Global Payments (GPN) 10-Q 8 Apr 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1123360
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		66,458,271

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$664,983	$616,452	$2,067,169	$1,880,259
Operating expenses:
Cost of service	250,255	232,937	767,890	698,852
Sales, general and administrative	310,113	286,224	946,282	871,825
Processing system intrusion			0	-7,000
Total costs and expenses	560,368	519,161	1,714,172	1,563,677
Operating income	104,615	97,291	352,997	316,582
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income	1,160	2,944	3,634	11,570
Interest and other expense	-13,429	-16,457	-34,789	-32,361
Total nonoperating income (expense)	-12,269	-13,513	-31,155	-20,791
Income before income taxes	92,346	83,778	321,842	295,791
Provision for income taxes	-23,031	-23,657	-82,837	-84,105
Net income	69,315	60,121	239,005	211,686
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of income tax	-6,747	-5,000	-26,290	-18,025
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$62,568	$55,121	$212,715	$193,661
Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments:
Basic	$0.94	$0.77	$3.15	$2.67
Diluted	$0.93	$0.76	$3.13	$2.65

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$69,315	$60,121	$239,005	$211,686
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-103,283	-10,604	-221,138	11,057
Income tax benefit related to foreign currency translation adjustments	7,958	4,805	15,249	7,058
Unrealized losses on hedging activities	-1,859	0	-6,278	0
Reclassification of losses on hedging activities to interest expense	1,750	0	2,281	0
Income tax benefit related to hedging activities	41	0	1,484	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-95,393	-5,799	-208,402	18,115
Comprehensive (loss) income	-26,078	54,322	30,603	229,801
Less: comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,146	-7,181	-338	-26,823
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Global Payments	($18,932)	$47,141	$30,265	$202,978

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$610,148	$581,872
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $405 and $401, respectively	170,895	214,574
Claims receivable, net	584	809
Settlement processing assets	744,976	780,917
Inventory	5,587	6,636
Deferred income taxes	11,933	12,963
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,027	45,673
Total current assets	1,593,150	1,643,444
Goodwill	1,422,900	1,337,285
Other intangible assets, net	516,083	535,173
Property and equipment, net	355,885	369,753
Deferred income taxes	93,549	101,928
Other	36,753	31,067
Total assets	4,018,320	4,018,650
Current liabilities:
Lines of credit	446,800	440,128
Current portion of long-term debt	62,500	17,677
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	284,472	290,106
Settlement processing obligations	426,368	451,317
Income taxes payable	22,560	12,390
Total current liabilities	1,242,700	1,211,618
Long-term debt	1,546,000	1,376,002
Deferred income taxes	201,737	209,099
Other long-term liabilities	86,255	89,132
Total liabilities	3,076,692	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; 66,457,816 issued and outstanding at February 28, 2015 and 68,845,643 issued and outstanding at May 31, 2014	0	0
Paid-in capital	147,344	183,023
Retained earnings	861,955	815,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-184,226	-1,776
Total Global Payments shareholders’ equity	825,073	997,227
Noncontrolling interests	116,555	135,572
Total equity	941,628	1,132,799
Total liabilities and equity	$4,018,320	$4,018,650

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$405	$401
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	66,457,816	68,845,643
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	66,457,816	68,845,643

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$239,005	$211,686
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	48,628	43,645
Amortization of acquired intangibles	54,184	43,553
Share-based compensation expense	14,827	17,269
Provision for operating losses and bad debts	10,530	14,203
Deferred income taxes	13,479	3,103
Other, net	469	-1,006
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	32,124	14,442
Claims receivable	-7,159	-9,145
Settlement processing assets and obligations, net	-27,948	-19,669
Inventory	-256	3,811
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-5,431	18,980
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-36,044	-16,422
Income taxes payable	10,677	-10,049
Net cash provided by operating activities	347,085	314,401
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business, intangible and other asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-232,864	-2,519
Capital expenditures	-56,746	-61,270
Principal collections on financing receivables	219	1,997
Net proceeds from sales of investments and business	10,597	3,521
Net cash used in investing activities	-278,794	-58,271
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings on short-term lines of credit	44,622	74,594
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,593,500	2,390,000
Principal payments under long-term debt	-1,378,679	-2,099,869
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	0	-5,961
Repurchase of common stock	-231,844	-258,562
Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans	18,867	29,740
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-16,175	-5,682
Tax benefit from share-based compensation plans	3,851	4,782
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-19,355	-33,744
Dividends paid	-4,035	-4,330
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,752	90,968
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-50,767	-14,008
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	28,276	333,090
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	581,872	680,470
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$610,148	$1,013,560

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Number of Shares	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total Global Payments Shareholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	211,686			193,661		193,661	18,025
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	18,115				9,317	9,317	8,798
Stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)		1,557
Stock issued under employee stock plans	29,740		29,740			29,740
Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans (in shares)		-361
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-5,682		-5,682			-5,682
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation, net	4,657		4,657			4,657
Share-based compensation expense	17,269		17,269			17,269
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-33,744						-33,744
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-5,000	-4,961
Repurchase of common stock	-260,609		-53,072	-207,537		-260,609
Dividends paid ($0.06 per share)	-4,330			-4,330		-4,330
Balance, ending balance at Feb. 28, 2014	1,263,709		195,308	940,545	-5,745	1,130,108	133,601
Balance, ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2014		71,661
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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	239,005			212,715		212,715	26,290
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-208,402				-182,450	-182,450	-25,952
Stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)		1,011
Stock issued under employee stock plans	18,867		18,867			18,867
Common stock repurchased - share based compensation plans (in shares)		-321
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	-7,389		-7,389			-7,389
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation, net	3,851		3,851			3,851
Share-based compensation expense	14,827		14,827			14,827
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-19,355						-19,355
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-3,100	-3,078
Repurchase of common stock	-228,540		-65,835	-162,705		-228,540
Dividends paid ($0.06 per share)	-4,035			-4,035		-4,035
Balance, ending balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$941,628		$147,344	$861,955	($184,226)	$825,073	$116,555
Balance, ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2015		66,458

