Global Payments (GPN) 10-Q 6 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 01, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Central Index Key	0001123360
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-16111
Entity Registrant Name	GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	GA
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-2567903
Entity Address, Address Line One	3550 Lenox Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Atlanta
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30326
City Area Code	770
Local Phone Number	829-8000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, no par value
Trading Symbol	GPN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		299,105,721

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,903,598	$ 883,039
Operating expenses:
Cost of service	933,871	305,230
Selling, general and administrative	725,748	378,317
Total operating expenses	1,659,619	683,547
Operating income	243,979	199,492
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income	2,506	2,934
Interest and other expense	(92,644)	(59,081)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(90,138)	(56,147)
Income before income taxes and equity in income of equity method investments	153,841	143,345
Income tax expense	(15,502)	(24,140)
Income before equity in income of equity method investments	138,339	119,205
Equity in income of equity method investments, net of tax	12,269	0
Net income	150,608	119,205
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(7,033)	(6,864)
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$ 143,575	$ 112,341
Earnings per share attributable to Global Payments:
Basic earnings per share (USD per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.71
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.71

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 150,608	$ 119,205
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(204,111)	5,196
Income tax benefit (expense) related to foreign currency translation adjustments	1,007	34
Net unrealized losses on hedging activities	(47,896)	(14,509)
Reclassification of net unrealized losses (gains) on hedging activities to interest expense	4,671	(1,830)
Income tax benefit related to hedging activities	10,346	3,985
Other, net of tax	121	111
Other comprehensive loss	(235,862)	(7,013)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(85,254)	112,192
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(380)	(2,284)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Global Payments	$ (85,634)	$ 109,908

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,800,061	$ 1,678,273
Accounts receivable, net	799,798	895,232
Settlement processing assets	1,046,288	1,353,778
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	423,523	439,165
Total current assets	4,069,670	4,366,448
Goodwill	23,662,373	23,759,740
Other intangible assets, net	12,814,791	13,154,655
Property and equipment, net	1,441,910	1,382,802
Deferred income taxes	6,778	6,292
Other noncurrent assets	1,854,076	1,810,225
Total assets	43,849,598	44,480,162
Current liabilities:
Settlement lines of credit	375,182	463,237
Current portion of long-term debt	70,551	35,137
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,636,823	1,822,166
Settlement processing obligations	953,723	1,258,806
Total current liabilities	3,036,279	3,579,346
Long-term debt	9,636,076	9,090,364
Deferred income taxes	3,024,409	3,145,641
Other noncurrent liabilities	632,401	609,822
Total liabilities	16,329,165	16,425,173
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized and none issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 299,010,257 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020 and 300,225,590 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019	0	0
Paid-in capital	25,525,184	25,833,307
Retained earnings	2,335,407	2,333,011
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(539,780)	(310,571)
Total Global Payments shareholders’ equity	27,320,811	27,855,747
Noncontrolling interests	199,622	199,242
Total equity	27,520,433	28,054,989
Total liabilities and equity	$ 43,849,598	$ 44,480,162

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock issued (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock authorized (shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock issued (shares)	299,010,257	300,225,590
Common stock outstanding (shares)	299,010,257	300,225,590

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 150,608	$ 119,205
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	83,573	41,155
Amortization of acquired intangibles	314,245	107,475
Amortization of capitalized contract costs	18,738	15,847
Share-based compensation expense	27,822	11,418
Provision for operating losses and bad debts	37,629	12,709
Noncash lease expense	25,924	8,976
Deferred income taxes	(47,957)	(5,774)
Other, net	(11,757)	67
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	47,624	(36,493)
Settlement processing assets and obligations, net	12,966	118,347
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(53,540)	(76,740)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(169,301)	(86,463)
Net cash provided by operating activities	436,574	229,729
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(67,196)	(74,830)
Capital expenditures	(104,802)	(55,123)
Other, net	2,348	13,672
Net cash used in investing activities	(169,650)	(116,281)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net repayments of settlement lines of credit	(78,092)	(55,350)
Proceeds from long-term debt	607,000	344,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(110,978)	(173,060)
Repurchases of common stock	(421,162)	(155,997)
Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans	28,283	7,848
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	(44,253)	(9,507)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	(5,572)
Dividends paid	(58,279)	(1,571)
Net cash used in financing activities	(77,481)	(49,209)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(67,655)	2,516
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	121,788	66,755
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	1,678,273	1,210,878
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$ 1,800,061	$ 1,277,633

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total Global Payments Shareholders’ Equity	Number of Shares	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at beginning of period (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018			157,962,000
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 4,186,343	$ 3,991,407		$ 2,235,167	$ 2,066,415	$ (310,175)	$ 194,936
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	119,205	112,341			112,341		6,864
Other comprehensive loss	(7,013)	(2,433)				(2,433)	(4,580)
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans (shares)			542,000
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans	7,848	7,848		7,848
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans (shares)			(79,000)
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	(10,200)	(10,200)		(10,200)
Share-based compensation expense	11,418	11,418		11,418
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	$ (5,572)						(5,572)
Repurchase of common stock (shares)	(1,295,282)		(1,295,000)
Repurchases of common stock	$ (157,997)	(157,997)		(92,610)	(65,387)
Cash dividends declared	(1,571)	(1,571)			(1,571)
Balance at end of period (shares) at Mar. 31, 2019			157,130,000
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2019	4,142,461	3,950,813		2,151,623	2,111,798	(312,608)	191,648
Balance at beginning of period (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019			300,226,000
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	28,054,989	27,855,747		25,833,307	2,333,011	(310,571)	199,242
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	150,608	143,575			143,575		7,033
Other comprehensive loss	(235,862)	(229,209)				(229,209)	(6,653)
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans (shares)			1,082,000
Stock issued under share-based compensation plans	28,283	28,283		28,283
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans (shares)			(203,000)
Common stock repurchased - share-based compensation plans	(37,787)	(37,787)		(37,787)
Share-based compensation expense	$ 27,822	27,822		27,822
Repurchase of common stock (shares)	(2,094,731)		(2,095,000)
Repurchases of common stock	$ (403,962)	(403,962)		(326,441)	(77,521)
Cash dividends declared	(58,279)	(58,279)			(58,279)
Balance at end of period (shares) at Mar. 31, 2020			299,010,000
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 27,520,433	$ 27,320,811		$ 25,525,184	$ 2,335,407	$ (539,780)	$ 199,622

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per share (USD per share)	$ 0.195	$ 0.01

