awards for the three months ended August 31, 2014 (shares in thousands):
			Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at May 31, 2014		877		$	45
	Granted		327		72
	Vested		(293	)	44
	Forfeited		(6	)	48
	Unvested at August 31, 2014		905		$	55
	The total fair value of share-based awards vested during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 was $13.0 million and $14.7 million, respectively.
	We recognized compensation expense for share-based awards of $3.7 million and $4.3 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, there was $48.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	We have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which the sale of 2.4 million shares of our common stock has been authorized. Employees may designate up to the lesser of $25,000 or 20% of their annual compensation for the purchase of our common stock. The price for shares purchased under the plan is 85% of the market value on the last day of each calendar quarter. As of August 31, 2014, 1.1 million shares had been issued under this plan, with 1.3 million shares reserved for future issuance. We recognized compensation expense for the plan of $0.2 million and $0.1 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of each designated share purchased under this plan during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 was approximately $7, which represents the fair value of the 15% discount.
	Stock Options
	Stock options are granted at 100% of fair market value on the date of grant and have 10-year terms. Stock options that were granted before fiscal 2015 vest in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Stock options granted during fiscal 2015 vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we granted 0.2 million stock options for the first time since fiscal 2011. Our stock option plans provide for accelerated vesting under certain conditions.
	The following is a summary of our stock option activity as of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
			Options		Weight Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in thousands)				(years)	(in millions)
	Outstanding at May 31, 2014		766		$	41	3.8	$	21.3
	Granted		153		72
	Forfeited		(7	)	23
	Exercised		(280	)	41
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014		632		$	48	5.2	$	15.5
	Options vested and exercisable at August 31, 2014		473		$	41	3.7	$	15.2
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 was $8.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, we had $2.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 3.7 years. We recognized compensation expense for stock options of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of each option granted during the three months ended August 31, 2014 was $17. The fair value of each option granted during the three months ended August 31, 2014 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions for grants during the respective period:
	Risk-free interest rates	1.57%
	Expected volatility	23.65%
	Dividend yields	0.13%
	Expected lives	5 years
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a zero coupon U.S. Treasury security with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option from the date of the grant. Our assumption on expected volatility is based on our historical volatility. The dividend yield assumption is calculated using our average stock price over the preceding year and the annualized amount of our current quarterly dividend. We based our assumptions on the expected lives of the options on our analysis of the historical exercise patterns of the options and our assumption on the future exercise pattern of options.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	General Information
	We operate in two reportable segments: North America merchant services and International merchant services. The merchant services segments primarily offer processing solutions for credit cards, debit cards and check-related services.
	Information About Profit and Assets
	We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on the operating income of each segment. The operating income of each segment includes the revenues of the segment less those expenses that are directly related to those revenues. Operating overhead, shared costs and certain compensation costs are included in Corporate in the following table. Interest and other income, interest and other expense and provision for income taxes are not allocated to the individual segments. We do not evaluate performance or allocate resources using segment asset data. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2014 and our summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
	Information on segments, including revenue by geographic distribution within segments, and reconciliations to consolidated revenues and consolidated operating income are as follows for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14			31-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	414,042		$	363,833
	Canada	89,965			86,672
	North America merchant services	504,007			450,505
	Europe	162,787			143,188
	Asia-Pacific	38,101			35,992
	International merchant services	200,888			179,180
	Consolidated revenues	$	704,895		$	629,685
	Operating income (loss) for segments:
	North America merchant services	$	77,937		$	69,699
	International merchant services(1)	73,602			61,541
	Corporate	(27,141		)	(23,856		)
	Consolidated operating income	$	124,398		$	107,384
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America merchant services	$	20,476		$	13,455
	International merchant services	12,490			13,343
	Corporate	1,600			1,576
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	34,566		$	28,374
	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, operating income for the International merchant services segment includes a $2.9 million gain on the sale of a component of our Russia business that leased automated teller machines to our sponsor bank in Russia. The gain is presented in the “Sales, general and administrative” line in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On September 15, 2014, we announced the acquisition of Ezi Holdings Pty Ltd ("Ezidebit") for AU$305.0 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the related purchase agreement. Upon closing, which is expected to occur during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, Ezidebit will become our indirect wholly owned subsidiary. Founded in 1998, Ezidebit is a leading integrated payments company focused on recurring payments verticals in Australia and New Zealand. We will record this transaction as a business combination and will allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We expect to fund this acquisition through a combination of available cash and borrowings on our Corporate Credit Facility.