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parentheticals) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business, consolidation and presentation— We are a leading worldwide provider of payment technology services that delivers innovative solutions to our customers globally. Our partnerships, technologies and employee expertise enable us to provide a broad range of products and services that allow our customers to accept all payment types. We distribute our products and services across a variety of channels to merchants and partners in 28 countries throughout North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and Brazil. We provide payment and digital commerce solutions and operate in two reportable 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 in this report 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 payment solutions for credit cards, debit cards, electronic payments and check-related services. Revenue is recognized as such services are performed. Revenue for 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 independent sales organizations ("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 as Merchant Reserves strengthens our fiduciary standing with banks that sponsor us and is in accordance with guidelines set by the card networks. As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents included $169.8 million and $124.7 million, respectively, related to Merchant Reserves.
	Certain of the banks that sponsor us 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— We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level 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. Macroeconomic factors such as general economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and other developments in equity and credit markets are monitored for indications that goodwill assigned to one of our reporting units may be impaired. 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 to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually and may vary by reporting unit.
	When conducting a qualitative assessment, we consider factors including 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 may be impaired and step two must be performed. Step two measures any 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. As of January 1, 2015, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment of impairment for each of our reporting units, except Russia merchant services. We determined on the basis of qualitative factors, as described above, that the fair values of these five reporting units were not more likely than not less than their respective carrying values. Due to the deterioration of economic conditions in the Russian Federation and the recent devaluation of the Russian Ruble compared to the United States Dollar, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment of impairment for the Russia merchant services reporting unit as of January 1, 2015. Based on this quantitative assessment, we determined that goodwill of our Russia merchant services reporting unit was not impaired. 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 qualitative factors 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.
	When applying a quantitative approach, we estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow model incorporating management’s expectations for future revenue, operating expenses, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), capital expenditures and an anticipated tax rate. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using an estimated weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit at the date of valuation. The market approach utilizes comparative market multiples in the valuation estimate. Multiples are derived by relating the value of guideline companies, based on either the market price of publicly traded shares or the prices of companies being acquired in the marketplace, to various measures of their earnings and cash flow. Such multiples are then applied to the historical and projected earnings and cash flow of the reporting unit in developing the valuation estimate.
	Preparation of forecasts and the selection of discount rates involve significant judgments about expected future business performance and general market conditions. Significant changes in our forecasts, the discount rates selected or the weighting of the income and market approach could affect the estimated 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— 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 technologies 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 and trade names are based on our plans to phase out the trademarks and trade names in the applicable markets.
	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 and trade names. Acquired technologies are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
	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 February 28, 2015 or May 31, 2014.
	Derivative Instruments— Our long-term debt 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. Consequently, we are exposed to variability in our interest payment cash flows due to changes in interest rates. We use interest rate swaps to manage a portion of this exposure. These financial instruments are recognized at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in fair value are recognized in shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Our objective in managing our exposure to fluctuation in interest rates is to better control this element of cost and to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in applicable rates.
	We have established policies and procedures that encompass risk-management philosophy and objectives, guidelines for derivative instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. We do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation. We formally designate and document instruments at inception that qualify for hedge accounting of underlying exposures in accordance with GAAP.
	We formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. GAAP requires all derivative instruments to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. We designated our interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge of interest payments on variable rate borrowings. Any ineffective portion of a change in the fair value of a qualifying instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. Please see Note 5-Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities for more information about our interest rate swaps.
	Earnings per share— Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, including the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. All stock options with an exercise price less than the average market share price of our common stock for the period are assumed to have a dilutive effect on earnings per share.
	The following table sets forth the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15	28-Feb-14	28-Feb-15	28-Feb-14
		(in thousands)		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	66,890	71,835	67,476	72,598
	Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	416	599	415	554
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	67,306	72,434	67,891	73,152
	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 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 below, 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 April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-03 on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendments in this update make changes to consolidation guidance to address concerns of stakeholders that current accounting for certain legal entities might require a reporting entity to consolidate another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity’s contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity’s voting rights, or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity’s economic benefits or obligations. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. The amendments in this update eliminate from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 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. ASU 2014-09 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 ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 Independent Sales Organization by Visa, which means that member clearing banks ("Member") sponsor us and require our adherence to the standards of the payment 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 payment 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 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 payment
	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 payment 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 consolidated balance sheets. 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 funding.
	•	Receivable from networks - our receivable from a payment network 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 payment 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 a particular payment 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 payment networks and, thus, do not have a direct obligation or any ability to satisfy the payable to fund 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 consolidated 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.
		February 28, 2015			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Settlement processing assets:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	183,973		$	217,806
	Receivable from Members	189,877			206,322
	Receivable from networks	411,997			430,763
	Exception items	9,055			5,573
	Merchant Reserves	(49,926		)	(79,547		)
		$	744,976		$	780,917
	Settlement processing obligations:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	31,246		$	54,459
	Liability to Members	(1,710		)	(5,490		)
	Liability to merchants	(338,868		)	(407,651		)
	Exception items	4,299			6,313
	Merchant Reserves	(119,919		)	(96,622		)
	Reserve for operating losses	(1,119		)	(1,725		)
	Reserves for sales allowances	(297		)	(601		)
		$	(426,368	)	$	(451,317	)