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMA

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business, consolidation and presentation We are a leading pure play payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to our customers globally. Our technologies, services and employee expertise enable us to provide a broad range of solutions that allow our customers to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world. We operate in three reportable segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions and Business and Consumer Solutions, which are described in "Note 11 —Segment Information." Global Payments Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to herein collectively as "Global Payments," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us," unless the context requires otherwise. These unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries, and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 was derived from the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. 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 affect the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Recent developments relating to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19") In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. The pandemic is causing major disruptions to businesses and markets worldwide as the virus continues to spread. A number of countries as well as many states and cities within the United States have enacted temporary closures of businesses, issued quarantine or shelter-in-place orders and taken other restrictive measures in response to COVID-19. 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 materially from those estimates. In particular, the magnitude, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are difficult to predict at this time, and the ultimate effect could result in additional charges related to the recoverability of assets, including financial assets, long-lived assets and goodwill and other losses. These unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect the financial statement effects of COVID-19 based upon management’s estimates and assumptions utilizing the most currently available information. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-15 — In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)." ASU 2018-15 provides additional guidance on the accounting for costs of implementation activities performed in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., hosting arrangement) that is a service contract. The new guidance amends the definition of a hosting arrangement and requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to capitalize certain implementation costs as if the arrangement was an internal-use software project. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, applying the guidance prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We have historically capitalized implementation costs associated with cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts following the guidance in Subtopic 350-40 and will continue to do so pursuant to the clarifications provided in the new guidance. We amortize deferred implementation costs to expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the applicable hosting arrangement. ASU 2016-13 — We adopted ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments " on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption of this standard resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to decrease retained earnings by $5.4 million , net of tax. The amendments in this update changed how we measure and recognize credit impairment for certain financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Under the current expected credit losses ("CECL") model, we recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of each pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics. We have exposure to credit losses for financial assets such as accounts receivable, certain settlement processing assets, check guarantee claims receivable assets and advances to sales representatives. We utilize a combination of aging or loss-rate methods to develop an estimate of current expected credit losses, depending on the nature and risk profile of the underlying asset pool. A broad range of information is considered in the estimation process, including historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and expectations of future trends. The estimation process also includes consideration of qualitative and quantitative risk factors associated with the age of asset balances, expected timing of payment, contract terms and conditions, changes in specific customer risk profiles or mix of customers, geographic risk, industry or economic trends and relevant environmental factors. As of March 31, 2020 , the total allowance for credit losses was approximately $29.3 million . Financial assets are presented net of the allowance for credit losses in the consolidated balance sheets. The measurement of the allowance for credit losses is recognized through credit loss expense. Depending on the nature of the underlying asset, credit loss expense is included as a component of cost of service or selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. Write-offs are recorded in the period in which the asset is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries are recorded when received as a direct credit to the credit loss expense in the consolidated statements of income. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses on these financial instruments were recognized when an occurrence was deemed to be probable. Recently issued pronouncements not yet adopted ASU 2019-12 — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes," which is intended to enhance and simplify various aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application of the accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates and transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted in any interim period. We are evaluating the effect of ASU 2019-12 on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2020-04 — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)," which provides optional expedients and exceptions to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022 for which an entity has elected certain optional expedients and are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in this update also include a general principle that permits an entity to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. If elected, the optional expedients for contract modifications must be applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions within the relevant Topic or Industry Subtopic within the Codification that contains the guidance that otherwise would be required to be applied. The amendments in this update can be adopted anytime beginning March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are evaluating the effect of ASU 2020-04 on our consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS Total System Services, Inc. On September 18, 2019 , we merged with Total System Services, Inc. ("TSYS") (the "Merger"). We accounted for this transaction as a business combination, which generally requires that we record the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of the acquisition date. The provisional estimated acquisition-date fair values of major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020 , including a reconciliation to the total purchase consideration, were as follows: Provisional Amounts at December 31, 2019 Measurement-Period Adjustments Provisional Amounts at (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 446,009 $ — $ 446,009 Accounts receivable 442,848 (2,910 ) 439,938 Identified intangible assets 10,980,000 — 10,980,000 Property and equipment 644,084 — 644,084 Other assets 1,474,825 (4,940 ) 1,469,885 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (614,060 ) 236 (613,824 ) Debt (3,295,342 ) 4,787 (3,290,555 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (2,687,849 ) 57,569 (2,630,280 ) Other liabilities (314,415 ) — (314,415 ) Total identifiable net assets 7,076,100 54,742 7,130,842 Goodwill 17,398,853 (54,742 ) 17,344,111 Total purchase consideration $ 24,474,953 $ — $ 24,474,953 As of March 31, 2020 , we considered these amounts to be provisional because we were still in the process of reviewing information to support the valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We made measurement-period adjustments, as shown in the table above, that decreased the amount of provisional goodwill by $54.7 million . The decrease in deferred income tax liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily relates to a refined analysis of the outside bases of partnerships. The effects of the measurement-period adjustments on our consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were not material. As of March 31, 2020 , provisional goodwill arising from the acquisition of $17.3 billion was included in our reportable segments as follows: $7.1 billion in the Merchant Solutions segment, $7.9 billion in the Issuer Solutions segment and $2.3 billion in the Business and Consumer Solutions segment. Goodwill was attributable to expected growth opportunities, an assembled workforce and potential synergies from combining the acquired business into our existing business. We expect that substantially all of the goodwill from this acquisition will not be deductible for income tax purposes. The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2018. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred if the Merger had occurred as of that date. The unaudited pro forma information is also not intended to be a projection of future results due to the integration of TSYS. The unaudited pro forma information reflects the effects of applying our accounting policies and certain pro forma adjustments to the combined historical financial information of Global Payments and TSYS. Actual Pro Forma (in thousands) Total revenues $ 883,039 $ 1,909,770 Net income attributable to Global Payments $ 112,341 $ 187,865 For the three months ended March 31, 2020 , the acquired operations of TSYS contributed $1,055.0 million to our consolidated revenues and $115.5 million to our consolidated operating income. At March 31, 2020 , accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet included obligations totaling $48.3 million for employee termination benefits resulting from Merger-related integration activities. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , we recognized charges for employee termination benefits of $17.6 million , which included $2.6 million of share-based compensation expense. As of March 31, 2020 , the cumulative amount of recognized charges for employee termination benefits resulting from Merger-related integration activities was $74.7 million , which included $19.9 million of share-based compensation expense. These charges are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and included within Corporate expenses for segment reporting purposes. New obligations may arise as Merger-related integration activities continue in 2020.

REVENUES

REVENUES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUES	REVENUES The following tables present a disaggregation of our revenue from contracts with customers by geography for each of our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Intersegment Revenue Total (in thousands) Americas $ 1,024,504 $ 393,754 $ 203,946 $ (17,733 ) $ 1,604,471 Europe 135,999 108,362 — — 244,361 Asia Pacific 54,766 1,646 — (1,646 ) 54,766 $ 1,215,269 $ 503,762 $ 203,946 $ (19,379 ) $ 1,903,598 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Intersegment Revenue Total (in thousands) Americas $ 678,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 678,423 Europe 137,613 5,256 — — 142,869 Asia Pacific 61,747 — — — 61,747 $ 877,783 $ 5,256 $ — $ — $ 883,039 The following table presents a disaggregation of our Merchant Solutions segment revenues by distribution channel for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019: March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Relationship-led $ 676,522 $ 462,387 Technology-enabled 538,747 415,396 $ 1,215,269 $ 877,783 Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") requires that we determine for each customer arrangement whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , substantially all of our revenues were recognized over time. Supplemental balance sheet information related to contracts from customers as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was as follows: Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Assets: Capitalized costs to obtain customer contracts, net Other noncurrent assets $ 232,030 $ 226,945 Capitalized costs to fulfill customer contracts, net Other noncurrent assets $ 52,573 $ 38,150 Liabilities: Contract liabilities, net (current) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 187,084 $ 193,405 Contract liabilities, net (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities $ 42,556 $ 35,272 Net contract assets were not material at March 31, 2020 or at December 31, 2019 . Revenue recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 from contract liability balances at the beginning of each period was $90.8 million and $58.5 million , respectively. ASC 606 requires disclosure of the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide additional information about the amounts and expected timing of revenue to be recognized from the remaining performance obligations in our existing contracts. The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at March 31, 2020 . However, as permitted, we have elected to exclude from this disclosure any contracts with an original duration of one year or less and any variable consideration that meets specified criteria. Accordingly, the total unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations related to processing services is significantly higher than the amounts disclosed in the table below (in thousands): Year ending December 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 687,211 2021 795,626 2022 603,497 2023 396,016 2024 245,923 2025-2029 564,501 Total $ 3,292,774