	On September 30, 2014, we, through our indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, entered into an asset purchase agreement with Certegy Check Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS), to acquire its gaming business (the “FIS Gaming Business”). The FIS Gaming Business includes 260 gaming client locations and provides a comprehensive suite of services that are designed for the gaming industry. Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, we will acquire substantially all of the assets of the FIS Gaming Business, comprised of its customer contracts and certain tangible assets. The purchase price, prior to taking into account the expected realization of tax benefits resulting from the transaction is $236.5 million, subject to certain adjustments at closing as set forth in the asset purchase agreement. The acquisition is expected to close during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of closing conditions. We will record this transaction as a business combination and will allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We intend to fund the acquisition through operating cash flows.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business, consolidation and presentation	'
	Business, consolidation and presentation— Global Payments Inc. is a worldwide provider of payment solutions for merchants, value-added resellers, enterprise software providers, financial institutions, government agencies, multi-national corporations and independent sales organizations ("ISOs") located throughout North America, Brazil, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. We provide payment and digital commerce solutions and operate in two business segments: North America merchant services and International merchant services.
	We were incorporated in Georgia as Global Payments Inc. in September 2000, and we spun-off from our former parent company on January 31, 2001. Including our time as part of our former parent company, we have been in the payments business since 1967. Global Payments Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "Global Payments," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us," unless the context requires otherwise.
	These unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries, and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.
	In the opinion of our management, all known adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been made.  These adjustments consist of normal recurring accruals and estimates that impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities.  We suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates— The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition— Our two merchant services segments primarily provide processing solutions for credit cards, debit cards, electronic payments and check-related services. Revenue is recognized as such services are performed. Revenue for processing services provided directly to merchants is recorded net of interchange fees charged by card issuing banks. Our primary business model provides payment products and services directly to merchants as our end customers. We also provide similar products and services to financial institutions and a limited number of ISOs that, in turn, resell our products and services, in which case, the financial institutions and select ISOs are our end customers. The majority of merchant services revenue is generated on services priced as a percentage of transaction value or a specified fee per transaction, depending on card type. We also charge other fees based on specific services that are unrelated to the number of transactions or the transaction value. Revenue from credit cards and signature debit cards is generally based on a percentage of transaction value along with other related fees, while revenue from PIN-based debit cards is typically based on a fee per transaction.
Cash and cash equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents— Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and all liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents include reserve funds collected from our merchants that serve as collateral to minimize contingent liabilities associated with any losses that may occur under the merchant agreement (“Merchant Reserves”). We record a corresponding liability in settlement processing assets and settlement processing obligations in our consolidated balance sheet. While this cash is not restricted in its use, we believe that designating this cash to collateralize Merchant Reserves strengthens our fiduciary standing with our member sponsors and is in accordance with guidelines set by the card networks. As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents included $180.1 million and $124.7 million, respectively, related to Merchant Reserves.
	Certain of our member sponsors hold Merchant Reserves on our behalf. In these instances, neither the Merchant Reserve cash nor the corresponding liability appears on our consolidated balance sheet; however, we have access to the collateral in the event that we incur a merchant loss.
	Our cash and cash equivalents include settlement related cash balances. Settlement related cash balances represent surplus funds that we hold when the incoming amount from the card networks precedes the funding obligation to the merchant. Settlement related cash balances are not restricted; however, these funds are generally paid out in satisfaction of settlement processing obligations the following day. Please see Note 2 - Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and other intangible assets— Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. We test goodwill for impairment annually as of January 1st and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its net carrying value. We have the option of performing a qualitative assessment of impairment to determine whether any further quantitative testing for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or not to perform a qualitative assessment is made from year-to-year and can vary by reporting unit.
	As of January 1, 2014, we elected to apply the qualitative goodwill impairment assessment guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20, Goodwill, for each of our reporting units. Factors we consider in the qualitative assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance of our reporting units, events or changes affecting the composition or carrying value of the net assets of our reporting units, sustained decrease in our share price, and other relevant entity specific events. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment or if we determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value, a two-step quantitative test is required. In the first step, the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, is compared to its fair value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and step two must be performed. Step two measures the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all the assets and liabilities of that unit (including unrecognized intangibles) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value over the amounts allocated to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of the goodwill. The excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value of the goodwill is the impairment loss.