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business and intangible asset acquisitions and joint ventures	BUSINESS AND INTANGIBLE ASSET ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES
	Fiscal 2015
	Bank of the Philippine Islands
	On December 17, 2014, we announced an agreement with Bank of the Philippine Islands ("BPI") to provide merchant acquiring and payment services in the Philippines. We believe this arrangement will enable us to expand our direct distribution in the Philippines, further leverage our technological strengths and provide superior product and service offerings to customers in the Philippines. Under this arrangement, BPI will contribute its existing merchant acquiring business to our subsidiary in the Philippines, Global Payments Asia-Pacific Philippines Incorporated ("GPAPPI"), in return for a 49% ownership interest in GPAPPI and a cash payment of $3.6 million. We will retain a controlling 51% interest in GPAPPI, which is included in our International merchant services segment. The transaction is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For fiscal 2015, we expect this transaction to be immaterial to our consolidated revenues and earnings per share.
	Fidelity National Information Services Gaming Business
	On September 30, 2014, we 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) ("FIS"), to acquire its gaming business related to licensed gaming operators (the "FIS Gaming Business"). Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, we will acquire substantially all of the assets of the FIS Gaming Business, which includes approximately 260 gaming client locations, for $236.5 million, subject to certain adjustments at closing. We expect the acquisition to close early in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, and to be funded from borrowings on our credit facility.
	At the same time, we entered into a gaming bureau license agreement and an outsourcing agreement with FIS. Under the license agreement, we acquired a perpetual software license for a gaming bureau application that we believe enhances our casino clients’ credit decision process. The software license is reflected in property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheet at February 28, 2015. Under the outsourcing agreement, which has a term of 10 years, we have engaged FIS to provide a variety of services for our gaming clients, including: check and ACH verification services, collection services, claims management services, billing services and other gaming bureau services. The outsourcing agreement will become effective when the asset purchase agreement closes.
	Ezidebit
	On October 10, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Ezi Holdings Pty Ltd ("Ezidebit") for AU$305.0 million less working capital of AU$2.4 million (US$268.1 million less working capital of US$2.1 million). This acquisition was funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Ezidebit is a leading integrated payments company focused on recurring payments verticals in Australia and New Zealand. Ezidebit markets its products through a network of integrated software vendors and direct channels to numerous vertical markets. We acquired Ezidebit to establish a direct distribution channel in Australia and New Zealand 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 intangible assets. Acquisition costs associated with this purchase were not material. The revenue and earnings of Ezidebit for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015 are not material nor are the historical revenue and earnings of Ezidebit material for the purpose of presenting pro forma information for the current or prior-year periods.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	45,826
	Goodwill	194,136
	Customer-related intangible assets	42,721
	Acquired technology	27,954
	Trade name	2,901
	Other assets	2,337
	Total assets acquired	315,875
	Liabilities	(49,797		)
	Deferred income taxes	(96		)
	Net assets acquired	$	265,982
	The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill, included in the International merchant services segment, of $194.1 million. Goodwill is attributable to expected growth opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as growth opportunities and operating synergies in integrated payments in our existing Asia-Pacific and North America markets. Goodwill associated with this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. The customer-related intangible assets have an estimated amortization periods of 15 years. The acquired technology has an estimated amortization period of 15 years. The trade name has an estimated amortization period of 5 years.
	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 was equal to funding that we 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. Thereafter, we have applied the equity method of accounting to our retained interest in Global Payments Brazil.  We recorded a gain on the transaction of $2.1 million which was included in interest and other income in the consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended February 28, 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 Global Payments Brazil to fund the operations of the business. During the three months ended February 28, 2015, we advanced an additional $6.7 million to Global Payments Brazil. We expect this advance will be replaced with permanent financing from CaixaBank and us in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
	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 (as defined in Note 5). 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. 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 purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Goodwill	$	270,878
	Customer-related intangible assets	147,500
	Contract-based intangible assets	30,200
	Acquired technology	10,800
	Property and equipment	1,680
	Other assets	3,872
	Total assets acquired	464,930
	Deferred income taxes	(38,478		)
	Net assets acquired	$	426,452
	The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill, included in the North America merchant services segment, of $270.9 million. Such goodwill is attributable primarily to operating 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 estimated amortization periods 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 and nine months ended February 28, 2014 as if the PayPros acquisition had occurred on 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
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2014			February 28, 2014		February 28, 2014		February 28, 2014
		(Actual)			(Pro forma)		(Actual)		(Pro forma)
		(in thousands, except per share data)					(in thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	616,452		$	643,086	$	1,880,259	$	1,954,570
	Net income attributable to Global Payments	$	55,121		$	54,885	$	193,661	$	189,645
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic	$	0.77		$	0.76	$	2.67	$	2.61
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted	$	0.76		$	0.76	$	2.65	$	2.59

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and intangible assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:
		February 28, 2015			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	1,422,900		$	1,337,285
	Other intangible assets:
	Customer-related intangible assets	$	702,037		$	714,704
	Contract-based intangible assets	131,612			145,967
	Acquired technologies	50,337			25,700
	Trademarks and trade names	7,015			6,140
		891,001			892,511
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Customer-related intangible assets	328,633			317,629
	Contract-based intangible assets	35,411			32,031
	Acquired technologies	6,839			3,531
	Trademarks and trade names	4,035			4,147
		374,918			357,338
		$	516,083		$	535,173
	The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended February 28, 2015:
		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
	Goodwill acquired	—			194,136			194,136
	Adjustment(1)	(699		)	—			(699		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	(12,065		)	(95,757		)	(107,822		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	773,891		$	649,009		$	1,422,900
	(1) During the nine months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.7 million in our North America merchant services segment in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset and deferred tax valuations associated with the purchase price allocation and the working capital settlement for the PayPros acquisition.

LongTerm_Debt_And_Credit_Facil

Long-Term Debt And Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt and credit facilities	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
	As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, outstanding debt consisted of the following:
		February 28, 2015		May 31, 2014
	Lines of credit:	(in thousands)
	Corporate Credit Facility - long-term	$	358,500	$	140,000
	Short-term lines of credit	446,800		440,128
	Total lines of credit	805,300		580,128
	Notes payable	—		3,679
	Term loan	1,250,000		1,250,000
	Total debt	$	2,055,300	$	1,833,807
	Current portion	$	509,300	$	457,805
	Long-term debt	1,546,000		1,376,002
	Total debt	$	2,055,300	$	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 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 LIBOR or a base rate, in each case plus a leverage-based margin. As of February 28, 2015, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 1.92%. 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% of the original principal balance. 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 $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 February 28, 2015, the outstanding balance on the Corporate Credit Facility was $358.5 million, and the interest rate was 1.89%. 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 February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, we had standby letters of credit of $7.4 million and $8.1 million, respectively. Borrowings available to us under the Corporate Credit Facility are further limited by the covenants described below under "Compliance with Covenants." The total available incremental borrowings under our Corporate Credit Facility at February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014 was $626.5 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 the Asia-Pacific region 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 February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, we had $901.5 million and $818.5 million, respectively, 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 and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and as of May 31, 2014.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreement
	On October 9, 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a major financial institution to hedge changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate risk on a portion of our variable-rate debt instruments. The interest rate swap agreement, which became effective on October 31, 2014, will mature on February 28, 2019. The fair value of our interest rate swap as of February 28, 2015 was a liability of $4.0 million, which is reflected in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreement are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Since we have designated the interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting this swap to its fair value are recorded as elements of AOCI within the consolidated balance sheet except for any ineffective portion of the change in fair value, which would be immediately recorded in interest expense. During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015, there was no ineffectiveness. The fair value of the swap agreement is determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date. This derivative instrument is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
	At February 28, 2015, our interest rate swap agreement effectively converted $500.0 million of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of 1.52% plus a leverage-based margin. During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015, we recognized $1.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, in interest expense related to settlements on the interest rate swap. At February 28, 2015, the amount in AOCI related to our interest rate swap that is expected to be reclassified into interest expense during the next 12 months is not material.

