Total System Services (TSS) Inactive 10-Q6 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'TSS	'
Entity Registrant Name	'TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000721683	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	189,780,958

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$396,860	$247,612
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and billing adjustments of $4.3 million and $3.9 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	261,595	247,083
Deferred income tax assets	14,604	9,825
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	87,522	70,206
Total current assets	760,581	574,726
Goodwill	1,545,784	518,344
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $85.8 million and $55.2 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	500,870	130,054
Computer software, net of accumulated amortization of $533.8 million and $627.3 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	320,928	226,917
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $388.2 million and $364.2 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	259,865	260,389
Contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $239.0 million and $216.0 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	173,840	161,267
Equity investments, net	89,964	87,764
Deferred income tax assets, net	5,843	5,334
Other assets	97,211	59,043
Total assets	3,754,886	2,023,838
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	44,119	63,370
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	29,502	26,243
Current portion of long-term borrowings	27,688	27,361
Current portion of obligations under capital leases	23,153	13,263
Other current liabilities	173,190	100,282
Total current liabilities	297,652	230,519
Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion	1,494,397	174,859
Deferred income tax liabilities	220,846	48,074
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current portion	10,322	17,155
Other long-term liabilities	67,417	68,791
Total liabilities	2,090,634	539,398
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary	39,303	39,505
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock - $0.10 par value. Authorized 600,000 shares; 202,801 and 202,471 issued at 2013 and 2012, respectively; 190,266 and 187,031 outstanding at 2013 and 2012, respectively	20,280	20,247
Additional paid-in capital	150,492	141,793
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	-220	1,408
Treasury stock, at cost (12,535 and 15,440 shares at 2013 and 2012, respectively)	-237,379	-287,301
Retained earnings	1,671,595	1,549,063
Total shareholders' equity	1,604,768	1,425,210
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	20,181	19,725
Total equity	1,624,949	1,444,935
Total liabilities and equity	$3,754,886	$2,023,838

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and billing adjustments	$4.30	$3.90
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	85.8	55.2
Computer software, accumulated amortization	533.8	627.3
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	388.2	364.2
Contract acquisition costs, accumulated amortization	$239	$216
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, Authorized	600,000	600,000
Common stock, issued	202,801	202,471
Common stock, outstanding	190,266	187,031
Treasury stock, shares	12,535	15,440

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Total revenues	$588,074	$468,059	$1,531,513	$1,391,872
Cost of services	394,641	315,685	1,032,856	946,612
Selling, general and administrative expenses	80,523	61,099	210,803	176,557
Merger and acquisition expenses	7,282	382	12,009	882
Total operating expenses	482,446	377,166	1,255,668	1,124,051
Operating income	105,628	90,893	275,845	267,821
Nonoperating expenses, net	-545	-579	-147	-2,802
Merger and acquisition expenses - bridge loan facility and bonds	-9,789	'	-19,466	'
Income before income taxes and equity in income of equity investments	95,294	90,314	256,232	265,019
Income taxes	30,592	30,228	78,384	84,336
Income before equity in income of equity investments	64,702	60,086	177,848	180,683
Equity in income of equity investments, net of tax	2,792	1,957	9,357	6,983
Net income	67,494	62,043	187,205	187,666
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,144	-1,731	-8,110	-4,248
Net income attributable to Total System Services, Inc. (TSYS) common shareholders	$64,350	$60,312	$179,095	$183,418
Basic earnings per share (EPS) attributable to TSYS common shareholders (Note 11)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.95	$0.97
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders (Note 11)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.94	$0.97

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$67,494	$62,043	$187,205	$187,666
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,222	9,999	-6,489	2,935
Postretirement healthcare plan adjustments	1,113	-1,537	1,423	-1,250
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	1,479	'	1,479	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,814	8,462	-3,587	1,685
Comprehensive income	77,308	70,505	183,618	189,351
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,228	1,709	6,149	3,844
Comprehensive income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$74,080	$68,796	$177,469	$185,507

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$187,205	$187,666
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	142,490	127,329
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	25,784	-2,355
Share-based compensation	19,587	12,348
Dividends received from equity investments	8,595	7,523
Charges for transaction processing provisions	8,545	1,348
Amortization of debt issuance costs	6,775	180
Provisions for fraud and other losses	6,398	'
Provisions for bad debt expenses and billing adjustments	2,193	813
Loss on disposal of equipment, net	78	77
Amortization of bond discount	131	'
Net loss on foreign currency	612	2,259
Changes in value of private equity investments	-1,227	'
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	-2,727	-1,236
Equity in income of equity investments	-9,357	-6,983
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	-41,055	6,688
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other long-term assets	-12,610	4,406
Accounts receivable	-6,721	1,730
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	-9,552	-13,567
Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities	-17,659	5,761
Net cash provided by operating activities	307,485	333,987
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-1,314,660	-66,250
Additions to contract acquisition costs	-36,824	-25,700
Additions to licensed computer software from vendors	-34,412	-19,385
Purchases of property and equipment	-24,896	-24,296
Additions to internally developed computer software	-22,519	-15,202
Purchase of private equity investments	-1,146	-2,370
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,434,457	-153,203
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	1,395,661	158,633
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	27,488	9,451
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	2,727	1,236
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	-5,897	-2,797
Repurchase of common stock under plans and tax withholding	-6,267	-61,556
Debt issuance costs	-13,471	-1,996
Dividends paid on common stock	-37,514	-56,719
Principal payments on long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-82,644	-188,395
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,280,083	-142,143
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-3,863	1,591
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	149,248	40,232
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	247,612	316,337
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	396,860	356,569
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	2,396	2,003
Income taxes paid, net	$64,228	$76,887

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Business
	Total System Services, Inc.’s (TSYS’ or the Company’s) revenues are derived from providing payment processing, merchant services and related services to financial and nonfinancial institutions, generally under long-term processing contracts. The Company also derives revenues by providing general-purpose reloadable (GPR) prepaid debit cards and payroll cards and alternative financial services to underbanked consumers. The Company’s services are provided through four of the Company’s operating segments: North America Services, International Services, Merchant Services and NetSpend.
	Through the Company’s North America Services and International Services segments, TSYS processes information through its cardholder systems to financial institutions throughout the United States and internationally. The Company’s North America Services segment provides these services to clients in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Company’s International Services segment provides services to clients in Europe, India, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Brazil. The Company’s Merchant Services segment provides merchant services to merchant acquirers and merchants mainly in the United States.

	On July 1, 2013, TSYS completed its acquisition of all the outstanding stock of NetSpend Holdings, Inc. (NetSpend). NetSpend operates as a single reportable business segment and provides GPR prepaid debit and payroll cards and alternative financial service solutions to the underbanked and other consumers in the United States. The products NetSpend manages provide underbanked consumers with access to FDIC-insured depository accounts with a menu of pricing and features specifically tailored to their needs. NetSpend has an extensive distribution and reload network comprised of financial service centers and other retail locations throughout the United States.

	Basis of Presentation

	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of TSYS include the accounts of TSYS and its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this report, have been included.

	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s summary of significant accounting policies, consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.

	Significant Accounting Policies

	As a result of the acquisition of NetSpend, the Company adopted the following critical accounting policy:

	Cardholders’ reserve

	The Company is exposed to losses due to cardholder fraud, payment defaults and other forms of cardholder activity, as well as losses, due to non-performance of third parties who receive cardholder funds for transmittal to the Issuing Banks (banks that issue MasterCard International or Visa USA, Inc. branded cards to customers). The Company establishes a reserve for the losses it estimates will arise from processing customer transactions, debit card overdrafts, chargebacks for unauthorized card use and merchant-related chargebacks due to non-delivery of goods or services. These reserves are established based upon historical loss and recovery rates and cardholder activity for which specific losses can be identified. The cardholders’ reserve was approximately $7.2 million as of September 30, 2013. The provision for cardholder losses is included in cost of services in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimate as new facts become known and events occur that may impact the settlement or recovery of losses.



	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

	In 2013, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” and (ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.”) The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement
	Refer to Note 3 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for a discussion regarding fair value measurement.
	Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure”, requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant level of inputs. The three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies, is as follows:
	Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	The Company had no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The Company performed its annual impairment testing of its goodwill balance as of May 31, 2013. This test did not indicate any impairment and the fair value of the reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying value. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had recorded goodwill in the amount of $1.5 billion.