	We have six reporting units: North America merchant services, U.K. merchant services, Asia-Pacific merchant services, Central and Eastern Europe merchant services, Russia merchant services and Spain merchant services. Based on our annual assessment as of January 1, 2014, we determined on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair values of the reporting units were not more likely than not less than their respective carrying values; and therefore, a two-step quantitative test was not required. We believe that the fair values of our reporting units are substantially in excess of their carrying values.
	Our goodwill impairment testing involves the use of estimates and the exercise of judgment on the part of management. Our assessment of the qualitative factors discussed above, involves significant judgments about expected future business performance and general market conditions. Significant changes in our assessment of such qualitative factors could affect our assessment of the fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period.
	Other intangible assets primarily represent customer-related intangible assets (such as customer lists and merchant contracts), contract-based intangible assets (such as non-compete agreements, referral agreements and processing rights), acquired technology and trademarks associated with acquisitions. Customer-related intangible assets, contract-based intangible assets and trademarks are amortized over their estimated useful lives from 5 to 30 years. The useful lives for customer-related intangible assets are determined based primarily on forecasted cash flows, which include estimates for the revenues, expenses, and customer attrition associated with the assets. The useful lives of contract-based intangible assets are equal to the terms of the agreements. The useful lives of amortizable trademarks are based on our plans to phase out the trademarks in the applicable markets. Acquired technology is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life.
	Amortization for most of our customer-related intangible assets is calculated using an accelerated method. In determining amortization expense under our accelerated method for any given period, we calculate the expected cash flows for that period that were used in determining the acquired value of the asset and divide that amount by the expected total cash flows over the estimated life of the asset. We multiply that percentage by the initial carrying value of the asset to arrive at the amortization expense for that period. If the cash flow patterns that we experience differ significantly from our initial estimates, we will adjust the amortization schedule accordingly. These cash flow patterns are derived using certain assumptions and cost allocations due to a significant amount of asset interdependencies that exist in our business.
	We believe that our accelerated method better approximates the distribution of cash flows generated by our acquired customer relationships. We use the straight-line method of amortization for our contract-based intangibles and amortizable trademarks.
Impairment of long-lived assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets— We regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that these long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, we assess the potential impairment by determining whether the carrying value of such long-lived assets will be recovered through the future undiscounted cash flows expected from use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analysis as applicable. We regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the useful lives of property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets may warrant revision. In our opinion, the carrying values of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets, were not impaired at August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014.
Earnings per share	'
	Earnings per share— Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Earnings available to common shareholders is the same as reported net income attributable to Global Payments for all periods presented.
	Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period and the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. All options with an exercise price less than the average market share price for the period are assumed to have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. The diluted share base for the three months ended August 31, 2014 excludes 0.2 million shares related to stock options that would have an antidilutive effect on the computation of diluted earnings per share. There were no such antidilutive stock options during the three months ended August 31, 2013. No additional securities were outstanding that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share.
Repurchased Shares	'
	Repurchased shares— We account for the retirement of repurchased shares using the par value method under which we allocate the cost of repurchased and retired shares between paid-in capital and retained earnings by comparing the price of shares repurchased to the original issue proceeds of those shares. When the repurchase price of the shares repurchased is greater than the original issue proceeds, the excess is charged to retained earnings. We use a last-in, first-out cost flow assumption to identify the original issue proceeds to the cost of the shares repurchased. We believe that this allocation method is preferable because it more accurately reflects our paid-in capital balances by allocating the cost of the shares repurchased and retired to paid-in capital in proportion to paid-in capital associated with the original issuance of said shares.
New accounting pronouncements	'
	New accounting pronouncements— From time-to-time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, our management believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers(Topic 606)." The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in ASC 205-20. The amendments change the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendments require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as "held for sale") that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. As permitted by the standard, we elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-08 as of June 1, 2014 and are applying the provisions prospectively. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14	31-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	68,146	73,765
	Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	471	524
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	68,617	74,289