Income_Tax

Income Tax	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax	INCOME TAX
	Our effective tax rates were 24.9% and 28.2% for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 25.7% and 28.4% for the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2014 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%. 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 February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, other long-term liabilities included liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits of $71.1 million and $71.2 million, respectively, including interest. $68.0 million of our liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits at February 28, 2015 relate to tax positions that are currently under review by tax authorities. It is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by between $0.0 million and $68.0 million as a result of this review. Based on the nature of the underlying positions, we do not believe that a negative outcome would have any impact on our income or results of operations in the period of change.  Further, a negative outcome would not have a significant impact on our financial condition or liquidity. During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, 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, 2008 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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2015, we repurchased and retired 0.6 million and 3.1 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $56.6 million and $228.5 million, or an average of $88.74 and $74.25 per share, respectively, including commissions. As of February 28, 2015, we had $243.4 million of remaining authorized share repurchases.
	During the three and nine months ended February 28, 2014, we repurchased and retired 0.3 million and 5.0 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $21.5 million and $260.6 million, or an average of $64.04 and $52.53 per share, respectively, including commissions.

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options

Share-Based Awards and Options	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Awards and Options	SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS
	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 share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for stock options, restricted stock, performance units, TSR units, and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan (each as described below).
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14		28-Feb-15				28-Feb-14
		(in millions)					(in millions)
	Share-based compensation expense	$	5.7		$	5.3	$	14.8			$	17.3
	Income tax benefit	$	1.9		$	2	$	4.8			$	5.2
	We grant various share-based awards pursuant to the Plans under what we refer to as our "long-term incentive plan." The awards are held in escrow and released upon the grantee’s satisfaction of conditions of the award certificate.
	Restricted Stock
	We grant restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards vest over a period of time, provided, however, that if the grantee is not employed by us on the vesting date, the shares are forfeited. Restricted shares cannot be sold or transferred until they have vested. Restricted stock granted before fiscal 2015 vests in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock granted during fiscal 2015 will either vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date or cliff vest at the end of a three-year service period. Restricted shares entitle the holder to vote with common shareholders and receive dividends paid on our common stock during the vesting period. Holders of restricted stock units do not have the right to vote shares or receive dividends. The grant date fair value of restricted stock, which is based on the quoted market value of our common stock at the closing of the award date, is recognized as share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
	Performance Units
	Certain of our executives have been granted up to three 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 common shares, which may be restricted. The number of shares is dependent upon the achievement of certain performance measures during the performance period. The target number of performance units and any market-based performance measures ("at threshold," "target," and "maximum") are set by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Performance units are converted only after the Compensation Committee certifies performance based on 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, 25% of the performance units converted to unrestricted shares.  The remaining 75% converted to restricted shares that vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the conversion date. The performance units granted to certain executives during fiscal 2015 were based on a three-year performance period. After the Compensation Committee certifies the performance results for the three-year period, performance units earned will convert into unrestricted common stock.
	The Compensation Committee may set a range of possible performance-based outcomes for performance units. 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. For awards with only performance conditions, we recognize compensation expense over the performance period using the grant date fair value of the award, which is based on the number of shares expected to be earned according to the level of achievement of performance goals. If the number of shares expected to be earned were to change at any time during the performance period, we would make a cumulative adjustment to share-based compensation expense based on the revised number of shares expected to be earned.
	During fiscal 2015, certain executives were granted performance units that we refer to as "leveraged performance units," or "LPUs." LPUs contain a market condition based on our relative stock price growth over a three-year performance period. The LPUs contain a minimum threshold performance, which if not met would result in no payout. The LPUs also contain a maximum award opportunity set as a fixed dollar and fixed number of shares. After the three-year performance period, one-third of any earned units converts to unrestricted common stock. The remaining two-thirds convert to restricted stock that will vest in equal installments on each of the first two anniversaries of the conversion date. We recognize share-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the LPUs, as determined by use of a Monte Carlo model, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the LPU award.
	Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") Units
	Before fiscal 2015, certain of our executives were 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 unrestricted 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. We recognize share-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the TSR units, as determined by use of a Monte Carlo model, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
	The following table summarizes the changes in unvested share-based awards for the nine months ended February 28, 2015:
			Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
			(in thousands)
	Unvested at May 31, 2014		877		$	45
	Granted		469		72
	Vested		(322	)	46
	Forfeited		(92	)	53
	Unvested at February 28, 2015		932		$	58
	Including the restricted stock, performance units and TSR units described above, the total fair value of share-based awards vested during the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 was $14.9 million and $15.9 million, respectively.
	For these share-based awards, we recognized compensation expense of $5.4 million and $5.0 million in the three months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, we recognized compensation expense for these share-based awards of $13.8 million and $16.2 million, respectively. As of February 28, 2015, there was $47.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.27 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 February 28, 2015, 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 $0.1 million in both the three months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014. We recognized compensation expense for the plan of $0.5 million and $0.4 million in the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, respectively.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of each designated share purchased under this plan during the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 was approximately $8 and $7, respectively, which represents the fair value of the 15% discount.
	Stock Options
	Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to 100% of fair market value on the date of grant and have a term of ten years. Stock options 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 nine months ended February 28, 2015, we granted 0.2 million stock options. We did not grant stock options during the three months ended February 28, 2015 or during the three and nine months ended February 28, 2014. 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 nine months ended February 28, 2015:
			Options		Weight Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in thousands)				(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at May 31, 2014		766		$	41	3.8		$	21.3
	Granted		153		72
	Forfeited		(23	)	56
	Exercised		(366	)	41
	Outstanding at February 28, 2015		530		$	49	4.9		$	22.8
	Options vested and exercisable at February 28, 2015		392		$	41	3.3		$	20
	We recognized compensation expense for stock options of $0.2 million in both the three months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014. We recognized compensation expense for stock options of $0.5 million and $0.7 million in the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 was $11.7 million and $24.0 million, respectively. As of February 28, 2015, we had $1.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of each stock option granted during the nine months ended February 28, 2015 was $17. Fair value was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	General Information
	We are a leading worldwide provider of payment technology services that delivers innovative solutions driven by our customer needs globally. Our partnerships, technologies and employee expertise enable us to provide a broad range of products and services that allow our customers to accept all payment types across a variety of distribution channels in many markets around the world. We have merchants and partners in 28 countries throughout North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and Brazil. We provide payment and digital commerce solutions and operate in two reportable segments: North America merchant services and International merchant 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.
	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 and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14			28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	404,016		$	355,880		$	1,222,841		$	1,081,506
	Canada	69,047			73,467			243,004			245,379
	North America merchant services	473,063			429,347			1,465,845			1,326,885
	Europe	138,378			143,832			461,140			433,886
	Asia-Pacific (1)	53,542			43,273			140,184			119,488
	International merchant services	191,920			187,105			601,324			553,374