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Goodwill $ 23,662,373 $ 23,759,740 Other intangible assets: Customer-related intangible assets $ 9,176,861 $ 9,238,728 Acquired technologies 2,745,024 2,732,218 Contract-based intangible assets 1,970,443 1,974,429 Trademarks and trade names 1,237,020 1,239,471 15,129,348 15,184,846 Less accumulated amortization: Customer-related intangible assets 1,376,969 1,225,785 Acquired technologies 670,304 576,928 Contract-based intangible assets 88,788 82,225 Trademarks and trade names 178,496 145,253 2,314,557 2,030,191 $ 12,814,791 $ 13,154,655 The following table sets forth the changes by reportable segment in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Total (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 13,415,352 $ 7,985,731 $ 2,358,657 $ 23,759,740 Goodwill acquired 34,911 — — 34,911 Effect of foreign currency translation (64,218 ) (13,318 ) — (77,536 ) Measurement-period adjustments 3,514 (60,984 ) 2,728 (54,742 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 13,389,559 $ 7,911,429 $ 2,361,385 $ 23,662,373 There were no accumulated impairment losses for goodwill as of March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019 .

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CRE

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT	LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) 3.800% senior notes due April 1, 2021 $ 758,797 $ 760,996 3.750% senior notes due June 1, 2023 566,062 567,330 4.000% senior notes due June 1, 2023 570,874 572,522 2.650% senior notes due February 15, 2025 991,844 991,423 4.800% senior notes due April 1, 2026 817,799 820,623 4.450% senior notes due June 1, 2028 485,883 486,982 3.200% senior notes due August 15, 2029 1,235,238 1,234,843 4.150% senior notes due August 15, 2049 739,521 739,431 Unsecured term loan facility 1,982,763 1,981,758 Unsecured revolving credit facility 1,416,000 903,000 Finance lease liabilities 30,798 32,996 Other borrowings 111,048 33,597 Total long-term debt 9,706,627 9,125,501 Less current portion 70,551 35,137 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 9,636,076 $ 9,090,364 The carrying amounts of our senior notes and term loans are presented net of unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs, as applicable. At March 31, 2020 , unamortized discount on senior notes was $5.8 million , and unamortized debt issuance costs on senior notes and the unsecured term loan facility were $44.9 million . Unamortized debt issuance costs on our senior notes and unsecured term loans at December 31, 2019 were $46.6 million . The portion of unamortized debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities is included in other noncurrent assets. At March 31, 2020 , unamortized debt issuance costs on the unsecured revolving credit fa cility were $16.7 million , an d, at December 31, 2019 , unamortized debt issuance costs on the unsecured revolving credit facility were $17.6 million . The amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs is recognized as an increase to interest expense over the terms of the respective debt instruments. Amortization of discounts and debt issuance costs for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $2.8 million and $3.1 million , respectively. At March 31, 2020 , maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease liabilities) were as follows by year (in thousands): Year ending December 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 50,726 2021 801,771 2022 58,403 2023 1,300,000 2024 3,166,000 2025 1,000,000 2026 and thereafter 3,200,000 Total $ 9,576,900 Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities We have a term loan credit agreement ("Term Loan Credit Agreement") and a revolving credit agreement ("Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement") in each case with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of financial institutions, as lenders and other agents. The Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured $2.0 billion term loan facility, and the Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured $3.0 billion revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the term loan facility were made in U.S. dollars and borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available to be made in U.S. dollars, euros, sterling, Canadian dollars and, subject to certain conditions, certain other currencies at our option. Borrowings in U.S. dollars and certain other LIBOR quoted currencies will bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (1) the rate (adjusted for any statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities) for eurodollar deposits in the London interbank market, (2) a floating rate of interest set forth on the applicable LIBOR screen page designated by Bank of America or (3) the highest of (a) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% , (b) the rate of interest as publicly announced by Bank of America as its "prime rate" or (c) LIBOR plus 1.0% , in each case, plus an applicable margin. As of March 31, 2020 , the interest rates on the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility were 2.36% and 2.02% , respectively. In addition, we are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee with respect to the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at an applicable rate per annum ranging from 0.125% to 0.300% depending on our credit rating. Beginning on December 31, 2022, and at the end of each quarter thereafter, the term loan facility must be repaid in quarterly installments in the amount of 2.50% of original principal through the maturity date with the remaining principal balance due upon maturity in September 2024 . The revolving credit facility also matures in September 2024 . We may issue standby letters of credit of up to $250 million in the aggregate under the revolving credit facility. Outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility reduce the amount of borrowings available to us. The total available commitments under the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2020 were $1.6 billion . Senior Unsecured Notes We have $3.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, consisting of the following: (i) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.650% senior notes due 2025; (ii) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.200% senior notes due 2029; and (iii) $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.150% senior notes due 2049. Interest on the senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on each February 15 and August 15. Each series of the senior notes is redeemable, at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time-to-time at the redemption prices set forth in the related indenture. We have an additional $3.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of the following: (i) $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.800% senior notes due 2021; (ii) $550 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% senior notes due 2023; (iii) $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% senior notes due 2023; (iv) $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.800% senior notes due 2026; and (v) $450 million aggregate principal amount of 4.450% senior notes due 2028. For the 3.800% senior notes due 2021 and the 4.800% senior notes due 2026, interest is payable semi-annually each April 1 and October 1. For the 3.750% senior notes due 2023, the 4.000% senior notes due 2023 and the 4.450% senior notes due 2028, interest is payable semi-annually each June 1 and December 1. The difference between the fair value and face value of these senior notes at the date the Merger was consummated is recognized over the terms of the respective notes as a reduction of interest expense. The amortization of this fair value adjustment was $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 . As of March 31, 2020 , our senior notes had a total carrying amount of $6.2 billion and an estimated fair value of $6.2 billion . The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on quoted market prices in an active market and is considered to be a Level 1 measurement of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of other long-term debt approximated its carrying amount at March 31, 2020 . Compliance with Covenants The senior unsecured term loan and revolving credit facility contain customary conditions to funding, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default. As of March 31, 2020 , financial covenants under the term loan facility required a leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and an interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00. We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of March 31, 2020 . Settlement Lines of Credit In various markets where we do business, we have specialized lines of credit, which are restricted for use in funding settlement. The settlement lines of credit generally have variable interest rates, are subject to annual review and are denominated in local currency but may, in some cases, facilitate borrowings in multiple currencies. For certain of our lines of credit, the available credit is increased by the amount of cash we have on deposit in specific accounts with the lender. Accordingly, the amount of the outstanding lines of credit may exceed the stated credit limit. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , a total of $58.0 million and $74.5 million , respectively, of cash on deposit was used to determine the available credit. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 we had $375.2 million and $463.2 million , respectively, outstanding under these lines of credit with additional capacity to fund settlement of $1,092.1 million as of March 31, 2020 . During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , the maximum and average outstanding balances under these lines of credit were $679.0 million and $376.4 million , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 1.99% and 3.16% at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. Derivative Agreements We have interest rate swap agreements with financial institutions to hedge changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate risk on a portion of our variable-rate debt instruments. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Since we have designated the interest rate swap agreements as portfolio cash flow hedges, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting the swaps to fair value are recorded as components of other comprehensive income (loss). The fair values of our interest rate swaps were 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. These derivative instruments were classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The table below presents information about our derivative financial instruments, designated as cash flow hedges, included in the consolidated balance sheets: Fair Values Derivative Financial Instruments Balance Sheet Location Weighted-Average Fixed Rate of Interest at March 31, 2020 Range of Maturity Dates at March 31, 2020 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (Notional of $250 million at December 31, 2019) Prepaid expenses and other current assets NA NA $ — $ 472 Interest rate swaps (Notional of $550 million at March 31, 2020) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1.65% July 31, 2020 - March 31, 2021 $ 5,365 $ — Interest rate swaps (Notional of $1.25 billion at March 31, 2020 and $1.55 billion at December 31, 2019) Other noncurrent liabilities 2.73% December 31, 2022 $ 84,361 $ 45,604 NA = not applicable. The table below presents the effects of our interest rate swaps on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Net unrealized losses recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 47,896 $ 14,509 Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified out of other comprehensive loss to interest expense $ 4,671 $ (1,830 ) As of March 31, 2020 , the amount of net unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps that is expected to be reclassified into interest expense during the next 12 months was $41.4 million . Interest Expense Interest expense was $81.1 million and $55.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , respectively.