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a1

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Offsetting [Abstract]	'
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	'
	In the direct membership model, offsetting is not applied, and the individual components are presented as an asset or obligation based on the nature of that component.
		August 31, 2014			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Settlement processing assets:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	205,411		$	217,806
	Receivable from Members	348,821			206,322
	Receivable from networks	649,243			430,763
	Exception items	20,114			5,573
	Merchant Reserves	(81,981		)	(79,547		)
		$	1,141,608		$	780,917
	Settlement processing obligations:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	54,801		$	54,459
	Liability to Members	(12,621		)	(5,490		)
	Liability to merchants	(580,900		)	(407,651		)
	Exception items	5,219			6,313
	Merchant Reserves	(98,130		)	(96,622		)
	Reserve for operating losses	(1,788		)	(1,725		)
	Reserves for sales allowances	(642		)	(601		)
		$	(634,061	)	$	(451,317	)

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_1

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures (Tables) (PayPros [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
PayPros [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Goodwill	$	270,991
	Customer-related intangible assets	147,500
	Contract-based intangible assets	30,200
	Acquired technology	10,800
	Fixed assets	1,680
	Other assets	4,229
	Total assets acquired	465,400
	Deferred income taxes	(38,948		)
	Net assets acquired	$	426,452
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
		Unaudited
		31-Aug-13			31-Aug-13
		(Actual)			(Pro forma)
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	629,685		$	652,748
	Net income attributable to Global Payments	$	64,643		$	62,590
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic	$	0.88		$	0.85
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted	$	0.87		$	0.84

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:
		August 31, 2014			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	1,324,374		$	1,337,285
	Other intangible assets:
	Customer-related intangible assets	$	708,157		$	714,704
	Trademarks	5,575			6,140
	Acquired technology	25,800			25,700
	Contract-based intangible assets	142,468			145,967
		882,000			892,511
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Customer-related intangible assets	328,293			317,629
	Trademarks	4,239			4,147
	Acquired technology	4,413			3,531
	Contract-based intangible assets	33,790			32,031
		370,735			357,338
		$	511,265		$	535,173
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
		North America Merchant Services			International Merchant Services			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at May 31, 2014	$	786,655		$	550,630		$	1,337,285
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			—
		786,655			550,630			1,337,285
	Adjustment(1)	(586		)	—			(586		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	(282		)	(12,043		)	(12,325		)
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	785,787		$	538,587		$	1,324,374
	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.6 million in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset valuation and the working capital settlement associated with the purchase price allocation for the PayPros acquisition.

Recovered_Sheet1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Outstanding Debt	'
	As of August 31, 2014 and May 31, 2014, outstanding debt consisted of the following:
		August 31, 2014		May 31, 2014
	Lines of credit:	(in thousands)
	Corporate Credit Facility - long-term	$	170,000	$	140,000
	Short-term lines of credit	652,157		440,128
	Total lines of credit	822,157		580,128
	Notes payable	—		3,679
	Term loan	1,250,000		1,250,000
	Total debt	$	2,072,157	$	1,833,807
	Current portion	$	683,407	$	457,805
	Long-term debt	1,388,750		1,376,002
	Total debt	$	2,072,157	$	1,833,807

