Total System Services (TSS) 10-Q 4 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	721,683
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		183,816,753

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3)	$ 446,883	$ 389,328
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts, billing adjustments and merchant losses of $5.1 million and $4.0 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively	413,867	314,705
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 3)	124,118	154,199
Total current assets	984,868	858,232
Goodwill	3,254,422	1,545,424
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $ 372.9 million and $257.1 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively	954,821	328,320
Computer software, net of accumulated amortization of $ 742.5 million and $680.6 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively	441,016	405,070
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $483.3 million and $457.3 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively (Note 7)	281,733	289,898
Contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $305.8 million and $287.9 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively (Note 3)	243,794	247,811
Equity investments, net	108,199	106,118
Deferred income tax assets	6,974	6,242
Other assets	99,351	90,780
Total assets	6,375,178	3,877,895
Current liabilities:
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	61,026	66,594
Current portion of long-term borrowings (Note 4)	40,451	50,078
Accounts payable	36,659	52,213
Current portion of obligations under capital leases	2,793	3,468
Other current liabilities (Note 3)	228,546	166,579
Total current liabilities	369,475	338,932
Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion (Note 4)	3,423,660	1,373,878
Deferred income tax liabilities	398,083	192,444
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current portion	1,487	3,663
Other long-term liabilities	91,751	96,886
Total liabilities	4,284,456	2,005,803
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary	25,053	23,410
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock — $0.10 par value. Authorized 600,000 shares; 202,765 and 202,769 issued as of 2016 and 2015, respectively; 183,818 and 182,781 outstanding as of 2016 and 2015, respectively	20,276	20,277
Additional paid-in capital	270,141	241,891
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (Note 3)	(47,626)	(33,544)
Treasury stock, at cost (18,947 and 19,988 shares as of 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(623,884)	(641,664)
Retained earnings	2,446,762	2,256,058
Total shareholders' equity	2,065,669	1,843,018
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary		5,664
Total equity	2,065,669	1,848,682
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,375,178	$ 3,877,895

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts, billing adjustments and merchant losses	$ 5.1	$ 4
Computer software, accumulated amortization	742.5	680.6
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 483.8	$ 457.3
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, authorized	600,000	600,000
Common stock, issued	202,765	202,769
Common stock, outstanding	183,818	182,781
Treasury stock, shares	18,947	19,988
Other intangible assets
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 372.9	$ 257.1
Contract Acquisition Costs
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 305.8	$ 287.9

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total revenues (Note 7)	$ 1,146,888	$ 707,890	$ 3,037,853	$ 2,062,698
Cost of services	840,300	456,465	2,166,731	1,366,141
Selling, general and administrative expenses	151,261	88,321	428,287	280,355
Total operating expenses	991,561	544,786	2,595,018	1,646,496
Operating income	155,327	163,104	442,835	416,202
Nonoperating expenses, net	(30,005)	(8,564)	(82,506)	(27,982)
Income before income taxes and equity in income of equity investments	125,322	154,540	360,329	388,220
Income taxes	44,247	37,825	127,966	119,204
Income before equity in income of equity investments	81,075	116,715	232,363	269,016
Equity in income of equity investments, net of tax	6,366	5,336	19,234	15,309
Net income	87,441	122,051	251,597	284,325
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,089)	(1,429)	(5,909)	(3,109)
Net income attributable to Total System Services, Inc. (TSYS) common shareholders	$ 85,352	$ 120,622	$ 245,688	$ 281,216
Basic EPS:
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.46	$ 0.66	$ 1.34	$ 1.53
Diluted EPS:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.46	$ 0.65	$ 1.33	$ 1.52

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 87,441	$ 122,051	$ 251,597	$ 284,325
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,668)	(12,943)	(16,595)	(16,663)
Postretirement healthcare plan adjustments	1,154	147	373	441
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	1,165	(186)	1,808	849
Other comprehensive loss	(349)	(12,982)	(14,414)	(15,373)
Comprehensive income	87,092	109,069	237,183	268,952
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,089)	(1,215)	(5,577)	(2,973)
Comprehensive income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,003	$ 107,854	$ 231,606	$ 265,979

