| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000721683 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | GA |
| Entity File Number | 1-10254 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-1493818 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | c/o Global Payments Inc. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 3550 Lenox Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30326 |
| City Area Code | (770) |
| Local Phone Number | 829-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $.10 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | TSS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