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_

Share-Based Awards and Options (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	'
	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation cost charged to income and the related total income tax benefit recognized for stock options, restricted stock awards, performance units and TSR units (each as defined below), and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan.
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14			31-Aug-13
		(in millions)
	Share-based compensation expense	$	4.1		$	4.8
	Income tax benefit	$	3.3		$	1.1
Schedule of Changes in Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in unvested share-based awards for the three months ended August 31, 2014 (shares in thousands):
			Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested at May 31, 2014		877		$	45
	Granted		327		72
	Vested		(293	)	44
	Forfeited		(6	)	48
	Unvested at August 31, 2014		905		$	55
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	The following is a summary of our stock option activity as of and for the three months ended August 31, 2014:
			Options		Weight Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in thousands)				(years)	(in millions)
	Outstanding at May 31, 2014		766		$	41	3.8	$	21.3
	Granted		153		72
	Forfeited		(7	)	23
	Exercised		(280	)	41
	Outstanding at August 31, 2014		632		$	48	5.2	$	15.5
	Options vested and exercisable at August 31, 2014		473		$	41	3.7	$	15.2
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each option granted during the three months ended August 31, 2014 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions for grants during the respective period:
	Risk-free interest rates	1.57%
	Expected volatility	23.65%
	Dividend yields	0.13%
	Expected lives	5 years

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment	'
	Information on segments, including revenue by geographic distribution within segments, and reconciliations to consolidated revenues and consolidated operating income are as follows for the three months ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Aug-14			31-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	414,042		$	363,833
	Canada	89,965			86,672
	North America merchant services	504,007			450,505
	Europe	162,787			143,188
	Asia-Pacific	38,101			35,992
	International merchant services	200,888			179,180
	Consolidated revenues	$	704,895		$	629,685
	Operating income (loss) for segments:
	North America merchant services	$	77,937		$	69,699
	International merchant services(1)	73,602			61,541
	Corporate	(27,141		)	(23,856		)
	Consolidated operating income	$	124,398		$	107,384
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America merchant services	$	20,476		$	13,455
	International merchant services	12,490			13,343
	Corporate	1,600			1,576
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	34,566		$	28,374
	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, operating income for the International merchant services segment includes a $2.9 million gain on the sale of a component of our Russia business that leased automated teller machines to our sponsor bank in Russia. The gain is presented in the “Sales, general and administrative” line in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
	segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of merchant services segments	2

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets	$1,141,608	$780,917
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets	$180,100	$124,700

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible assets (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
	segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Number of reporting units	6
Minimum [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'5 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'30 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings per share (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments:	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	68,146,000	73,765,000
Plus: dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	471,000	524,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	68,617,000	74,289,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted share base	200,000	0

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a2

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$1,141,608	$780,917
Total	-634,061	-451,317
Merchant Reserves [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Merchant Reserves	-81,981	-79,547
Reserves for processing obligations	-98,130	-96,622
Reserve For Operating Losses [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves for processing obligations	-1,788	-1,725
Reserves for sales allowances [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves for processing obligations	-642	-601
Interchange Reimbursement [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets, gross	205,411	217,806
Settlement processing obligations, gross	54,801	54,459
(Liability To) Receivable From Members [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets, gross	348,821	206,322
Settlement processing obligations, gross	-12,621	-5,490
Receivables From Networks [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets, gross	649,243	430,763
Liability to Merchants [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing obligations, gross	-580,900	-407,651
Exception Items [Member]	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Settlement processing assets, gross	20,114	5,573
Settlement processing obligations, gross	$5,219	$6,313

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_2

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	31-May-14
			Comercia Global Payments [Member]	Commercia Global Payments Brazil [Member]	Commercia Global Payments Brazil [Member]	PayPros [Member]	Contract-based and Customer-related Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]	Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	Interest and Other Income [Member]
							American Express Portfolio [Member]	American Express Portfolio [Member]	PayPros [Member]	PayPros [Member]	Commercia Global Payments Brazil [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	'	'	49.00%	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from divestiture of business	$10,528,000	$990,000	'	$2,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,100,000
Investment made during period for funding commitment	'	'	'	'	3,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchant portfolio acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,900,000	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'13 years	'7 years	'
Percentage of controlling financial interest acquired	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Cash paid	'	'	'	'	'	420,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Payments to acquire business, working capital	'	'	'	'	'	$6,500,000	'	'	'	'	'