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 251,597	$ 284,325
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	271,468	191,219
Provisions for fraud and other losses	37,289	29,621
Share-based compensation	33,792	31,468
Dividends received from equity investments	15,246	12,092
Amortization of debt issuance costs	12,499	1,378
Provisions for bad debt expenses, billing adjustments and merchant losses	4,817	3,519
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	4,110	(25,960)
Charges for transaction processing provisions	3,355	3,471
Amortization of bond discount	529	297
Loss on disposal of equipment, net	314	4
Changes in value of private equity investments	(181)	(3,448)
Net (gain) loss on foreign currency	(1,664)	468
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	(8,951)	(4,892)
Equity in income of equity investments	(19,234)	(15,309)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
Accounts receivable	(48,463)	(55,911)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other long-term assets	(18,087)	1,356
Accounts payable	(15,079)	(1,163)
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	(9,712)	5,589
Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities	37,315	2,430
Net cash provided by operating activities	550,960	460,554
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,345,493)	(750)
Additions to contract acquisition costs	(38,384)	(50,971)
Purchases of property and equipment	(32,134)	(36,505)
Additions to internally developed computer software	(25,705)	(31,654)
Additions to licensed computer software from vendors	(11,112)	(17,052)
Purchase of private equity investments	(4,430)	(3,525)
Proceeds from sale of private equity investment	120	1,839
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,457,138)	(138,618)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	2,666,295	1,912
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	9,980	19,690
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	8,951	4,892
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(4,163)	(3,796)
Repurchase of common stock under plans and tax withholding	(5,396)	(83,635)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(5,878)
Debt issuance costs	(26,563)
Dividends paid on common stock	(55,000)	(55,277)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	(618,598)	(42,215)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,969,628	(158,429)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,895)	(4,840)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	57,555	158,667
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	389,328	289,183
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	446,883	447,850
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	74,765	21,994
Income taxes paid, net	$ 58,855	$ 122,180

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES, INC. Notes to Unaudited Consolidate Note Business Total System Services, Inc.’s (TSYS’ or the Company’s) revenues are derived from providing payment processing, merchant services and related payment 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 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 for financial and nonfinancial 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. The Company’s NetSpend segment provides services to consumers in 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 as of 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, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. Revenue Recognition With the acquisition of TransFirst Holdings Corp. (TransFirst) on April 1, 2016, TSYS included TransFirst’s results as part of the Merchant Services segment. TransFirst’s revenues are reported gross, which includes amounts paid for interchange and assessments, as TransFirst is the principal in the contractual relationship with its customers. Expenses covering interchange and assessment fees are included in TransFirst’s cost of services and are directly attributable to processing fee revenues and are recognized in the same period as the related revenue. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements The Company adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) on January 1, 2016: ASU 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” requires the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. Also, companies will no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent. The Company early adopted this ASU resulting in $24.7 million of current net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 being moved to noncurrent. The guidance was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-16 “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments ” eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-15 “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting” and ASU 2015-03 “ Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” require entities to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the corresponding debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, and allow entities to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with a line-of-credit as an asset and subsequently amortize deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of a line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance resulted in $6.4 million of debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2015 being moved from noncurrent assets on the Company’s balance sheet to liabilities that offset both the current and noncurrent portions of the debt which these costs are associated as of September 30, 2016. The Company continues to include debt issuance costs associated with a line-of-credit in its noncurrent assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-05 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license or a service agreement. The Company adopted this ASU on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-01 “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ” eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Receipts and Cash Payments,” which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The guidance also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flow. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted by all entities. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ” which affects only the following narrow aspects of Topic 606: Assessing the Collectability Criterion; Presentation of Sales and Other Taxes Collected from Customers; Noncash Consideration; Contract Modification at Transition; Completed Contracts at Transition; and Technical Correction. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted no sooner than January 1, 2017. The Company has not determined the effect on its ongoing financial reporting for adoption of this ASU. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ” which clarifies two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted no sooner than January 1, 2017. The Company has not determined the effect on its ongoing financial reporting for adoption of this ASU. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)," which improves the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by providing indicators as to which party controls the good or service provided to a customer (the principal). The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted no sooner than January 1, 2017. The Company has not determined the effect on its ongoing financial reporting for adoption of this ASU. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 “ Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, ” which simplifies the equity method of accounting by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The ASU further requires that unrealized holding gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income related to an available-for-sale security that becomes eligible for the equity method be recognized in earnings as of the date on which the investment qualifies for the equity method. The guidance in the ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. Entities are required to apply the guidance prospectively to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence occurring after the ASU’s effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 “ Improvements to Employee Share‑Based Payment Accounting, ” which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share‑based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this ASU will result in excess tax benefits and deficiencies associated with share-based payments being recorded on the income statement at the time they are deducted on the income tax return instead of being recorded in additional paid-in capital. The excess tax benefits are recorded along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. The Company will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017. The Company has not determined the effect on its ongoing financial reporting for adoption of this ASU. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “ Leases (Topic 842). ” ASU 2016-02 introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet and aligns many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. The ASU also addresses other concerns related to the current leases model. The new guidance will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. The Company preliminarily believes it will early adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018. The Company has not determined the effect on its ongoing financial reporting for adoption of this ASU. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 “ Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, ” which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The ASU significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted no sooner than January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company is still determining the effect of this ASU on its ongoing financial reporting.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Note Refer to Note 3 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding fair value measurement. GAAP 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, 2016 and 2015. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had recorded goodwill in the amount of $3.3 billion. The Company performed its annual impairment testing of its goodwill balance as of May 31, 2016, and this test did not indicate any impairment. The fair value of the reporting units substantially exceeds their carrying value.