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	9 Months Ended
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	'
	Note 3 — Supplementary Balance Sheet Information
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company maintains accounts outside the United States denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. All amounts in domestic accounts are denominated in U.S. dollars.
	Cash and cash equivalent balances are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts		$	328,918		152,373
	Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts			67,942		95,239

	Total		$	396,860		247,612

	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $5.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in Money Market accounts that had an original maturity date of 90 days or less. The Company considers cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity at the time of purchase that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of change in interest rates.
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Significant components of prepaid expenses and other current assets are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Prepaid expenses		$	35,696		24,615
	Supplies inventory			11,650		8,881
	Other			40,176		36,710

	Total		$	87,522		70,206

	Contract Acquisition Costs, net
	Significant components of contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization, are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Conversion costs, net of accumulated amortization of $118.7 million and $105.4 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	102,177		85,402
	Payments for processing rights, net of accumulated amortization of $120.3 million and $110.6 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively			71,663		75,865

	Total		$	173,840		161,267

	Amortization expense related to conversion costs, which is recorded in cost of services, was $3.9 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, amortization related to conversion costs was $13.4 million and $17.5 million, respectively.
	Amortization related to payments for processing rights, which is recorded as a reduction of revenues, was $3.3 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, amortization related to payments for processing rights was $9.8 million and $10.0 million, respectively.
	Other Current Liabilities
	Significant components of other current liabilities are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Deferred revenues		$	32,764		29,101
	Dissenting shareholder liability*			25,723		—
	Accrued expenses			23,699		30,963
	Dividends payable			19,458		729
	Accrued income taxes			1,799		10,936
	Other			69,747		28,553

	Total		$	173,190		100,282


	*	Represents 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by dissenting shareholders

	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
	The income tax effects allocated to and the cumulative balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TSYS shareholders are as follows:


	(in thousands)		Beginning		Pretax			Tax		Net-of-Tax			Ending
			Balance		Amount			Effect		Amount			Balance
December 31,										September 30,
2012										2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from noncontrolling interests			$	3,360		(4,418	)		112		(4,530	)		(1,170	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities				—		2,344			865		1,479			1,479
Change in AOCI related to postretirement healthcare plans			(1,952	)	1,357			(66	)	1,423			(529	)

Total		$	1,408		(717	)		911		(1,628	)		(220	)

There were no reclassifications of AOCI to net income or to other accounts for the three or nine month periods ended September 30, 2013.

LongTerm_Borrowings

Long-Term Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Borrowings	'
	Note 4 — Long-Term Borrowings
	Refer to Note 13 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding long-term borrowings.
	On February 19, 2013, the Company and its wholly-owned merger subsidiary entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended on May 29, 2013, the “Merger Agreement”) with NetSpend, pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, the merger subsidiary merged with and into NetSpend on July 1, 2013, with NetSpend continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSYS (the “Merger”). Refer to Note 10 for more information about the acquisition.
	On April 8, 2013, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Syndication Agent, Regions Bank and U.S. Bank National Association, as Documentation Agents, and other lenders party thereto, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Regions Capital Markets, and U.S. Bank National Association as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year term loan to the Company in the amount of $200.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.125%, which are subject to adjustment based on changes in our credit ratings, with margins ranging from 1.00 to 1.75%. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement was $197.5 million.
	Concurrently with entering into the Merger Agreement, TSYS obtained commitments for a $1.2 billion 364-day bridge term loan facility from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Thereafter, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. assigned portions of their commitments to other bridge facility lenders. The Company paid fees associated with the bridge term loan of approximately $5.9 million. The total commitments under the bridge term loan facility were eliminated in May 2013 after the issuance of the Notes described below.
	On May 22, 2013, the Company closed its issuance (the “Transaction”) of $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.375% Senior Notes due 2018 and $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Senior Notes due 2023 (collectively, the “Notes”) pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of certain underwriters (the “Underwriters”), whereby the Company agreed to sell and the Underwriters agreed to purchase the Notes from the Company, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. The interest on the Notes are payable semiannually. The Company paid fees associated with the issuance of these Notes of approximately $8.9 million and recorded discounts of approximately $4.3 million that are being amortized over the life of the Notes. The Company used the net proceeds of the Transaction to pay a portion of the $1.4 billion purchase price of the Company’s acquisition of NetSpend and related fees and expenses. The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of May 22, 2013 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
	The Notes also contain various affirmative and negative covenants, including those that create limitations on the Company’s:

		•	creation of liens;

		•	merging or selling assets unless certain conditions are met; and

		•	entering into sale/leaseback transactions.

	The Notes also contain a provision that requires the Company to repurchase all or any portion of a holder’s Notes, at the holder’s option, if a Change in Control Repurchase Event (as such term is defined in the Notes) occurs.
	Amendment to Existing Credit Agreement
	On September 10, 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Regions Bank and U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, and the other lenders named therein, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Regions Capital Markets and U.S. Bank National Association, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). The Existing Credit Agreement provides for a $350 million five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (which may be increased by up to an additional $350 million under certain circumstances) and includes a $50 million subfacility for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $50 million subfacility for swingline loans. The Existing Credit Agreement also provides for a $150 million five-year unsecured term loan, which was fully funded on the closing of the Existing Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance on the Existing Credit Agreement was $140.6 million.
	On April 8, 2013, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Existing Credit Agreement (the “Revolver”) in order to conform certain provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement to the Credit Agreement for the Term Loan. On July 1, 2013, an additional $100 million was used as funding in the NetSpend Merger. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance on the Revolver was $50.0 million.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 5 — Share-Based Compensation
	Refer to Notes 1 and 16 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans and policy.
	Share-Based Compensation

	TSYS’ share-based compensation costs are expensed, rather than capitalized, as these awards are typically granted to individuals not involved in capitalizable activities. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, share-based compensation was $9.8 million, compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, share-based compensation was $19.6 million and $12.3 million, respectively.

	In connection with the NetSpend acquisition, the Company issued 2.0 million replacement awards with a value of $37.4 million. In accordance with GAAP, the portion of the fair value of the replacement awards related to services provided prior to the business combination was included in the total purchase price. The portion of the fair value associated with future service is recognized as expense over the future service period. The awards associated with future service are included in the appropriate classification below based upon the type of award issued. Refer to Note 10 for more information.

	Nonvested Share Awards

	During the first nine months of 2013, the Company issued 575,299 shares of TSYS common stock with a market value of $14.0 million to certain key employees and non-management members of its Board of Directors. The nonvested stock bonus awards to certain key employees are for services to be provided in the future and vest over a period of three years. The stock bonus awards to the non-management members of the Board of Directors were fully vested on the date of issuance. The market value of the TSYS common stock at the date of issuance is charged as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the awards.

	On July 1, 2013, the Company issued 870,361 shares of TSYS common stock as nonvested stock replacement awards with a market value of $21.5 million as part of the NetSpend acquisition. The nonvested stock bonus awards to employees of NetSpend are for services to be provided in the future and vest over varying periods. The NetSpend awards were converted into equivalent shares of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition date. The value of the stock at the date of issuance is charged as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the awards.

	On July 18, 2013, the Company issued 212,694 retention shares of TSYS common stock with a market value of $5.5 million to certain key employees of NetSpend. The nonvested stock bonus awards to certain key employees are for services to be provided in the future and vest over periods ranging from two to four years. The market value of the TSYS common stock at the date of issuance is charged as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the awards.



	During the first nine months of 2012, the Company issued 342,074 shares of TSYS common stock with a market value of $7.4 million to certain key employees and non-management members of its Board of Directors. The nonvested stock bonus awards to certain key employees are for services to be provided in the future and vest over a period of three years. The stock bonus awards to the non-management members of the Board of Directors were fully vested on the date of issuance. The market value of the TSYS common stock at the date of issuance is charged as compensation expense over the vesting period of the awards.

	As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $34.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 2.4 years.

	Performance-Based Awards

	During the first nine months of 2013, TSYS authorized a total grant of 237,679 performance shares to certain key executives with a performance-based vesting schedule (2013 performance shares). These 2013 performance shares have a 2013-2015 performance period for which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors established two performance goals: revenues before reimbursable items and income from continuing operations and, if such goals are attained in 2015, the performance shares will vest, up to a maximum of 200% of the total grant. Compensation expense for the award is measured on the grant date based on the quoted market price of TSYS common stock. The Company estimates the probability of achieving the goals through the performance period and expenses the award on a straight-line basis. Compensation costs related to these performance shares are expected to be recognized until the end of 2015.