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_3

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Mar. 04, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			PayPros [Member]	PayPros [Member]	PayPros [Member]	PayPros [Member]
				Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$1,324,374	$1,337,285	$270,991	'	'	'
Acquired intangible assets	'	'	'	147,500	30,200	10,800
Fixed assets	'	'	1,680	'	'	'
Other assets	'	'	4,229	'	'	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	465,400	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	-38,948	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	$426,452	'	'	'

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_4

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Pro Forma Information - Unaudited (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Actual (in dollars per share)	$1.11	$0.88
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Actual (in dollars per share)	$1.10	$0.87
PayPros [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total Revenue, Actual	'	$629,685
Total Revenue, Proforma	'	652,748
Net income attributable to Global Payments, Actual	'	64,643
Net income attributable to Global Payments, Pro forma	'	$62,590
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Actual (in dollars per share)	'	$0.88
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Pro forma (in dollars per share)	'	$0.85
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Actual (in dollars per share)	'	$0.87
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Pro forma (in dollars per share)	'	$0.84

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$1,324,374	$1,337,285
Other intangible assets	882,000	892,511
Less accumulated amortization	370,735	357,338
Other intangible assets, net	511,265	535,173
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Other intangible assets	708,157	714,704
Less accumulated amortization	328,293	317,629
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Other intangible assets	5,575	6,140
Less accumulated amortization	4,239	4,147
Acquired Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Other intangible assets	25,800	25,700
Less accumulated amortization	4,413	3,531
Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Other intangible assets	142,468	145,967
Less accumulated amortization	$33,790	$32,031

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		31-May-14
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill, gross	'		$1,337,285
Accumulated impairment losses	'		0
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	1,324,374		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	1,337,285		'
Adjustment	-586	[1]	'
Effect of foreign currency translation	-12,325		'
Goodwill, balance at end of period	1,324,374		'
North America merchant services [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill, gross	'		786,655
Accumulated impairment losses	'		0
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	785,787		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	786,655		'
Adjustment	-586	[1]	'
Effect of foreign currency translation	-282		'
Goodwill, balance at end of period	785,787		'
International merchant services [member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill, gross	'		550,630
Accumulated impairment losses	'		0
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	538,587		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	550,630		'
Adjustment	0	[1]	'
Effect of foreign currency translation	-12,043		'
Goodwill, balance at end of period	$538,587		'
[1]	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.6 million in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset valuation and the working capital settlement associated with the purchase price allocation for the PayPros acquisition.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Schedule of Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$2,072,157	$1,833,807
Current portion	683,407	457,805
Long-term debt	1,388,750	1,376,002
Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total	822,157	580,128
Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term debt	652,157	440,128
Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt (including current portion)	170,000	140,000
Notes Payable	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt (including current portion)	0	3,679
Term Loan	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$1,250,000	$1,250,000

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Aug. 31, 2014

Term Loan

Term Loan

Term Loan

Term Loan

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Standby Letters of Credit

Standby Letters of Credit

Standby Letters of Credit

Line of Credit

Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019

Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019

Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019

Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019

Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019

Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019

Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019

Corporate Credit Facility

Corporate Credit Facility

Corporate Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019

Corporate Credit Facility

Corporate Credit Facility

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Rate

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt term

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

Loan, face amount

'

'

'

1,250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

Interest rate at period end

'

'

1.62%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic payment, principal, percentage, minimum

'

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic payment, principal, percentage, maximum

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic payment terms, principal to be paid prior to balloon payment at maturity, percentage

'

'

27.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, fair value of amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,000,000

'

'

'

8,200,000

8,100,000

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.62%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$821,800,000

$851,900,000

'

'

'

'

$639,000,000

Maximum leverage ratio

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum coverage ratio in case of acquisition

3.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum interest coverage ratio

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Tax_Narrative_Details

Income Tax - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014
			Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	United Kingdom [Member]
					Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	26.30%	30.30%	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in enacted tax rate	'	'	'	'	3.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	$68.80	$67.60	'
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	$1.20	'	'	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	1,800,000	3,100,000
Repurchase of common stock	$124,492,000	$144,397,000
Repurchase of common stock, average price per share	$69.82	$47.33
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	245,100,000	'
Other Than Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	$124,500,000	$144,400,000