INCOME TAX

INCOME TAX	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAX	INCOME TAX Our effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were 10.1% and 16.8% , respectively. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differed from the U.S. statutory rate primarily as a result of tax credits, excess tax benefits of share-based awards that are recognized upon vesting or settlement and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, our effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the excess tax benefits of share-based awards that are recognized upon vesting or settlement. 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 and the United Kingdom. We are no longer subject to state income tax examinations for years ended on or before May 31, 2010, U.S. federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before December 31, 2016 and U.K. federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before May 31, 2016.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY We repurchase our common stock mainly through open market repurchase plans and, at times, through accelerated share repurchase programs. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , we repurchased and retired 2,094,731 shares of our common stock at a cost, including commissions, of $404.0 million , or $192.85 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , we repurchased and retired 1,295,282 shares of our common stock at a cost, including commissions, of $158.0 million , or $121.98 per share. On February 26, 2020 , our board of directors approved an increase to our existing share repurchase program authorization, which raised the total available authorization to $1.0 billion . As of March 31, 2020 , the amount that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program was $880.0 million . On April 29, 2020, our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.195 per share payable on June 26, 2020 to common shareholders of record as of June 12, 2020.

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OP

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS	SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for our share-based awards and stock options: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Share-based compensation expense $ 27,822 $ 11,418 Income tax benefit $ 6,473 $ 2,509 Share-Based Awards The following table summarizes the changes in unvested restricted stock and performance awards for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in thousands) Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,844 $149.96 Granted 546 193.36 Vested (553 ) 116.66 Forfeited (18 ) 152.88 Unvested at March 31, 2020 1,819 $173.12 The total fair value of restricted stock and performance awards vested during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 was $64.6 million and $20.8 million , respectively. For restricted stock and performance awards, we recognized compensation expense of $25.2 million and $10.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 , respectively. As of March 31, 2020 , there was $216.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and performance awards that we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (years) (in millions) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,755 $74.06 6.5 $190.3 Granted 125 200.42 Forfeited (2 ) 113.48 Exercised (383 ) 64.38 Outstanding at March 31, 2020 1,495 $87.05 6.8 $85.5 Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2020 1,097 $66.97 5.9 $84.8 We recognized compensation expense for stock options of $1.9 million and $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $53.6 million and $15.9 million , respectively. As of March 31, 2020 , we had $14.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options that we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted, including Replacement Awards, during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $54.85 and $39.60 , respectively. Fair value was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 Risk-free interest rate 1.24% 2.49% Expected volatility 30% 30% Dividend yield 0.39% 0.04% Expected term (years) 5 5 The risk-free interest rate was 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 was based on our historical volatility. The dividend yield assumption was determined using our average stock price over the preceding year and the annualized amount of our most current quarterly dividend per share. We based our assumptions on the expected term of the options on our analysis of the historical exercise patterns of the options and our assumption on the future exercise pattern of options.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share ("EPS") was computed by dividing net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Earnings available to common shareholders was the same as reported net income attributable to Global Payments for all periods presented. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Global Payments by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of share-based awards that would have a dilutive effect on EPS. All stock options with an exercise price lower than the average market share price of our common stock for the period are assumed to have a dilutive effect on EPS. The dilutive share base for the three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes approximately 124,888 shares, related to stock options that would have an antidilutive effect on the computation of diluted earnings per share. There were no such shares for the three months ended March 31, 2019 . The following table sets forth the computation of diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 299,388 157,519 Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards 1,450 499 Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding 300,838 158,018

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Hedging Activities Other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (241,899 ) $ (69,319 ) $ 647 $ (310,571 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (196,451 ) (32,879 ) 121 (229,209 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ (438,350 ) $ (102,198 ) $ 768 $ (539,780 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (304,274 ) $ (2,374 ) $ (3,527 ) $ (310,175 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 9,807 (12,351 ) 111 (2,433 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ (294,467 ) $ (14,725 ) $ (3,416 ) $ (312,608 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, which relates only to foreign currency translation, was $6.7 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , respectively.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION We operate in three reportable segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions and Business and Consumer Solutions. We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on the operating income of each operating segment. The operating income of each operating segment includes the revenues of the segment less expenses that are directly related to those revenues. Operating overhead, shared costs and share-based compensation costs are included in Corporate. Interest and other income, interest and other expense, income tax expense and equity in income of equity method investments, net of tax, are not allocated to the individual segments. We do not evaluate the performance of or allocate resources to our operating segments using asset data. The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our summary of significant accounting policies in "Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." In connection with an organizational realignment implemented during the fourth quarter of 2019, the presentation of segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2019 has been recast to align with the segment presentation for the three months ended March 31, 2020 . Information on segments and reconciliations to consolidated revenues, consolidated operating income and consolidated depreciation and amortization was as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 Revenues (1) : Merchant Solutions $ 1,215,269 $ 877,783 Issuer Solutions 503,762 5,256 Business and Consumer Solutions 203,946 — Segment revenues 1,922,977 883,039 Less: Intersegment Eliminations (19,379 ) — Consolidated revenues $ 1,903,598 $ 883,039 Operating income (loss) (1)(2) : Merchant Solutions $ 304,153 $ 238,129 Issuer Solutions 59,304 3,439 Business and Consumer Solutions 31,112 — Corporate (150,590 ) (42,076 ) Consolidated operating income $ 243,979 $ 199,492 Depreciation and amortization (1) : Merchant Solutions $ 233,021 $ 147,385 Issuer Solutions 136,737 182 Business and Consumer Solutions 23,641 — Corporate 4,419 1,063 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 397,818 $ 148,630 (1) Revenues, operating income and depreciation and amortization reflect the effects of acquired businesses from the respective acquisition dates. For further discussion of our acquisitions, see "Note 2 — Acquisitions." (2) During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , operating income for our Merchant Solutions segment reflected the effect of acquisition and integration expenses of $2.2 million . Operating loss for Corporate included acquisition and integration expenses of $69.7 million and $5.3 million , during the three months ended March 31, 2020