Supplementary Balance Sheet Inf

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	Note 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, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts $ Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts Total $ Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Significant components of prepaid expenses and other current assets are summarized as follows: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Prepaid expenses $ Supplies inventory Income taxes receivable - Other Total $ Contract Acquisition Costs, Net Significant components of contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization, are summarized as follows: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Conversion costs, net of accumulated amortization of $161.6 million and $149.9 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively $ Payments for processing rights, net of accumulated amortization of $144.2 million and $137.9 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively Total $ Amortization expense related to conversion costs, which is recorded in cost of services, was $6.9 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense related to conversion costs was $21.3 million and $20.1 million, respectively. Amortization related to payments for processing rights, which is recorded as a reduction of revenues, was $4.9 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense related to payments for processing rights was $14.9 million and $12.4 million, respectively. Other Current Liabilities Significant components of other current liabilities are summarized as follows: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Deferred revenues $ Accrued expenses Accrued third-party commissions Dividends payable Accrued interest Other Total $ 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: (a) (b) (c) (d) (a+d) (in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2015 Pretax Tax Effect Net-of-Tax Ending Balance September 30, 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ $ $ Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Change in AOCI related to postretirement healthcare plans Total $ $ $ There were no reclassifications of AOCI to net income or to other accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Long-Term Borrowings