	On July 18, 2013, TSYS issued 225,000 shares of TSYS common stock as a performance-based retention stock award to a certain key executive with a performance-based vesting schedule. The performance-based stock award has a 2013-2015 performance period for which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors established two performance goals: revenues of the NetSpend segment and operating income of the NetSpend segment and, if such goals are attained in 2015, the performance-based award will vest, up to a maximum of 100% of the total grant. Compensation expense for the award is measured on the grant date based on the quoted market price of TSYS common stock. The Company estimates the probability of achieving the goals through the performance period and expenses the award on a straight-line basis. Compensation costs related to the performance-based stock award are expected to be recognized until the end of 2015.

	On July 1, 2013, the Company issued 87,356 shares of TSYS common stock as a performance-based replacement stock award as part of the NetSpend acquisition. The performance-based stock award has a 2013-2015 performance period for which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors established two performance goals: revenues of the NetSpend segment and operating income of the NetSpend segment and, if such goals are attained in 2015, the performance award will vest, up to a maximum of 100% of the total grant. The Company estimates the probability of achieving the goals through the performance period and expenses the award on a straight-line basis. Compensation costs related to the performance-based stock award are expected to be recognized until the end of 2015.

	During the first nine months of 2012, TSYS authorized a total grant of 241,095 performance shares to certain key executives with a performance-based vesting schedule (2012 performance shares). These 2012 performance shares have a 2012-2014 performance period for which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors established two performance goals: revenues before reimbursable items and income from continuing operations and, if such goals are attained in 2014, the performance shares will vest, up to a maximum of 200% of the total grant. Compensation expense for the award is measured on the grant date based on the quoted market price of TSYS common stock. The Company estimates the probability of achieving the goals through the performance period and expenses the award on a straight-line basis. Compensation costs related to these performance shares are expected to be recognized until the end of 2014.

	Stock Option Awards

	During the first nine months of 2013, the Company granted 879,613 stock options to key TSYS executive officers and non-management members of its Board of Directors. The weighted average fair value of the option grants was $5.32 per option and was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $24.35; risk-free interest rate of 1.31%; expected volatility of 23.90%; expected term of 7.5 years; and dividend yield of 1.65%. The grants to key TSYS executive officers will vest over a period of three years. The grants to the Board of Directors were fully vested at the date of the grant.

	On July 1, 2013, the Company issued 1,060,148 stock option replacement awards with a market value of $13.7 million as part of the NetSpend acquisition. The weighted average fair value of the options was $12.93 and was calculated on the date of grant using a conversion factor into equivalent shares of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition date. The grants vest over a period ranging from seven months to 45 months. The weighted average fair value of the option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $11.68; risk-free interest rate of 1.31%; expected volatility of 29.22%; expected term of 4.7 years; and dividend yield of 1.63%.



	During the first nine months of 2012, the Company granted 818,090 stock options to key TSYS executive officers and non-management members of its Board of Directors. The weighted average fair value of the option grants was $5.27 per option and was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $22.95; risk-free interest rate of 1.69%; expected volatility of 24.11%; expected term of 7.9 years; and dividend yield of 1.75%. The grants to key TSYS executive officers will vest over a period of 3 years. The grants to the Board of Directors were fully vested at the date of the grant.

	As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $7.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to TSYS stock options that is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.6 years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	Note 6 — Income Taxes
	Refer to Notes 1 and 20 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding income taxes.
	TSYS is the parent of an affiliated group that files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and most state and foreign income tax returns on a separate entity basis. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examinations by these taxing authorities unless statutory examination periods lapse. TSYS is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2008. However, a newly acquired subsidiary is currently undergoing a Federal examination for the years 2009 and 2010. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations from state, local or foreign authorities for years before 2005. There are currently a number of tax examinations in progress by the relevant foreign and state tax authorities. Although TSYS is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of these examinations, TSYS believes that its reserve for uncertain tax positions relating to these jurisdictions for such years is adequate.
	TSYS’ effective tax rate was 32.2% and 33.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. TSYS’ effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 30.5%, compared to 31.3% for the same period in 2012. The decreased rates during the period ended September 30, 2013 were primarily due to changes in discrete items, tax credits and the jurisdictional sources of income.
	TSYS has adopted the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $6.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	TSYS recognizes potential interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. Gross accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.4 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The total amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates are $2.8 million and $8.8 million (net of the federal benefit on state tax issues), respectively, which include interest and penalties of $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively. TSYS does not expect any material changes to its calculation of uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.

Segment_Reporting_and_Major_Cu

Segment Reporting and Major Customers	9 Months Ended
Segment Reporting and Major Customers	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting and Major Customers	'
	Note 7 — Segment Reporting and Major Customers
	Refer to Note 22 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding segment reporting and major customers.
	On July 1, 2013, TSYS completed its acquisition of all the outstanding stock of NetSpend, which operates as a single reportable business segment and provides GPR prepaid debit and payroll cards and alternative financial service solutions to the underbanked and other consumers in the United States. See Note 10 for additional information relating to the acquisition.

	At TSYS, the chief operating decision maker (CODM) is a group consisting of Senior Executive Management and above. The information utilized by the CODM consists of the financial statements and the main metrics monitored are revenue growth and growth in profitability. Upon completion of the NetSpend acquisition, the CODM implemented a new metric called adjusted segment operating income in order to analyze each segment’s results of operations. This new metric consists of operating income adjusted for amortization of acquisition related intangibles and corporate administrative and other costs. All periods presented have been adjusted to reflect this new measure. Depreciation and amortization for the segments changed as a result of this new metric removing amortization associated with intangible assets from the total for the segments.



	In early 2013, TSYS embarked on two corporate-wide initiatives that impact more than one operating segment. One initiative is a multi-year, multi-phase initiative that consists of enhancing TSYS’ issuing processing platforms. The other is an innovation initiative focused on enhancing existing product and service offerings through several new product concepts and ideas on how to change existing processes. The costs associated with these two new initiatives are not allocated to the operating segments, but are combined, along with the existing corporate administration, in a grouping titled “Corporate Administration and Other.” This is a change the CODM requested and is used to evaluate performance and assess resources starting in the first quarter of 2013. The following operating results by segment comparison reflects the change in segment reporting from these initiatives, including the 2012 results.



	The following table presents the Company’s operating results by segment:




	Operating Segments		Three months ended								Nine months ended
	Operating Segments		September 30,								September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Revenues before reimbursable items
	North America Services		$	217,257				203,497				637,379				613,111
	International Services			95,399				98,184				281,201				293,722
	Merchant Services			113,650				107,786				335,903				303,842
	NetSpend			103,706				—				103,706				—
	Intersegment revenues			(3,001	)			(3,415	)			(9,429	)			(10,753	)

	Revenues before reimbursable items from external customers		$	527,011				406,052				1,348,760				1,199,922


	Total revenues
	North America Services		$	252,577				237,625				741,005				717,781
	International Services			100,548				102,691				295,731				306,466
	Merchant Services			135,616				132,746				404,975				383,167
	NetSpend			103,706				—				103,706				—
	Intersegment revenues			(4,373	)			(5,003	)			(13,904	)			(15,542	)

	Revenues from external customers		$	588,074				468,059				1,531,513				1,391,872


	Depreciation and amortization
	North America Services		$	18,764				18,583				55,060				55,856
	International Services			11,116				14,182				34,424				41,052
	Merchant Services			2,890				2,889				9,029				9,385
	NetSpend			1,471				—				1,471				—

	Segment depreciation and amortization			34,241				35,654				99,984				106,293
	Acquisition intangible amortization			24,731				6,919				41,142				18,924
	Corporate Administration and Other			475				670				1,364				2,112

	Total depreciation and amortization		$	59,447				43,243				142,490				127,329


	Adjusted segment operating income
	North America Services		$	82,274				70,080				229,373				210,658
	International Services			10,729				8,244				26,448				22,842
	Merchant Services			40,230				40,909				118,521				119,036
	NetSpend			31,248				—				31,248				—

	Total adjusted segment operating income			164,481				119,233				405,590				352,536
	Acquisition intangible amortization			(24,731	)			(6,919	)			(41,142	)			(18,924	)
	NetSpend merger and acquisition operating expenses (non-recurring)			(7,282	)			—				(12,009	)			—
	Corporate Administration and Other			(26,840	)			(21,421	)			(76,594	)			(65,791	)

Operating income		$	105,628				90,893				275,845				267,821




		At
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
Total assets
North America Services		$	3,279,829				1,744,877
International Services			399,368				445,642
Merchant Services			685,400				703,725
NetSpend			1,624,850				—
Intersegment eliminations			(2,234,561	)			(870,406	)

Total assets		$	3,754,886				2,023,838



Revenues by Geographic Area

Revenues for North America Services and Merchant Services include electronic payment processing and other services provided from the United States to clients domiciled in the United States or other countries. Revenues for International Services include electronic payment processing and other services provided from facilities outside the United States to clients based predominantly outside the United States. Revenues for NetSpend include a portion of transaction fees and interchange fees received by Issuing Banks along with other products and services provided to customers domiciled in the United States.