	Consolidated revenues	$	664,983		$	616,452		$	2,067,169		$	1,880,259
	Operating income (loss) for segments:
	North America merchant services	$	66,723		$	61,695		$	218,906		$	201,831
	International merchant services (2)	64,902			58,077			214,947			182,085
	Corporate	(27,010		)	(22,481		)	(80,856		)	(67,334		)
	Consolidated operating income	$	104,615		$	97,291		$	352,997		$	316,582
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America merchant services	$	20,100		$	14,422		$	61,018		$	41,488
	International merchant services	11,928			13,790			36,984			40,934
	Corporate	1,612			1,594			4,810			4,776
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	33,640		$	29,806		$	102,812		$	87,198
	(1) Revenues for Ezidebit, which operates primarily in Australia and New Zealand, are included in the Asia-Pacific region.
	(2) During the nine months ended February 28, 2015, 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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent event	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On March 25, 2015, we acquired approximately 95% of the outstanding shares of Pay and Shop Limited for €108.5 million ($119.1 million equivalent as of the acquisition date), adjusted for working capital, funded by borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Pay and Shop Limited, which does business as Realex Payments, is a leading European online payment gateway technology provider based in Dublin, Ireland. This transaction furthers our strategy to provide omni-channel solutions that combine gateway services, payment service provisioning and merchant acquiring across Europe. This transaction will be recorded as a business combination, and the purchase price will be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Due to the timing of this transaction, the allocation of purchase price has not been finalized pending valuation of intangible assets acquired. For fiscal 2015, we expect this transaction to be immaterial to our consolidated revenues and earnings per share.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business, consolidation and presentation	Business, consolidation and presentation— We are a leading worldwide provider of payment technology services that delivers innovative solutions to our customers globally. Our partnerships, technologies and employee expertise enable us to provide a broad range of products and services that allow our customers to accept all payment types. We distribute our products and services across a variety of channels to merchants and partners in 28 countries throughout North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and Brazil. We provide payment and digital commerce solutions and operate in two reportable 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 in this report 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 payment solutions for credit cards, debit cards, electronic payments and check-related services. Revenue is recognized as such services are performed. Revenue for 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 independent sales organizations ("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 as Merchant Reserves strengthens our fiduciary standing with banks that sponsor us and is in accordance with guidelines set by the card networks. As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents included $169.8 million and $124.7 million, respectively, related to Merchant Reserves.
	Certain of the banks that sponsor us 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— We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level 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. Macroeconomic factors such as general economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and other developments in equity and credit markets are monitored for indications that goodwill assigned to one of our reporting units may be impaired. 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 to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually and may vary by reporting unit.
	When conducting a qualitative assessment, we consider factors including 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 may be impaired and step two must be performed. Step two measures any 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. As of January 1, 2015, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment of impairment for each of our reporting units, except Russia merchant services. We determined on the basis of qualitative factors, as described above, that the fair values of these five reporting units were not more likely than not less than their respective carrying values. Due to the deterioration of economic conditions in the Russian Federation and the recent devaluation of the Russian Ruble compared to the United States Dollar, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment of impairment for the Russia merchant services reporting unit as of January 1, 2015. Based on this quantitative assessment, we determined that goodwill of our Russia merchant services reporting unit was not impaired. 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 qualitative factors 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.
	When applying a quantitative approach, we estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow model incorporating management’s expectations for future revenue, operating expenses, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), capital expenditures and an anticipated tax rate. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using an estimated weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit at the date of valuation. The market approach utilizes comparative market multiples in the valuation estimate. Multiples are derived by relating the value of guideline companies, based on either the market price of publicly traded shares or the prices of companies being acquired in the marketplace, to various measures of their earnings and cash flow. Such multiples are then applied to the historical and projected earnings and cash flow of the reporting unit in developing the valuation estimate.
	Preparation of forecasts and the selection of discount rates involve significant judgments about expected future business performance and general market conditions. Significant changes in our forecasts, the discount rates selected or the weighting of the income and market approach could affect the estimated 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— 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 technologies 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 and trade names are based on our plans to phase out the trademarks and trade names in the applicable markets.
	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 and trade names.
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 February 28, 2015 or May 31, 2014.
Derivatives, hedge discontinuances, termination of hedging instrument or hedged item	Derivative Instruments— Our long-term debt 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. Consequently, we are exposed to variability in our interest payment cash flows due to changes in interest rates. We use interest rate swaps to manage a portion of this exposure. These financial instruments are recognized at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in fair value are recognized in shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Our objective in managing our exposure to fluctuation in interest rates is to better control this element of cost and to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in applicable rates.
	We have established policies and procedures that encompass risk-management philosophy and objectives, guidelines for derivative instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. We do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation. We formally designate and document instruments at inception that qualify for hedge accounting of underlying exposures in accordance with GAAP.
	We formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. GAAP requires all derivative instruments to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. We designated our interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge of interest payments on variable rate borrowings. Any ineffective portion of a change in the fair value of a qualifying instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. Please see Note 5-Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities for more information about our interest rate swaps.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share— Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, including the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. All stock options with an exercise price less than the average market share price of our common stock for the period are assumed to have a dilutive effect on 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 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 below, 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 April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-03 on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendments in this update make changes to consolidation guidance to address concerns of stakeholders that current accounting for certain legal entities might require a reporting entity to consolidate another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity’s contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity’s voting rights, or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity’s economic benefits or obligations. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. The amendments in this update eliminate from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 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. ASU 2014-09 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 ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15	28-Feb-14	28-Feb-15	28-Feb-14
		(in thousands)		(in thousands)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	66,890	71,835	67,476	72,598
	Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	416	599	415	554
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	67,306	72,434	67,891	73,152

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a1

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Offsetting assets and liabilities	If that net position is an asset, we reflect the net amount in settlement processing assets on our consolidated 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.
		February 28, 2015			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Settlement processing assets:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	183,973		$	217,806
	Receivable from Members	189,877			206,322
	Receivable from networks	411,997			430,763
	Exception items	9,055			5,573
	Merchant Reserves	(49,926		)	(79,547		)
		$	744,976		$	780,917
	Settlement processing obligations:
	Interchange reimbursement	$	31,246		$	54,459
	Liability to Members	(1,710		)	(5,490		)
	Liability to merchants	(338,868		)	(407,651		)
	Exception items	4,299			6,313
	Merchant Reserves	(119,919		)	(96,622		)
	Reserve for operating losses	(1,119		)	(1,725		)
	Reserves for sales allowances	(297		)	(601		)
		$	(426,368	)	$	(451,317	)