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Purchase Obligations During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , our purchase obligations increased as a result of our entry into an arrangement to acquire software and related services for $293.8 million . We financed $97.6 million of this amount utilizing a two -year vendor financing arrangement. As of March 31, 2020 , the estimated remaining purchase commitments that are due for this acquisition are $47.6 million during the remainder of 2020, $64.9 million during 2021, $66.9 million during 2022 and $16.8 million during 2023. Legal Matters On September 23, 2019, a jury in the Superior Court of Dekalb County, Georgia, awarded Frontline Processing Corp. ("Frontline") $135.2 million in damages, costs and attorney's fees (plus interest) following a trial of a breach of contract dispute between Frontline and Global Payments, wherein Frontline alleged that Global Payments violated provisions of the parties' Referral Agreement and Master Services Agreement. The Superior Court entered a final judgment on the verdict in favor of Frontline on September 30, 2019. We believe the jury verdict is in error and Frontline’s case is completely without merit, and we are appealing the decision to the Georgia Court of Appeals. While it is reasonably possible that we will incur some loss between zero and the judgment amount plus interest, we have determined that it is not probable that Global Payments has incurred a loss under the applicable accounting standard (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 450, Contingencies ) as of March 31, 2020 . As a result, we have not recorded a liability on the consolidated balance sheet with respect to this litigation.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUM_2

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business, consolidation and presentation	Business, consolidation and presentation We are a leading pure play payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to our customers globally. Our technologies, services and employee expertise enable us to provide a broad range of solutions that allow our customers to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world. We operate in three reportable segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions and Business and Consumer Solutions, which are described in "Note 11 —Segment Information." Global Payments Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to herein collectively as "Global Payments," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us," unless the context requires otherwise. These unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries, and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 was derived from the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. 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 affect the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 .
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 materially from those estimates. In particular, the magnitude, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are difficult to predict at this time, and the ultimate effect could result in additional charges related to the recoverability of assets, including financial assets, long-lived assets and goodwill and other losses. These unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect the financial statement effects of COVID-19 based upon management’s estimates and assumptions utilizing the most currently available information.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued pronouncements not yet adopted	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-15 — In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)." ASU 2018-15 provides additional guidance on the accounting for costs of implementation activities performed in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., hosting arrangement) that is a service contract. The new guidance amends the definition of a hosting arrangement and requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to capitalize certain implementation costs as if the arrangement was an internal-use software project. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, applying the guidance prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We have historically capitalized implementation costs associated with cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts following the guidance in Subtopic 350-40 and will continue to do so pursuant to the clarifications provided in the new guidance. We amortize deferred implementation costs to expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the applicable hosting arrangement. ASU 2016-13 — We adopted ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments " on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption of this standard resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to decrease retained earnings by $5.4 million , net of tax. The amendments in this update changed how we measure and recognize credit impairment for certain financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Under the current expected credit losses ("CECL") model, we recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of each pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics. We have exposure to credit losses for financial assets such as accounts receivable, certain settlement processing assets, check guarantee claims receivable assets and advances to sales representatives. We utilize a combination of aging or loss-rate methods to develop an estimate of current expected credit losses, depending on the nature and risk profile of the underlying asset pool. A broad range of information is considered in the estimation process, including historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and expectations of future trends. The estimation process also includes consideration of qualitative and quantitative risk factors associated with the age of asset balances, expected timing of payment, contract terms and conditions, changes in specific customer risk profiles or mix of customers, geographic risk, industry or economic trends and relevant environmental factors. As of March 31, 2020 , the total allowance for credit losses was approximately $29.3 million . Financial assets are presented net of the allowance for credit losses in the consolidated balance sheets. The measurement of the allowance for credit losses is recognized through credit loss expense. Depending on the nature of the underlying asset, credit loss expense is included as a component of cost of service or selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. Write-offs are recorded in the period in which the asset is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries are recorded when received as a direct credit to the credit loss expense in the consolidated statements of income. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses on these financial instruments were recognized when an occurrence was deemed to be probable. Recently issued pronouncements not yet adopted ASU 2019-12 — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes," which is intended to enhance and simplify various aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application of the accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates and transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted in any interim period. We are evaluating the effect of ASU 2019-12 on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2020-04 — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)," which provides optional expedients and exceptions to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022 for which an entity has elected certain optional expedients and are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in this update also include a general principle that permits an entity to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. If elected, the optional expedients for contract modifications must be applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions within the relevant Topic or Industry Subtopic within the Codification that contains the guidance that otherwise would be required to be applied. The amendments in this update can be adopted anytime beginning March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are evaluating the effect of ASU 2020-04 on our consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables) - TSYS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The provisional estimated acquisition-date fair values of major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020 , including a reconciliation to the total purchase consideration, were as follows: Provisional Amounts at December 31, 2019 Measurement-Period Adjustments Provisional Amounts at (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 446,009 $ — $ 446,009 Accounts receivable 442,848 (2,910 ) 439,938 Identified intangible assets 10,980,000 — 10,980,000 Property and equipment 644,084 — 644,084 Other assets 1,474,825 (4,940 ) 1,469,885 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (614,060 ) 236 (613,824 ) Debt (3,295,342 ) 4,787 (3,290,555 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (2,687,849 ) 57,569 (2,630,280 ) Other liabilities (314,415 ) — (314,415 ) Total identifiable net assets 7,076,100 54,742 7,130,842 Goodwill 17,398,853 (54,742 ) 17,344,111 Total purchase consideration $ 24,474,953 $ — $ 24,474,953
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Information	Actual Pro Forma (in thousands) Total revenues $ 883,039 $ 1,909,770 Net income attributable to Global Payments $ 112,341 $ 187,865

REVENUES (Tables)