The following geographic data presents revenues based on the domicile of the Company’s customers:




		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
(in millions)		2013				2012				2013				2012
United States		$	417.6				305.7				1,035.70				915
Europe*			72				71.1				213.1				217.9
Canada			61.8				55				179.6				156.8
Japan*			17.7				21.1				50.9				59
Mexico			4.6				2.9				12.9				7.9
Other*			14.4				12.3				39.3				35.3

Total		$	588.1				468.1				1,531.50				1,391.90



*	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
The following tables reconcile geographic revenues to revenues by operating segment based on the domicile of the Company’s customers:




		Three months ended September 30,
		North America								International								Merchant				NetSpend
		Services								Services								Services				NetSpend
(in millions)		2013				2012				2013				2012				2013		2012		2013		2012
United States		$	178				172.6				—				—				135.8		133.1		103.7		—
Europe*			0.2				0.2				71.8				70.9				—		—		—		—
Canada			61.8				54.9				—				—				0.1		0.1		—		—
Japan*			—				—				17.7				21.1				—		—		—		—
Mexico			4.6				2.9				—				—				—		—		—		—
Other*			4				2.4				10.2				9.8				0.2		0.1		—		—

Total		$	248.6				233				99.7				101.8				136.1		133.3		103.7		—




		Nine months ended September 30,
		North America								International								Merchant				NetSpend
		Services								Services								Services				NetSpend
(in millions)		2013				2012				2013				2012				2013		2012		2013		2012
United States		$	526				530.5				—				—				406		384.5		103.7		—
Europe*			0.6				0.5				212.5				217.4				—		—		—		—
Canada			179.5				156.7				—				—				0.1		0.1		—		—
Japan*			—				—				50.9				59				—		—		—		—
Mexico			12.8				7.9				—				—				—		—		—		—
Other*			10				7.4				29				27.5				0.4		0.4		—		—

Total		$	728.9				703				292.4				303.9				406.5		385		103.7		—



*	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.


The Company maintains property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, in the following geographic areas:




		At
(in millions)		September 30,				December 31,
(in millions)		2013				2012
United States		$	200.6				191.7
Europe*			46.7				51.3
Japan*			6.2				9.5
Other*			6.4				7.9

Total		$	259.9				260.4



*	Total assets are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
Major Customers

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company did not have any major customers.

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform

Supplementary Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 8 — Supplementary Cash Flow Information
	Nonvested Awards
	The Company issued shares of common stock to certain key employees. The grants to certain key employees were issued under nonvested stock bonus awards for services to be provided in the future by such officers and employees. In connection with the NetSpend acquisition, the Company issued replacement shares, a portion of which was allocated to the purchase price and a portion of which is for services to be provided in the future. Refer to Note 5 for more information.
	Equipment and Software Acquired Under Capital Lease Obligations
	The Company acquired equipment and software under capital lease obligations in the amount of $12.9 million and $5.1 million during the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to software and other peripheral hardware.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'

	Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies

	Refer to Note 19 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding commitments and contingencies.

	Income Taxes

	The total liability for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740 as of September 30, 2013 was $2.5 million. Refer to Note 6 for more information on income taxes. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time; however, at this time, the Company does not expect a significant change related to these obligations within the next year.

	Legal Proceedings

	General

	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims and is also subject to information requests, inquiries and investigations arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business. The Company establishes reserves for litigation and similar matters when those matters present loss contingencies that TSYS determines to be both probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” In the opinion of management, based on current knowledge and in part upon the advice of legal counsel, all matters not specifically discussed below are believed to be adequately covered by insurance, or, if not covered, the possibility of losses from such matters are believed to be remote or such matters are of such kind or involve such amounts that would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company if disposed of unfavorably.



	Preliminary Settlement of Certain Litigation

	As previously disclosed, a putative class action entitled Koehler v. NetSpend Holdings, Inc. et. al. (the “Koehler action”) was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware on March 1, 2013 and a putative class action entitled Bushansky v. NetSpend Holdings, Inc. et al. (together with the Koehler action, the “Actions”) was filed in the District Court of Travis County, Texas on February 25, 2013, each in connection with TSYS’ proposed merger with NetSpend pursuant to the Merger Agreement. On May 21, 2013, the Delaware Chancery Court issued a memorandum opinion in the Koehler action denying the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction, which sought to enjoin a shareholder vote on the proposed merger.

	While TSYS and the other defendants believe that each of the Actions is without merit, in an effort to minimize the cost and expense of any litigation relating to such Actions, on May 29, 2013, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs regarding settlement of the Actions. In connection with the settlement contemplated by that agreement in principle, as set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of May 29, 2013, and, later, a Settlement Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”), the Actions and all claims asserted therein will be dismissed. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, TSYS and/or NetSpend, where applicable, agreed (a) to make certain amendments to the Merger Agreement; (b) that, consistent with the terms of the Merger Agreement, prior to the receipt of approval of the NetSpend stockholders, NetSpend could furnish information to, and engage in discussions and negotiations with, third parties who make unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposals if certain conditions were met; (c) that the special meeting of NetSpend stockholders that was scheduled to be held on May 31, 2013 would be adjourned to June 18, 2013; (d) that NetSpend would not take certain positions with respect to any appraisal proceeding perfected under Delaware law; (e) that certain information would be provided to counsel for the plaintiffs in the Actions in connection with any perfected appraisal proceeding; and (e) without admitting that any of the claims in the Actions have merit or that any supplemental disclosure was required under any applicable statute, rule, regulation or law, that they would acknowledge that the filing and prosecution of the Actions were the cause, in whole or in part, of certain supplemental disclosures made in connection with the proposed merger. Following submission of the Settlement Agreement to the Court of Chancery, on October 4, 2013, the Court entered an order scheduling further proceedings related to the settlement. Among other things, the Court scheduled a hearing for December 18, 2013 to consider whether or not to approve the settlement as proposed. There can be no assurance that the court will approve the settlement, or that any eventual settlement will be under the same terms as those contemplated by the agreement in principle.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions	'
	Note 10 — Acquisitions

	Refer to Note 24 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding acquisitions.

	On July 1, 2013, TSYS acquired all the outstanding voting stock of NetSpend, which previously operated as a publicly traded company and is a leading provider of GPR prepaid debit and payroll cards and related financial services to underbanked consumers in the U.S. The acquisition complements the Company’s existing presence in the prepaid processing space. The results of the newly acquired business are being reported by TSYS as a new operating segment titled NetSpend.

	Under terms of the Merger Agreement, TSYS acquired 100 percent ownership of NetSpend for approximately $1.4 billion, including $1.2 billion of cash to shareholders, $70.7 million of cash for payment to holders of stock options and awards, $58.3 million of cash for repayment of NetSpend’s revolving credit facility and $15.6 million in replacement stock options and awards. NetSpend shareholders received $16.00 in cash for each share of NetSpend common stock. There were 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by five shareholders who have asserted appraisal (or dissenters’) rights with respect to their NetSpend shares, for a preliminary value of $25.7 million at $16.00 per share that were not funded at the closing of the acquisition.

	Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company replaced unvested share-based awards for certain current employees of NetSpend. The following table provides a list of all replacement awards and the estimated fair value of those awards issued in conjunction with the acquisition of NetSpend:




			Number of Shares and				Fair Value
			Options Issued				(in millions)
	Time-based restricted stock			870,361			$	21.5
	Non-qualified stock options			530,696				8.4
	Incentive stock options			529,452				5.3
	Performance-based restricted stock			87,356				2.2

	Total			2,017,865			$	37.4



	The portion of the fair value of the replacement awards related to services provided prior to the business combination was included in the total purchase price. The portion of the fair value associated with future service is recognized as expense over the future service period, which varies by award. The Company determined that $15.6 million ($11.1 million net of tax) of the replacement awards was related to services rendered prior to the business combination.