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_1

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Ezidebit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Cash	$	45,826
	Goodwill	194,136
	Customer-related intangible assets	42,721
	Acquired technology	27,954
	Trade name	2,901
	Other assets	2,337
	Total assets acquired	315,875
	Liabilities	(49,797		)
	Deferred income taxes	(96		)
	Net assets acquired	$	265,982
PayPros
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation (in thousands):
	Goodwill	$	270,878
	Customer-related intangible assets	147,500
	Contract-based intangible assets	30,200
	Acquired technology	10,800
	Property and equipment	1,680
	Other assets	3,872
	Total assets acquired	464,930
	Deferred income taxes	(38,478		)
	Net assets acquired	$	426,452
Business acquisition, pro forma information
		Unaudited
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2014			February 28, 2014		February 28, 2014		February 28, 2014
		(Actual)			(Pro forma)		(Actual)		(Pro forma)
		(in thousands, except per share data)					(in thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	616,452		$	643,086	$	1,880,259	$	1,954,570
	Net income attributable to Global Payments	$	55,121		$	54,885	$	193,661	$	189,645
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic	$	0.77		$	0.76	$	2.67	$	2.61
	Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted	$	0.76		$	0.76	$	2.65	$	2.59

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill and intangible assets	As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:
		February 28, 2015			May 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	1,422,900		$	1,337,285
	Other intangible assets:
	Customer-related intangible assets	$	702,037		$	714,704
	Contract-based intangible assets	131,612			145,967
	Acquired technologies	50,337			25,700
	Trademarks and trade names	7,015			6,140
		891,001			892,511
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Customer-related intangible assets	328,633			317,629
	Contract-based intangible assets	35,411			32,031
	Acquired technologies	6,839			3,531
	Trademarks and trade names	4,035			4,147
		374,918			357,338
		$	516,083		$	535,173
Schedule of goodwill	The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended February 28, 2015:
		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
	Goodwill acquired	—			194,136			194,136
	Adjustment(1)	(699		)	—			(699		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	(12,065		)	(95,757		)	(107,822		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	773,891		$	649,009		$	1,422,900
	(1) During the nine months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.7 million in our North America merchant services segment in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset and deferred tax valuations associated with the purchase price allocation and the working capital settlement for the PayPros acquisition.

Recovered_Sheet1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of outstanding debt	As of February 28, 2015 and May 31, 2014, outstanding debt consisted of the following:
		February 28, 2015		May 31, 2014
	Lines of credit:	(in thousands)
	Corporate Credit Facility - long-term	$	358,500	$	140,000
	Short-term lines of credit	446,800		440,128
	Total lines of credit	805,300		580,128
	Notes payable	—		3,679
	Term loan	1,250,000		1,250,000
	Total debt	$	2,055,300	$	1,833,807
	Current portion	$	509,300	$	457,805
	Long-term debt	1,546,000		1,376,002
	Total debt	$	2,055,300	$	1,833,807

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_

Share-Based Awards and Options (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for stock options, restricted stock, performance units, TSR units, and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan (each as described below).
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14		28-Feb-15				28-Feb-14
		(in millions)					(in millions)
	Share-based compensation expense	$	5.7		$	5.3	$	14.8			$	17.3
	Income tax benefit	$	1.9		$	2	$	4.8			$	5.2
Schedule of changes in non-vested restricted stock awards activity	The following table summarizes the changes in unvested share-based awards for the nine months ended February 28, 2015:
			Shares		Weighted Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
			(in thousands)
	Unvested at May 31, 2014		877		$	45
	Granted		469		72
	Vested		(322	)	46
	Forfeited		(92	)	53
	Unvested at February 28, 2015		932		$	58
Schedule of share-based compensation, stock options, activity	The following is a summary of our stock option activity as of and for the nine months ended February 28, 2015:
			Options		Weight Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in thousands)				(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at May 31, 2014		766		$	41	3.8		$	21.3
	Granted		153		72
	Forfeited		(23	)	56
	Exercised		(366	)	41
	Outstanding at February 28, 2015		530		$	49	4.9		$	22.8
	Options vested and exercisable at February 28, 2015		392		$	41	3.3		$	20
Schedule of share-based payment award, stock options, valuation assumptions	Fair value was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rates	1.57%
	Expected volatility	23.65%
	Dividend yields	0.13%
	Expected lives	5 years

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 and nine months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14			28-Feb-15			28-Feb-14
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	404,016		$	355,880		$	1,222,841		$	1,081,506
	Canada	69,047			73,467			243,004			245,379
	North America merchant services	473,063			429,347			1,465,845			1,326,885
	Europe	138,378			143,832			461,140			433,886
	Asia-Pacific (1)	53,542			43,273			140,184			119,488
	International merchant services	191,920			187,105			601,324			553,374
	Consolidated revenues	$	664,983		$	616,452		$	2,067,169		$	1,880,259
	Operating income (loss) for segments:
	North America merchant services	$	66,723		$	61,695		$	218,906		$	201,831
	International merchant services (2)	64,902			58,077			214,947			182,085
	Corporate	(27,010		)	(22,481		)	(80,856		)	(67,334		)
	Consolidated operating income	$	104,615		$	97,291		$	352,997		$	316,582
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America merchant services	$	20,100		$	14,422		$	61,018		$	41,488
	International merchant services	11,928			13,790			36,984			40,934
	Corporate	1,612			1,594			4,810			4,776
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	33,640		$	29,806		$	102,812		$	87,198
	(1) Revenues for Ezidebit, which operates primarily in Australia and New Zealand, are included in the Asia-Pacific region.
	(2) During the nine months ended February 28, 2015, 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)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
	segment
	Country
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates	28
Number of merchant services segments	2

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets	$744,976	$780,917
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets	$169,800	$124,700

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
	segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units	6
Goodwill	$1,422,900	$1,337,285
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	5 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	30 years
International merchant services
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$649,009	$550,630

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings per share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	66,890,000	71,835,000	67,476,000	72,598,000
Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards	416,000	599,000	415,000	554,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	67,306,000	72,434,000	67,891,000	73,152,000
Employee stock option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted share base		0	0	0