REVENUES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	The following tables present a disaggregation of our revenue from contracts with customers by geography for each of our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Intersegment Revenue Total (in thousands) Americas $ 1,024,504 $ 393,754 $ 203,946 $ (17,733 ) $ 1,604,471 Europe 135,999 108,362 — — 244,361 Asia Pacific 54,766 1,646 — (1,646 ) 54,766 $ 1,215,269 $ 503,762 $ 203,946 $ (19,379 ) $ 1,903,598 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Intersegment Revenue Total (in thousands) Americas $ 678,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 678,423 Europe 137,613 5,256 — — 142,869 Asia Pacific 61,747 — — — 61,747 $ 877,783 $ 5,256 $ — $ — $ 883,039 The following table presents a disaggregation of our Merchant Solutions segment revenues by distribution channel for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019: March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Relationship-led $ 676,522 $ 462,387 Technology-enabled 538,747 415,396 $ 1,215,269 $ 877,783
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to contracts from customers as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was as follows: Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Assets: Capitalized costs to obtain customer contracts, net Other noncurrent assets $ 232,030 $ 226,945 Capitalized costs to fulfill customer contracts, net Other noncurrent assets $ 52,573 $ 38,150 Liabilities: Contract liabilities, net (current) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 187,084 $ 193,405 Contract liabilities, net (noncurrent) Other noncurrent liabilities $ 42,556 $ 35,272
Schedule of Expected Timing of Satisfaction of Remaining Performance Obligation	The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at March 31, 2020 . However, as permitted, we have elected to exclude from this disclosure any contracts with an original duration of one year or less and any variable consideration that meets specified criteria. Accordingly, the total unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations related to processing services is significantly higher than the amounts disclosed in the table below (in thousands): Year ending December 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 687,211 2021 795,626 2022 603,497 2023 396,016 2024 245,923 2025-2029 564,501 Total $ 3,292,774

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Goodwill $ 23,662,373 $ 23,759,740 Other intangible assets: Customer-related intangible assets $ 9,176,861 $ 9,238,728 Acquired technologies 2,745,024 2,732,218 Contract-based intangible assets 1,970,443 1,974,429 Trademarks and trade names 1,237,020 1,239,471 15,129,348 15,184,846 Less accumulated amortization: Customer-related intangible assets 1,376,969 1,225,785 Acquired technologies 670,304 576,928 Contract-based intangible assets 88,788 82,225 Trademarks and trade names 178,496 145,253 2,314,557 2,030,191 $ 12,814,791 $ 13,154,655
Schedule of Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The following table sets forth the changes by reportable segment in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Merchant Solutions Issuer Business and Consumer Solutions Total (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 13,415,352 $ 7,985,731 $ 2,358,657 $ 23,759,740 Goodwill acquired 34,911 — — 34,911 Effect of foreign currency translation (64,218 ) (13,318 ) — (77,536 ) Measurement-period adjustments 3,514 (60,984 ) 2,728 (54,742 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 13,389,559 $ 7,911,429 $ 2,361,385 $ 23,662,373

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Debt	As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) 3.800% senior notes due April 1, 2021 $ 758,797 $ 760,996 3.750% senior notes due June 1, 2023 566,062 567,330 4.000% senior notes due June 1, 2023 570,874 572,522 2.650% senior notes due February 15, 2025 991,844 991,423 4.800% senior notes due April 1, 2026 817,799 820,623 4.450% senior notes due June 1, 2028 485,883 486,982 3.200% senior notes due August 15, 2029 1,235,238 1,234,843 4.150% senior notes due August 15, 2049 739,521 739,431 Unsecured term loan facility 1,982,763 1,981,758 Unsecured revolving credit facility 1,416,000 903,000 Finance lease liabilities 30,798 32,996 Other borrowings 111,048 33,597 Total long-term debt 9,706,627 9,125,501 Less current portion 70,551 35,137 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 9,636,076 $ 9,090,364
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	At March 31, 2020 , maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease liabilities) were as follows by year (in thousands): Year ending December 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 50,726 2021 801,771 2022 58,403 2023 1,300,000 2024 3,166,000 2025 1,000,000 2026 and thereafter 3,200,000 Total $ 9,576,900
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The table below presents information about our derivative financial instruments, designated as cash flow hedges, included in the consolidated balance sheets: Fair Values Derivative Financial Instruments Balance Sheet Location Weighted-Average Fixed Rate of Interest at March 31, 2020 Range of Maturity Dates at March 31, 2020 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (Notional of $250 million at December 31, 2019) Prepaid expenses and other current assets NA NA $ — $ 472 Interest rate swaps (Notional of $550 million at March 31, 2020) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1.65% July 31, 2020 - March 31, 2021 $ 5,365 $ — Interest rate swaps (Notional of $1.25 billion at March 31, 2020 and $1.55 billion at December 31, 2019) Other noncurrent liabilities 2.73% December 31, 2022 $ 84,361 $ 45,604
Schedule of Derivative Instrument Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The table below presents the effects of our interest rate swaps on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Net unrealized losses recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 47,896 $ 14,509 Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified out of other comprehensive loss to interest expense $ 4,671 $ (1,830 )

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _2

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Allocation of Share-Based Compensation Costs by Plan	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for our share-based awards and stock options: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Share-based compensation expense $ 27,822 $ 11,418 Income tax benefit $ 6,473 $ 2,509
Schedule of Changes in Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards Activity	The following table summarizes the changes in unvested restricted stock and performance awards for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in thousands) Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,844 $149.96 Granted 546 193.36 Vested (553 ) 116.66 Forfeited (18 ) 152.88 Unvested at March 31, 2020 1,819 $173.12
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (years) (in millions) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,755 $74.06 6.5 $190.3 Granted 125 200.42 Forfeited (2 ) 113.48 Exercised (383 ) 64.38 Outstanding at March 31, 2020 1,495 $87.05 6.8 $85.5 Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2020 1,097 $66.97 5.9 $84.8
Schedule of Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	Fair value was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 Risk-free interest rate 1.24% 2.49% Expected volatility 30% 30% Dividend yield 0.39% 0.04% Expected term (years) 5 5

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding	The following table sets forth the computation of diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 299,388 157,519 Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards 1,450 499 Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding 300,838 158,018

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Hedging Activities Other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (241,899 ) $ (69,319 ) $ 647 $ (310,571 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (196,451 ) (32,879 ) 121 (229,209 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ (438,350 ) $ (102,198 ) $ 768 $ (539,780 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (304,274 ) $ (2,374 ) $ (3,527 ) $ (310,175 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 9,807 (12,351 ) 111 (2,433 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ (294,467 ) $ (14,725 ) $ (3,416 ) $ (312,608 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Information on segments and reconciliations to consolidated revenues, consolidated operating income and consolidated depreciation and amortization was as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019 Revenues (1) : Merchant Solutions $ 1,215,269 $ 877,783 Issuer Solutions 503,762 5,256 Business and Consumer Solutions 203,946 — Segment revenues 1,922,977 883,039 Less: Intersegment Eliminations (19,379 ) — Consolidated revenues $ 1,903,598 $ 883,039 Operating income (loss) (1)(2) : Merchant Solutions $ 304,153 $ 238,129 Issuer Solutions 59,304 3,439 Business and Consumer Solutions 31,112 — Corporate (150,590 ) (42,076 ) Consolidated operating income $ 243,979 $ 199,492 Depreciation and amortization (1) : Merchant Solutions $ 233,021 $ 147,385 Issuer Solutions 136,737 182 Business and Consumer Solutions 23,641 — Corporate 4,419 1,063 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 397,818 $ 148,630 (1) Revenues, operating income and depreciation and amortization reflect the effects of acquired businesses from the respective acquisition dates. For further discussion of our acquisitions, see "Note 2 — Acquisitions." (2) During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , operating income for our Merchant Solutions segment reflected the effect of acquisition and integration expenses of $2.2 million . Operating loss for Corporate included acquisition and integration expenses of $69.7 million and $5.3 million , during the three months ended March 31, 2020