	The goodwill amount of $1.0 billion arising from the acquisition consists largely of expansion of customer base, differentiation in market opportunity and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of TSYS and NetSpend. All of the goodwill was assigned to TSYS’ new NetSpend segment. The goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for NetSpend and the preliminary recognized amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on July 1, 2013 (the acquisition date). These amounts will remain preliminary until the valuation analysis has been finalized. The measurement period during which changes in assets, liabilities, equity interests, or items of consideration are subject to adjustment ends one year following the acquisition date. The Company continues to evaluate consideration paid, deferred taxes, goodwill and financial liabilities.




	(in thousands)
	Consideration
	Cash		$	1,355,270
	Equity instruments			15,557
	Dissenting shareholder liability*			25,723

	Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	1,396,550


	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash		$	40,611
	Accounts receivable, net			11,335
	Property, equipment and software			11,657
	Identifiable intangible assets			480,075
	Deferred tax asset			10,165
	Other assets			33,626
	Deferred tax liability			(155,945	)
	Financial liabilities			(62,452	)

	Total identifiable net assets			369,072
	Goodwill			1,027,478

			$	1,396,550



	*	Represents 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by dissenting shareholders
	Identifiable intangible assets acquired in the NetSpend acquisition include channel relationships, current technology, a prospect database, the NetSpend trade name and non-compete agreements.

	The identifiable intangible assets had no significant estimated residual value. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of five to eight years based on the pattern of expected future economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets of $480.1 million was estimated using the income approach (discounted cash flow and relief from royalty methods) and cost approach. The fair values and useful lives of the identified intangible assets were primarily determined using forecasted cash flows, which included estimates for certain assumptions such as revenues, expenses, attrition rates and royalty rates. The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions and the related estimated weighted average useful lives are as follows:




(in millions)		Fair Value				Weighted Average
						Useful Life
						(in years)
Channel relationships		$	317.9				8
Covenants-not-to-compete			11.5				6
Current technology			78.7				7
Database			28				5
Trade name			44				5

Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		$	480.1				7.3



The fair value measurement of the identifiable intangible assets represents Level 2 and Level 3 measurements as defined in ASC 820. Key assumptions include (a) cash flow projections based on market participant and internal data, (b) a discount rate of 11%, (c) a pre-tax royalty rate range of 2.5-7.0%, (d) attrition rates of 5%-40%, (e) an effective tax rate of 40%, and (f) a terminal value based on a long-term sustainable growth rate of 3%.

In connection with the acquisition, TSYS incurred $12.0 million in acquisition-related costs primarily related to professional legal, finance, and accounting costs. These costs were expensed as incurred and are included in merger and acquisition expenses on the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Pro Forma Result of Operations

The amounts of NetSpend revenue and earnings included in TSYS’ consolidated income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 are:




		Actual							Supplemental pro forma
		Three months ended							Three months ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013				2012			2013		2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue		$	588,074				468,059			588,074		552,952


Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	64,350				60,312			68,935		47,085


Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.34				0.32			0.37		0.25


Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.34				0.32			0.36		0.25




		Actual							Supplemental pro forma
		Nine months ended							Nine months ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013				2012			2013		2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue		$	1,531,513				1,391,872			1,753,556		1,653,257


Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	179,095				183,418			182,668		139,951


Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.95				0.97			0.97		0.74


Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.94				0.97			0.95		0.73

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented above does not purport to represent what the actual results of our operations would have been if the acquisition of NetSpend’s operations had occurred prior to January 1, 2012, nor is it indicative of the future operating results of TSYS. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the impact of future events that may occur after the acquisition, including, but not limited to, anticipated cost savings from operating synergies.

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are (1) directly related to the business combination; (2) factually supportable; and (3) expected to have a continuing impact. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of accounting policies; and depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

The pro forma adjustments do not reflect the following material items that result directly from the acquisition and which impacted our statement of operations following the acquisition:



	•		Acquisition and related financing transaction costs relating to fees to investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, and other professional advisors, and other transaction-related costs that were not capitalized as deferred financing costs; and


	•		The effect of anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies expected to be realized and related restructuring charges such as technology and infrastructure integration expenses, and other costs related to the integration of NetSpend into TSYS.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 11 — Earnings Per Share
	The following table illustrates basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three months ended September 30,
		2013					2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Common			Participating		Common			Participating
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Stock			Securities		Stock			Securities
	Basic EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	64,350					60,312
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(605	)		605		(191	)		191

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$	63,745			605		60,121			191

	Average common shares outstanding (b)		187,726			1,799		187,269			609

	Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$	0.34			0.34		0.32			0.31


	Diluted EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	64,350					60,312
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(601	)		601		(191	)		191

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$	63,749			601		60,121			191

	Average common shares outstanding		187,726			1,799		187,269			609
	Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding		1,758					1,218

	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)		189,484			1,799		188,487			609

	Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$	0.34			0.33		0.32			0.31

	The following table illustrates basic and diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013					2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Common			Participating		Common			Participating
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Stock			Securities		Stock			Securities
	Basic EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	179,095					183,418
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(968	)		968		(613	)		613

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$	178,127			968		182,805			613

	Average common shares outstanding (b)		187,001			1,034		187,911			642

	Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$	0.95			0.94		0.97			0.96


	Diluted EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	179,095					183,418
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(962	)		962		(611	)		611

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$	178,133			962		182,807			611

	Average common shares outstanding		187,001			1,034		187,911			642
	Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding		1,565					1,138

	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)		188,566			1,034		189,049			642

	Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$	0.94			0.93		0.97			0.95

The diluted EPS calculation excludes stock options and nonvested awards that are convertible into 3.0 million and 1.8 million common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and excludes 2.9 million common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of TSYS include the accounts of TSYS and its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this report, have been included.
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s summary of significant accounting policies, consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
Cardholders' Reserve	'
	Cardholders’ reserve
	The Company is exposed to losses due to cardholder fraud, payment defaults and other forms of cardholder activity, as well as losses, due to non-performance of third parties who receive cardholder funds for transmittal to the Issuing Banks (banks that issue MasterCard International or Visa USA, Inc. branded cards to customers). The Company establishes a reserve for the losses it estimates will arise from processing customer transactions, debit card overdrafts, chargebacks for unauthorized card use and merchant-related chargebacks due to non-delivery of goods or services. These reserves are established based upon historical loss and recovery rates and cardholder activity for which specific losses can be identified. The cardholders’ reserve was approximately $7.2 million as of September 30, 2013. The provision for cardholder losses is included in cost of services in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimate as new facts become known and events occur that may impact the settlement or recovery of losses.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In 2013, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” and (ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.”) The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In1

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances	'
	Cash and cash equivalent balances are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts		$	328,918			152,373
	Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts			67,942			95,239

	Total		$	396,860			247,612

Significant Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	Significant components of prepaid expenses and other current assets are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Prepaid expenses		$	35,696			24,615
	Supplies inventory			11,650			8,881
	Other			40,176			36,710

	Total		$	87,522			70,206

Significant Components of Contract Acquisition Costs, Net of Accumulated Amortization	'
	Significant components of contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization, are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Conversion costs, net of accumulated amortization of $118.7 million and $105.4 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively		$	102,177			85,402
	Payments for processing rights, net of accumulated amortization of $120.3 million and $110.6 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively			71,663			75,865

	Total		$	173,840			161,267

Significant Components of Other Current Liabilities	'
	Significant components of other current liabilities are summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Deferred revenues		$	32,764			29,101
	Dissenting shareholder liability*			25,723			—
	Accrued expenses			23,699			30,963
	Dividends payable			19,458			729
	Accrued income taxes			1,799			10,936
	Other			69,747			28,553

	Total		$	173,190			100,282


	*	Represents 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by dissenting shareholders
Income Tax Effects Allocated to and Cumulative Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	'
	The income tax effects allocated to and the cumulative balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TSYS shareholders are as follows:


	(in thousands)		Beginning			Pretax			Tax			Net-of-Tax			Ending
			Balance			Amount			Effect			Amount			Balance
			December 31,												September 30,
			2012												2013
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from noncontrolling interests		$	3,360			(4,418	)		112			(4,530	)		(1,170	)
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities			—			2,344			865			1,479			1,479
	Change in AOCI related to postretirement healthcare plans			(1,952	)		1,357			(66	)		1,423			(529	)