Settlement_Processing_Assets_a2

Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total	$744,976	$780,917
Total	-426,368	-451,317
Merchant Reserves
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Merchant Reserves	-49,926	-79,547
Reserves for processing obligations	-119,919	-96,622
Reserve for operating losses
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Reserves for processing obligations	-1,119	-1,725
Reserves for sales allowances
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Reserves for processing obligations	-297	-601
Interchange reimbursement
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets, gross	183,973	217,806
Settlement processing obligations, gross	31,246	54,459
(Liability to) Receivable from Members
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets, gross	189,877	206,322
Settlement processing obligations, gross	-1,710	-5,490
Receivable from networks
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets, gross	411,997	430,763
Liability to merchants
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Settlement processing obligations, gross	-338,868	-407,651
Exception items
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Settlement processing assets, gross	9,055	5,573
Settlement processing obligations, gross	$4,299	$6,313

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_2

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2014

31-May-14

Dec. 17, 2014

Oct. 10, 2014

Oct. 10, 2014

Oct. 10, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 04, 2014

Mar. 04, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Mar. 04, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Oct. 10, 2014

Mar. 04, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Oct. 10, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 17, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Global Payments Asia-Pacific Philippines Incorporated

Ezidebit

Ezidebit

Ezidebit

Fidelity Information Services’ (FIS) Check Gaming Guarantee business

Fidelity Information Services’ (FIS) Check Gaming Guarantee business

PayPros

PayPros

Contract-based and customer-related finite-lived intangible assets

Contract-based intangible assets

Acquired technologies

Acquired technologies

Acquired technologies

Tradenames

Tradenames

Comercia Global Payments Brazil

Comercia Global Payments Brazil

Comercia Global Payments Brazil

Comercia Global Payments Brazil

Comercia Global Payments

Global Payments Asia-Pacific Philippines Incorporated

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

USD ($)

customer

USD ($)

USD ($)

Ezidebit

PayPros

Ezidebit

Ezidebit

PayPros

Ezidebit

Ezidebit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest and other income

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash

$45,826,000

Goodwill

1,422,900,000

1,337,285,000

194,136,000

270,878,000

Intangible assets acquired

30,200,000

27,954,000

10,800,000

2,901,000

Proceeds from divestiture of business

10,597,000

3,521,000

6,700,000

2,100,000

3,900,000

Gain (loss) on deconsolidation

2,100,000

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

15 years

13 years

15 years

7 years

5 years

Number of customers acquired

260

Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners

50.00%

49.00%

49.00%

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

51.00%

Percentage of controlling financial interest acquired

100.00%

100.00%

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

3,600,000

268,100,000

305,000,000

236,500,000

420,000,000

Gaming Bureau Services Agreement Term

10 years

Payments to acquire business, working capital

-2,100,000

-2,400,000

6,500,000

Net assets acquired

$265,982,000

$426,452,000

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_3

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14	Mar. 04, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Goodwill	$1,422,900	$1,337,285
PayPros
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Goodwill			270,878
Property and equipment			1,680
Other assets			3,872
Total assets acquired			464,930
Deferred income taxes			-38,478
Net assets acquired			426,452
PayPros | Customer-related intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Intangible assets			147,500
PayPros | Acquired technologies
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Intangible assets			10,800
Ezidebit
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Cash				45,826
Goodwill				194,136
Other assets				2,337
Total assets acquired				315,875
Liabilities				-49,797
Deferred income taxes				-96
Net assets acquired				265,982
Ezidebit | Customer-related intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Intangible assets				42,721
Ezidebit | Acquired technologies
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Intangible assets				27,954
Ezidebit | Contract-based intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Intangible assets				$2,901

Business_and_Intangible_Asset_4

Business and Intangible Asset Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - Pro Forma Information - Unaudited (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Actual (in dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.77	$3.15	$2.67
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Actual (in dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.76	$3.13	$2.65
PayPros
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues, Actual	$616,452		$1,880,259
Total revenues, Pro forma		643,086		1,954,570
Net income attributable to Global Payments, Actual	55,121		193,661
Net income attributable to Global Payments, Pro forma		$54,885		$189,645
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Actual (in dollars per share)	$0.77		$2.67
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, basic, Pro forma (in dollars per share)		$0.76		$2.61
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Actual (in dollars per share)	$0.76		$2.65
Net income per share attributable to Global Payments, diluted, Pro forma (in dollars per share)		$0.76		$2.59

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$1,422,900	$1,337,285
Other intangible assets	891,001	892,511
Less accumulated amortization	374,918	357,338
Other intangible assets, net	516,083	535,173
Customer-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	702,037	714,704
Less accumulated amortization	328,633	317,629
Contract-based intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	131,612	145,967
Less accumulated amortization	35,411	32,031
Acquired technologies
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	50,337	25,700
Less accumulated amortization	6,839	3,531
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	7,015	6,140
Less accumulated amortization	$4,035	$4,147

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		31-May-14
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			$1,337,285
Accumulated impairment losses			0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	1,337,285
Goodwill acquired	194,136
Adjustment	-699	[1]
Effect of foreign currency translation	-107,822
Goodwill, balance at end of period	1,422,900
North America merchant services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			786,655
Accumulated impairment losses			0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	786,655
Goodwill acquired	0
Adjustment	-699	[1]
Effect of foreign currency translation	-12,065
Goodwill, balance at end of period	773,891
International merchant services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			550,630
Accumulated impairment losses			0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	550,630
Goodwill acquired	194,136
Adjustment	0	[1]
Effect of foreign currency translation	-95,757
Goodwill, balance at end of period	$649,009
[1]	During the nine months ended February 28, 2015, we recorded an adjustment to decrease goodwill by $0.7 million in our North America merchant services segment in connection with the finalization of the intangible asset and deferred tax valuations associated with the purchase price allocation and the working capital settlement for the PayPros acquisition.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Schedule of Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$2,055,300	$1,833,807
Current portion	509,300	457,805
Long-term debt	1,546,000	1,376,002
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	805,300	580,128
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	446,800	440,128
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt (including current portion)	358,500	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 $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 27, 2014	Oct. 09, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
							Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum leverage ratio	3.5		3.5
Maximum coverage ratio in case of acquisition	3.75		3.75
Minimum interest coverage ratio	2.5		2.5
Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	$1,750,000	$0	$2,281,000	$0
Term loan | Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					5 years
Loan, face amount						1,250,000,000
Interest rate at period end	1.92%		1.92%
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%		27.50%
Term loan | Five Year Unsecured Term Loan Due February 2019 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis					London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")
Line of credit | Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					5 years
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	1,000,000,000		1,000,000,000
Line of credit | Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.89%		1.89%				1.52%
Line of credit | Corporate Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, fair value of amount outstanding	358,500,000		358,500,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	626,500,000		626,500,000					851,900,000
Line of credit | Corporate Credit Facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis					LIBOR
Standby letters of credit | Revolving Credit Facility Expiring February 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000		100,000,000
Standby letters of credit | Corporate Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, fair value of amount outstanding	7,400,000		7,400,000					8,100,000
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	901,500,000		901,500,000					818,500,000
Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, amount of hedged item	500,000,000		500,000,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge derivative instrument liabilities at fair value	$4,000,000		$4,000,000