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_1

Share-Based Awards and Options (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2011
	share_based_compensation_plan		Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of share-based compensation plans	4	'	'
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)	'	'	7,000,000
Share-based compensation expense	$4.10	$4.80	'
Income tax benefit	$3.30	$1.10	'

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_2

Share-Based Awards and Options - Restricted Stock Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

31-May-14

31-May-14

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Aug. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Total Shareholder Return Restricted Stock Units [Member]

type

One Year Increment [Member]

Three Year Equal Vesting [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Three Year Equal Vesting [Member]

Three Year Equal Vesting [Member]

Three Year Equal Vesting [Member]

Three Year Equal Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of types of performance units offered

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award performance period

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Target shares of company stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

200.00%

200.00%

0.00%

200.00%

Total fair value of share awards vested in period

'

'

$13

$14.70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense

4.1

4.8

3.7

4.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

$48.60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period

'

'

'2 years 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_3

Share-Based Awards and Options - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Nonvested, beginning of period (in shares)	877
Granted (in shares)	327
Vested (in shares)	-293
Forfeited (in shares)	-6
Nonvested, end of period (in shares)	905
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$45
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$72
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$44
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$48
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$55

Recovered_Sheet2

Share-based Awards and Options - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$4,100,000	$4,800,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock authorized (in shares)	2,400,000	'
Maximum employee subscription amount	25,000	'
Maximum employee subscription rate	20.00%	'
Discounted market value	85.00%	'
Shares issued in period, net (in shares)	1,100,000	'
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)	1,300,000	'
Share-based compensation expense	$200,000	$100,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$7	'
Discount from market price	15.00%	'

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_4

Share-Based Awards and Options - Stock Options Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options granted (in shares)	153,000	153,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$8.10	$5
Total unrecognized compensation cost	2.1	'
Share-based compensation expense	4.1	4.8
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'4 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'
Share-based compensation expense	3.7	4.3
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Fair market value, percentage	100.00%	'
Stock option term	'10 years	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'
Share-based compensation expense	$0.10	$0.30
Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value for each option granted	$17	'

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_5

Share-Based Awards and Options - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	766,000	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	153,000	153,000	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-7,000	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-280,000	'	'	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	632,000	'	766,000	'
Options vested and exercisable (in shares)	473,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$41	'	'	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$72	'	'	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$23	'	'	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$41	'	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of period (in dollars per share)	$48	'	$41	'
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$41	'	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'5 years 2 months 12 days	'	'3 years 9 months 18 days	'
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'	'	'
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$21.30	'	'	$15.50
Options vested and exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$15.20	'	'	'

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_6

Share-Based Awards and Options - Valuation Assumptions (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Risk-free interest rates	1.57%
Expected volatility	23.65%
Dividend yields	0.13%
Expected lives	'5 years

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Number of reportable segments	2		'
Revenues	$704,895,000		$629,685,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	124,398,000		107,384,000
Depreciation and amortization	34,566,000		28,374,000
Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	704,895,000		629,685,000
Corporate [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Operating income (loss) for segments	-27,141,000		-23,856,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,600,000		1,576,000
North America merchant services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	504,007,000		450,505,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	77,937,000		69,699,000
Depreciation and amortization	20,476,000		13,455,000
International merchant services [member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	2,900,000		'
International merchant services [member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	200,888,000		179,180,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	73,602,000	[1]	61,541,000	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	12,490,000		13,343,000
United States [Member] | North America merchant services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	414,042,000		363,833,000
Canada [member] | North America merchant services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	89,965,000		86,672,000
Europe [Member] | International merchant services [member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	162,787,000		143,188,000
Asia-Pacific [Member] | International merchant services [member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	$38,101,000		$35,992,000
[1]	(1) During the three months ended August 31, 2014, operating income for the International merchant services segment includes a $2.9 million gain on the sale of a component of our Russia business that leased automated teller machines to our sponsor bank in Russia. The gain is presented in the “Sales, general and administrative” line in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (AUD)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
	Ezidebit [Member]	Fidelity Information Services’ (FIS) Check Gaming Guarantee business [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Cash paid	305	236.5
Number of customers acquired	'	0