	Total		$	1,408			(717	)		911			(1,628	)		(220	)

Segment_Reporting_and_Major_Cu1

Segment Reporting and Major Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segment Reporting and Major Customers (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Segments	'
	The following table presents the Company’s operating results by segment:


	Operating Segments		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	Operating Segments		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues before reimbursable items
	North America Services		$	217,257			203,497			637,379			613,111
	International Services			95,399			98,184			281,201			293,722
	Merchant Services			113,650			107,786			335,903			303,842
	NetSpend			103,706			—			103,706			—
	Intersegment revenues			(3,001	)		(3,415	)		(9,429	)		(10,753	)

	Revenues before reimbursable items from external customers		$	527,011			406,052			1,348,760			1,199,922


	Total revenues
	North America Services		$	252,577			237,625			741,005			717,781
	International Services			100,548			102,691			295,731			306,466
	Merchant Services			135,616			132,746			404,975			383,167
	NetSpend			103,706			—			103,706			—
	Intersegment revenues			(4,373	)		(5,003	)		(13,904	)		(15,542	)

	Revenues from external customers		$	588,074			468,059			1,531,513			1,391,872


	Depreciation and amortization
	North America Services		$	18,764			18,583			55,060			55,856
	International Services			11,116			14,182			34,424			41,052
	Merchant Services			2,890			2,889			9,029			9,385
	NetSpend			1,471			—			1,471			—

	Segment depreciation and amortization			34,241			35,654			99,984			106,293
	Acquisition intangible amortization			24,731			6,919			41,142			18,924
	Corporate Administration and Other			475			670			1,364			2,112

	Total depreciation and amortization		$	59,447			43,243			142,490			127,329


	Adjusted segment operating income
	North America Services		$	82,274			70,080			229,373			210,658
	International Services			10,729			8,244			26,448			22,842
	Merchant Services			40,230			40,909			118,521			119,036
	NetSpend			31,248			—			31,248			—

	Total adjusted segment operating income			164,481			119,233			405,590			352,536
	Acquisition intangible amortization			(24,731	)		(6,919	)		(41,142	)		(18,924	)
	NetSpend merger and acquisition operating expenses (non-recurring)			(7,282	)		—			(12,009	)		—
	Corporate Administration and Other			(26,840	)		(21,421	)		(76,594	)		(65,791	)

	Operating income		$	105,628			90,893			275,845			267,821



			At
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Total assets
	North America Services		$	3,279,829			1,744,877
	International Services			399,368			445,642
	Merchant Services			685,400			703,725
	NetSpend			1,624,850			—
	Intersegment eliminations			(2,234,561	)		(870,406	)

Total assets		$	3,754,886			2,023,838

Revenues Based on Domicile of Customers	'
	The following geographic data presents revenues based on the domicile of the Company’s customers:


			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in millions)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	United States		$	417.6			305.7			1,035.70			915
	Europe*			72			71.1			213.1			217.9
	Canada			61.8			55			179.6			156.8
	Japan*			17.7			21.1			50.9			59
	Mexico			4.6			2.9			12.9			7.9
	Other*			14.4			12.3			39.3			35.3

	Total		$	588.1			468.1			1,531.50			1,391.90


	*	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
Reconciliation of Geographic Revenues to Revenues by Operating Segments	'
	The following tables reconcile geographic revenues to revenues by operating segment based on the domicile of the Company’s customers:


			Three months ended September 30,
			North America						International						Merchant				NetSpend
			Services						Services						Services				NetSpend
	(in millions)		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	United States		$	178			172.6			—			—			135.8		133.1		103.7		—
	Europe*			0.2			0.2			71.8			70.9			—		—		—		—
	Canada			61.8			54.9			—			—			0.1		0.1		—		—
	Japan*			—			—			17.7			21.1			—		—		—		—
	Mexico			4.6			2.9			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Other*			4			2.4			10.2			9.8			0.2		0.1		—		—

	Total		$	248.6			233			99.7			101.8			136.1		133.3		103.7		—



			Nine months ended September 30,
			North America						International						Merchant				NetSpend
			Services						Services						Services				NetSpend
	(in millions)		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	United States		$	526			530.5			—			—			406		384.5		103.7		—
	Europe*			0.6			0.5			212.5			217.4			—		—		—		—
	Canada			179.5			156.7			—			—			0.1		0.1		—		—
	Japan*			—			—			50.9			59			—		—		—		—
	Mexico			12.8			7.9			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Other*			10			7.4			29			27.5			0.4		0.4		—		—

	Total		$	728.9			703			292.4			303.9			406.5		385		103.7		—


	*	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization, by Geographic Areas	'
	The Company maintains property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, in the following geographic areas:


			At
	(in millions)		September 30,			December 31,
	(in millions)		2013			2012
	United States		$	200.6			191.7
	Europe*			46.7			51.3
	Japan*			6.2			9.5
	Other*			6.4			7.9

	Total		$	259.9			260.4


	*	Total assets are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Awards and Estimated Fair Value of Awards Issued in Acquisition	'
	The following table provides a list of all replacement awards and the estimated fair value of those awards issued in conjunction with the acquisition of NetSpend:




			Number of Shares and			Fair Value
			Options Issued			(in millions)
	Time-based restricted stock			870,361		$	21.5
	Non-qualified stock options			530,696			8.4
	Incentive stock options			529,452			5.3
	Performance-based restricted stock			87,356			2.2

	Total			2,017,865		$	37.4

Amounts of Assets Aquired and Liabilities Assumed Recognized	'
	The Company continues to evaluate consideration paid, deferred taxes, goodwill and financial liabilities.




	(in thousands)
	Consideration
	Cash		$	1,355,270
	Equity instruments			15,557
	Dissenting shareholder liability*			25,723

	Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	1,396,550


	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash		$	40,611
	Accounts receivable, net			11,335
	Property, equipment and software			11,657
	Identifiable intangible assets			480,075
	Deferred tax asset			10,165
	Other assets			33,626
	Deferred tax liability			(155,945	)
	Financial liabilities			(62,452	)

	Total identifiable net assets			369,072
	Goodwill			1,027,478

			$	1,396,550



	*	Represents 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by dissenting shareholders
Estimated Fair Value of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired	'
	The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions and the related estimated weighted average useful lives are as follows:




	(in millions)		Fair Value			Weighted Average
						Useful Life
						(in years)
	Channel relationships		$	317.9			8
	Covenants-not-to-compete			11.5			6
	Current technology			78.7			7
	Database			28			5
	Trade name			44			5

	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		$	480.1			7.3

Pro Forma Revenue and Earnings	'
	The amounts of NetSpend revenue and earnings included in TSYS’ consolidated income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 are:




			Actual					Supplemental pro forma
			Three months ended					Three months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue		$	588,074			468,059		588,074		552,952


	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	64,350			60,312		68,935		47,085


	Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.34			0.32		0.37		0.25


	Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.34			0.32		0.36		0.25




			Actual					Supplemental pro forma
			Nine months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue		$	1,531,513			1,391,872		1,753,556		1,653,257


	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	179,095			183,418		182,668		139,951


	Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.95			0.97		0.97		0.74


	Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders		$	0.94			0.97		0.95		0.73

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table illustrates basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three months ended September 30,
		2013					2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Common			Participating		Common			Participating
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Stock			Securities		Stock			Securities
	Basic EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	64,350					60,312
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(605	)		605		(191	)		191

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$	63,745			605		60,121			191

	Average common shares outstanding (b)		187,726			1,799		187,269			609

	Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$	0.34			0.34		0.32			0.31


	Diluted EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	64,350					60,312
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(601	)		601		(191	)		191

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$	63,749			601		60,121			191

	Average common shares outstanding		187,726			1,799		187,269			609
	Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding		1,758					1,218

	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)		189,484			1,799		188,487			609

	Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$	0.34			0.33		0.32			0.31

	The following table illustrates basic and diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine months ended September 30,
		2013					2012
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Common			Participating		Common			Participating
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Stock			Securities		Stock			Securities
	Basic EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	179,095					183,418
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(968	)		968		(613	)		613

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$	178,127			968		182,805			613

	Average common shares outstanding (b)		187,001			1,034		187,911			642

	Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$	0.95			0.94		0.97			0.96


	Diluted EPS:
	Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$	179,095					183,418
	Less income allocated to nonvested awards		(962	)		962		(611	)		611

	Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$	178,133			962		182,807			611

	Average common shares outstanding		187,001			1,034		187,911			642
	Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding		1,565					1,138