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUM_3

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)reporting_units	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | reporting_units	3
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard	$ 27,520,433		$ 28,054,989	$ 4,142,461	$ 4,186,343
Allowance for credit losses	29,300
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard	$ 2,335,407		$ 2,333,011	$ 2,111,798	$ 2,066,415
Adjustment
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard		$ (5,379)
Adjustment | Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard		(5,379)
Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard		$ (5,400)

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Detai

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	$ 34,911
TSYS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment to goodwill	(54,742)
Goodwill acquired	17,300,000
Revenue of acquiree	1,055,000
Operating income (loss) of acquiree	115,500
Employee termination benefits obligation	48,300	$ 48,300
Employee termination benefits charges	17,600	74,700
Employee termination benefits charges related to stock-based compensation	2,600	$ 19,900
Merchant Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	34,911
Merchant Solutions | TSYS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	7,100,000
Issuer Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	0
Issuer Solutions | TSYS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	7,900,000
Business and Consumer Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	0
Business and Consumer Solutions | TSYS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	$ 2,300,000

ACQUISITIONS - Acquisition Date

ACQUISITIONS - Acquisition Date Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Goodwill	$ 23,662,373	$ 23,759,740
TSYS
Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Cash and cash equivalents	446,009	446,009
Accounts receivable	439,938	442,848
Identified intangible assets	10,980,000	10,980,000
Property and equipment	644,084	644,084
Other assets	1,469,885	1,474,825
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(613,824)	(614,060)
Debt	(3,290,555)	(3,295,342)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(2,630,280)	(2,687,849)
Other liabilities	(314,415)	(314,415)
Total identifiable net assets	7,130,842	7,076,100
Goodwill	17,344,111	17,398,853
Total purchase consideration	24,474,953	$ 24,474,953
Measurement-Period Adjustments
Cash and cash equivalents	0
Accounts receivable	(2,910)
Identified intangible assets	0
Property and equipment	0
Other assets	(4,940)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	236
Debt	4,787
Deferred income tax liabilities	57,569
Other liabilities	0
Total identifiable net assets	54,742
Goodwill	(54,742)
Total purchase consideration	$ 0

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Inform

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Actual
Total revenues	$ 1,903,598	$ 883,039
Net income attributable to Global Payments	$ 143,575	112,341
TSYS
Pro Forma
Total revenues		1,909,770
Net income attributable to Global Payments		$ 187,865

REVENUES - Disaggregation of Re

REVENUES - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,903,598	$ 883,039
Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,604,471	678,423
Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	244,361	142,869
Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	54,766	61,747
Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,922,977	883,039
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,215,269	877,783
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions | Relationship-led
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	676,522	462,387
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions | Technology-enabled
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	538,747	415,396
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions | Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,024,504	678,423
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	135,999	137,613
Operating Segments | Merchant Solutions | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	54,766	61,747
Operating Segments | Issuer Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	503,762	5,256
Operating Segments | Issuer Solutions | Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	393,754	0
Operating Segments | Issuer Solutions | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	108,362	5,256
Operating Segments | Issuer Solutions | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,646	0
Operating Segments | Business and Consumer Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	203,946	0
Operating Segments | Business and Consumer Solutions | Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	203,946	0
Operating Segments | Business and Consumer Solutions | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Business and Consumer Solutions | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	(19,379)	0
Intersegment Revenue | Americas
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	(17,733)	0
Intersegment Revenue | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Revenue | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (1,646)	$ 0

REVENUES - Supplemental Balance

REVENUES - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Liabilities:
Contract liabilities, net (current)	$ 187,084	$ 193,405
Contract liabilities, net (noncurrent)	42,556	35,272
Obtain Contract
Assets:
Capitalized costs, net	232,030	226,945
Fulfill Contract
Assets:
Capitalized costs, net	$ 52,573	$ 38,150

REVENUES - Narrative (Details)

REVENUES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue recognized from contract liabilities balances at beginning of the period	$ 90.8	$ 58.5

REVENUES - Remaining Performanc

REVENUES - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 3,292,774
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 687,211
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 795,626
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 603,497
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 396,016
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 245,923
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 564,501
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	5 years

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 23,662,373	$ 23,759,740
Other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets	15,129,348	15,184,846
Less accumulated amortization:
Less accumulated amortization	2,314,557	2,030,191
Other intangible assets, net	12,814,791	13,154,655
Customer-related intangible assets
Other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets	9,176,861	9,238,728
Less accumulated amortization:
Less accumulated amortization	1,376,969	1,225,785
Acquired technologies
Other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets	2,745,024	2,732,218
Less accumulated amortization:
Less accumulated amortization	670,304	576,928
Contract-based intangible assets
Other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets	1,970,443	1,974,429
Less accumulated amortization:
Less accumulated amortization	88,788	82,225
Trademarks and trade names
Other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets	1,237,020	1,239,471
Less accumulated amortization:
Less accumulated amortization	$ 178,496	$ 145,253

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Roll-Forward (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 23,759,740
Goodwill acquired	34,911
Effect of foreign currency translation	(77,536)
Measurement-period adjustments	(54,742)
Balance at end of period	23,662,373
Merchant Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	13,415,352
Goodwill acquired	34,911
Effect of foreign currency translation	(64,218)
Measurement-period adjustments	3,514
Balance at end of period	13,389,559
Issuer Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	7,985,731
Goodwill acquired	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	(13,318)
Measurement-period adjustments	(60,984)
Balance at end of period	7,911,429
Business and Consumer Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,358,657
Goodwill acquired	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Measurement-period adjustments	2,728
Balance at end of period	$ 2,361,385

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated impairment losses for goodwill	$ 0	$ 0

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance lease liabilities	$ 30,798	$ 32,996
Total long-term debt	9,706,627	9,125,501
Less current portion	70,551	35,137
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	9,636,076	9,090,364
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	6,200,000
Unsecured term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	1,982,763	1,981,758
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	1,416,000	903,000
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	111,048	33,597
3.800% senior notes due April 1, 2021 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 758,797	760,996
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.80%
3.750% senior notes due June 1, 2023 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 566,062	567,330
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%
4.000% senior notes due June 1, 2023 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 570,874	572,522
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
2.650% senior notes due February 15, 2025 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 991,844	991,423
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.65%
4.800% senior notes due April 1, 2026 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 817,799	820,623
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.80%
4.450% senior notes due June 1, 2028 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 485,883	486,982
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.45%
3.200% senior notes due August 15, 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 1,235,238	1,234,843
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.20%
4.150% senior notes due August 15, 2049 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross long-term debt	$ 739,521	$ 739,431
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.15%