Income_Tax_Narrative_Details

Income Tax - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	24.90%	28.20%	25.70%	28.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$68		$68
Other noncurrent liabilities
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	71.1		71.1		71.2
United Kingdom | Foreign tax authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in enacted tax rate			3.00%
Minimum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	0		0
Maximum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	$68		$68

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	600	300	3,100	5,000
Repurchase of common stock			$228,540,000	$260,609,000
Repurchase of common stock, average price per share	$88.74	$64.04	$74.25	$52.53
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	243,400,000		243,400,000
Other than accelerated share repurchase program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	$56,600,000	$21,500,000	$228,500,000	$260,600,000

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_1

Share-Based Awards and Options (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$5.70	$5.30	$14.80	$17.30
Income tax benefit	1.9	2	4.8	5.2
Stock Option Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)					7,000,000
Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$0.20	$0.20	$0.50	$0.70
Performance period. year one | Leveraged performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			0.00%
Performance period, year two | Leveraged performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			100.00%

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_2

Share-Based Awards and Options - Restricted Stock Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$5.70	$5.30	$14.80	$17.30
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years	4 years
Performance restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of types of performance units offered	3		3
Award performance period			3 years		1 year
Performance restricted stock units | One year increment
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					25.00%
Performance restricted stock units | Three year equal vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					75.00%
Performance restricted stock units | Minimum | Three year equal vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target shares of company stock					0.00%
Performance restricted stock units | Maximum | Three year equal vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target shares of company stock			200.00%
Leveraged performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance period			3 years
Leveraged performance units | Performance period. year one
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			2 years
Vesting percentage			0.00%
Total shareholder return restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance period			3 years
Total shareholder return restricted stock units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target shares of company stock			0.00%
Total shareholder return restricted stock units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target shares of company stock			200.00%
Restricted stock and restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total fair value of share awards vested in period			14.9	15.9
Share-based compensation expense	5.4	5	13.8	16.2
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$47.50		$47.50
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period			2 years 3 months 7 days

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_3

Share-Based Awards and Options - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (Restricted stock and restricted stock units, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Restricted stock and restricted stock units
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)	469
Vested (in shares)	-322
Forfeited (in shares)	-92
Nonvested, end of period (in shares)	932
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)	$46
Forfeited, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$53
Nonvested, weighted average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$58

Recovered_Sheet2

Share-based Awards and Options - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$5,700,000	$5,300,000	$14,800,000	$17,300,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	2,400,000		2,400,000
Maximum employee subscription amount			25,000
Maximum employee subscription rate	20.00%		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		1,300,000
Share-based compensation expense	$100,000		$500,000	$400,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$8	$7	$8	$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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)		0	153
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised			$11.70	$24
Total unrecognized compensation cost	1.9		1.9
Share-based compensation expense	5.7	5.3	14.8	17.3
Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair market value, percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Stock option term			10 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period			3 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based compensation expense	$0.20	$0.20	$0.50	$0.70
Leveraged performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance period			3 years
Leveraged performance units | Performance period. year one
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			2 years
Stock Option Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value for each option granted	$17		$17

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_5

Share-Based Awards and Options - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	530	766		766
Granted (in shares)			0	153
Forfeited (in shares)				-23
Exercised (in shares)				-366
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)				530
Options vested and exercisable (in shares)				392
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)	$49	$41		$41
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)				$72
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)				$56
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)				$41
Options vested and exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)				$41
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	4 years 10 months 24 days	3 years 9 months 18 days
Options vested and exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 3 months 18 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$22.80	$21.30		$21.30
Options vested and exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value				$20

ShareBased_Awards_and_Options_6

Share-Based Awards and Options - Valuation Assumptions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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			9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
	Country			segment
				Country
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates	28			28
Number of reportable segments				2
Revenues	$664,983,000		$616,452,000	$2,067,169,000		$1,880,259,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	104,615,000		97,291,000	352,997,000		316,582,000
Depreciation and amortization	33,640,000		29,806,000	102,812,000		87,198,000
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	664,983,000		616,452,000	2,067,169,000		1,880,259,000
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) for segments	-27,010,000		-22,481,000	-80,856,000		-67,334,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,612,000		1,594,000	4,810,000		4,776,000
North America merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	473,063,000		429,347,000	1,465,845,000		1,326,885,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	66,723,000		61,695,000	218,906,000		201,831,000
Depreciation and amortization	20,100,000		14,422,000	61,018,000		41,488,000
International merchant services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets				2,900,000
International merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	191,920,000		187,105,000	601,324,000		553,374,000
Operating income (loss) for segments	64,902,000	[1]	58,077,000	214,947,000	[1]	182,085,000
Depreciation and amortization	11,928,000		13,790,000	36,984,000		40,934,000
United States | North America merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	404,016,000		355,880,000	1,222,841,000		1,081,506,000
Canada | North America merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	69,047,000		73,467,000	243,004,000		245,379,000
Europe | International merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	138,378,000		143,832,000	461,140,000		433,886,000
Asia-Pacific | International merchant services | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$53,542,000	[2]	$43,273,000	$140,184,000	[2]	$119,488,000
[1]	uring the nine months ended February 28, 2015, 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.
[2]	Revenues for Ezidebit, which operates primarily in Australia and New Zealand, are included in the Asia-Pacific region.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_SUBSEQUENT_EV

SUBSEQUENT EVENT SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (Realex Payments [Member])	Mar. 25, 2015	Mar. 25, 2015	Mar. 25, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Euro Member Countries, Euro	United States of America, Dollars
		EUR (€)	USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of controlling financial interest acquired	95.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		€ 108.50	$119.10