	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)		188,566			1,034		189,049			642

	Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$	0.94			0.93		0.97			0.95

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Cardholders' loss reserve	$7.20

Fair_Value_Measurement_Additio

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$1,545,784	$518,344

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalent_Balan

Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts	$328,918	$152,373
Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts	67,942	95,239
Total	$396,860	$247,612

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In2

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts	$5	'	$5	'	$2.50
Amortization expense related to conversion costs	3.9	6	13.4	17.5	'
Amortization related to payments for processing rights	$3.30	$3.20	$9.80	$10	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts, original maturity date	'90 days	'	'90 days	'	'90 days

Significant_Components_of_Prep

Significant Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid expenses	$35,696	$24,615
Supplies inventory	11,650	8,881
Other	40,176	36,710
Total	$87,522	$70,206

Significant_Components_of_Cont

Significant Components of Contract Acquisition Costs, Net of Accumulated Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion costs, net of accumulated amortization of $118.7 million and $105.4 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	$102,177	$85,402
Payments for processing rights, net of accumulated amortization of $120.3 million and $110.6 million at 2013 and 2012, respectively	71,663	75,865
Total	$173,840	$161,267

Significant_Components_of_Cont1

Significant Components of Contract Acquisition Costs, Net of Accumulated Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion costs, accumulated amortization	$118.70	$105.40
Payments for processing rights, accumulated amortization	$120.30	$110.60

Significant_Components_of_Othe

Significant Components of Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Deferred revenues	$32,764		$29,101
Dissenting shareholder liability	25,723	[1]	'
Accrued expenses	23,699		30,963
Dividends payable	19,458		729
Accrued income taxes	1,799		10,936
Other	69,747		28,553
Total	$173,190		$100,282

[1]	Represents 1.6 million NetSpend shares held by dissenting shareholders

Significant_Components_of_Othe1

Significant Components of Other Current Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (NetSpend Holdings Inc)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
NetSpend Holdings Inc	'
Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'
Dissenting shareholder, shares	1.6

Income_Tax_Effects_Allocated_t

Income Tax Effects Allocated to and Cumulative Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	$1,408
Pretax Amount	-717
Tax Effect	911
Net-of-Tax Amount	-1,628
Ending Balance	-220
Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from NCI	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	3,360
Pretax Amount	-4,418
Tax Effect	112
Net-of-Tax Amount	-4,530
Ending Balance	-1,170
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Pretax Amount	2,344
Tax Effect	865
Net-of-Tax Amount	1,479
Ending Balance	1,479
Change in Accumulated OCI Related to postretirement healthcare plans	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	-1,952
Pretax Amount	1,357
Tax Effect	-66
Net-of-Tax Amount	1,423
Ending Balance	($529)

Longterm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

Jul. 01, 2013

22-May-13

Sep. 10, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 10, 2012

Feb. 19, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

NetSpend Holdings Inc

2.375% Senior Notes due 2018

3.750% Senior Notes due 2023

Senior Notes

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Bridge Loan Facility

Term Loan

NetSpend Holdings Inc

Maximum

Standby letters of credit

Swingline loans

Before Amendment

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Maximum

Minimum

Debt Disclosure [Line Items]

Credit agreement term

'5 years

Credit agreement, maximum borrowing capacity

$350,000,000

$50,000,000

$200,000,000

Debt instrument, margin rate

1.13%

1.75%

1.00%

Outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement

140,600,000

50,000,000

197,500,000

Bridge loan facility, term

'364 days

Credit agreement commitment

1,200,000,000

Debt instrument, fee amount

8,900,000

5,900,000

Aggregate principal amount

550,000,000

Senior notes maturity year

'2018

'2023

Senior notes interest rate

2.38%

3.75%

Debt instrument, discount

4,300,000

Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price

1,396,550,000

Unsecured revolving credit facility, increased additional borrowings

350,000,000

Long-term debt

150,000,000

Debt instrument maturity period

'5 years

Proceeds from credit agreement, additional funding amount

$100,000,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

NetSpend Holdings Inc

Performance Share Plan Twenty Thirteen

Performance Share Plan 2012

Replacement Awards

Unvested Restricted Awards

Stock Options

Unvested Stock Awards

Performance Share Plan

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

NetSpend Holdings Inc

Certain key Employees

Retention Shares

Replacement Awards

2013 NetSpend Retention Performance Shares

NetSpend Holdings Inc

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Certain key Employees

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

Share-based compensation

$9,800,000

$3,700,000

$19,587,000

$12,348,000

Shares of common stock issued

2,017,865

2,000,000

575,299

342,074

212,694

1,060,148

870,361

87,356

225,000

Value of awards issued

37,400,000

14,000,000

7,400,000

5,500,000

13,700,000

21,500,000

Stock bonus awards vesting period

'3 years

'4 years

'2 years

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements

$34,500,000

$7,700,000

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements, remaining weighted average recognition period

'2 years 4 months 24 days

'1 year 7 months 6 days

Authorized shares of nonvested stock to key executives

237,679

241,095

Percentage of performance shares grant expected to vest

200.00%

100.00%

Performance shares grant expected vesting Period

'2013

'2015

'2012

'2014

'2013

'2015

Number of options granted

879,613

818,090

Average fair value of option grant

$5.32

$5.27

$12.93

Exercise price

$24.35

$22.95

$11.68

Risk-free interest rate

1.31%

1.69%

1.31%

Expected volatility

23.90%

24.11%

29.22%

Expected term

'7 years 6 months

'7 years 10 months 24 days

'4 years 8 months 12 days

Dividend yield

1.65%

1.75%

1.63%

Grant vesting period

'3 years

'7 months

'45 months

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate attributable to continuing operations	32.20%	33.10%	30.50%	31.30%	'
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	$6.50	'	'
Gross accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	0.4	'	0.4	'	0.9
Unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates	2.8	'	2.8	'	8.8
Unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates , interest and penalties	$0.30	'	$0.30	'	$0.70

Operating_Segments_Detail

Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	$527,011	$406,052	$1,348,760	$1,199,922	'
Revenue for reportable segment	588,074	468,059	1,531,513	1,391,872	'
Depreciation and amortization	59,447	43,243	142,490	127,329	'
Operating income	105,628	90,893	275,845	267,821	'
Total assets	3,754,886	'	3,754,886	'	2,023,838
North America Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue for reportable segment	248,600	233,000	728,900	703,000	'
International Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue for reportable segment	99,700	101,800	292,400	303,900	'
Merchant Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue for reportable segment	136,100	133,300	406,500	385,000	'
NetSpend	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue for reportable segment	103,700	'	103,700	'	'
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	34,241	35,654	99,984	106,293	'
Operating income	164,481	119,233	405,590	352,536	'
Operating Segments \| North America Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	217,257	203,497	637,379	613,111	'
Revenue for reportable segment	252,577	237,625	741,005	717,781	'
Depreciation and amortization	18,764	18,583	55,060	55,856	'
Operating income	82,274	70,080	229,373	210,658	'
Total assets	3,279,829	'	3,279,829	'	1,744,877
Operating Segments \| International Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	95,399	98,184	281,201	293,722	'
Revenue for reportable segment	100,548	102,691	295,731	306,466	'
Depreciation and amortization	11,116	14,182	34,424	41,052	'
Operating income	10,729	8,244	26,448	22,842	'
Total assets	399,368	'	399,368	'	445,642
Operating Segments \| Merchant Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	113,650	107,786	335,903	303,842	'
Revenue for reportable segment	135,616	132,746	404,975	383,167	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,890	2,889	9,029	9,385	'
Operating income	40,230	40,909	118,521	119,036	'
Total assets	685,400	'	685,400	'	703,725
Operating Segments \| NetSpend	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	103,706	'	103,706	'	'
Revenue for reportable segment	103,706	'	103,706	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,471	'	1,471	'	'
Operating income	31,248	'	31,248	'	'
Total assets	1,624,850	'	1,624,850	'	'
Intersegment Elimination	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursable items	3,001	3,415	9,429	10,753	'
Revenue for reportable segment	4,373	5,003	13,904	15,542	'
Total assets	2,234,561	'	2,234,561	'	870,406
Segment Reconciling Items \| Acquisition Related Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	24,731	6,919	41,142	18,924	'
Operating income	-24,731	-6,919	-41,142	-18,924	'
Corporate, Non-Segment \| NetSpend	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income	-7,282	'	-12,009	'	'
Corporate, Non-Segment \| Corporate Administration	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	475	670	1,364	2,112	'
Operating income	($26,840)	($21,421)	($76,594)	($65,791)	'