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_4

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	50 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 18, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 14, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of discounts, premiums, and deferred debt issuance costs	$ 2,800,000	$ 3,100,000
Long-term Debt	9,706,627,000		$ 9,125,501,000
Interest expense	81,100,000	$ 55,400,000
Interest rate swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to interest rate	41,400,000
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	679,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	1,092,100,000
Net repayments of settlement lines of credit	58,000,000		74,500,000
Amount outstanding under lines of credit	$ 375,200,000		$ 463,200,000
Weighted-average interest rate of short-term debt (as a percent)	1.99%		3.16%
Average outstanding balance	$ 376,400,000
Fourth Amendment | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum leverage ratio	3.50
Minimum interest coverage ratio	3
Fourth Amendment | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee rate (as a percent)	0.125%
Fourth Amendment | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee rate (as a percent)	0.30%
Senior Notes and Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 44,900,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount	5,800,000
Long-term Debt	6,200,000,000
Fair value of debt instrument	6,200,000,000
Senior Notes | TSYS
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of discounts, premiums, and deferred debt issuance costs	$ 9,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument							$ 3,000,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes | TSYS
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						$ 3,000,000,000
Senior Notes | 3.800% senior notes due April 1, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						750,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.80%
Senior Notes | 3.750% senior notes due June 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						550,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.75%
Senior Notes | 4.000% senior notes due June 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						550,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Senior Notes | 2.650% senior notes due February 15, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument							1,000,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.65%
Senior Notes | 4.800% senior notes due April 1, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						750,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.80%
Senior Notes | 4.450% senior notes due June 1, 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						$ 450,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.45%
Senior Notes | 3.200% senior notes due August 15, 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument							1,250,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.20%
Senior Notes | 4.150% senior notes due August 15, 2049
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument							$ 750,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.15%
Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ 46,600,000
Term Loans | Term Loan A | Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rate of quarterly installment payments (as a percent)				2.50%
Unsecured Debt | Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.36%
Unsecured Debt | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.02%
Unsecured Debt | Unsecured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 16,700,000
Unsecured Debt | Five Year Senior Unsecured Credit Facility | Term Loan Facility | Federal Funds Effective Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%
Unsecured Debt | Five Year Senior Unsecured Credit Facility | Term Loan Facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Unsecured Debt | Five Year Senior Unsecured Credit Facility | Forecast | Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument					$ 2,000,000,000
Unsecured Debt | Five Year Senior Unsecured Credit Facility | Forecast | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument					$ 3,000,000,000
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ 17,600,000
Line of credit | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Line of credit | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 1,600,000,000

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_5

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2020	$ 50,726
2021	801,771
2022	58,403
2023	1,300,000
2024	3,166,000
2025	1,000,000
2026 and thereafter	3,200,000
Total	$ 9,576,900

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_6

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Interest rate swap - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	$ 0	$ 472
Notional amount		250,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average fixed rate of interest (as a percent)	1.65%
Interest rate swaps	$ 5,365	0
Notional amount	$ 550,000
Other noncurrent liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average fixed rate of interest (as a percent)	2.73%
Interest rate swaps	$ 84,361	45,604
Notional amount	$ 1,250,000	$ 1,550,000

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF C_7

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Net unrealized losses recognized in other comprehensive loss	$ 47,896	$ 14,509
Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified out of other comprehensive loss to interest expense	$ 4,671	$ (1,830)

INCOME TAX - Narrative (Details

INCOME TAX - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	10.10%	16.80%

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrativ

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired (shares)		2,094,731	1,295,282
Cost of shares repurchased, including commissions		$ 403,962	$ 157,997
Average cost per share (USD per share)		$ 192.85	$ 121.98
Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared (USD per share)	$ 0.195
Other than accelerated share repurchase program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized repurchase amount		$ 1,000,000
Remaining authorized repurchase amount (up to)		$ 880,000

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _3

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Share-Based Compensation Expense and Income Tax Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 27,822	$ 11,418
Income tax benefit	$ 6,473	$ 2,509

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _4

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Share-Based Awards (Details) - Share-Based Awards shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Shares
Beginning balance (shares) | shares	1,844
Granted (shares) | shares	546
Vested (shares) | shares	(553)
Forfeited (shares) | shares	(18)
Ending balance (shares) | shares	1,819
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 149.96
Granted (USD per share) | $ / shares	193.36
Vested (USD per share) | $ / shares	116.66
Forfeited (USD per share) | $ / shares	152.88
Ending balance (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 173.12

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _5

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Share-Based Awards Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 27,822	$ 11,418
Share-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of share-based awards vested	64,600	20,800
Share-based compensation expense	25,200	$ 10,100
Compensation not yet recognized	$ 216,800
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 4 months 24 days

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _6

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Stock Option Activity (Details) - Employee stock option - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Options
Outstanding at beginning of period (shares)	1,755
Granted (shares)	125
Forfeited (shares)	(2)
Exercised (shares)	(383)
Outstanding at end of period (shares)	1,495	1,755
Options vested and exercisable (shares)	1,097
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 74.06
Granted (USD per share)	200.42
Forfeited (USD per share)	113.48
Exercised (USD per share)	64.38
Outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	87.05	$ 74.06
Options vested and exercisable (USD per share)	$ 66.97
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding	6 years 9 months 18 days	6 years 6 months
Options vested and exercisable	5 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding	$ 85.5	$ 190.3
Options vested and exercisable	$ 84.8

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _7

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Stock Options Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 27,822	$ 11,418
Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,900	700
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	53,600	$ 15,900
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 14,700
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average grant date fair value for each option granted (USD per share)	$ 54.85	$ 39.60

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK _8

SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS - Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Employee stock option	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.24%	2.49%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	30.00%	30.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.39%	0.04%
Expected term (years)	5 years	5 years

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	124,888	0

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Summary (D

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Summary (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding (shares)	299,388	157,519
Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options and other share-based awards (shares)	1,450	499
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (shares)	300,838	158,018

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (6.7)	$ (4.6)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 27,855,747
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(229,209)	$ (2,433)
Balance at end of period	27,320,811
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(310,571)	(310,175)
Balance at end of period	(539,780)	(312,608)
Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(241,899)	(304,274)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(196,451)	9,807
Balance at end of period	(438,350)	(294,467)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Hedging Activities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(69,319)	(2,374)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(32,879)	(12,351)
Balance at end of period	(102,198)	(14,725)
Other
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	647	(3,527)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	121	111
Balance at end of period	$ 768	$ (3,416)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summary (

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summary (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)reporting_units	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | reporting_units	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,903,598	$ 883,039
Operating income (loss)	243,979	199,492
Depreciation and amortization	397,818	148,630
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,922,977	883,039
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(19,379)	0
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(150,590)	(42,076)
Depreciation and amortization	4,419	1,063
Acquisition-related costs	69,700	5,300
Merchant Solutions | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,215,269	877,783
Operating income (loss)	304,153	238,129
Depreciation and amortization	233,021	147,385
Acquisition-related costs		2,200
Issuer Solutions | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	503,762	5,256
Operating income (loss)	59,304	3,439
Depreciation and amortization	136,737	182
Business and Consumer Solutions | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	203,946	0
Operating income (loss)	31,112	0
Depreciation and amortization	$ 23,641	$ 0

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 23, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitments		$ 293.8
Financing of acquisition of software		$ 97.6
Period of vendor financing arrangement		2 years
Purchase commitments due remainder of 2020		$ 47.6
Purchase commitments due in 2021		64.9
Purchase commitments due in 2022		66.9
Purchase commitments due in 2023		$ 16.8
Frontline Case | Performance Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded	$ 135.2

Uncategorized Items - gpn202003

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] | Parent [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	$ (5,379,000)