Revenues_Based_on_Domicile_of_

Revenues Based on Domicile of Company's Customers (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$588,074		$468,059		$1,531,513		$1,391,872
United States	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	417,600		305,700		1,035,700		915,000
Europe	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	72,000	[1]	71,100	[1]	213,100	[1]	217,900	[1]
Canada	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	61,800		55,000		179,600		156,800
Japan	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	17,700	[1]	21,100	[1]	50,900	[1]	59,000	[1]
Mexico	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	4,600		2,900		12,900		7,900
Other	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$14,400	[1]	$12,300	[1]	$39,300	[1]	$35,300	[1]

[1]	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

Reconciliation_of_Geographic_R

Reconciliation of Geographic Revenues to Revenues by Operating Segment Based on Domicile of Company's Customers (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$588,074		$468,059		$1,531,513		$1,391,872
North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	248,600		233,000		728,900		703,000
International Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	99,700		101,800		292,400		303,900
Merchant Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	136,100		133,300		406,500		385,000
NetSpend	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	103,700		'		103,700		'
United States	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	417,600		305,700		1,035,700		915,000
United States \| North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	178,000		172,600		526,000		530,500
United States \| Merchant Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	135,800		133,100		406,000		384,500
United States \| NetSpend	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	103,700		'		103,700		'
Europe	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	72,000	[1]	71,100	[1]	213,100	[1]	217,900	[1]
Europe \| North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	200	[1]	200	[1]	600	[1]	500	[1]
Europe \| International Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	71,800	[1]	70,900	[1]	212,500	[1]	217,400	[1]
Canada	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	61,800		55,000		179,600		156,800
Canada \| North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	61,800		54,900		179,500		156,700
Canada \| Merchant Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	100		100		100		100
Japan	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	17,700	[1]	21,100	[1]	50,900	[1]	59,000	[1]
Japan \| International Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	17,700	[1]	21,100	[1]	50,900	[1]	59,000	[1]
Mexico	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	4,600		2,900		12,900		7,900
Mexico \| North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	4,600		2,900		12,800		7,900
Other	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	14,400	[1]	12,300	[1]	39,300	[1]	35,300	[1]
Other \| North America Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	4,000	[1]	2,400	[1]	10,000	[1]	7,400	[1]
Other \| International Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	10,200	[1]	9,800	[1]	29,000	[1]	27,500	[1]
Other \| Merchant Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$200	[1]	$100	[1]	$400	[1]	$400	[1]

[1]	Revenues are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

Property_and_Equipment_Net_of_

Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization, by Geographic Areas (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$259,865		$260,389
United States	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	200,600		191,700
Europe	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	46,700	[1]	51,300	[1]
Japan	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,200	[1]	9,500	[1]
Other	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$6,400	[1]	$7,900	[1]

[1]	Total assets are impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform1

Supplementary Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]	'	'
Equipment and software acquired under capital lease obligations	$12.90	$5.10

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Liability for uncertain tax positions	$2.50

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013	Jul. 01, 2013
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified			NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc	NetSpend Holdings Inc
					Minimum	Maximum	Prior To Acquisition Date	Shareholders	Holders of Stock Options and Awards	Repayment of Revolving Credit Facility	Replacement Stock Options and Awards
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition percent of acquisition	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price	'	'	$1,396,550,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, cash paid	'	'	1,355,270,000	'	'	'	'	1,200,000,000	70,700,000	58,300,000	'
Replacement stock options and awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,100,000	'	'	'	15,600,000
Share price per share	'	'	$16	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares held by dissenting shareholders	'	'	1.6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Value of shares held by dissenting shareholders	'	'	25,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shareholders	'	'	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Replacement stock options and awards fair value	'	'	37,400,000	'	'	'	15,600,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	1,545,784,000	518,344,000	1,027,478,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets estimated useful life	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'8 years	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets	'	'	480,075,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, discount rate	'	'	'	11.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value measurement, royalty rate low range	'	'	'	2.50%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value measurement, royalty rate high range	'	'	'	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value measurement,, attrition rate low range	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value measurement, attrition rate high range	'	'	'	40.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, effective tax rate	'	'	'	40.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, long-term sustainable growth rate	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, transaction costs	'	'	'	$12,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Awards_and_Estimated_Fair_Valu

Awards and Estimated Fair Value of Awards Issued in Acquisition of Net Spend (Detail) (NetSpend Holdings Inc, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 01, 2013
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Options and Units Issued	2,017,865
Fair Value	$37.40
Non-Qualified Stock Options	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Options and Units Issued	530,696
Fair Value	8.4
Incentive Stock Options	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Options and Units Issued	529,452
Fair Value	5.3
Time Based Restricted Stock	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Options and Units Issued	870,361
Fair Value	21.5
Performance Based Restricted Stock	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Options and Units Issued	87,356
Fair Value	$2.20

Amounts_of_Assets_Acquired_and

Amounts of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	NetSpend Holdings Inc
Consideration	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$1,355,270
Equity instruments	'	'	15,557
Dissenting shareholder liability	'	'	25,723
Fair value of total consideration transferred	'	'	1,396,550
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	40,611
Accounts receivable, net	'	'	11,335
Property equipment and software	'	'	11,657
Identifiable intangible assets	'	'	480,075
Deferred tax asset	'	'	10,165
Other assets	'	'	33,626
Deferred tax liability	'	'	-155,945
Financial liabilities	'	'	-62,452
Total identifiable net assets	'	'	369,072
Goodwill	1,545,784	518,344	1,027,478
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net, Total	'	'	$1,396,550

Amounts_of_Assets_Acquired_and1

Amounts of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Parenthetical) (Detail) (NetSpend Holdings Inc)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
NetSpend Holdings Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Dissenting shareholder, shares	1.6

Estimated_Fair_Value_of_Identi

Estimated Fair Value of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired (Detail) (NetSpend Holdings Inc, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 01, 2013
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$480,075
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'7 years 3 months 18 days
Channel relationships	'
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	317,900
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'8 years
Covenants-Not-to-Compete	'
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	11,500
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'6 years
Current Technology	'
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	78,700
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'7 years
Database	'
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	28,000
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'5 years
Trade Name	'
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$44,000
Acquired intangible assets,weighted average useful lives	'5 years

Pro_Forma_Revenue_and_Earnings

Pro Forma Revenue and Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$588,074	$468,059	$1,531,513	$1,391,872
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	64,350	60,312	179,095	183,418
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.34	$0.32	$0.95	$0.97
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.34	$0.32	$0.94	$0.97
NetSpend Holdings Inc	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	588,074	468,059	1,531,513	1,391,872
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	64,350	60,312	179,095	183,418
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.34	$0.32	$0.95	$0.97
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.34	$0.32	$0.94	$0.97
Revenue	588,074	552,952	1,753,556	1,653,257
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$68,935	$47,085	$182,668	$139,951
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.37	$0.25	$0.97	$0.74
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$0.36	$0.25	$0.95	$0.73

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic EPS:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$64,350	$60,312	$179,095	$183,418
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.95	$0.97
Diluted EPS:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	64,350	60,312	179,095	183,418
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.94	$0.97
Common Stock	'	'	'	'
Basic EPS:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	64,350	60,312	179,095	183,418
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	-605	-191	-968	-613
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	63,745	60,121	178,127	182,805
Average common shares outstanding (b)	187,726	187,269	187,001	187,911
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.95	$0.97
Diluted EPS:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	64,350	60,312	179,095	183,418
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	-601	-191	-962	-611
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	63,749	60,121	178,133	182,807
Average common shares outstanding	187,726	187,269	187,001	187,911
Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding	1,758	1,218	1,565	1,138
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)	189,484	188,487	188,566	189,049
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.94	$0.97
Participating Securities	'	'	'	'
Basic EPS:	'	'	'	'
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	605	191	968	613
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	605	191	968	613
Average common shares outstanding (b)	1,799	609	1,034	642
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$0.34	$0.31	$0.94	$0.96
Diluted EPS:	'	'	'	'
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	601	191	962	611
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$601	$191	$962	$611
Average common shares outstanding	1,799	609	1,034	642
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)	1,799	609	1,034	642
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$0.33	$0.31	$0.93	$0.95

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Computation Of Earnings Per Share Line Items	'	'	'	'
Convertible stock options and nonvested awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation	3	2.9	1.8	2.9