Long-Term Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Borrowings	Note 4 — Long-Term Borrowings On January 26, 2016, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Vista Equity Partners Fund V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Fund V”), Vista Equity Partners Fund V-A, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (“Fund V-A”), Vista Equity Partners Fund V-B, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (“Fund V-B”), Vista Equity Partners Fund V Executive, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Fund V Executive”), VEPF V FAF, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“VEPF V”), Vista Equity Associates, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Associates LLC” and, together with Fund V, Fund V-A, Fund V-B, Fund V Executive and VEPF V, the “Sellers”), and TransFirst, a Delaware corporation, pursuant to which, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of TransFirst from the Sellers on April 1, 2016. On February 23, 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and L/C Issuer, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. The Credit Agreement provides the Company with a $700 million five-year term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) consisting of (i) a $300 million term loan (the “Refinancing Term Loan”) funded upon entry into the Credit Agreement and (ii) a $400 million term loan (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”). The Credit Agreement also provides the Company with a $800 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan Facility”), which includes a $50 million sub-facility for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The Refinancing Term Loan was used to repay in full the Company’s outstanding loans and other obligations under that certain credit agreement, dated as of September 10, 2012, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder, as amended, and that certain credit agreement, dated as of April 8, 2013, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder, as amended. The Delayed Draw Term Loan was used to finance, in part, the acquisition and related transactions, upon satisfaction of a limited set of conditions precedent. The Revolving Loan Facility is available for draws for purposes of working capital and other general corporate purposes, including to finance, in part, the acquisition and related transactions upon satisfaction of a limited set of conditions precedent. Concurrently with entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company obtained commitments for a $2.0 billion 364-day bridge term loan facility from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank of America N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd, U.S. Bank National Association, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (collectively, the “Commitment Parties”). Thereafter, the Commitment Parties assigned portions of their commitments to certain other bridge facility lenders. Based on the terms of the bridge term loan facility commitment letter, upon entering into the Credit Agreement, the total commitments under the bridge term loan facility were reduced from $2.0 billion to $1.15 billion by the amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment and the portion of the Revolving Loan Facility commitments in excess of $350 million. The bridge term loan facility was terminated in March 2016 after the issuance of the Notes described below. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at the base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or, for certain euro-denominated borrowings, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), in each case plus a margin that is set based on the Company’s corporate credit ratings. The applicable margin for loans bearing interest based on LIBOR ranges from 0.900% to 1.500% for revolving loans and 1.000% to 1.750% for term loans. The applicable margin for loans bearing interest based on the base rate ranges from 0.000% to 0.500% for revolving loans and 0.000% to 0.750% for term loans. In addition, the Company will pay the lenders a facility fee ranging from 0.100% to 0.250% per annum, depending on the Company’s corporate credit ratings, on the commitments under the Revolving Loan Facility (regardless of usages) and the undrawn commitment amount in respect of the Delayed Draw Term Loan. Based on the Company’s current corporate credit ratings, (i) the applicable margin for loans accruing interest at the base rate is 0.500% for term loans and 0.300% for revolving loans and (ii) the applicable margin for loans accruing interest at LIBOR is 1.500% for term loans and 1.300% for revolving loans. The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants regarding, among other matters, the maintenance of insurance, the preservation and maintenance of our corporate existence, material compliance with laws and the payment of taxes and other material obligations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company repaid $300.0 million on the Revolving Loan Facility. As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding balance on the Revolving Loan Facility was $170.0 million. On March 17, 2016, the Company closed its sale (the “Transaction”) of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.800% Senior Notes due 2021 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.800% Senior Notes due 2026 (collectively, the “Notes”) pursuant to an agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representatives of 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 Company used the net proceeds of the Transaction to pay a portion of the approximately $2.35 billion purchase price of the Company’s acquisition of TransFirst and related fees and expenses. The Notes were issued pursuant to a Senior Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2016, between the Company and Regions Bank, as trustee. For more information regarding the indebtedness and the acquisition, refer to Note 12. Refer to Note 13 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding long-term borrowings.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Note 5 — Share-Based Compensation Refer to Notes 1 and 19 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding the Company’s share-based compensation plans and policy. Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation costs are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s statements of income and corporate administration and other expenses typically for segment reporting purposes. 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, 2016, share-based compensation was $13.1 million, compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, share-based compensation was $33.8 million, compared to $31.5 million for the same period in 2015. Nonvested Share Awards The Company granted shares of TSYS common stock to certain key employees. The nonvested stock bonus awards are typically for services to be provided in the future and vest over a period of up to four years. The market value of the TSYS common stock as of the date of issuance is charged as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the awards. Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Number of shares granted Market value ( in millions ) $ Performance- and Market-Based Awards The Company granted performance- and market-based shares to certain key executives. The Company has also granted performance-based shares to certain key employees. The performance- and market-based goals are established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and will vest, up to a maximum of 200%. During the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, the Compensation Committee established performance goals based on adjusted EPS, Merchant Segment net revenue, corporate accountability operating income, attainment of synergies from the TransFirst acquisition, revenue growth and revenues before reimbursable items and market goals based on Total Shareholder Return (TSR) as compared to the TSR of the companies in the S&P 500 over the performance period. Compensation expense for performance shares 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 awards on a straight-line basis. The fair value of market-based awards is estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company expenses market-based awards on a straight-line basis. Compensation costs related to performance- and market-based shares are recognized through the longer of the performance period or the vesting period. As of September 30, 2016, there was approximately $24.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to TSYS performance-based awards that is expected to be recognized through December 2018. As of September 30, 2016, there was approximately $2.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to TSYS market-based awards that is expected to be recognized through December 2018. The following table summarizes the market-based awards granted during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015: Year Performance Performance Number of Period Expensed 2016 December 2017 TSR December 2017 2016 December 2018 TSR December 2018 2015 July 2016, 2017 and 2018 TSR July 2018 2015 December 2017 TSR December 2017 The following table summarizes the performance-based awards granted during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015: Year Performance Performance Number of Period Expensed 2016 December 2016 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2016 2016 December 2017 Adjusted EPS December 2017 2016 December 2018 Merchant Segment Net Revenue, Corporate Accountability Operating Income and attainment of synergies from TransFirst acquisition December 2018 2016 December 2018 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted Operating Income December 2018 2016 December 2018 Merchant Segment Net Revenue and Corporate Accountability Operating Income December 2018 2016 December 2018 Adjusted EPS December 2018 2016 December 2016 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2018 2015 December 2017 Adjusted EPS December 2017 2015 December 2015 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2018 Stock Option Awards The Company granted stock options to certain key executives. The grants will vest over a period of up to three years. 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: Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Number of options granted Weighted average exercise price $ Risk-free interest rate % % Expected volatility % % Expected term (years) Dividend yield % % Weighted average fair value $ As of September 30, 2016, there was approximately $4.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to TSYS stock options that is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.5 years.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 6 — Income Taxes Refer to Notes 1 and 15 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, 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 2011 and with few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations from state and local or foreign tax authorities for years before 2005. There are currently federal income tax examinations in progress for the years 2009 through 2012 for a subsidiary which TSYS acquired in 2013. Also, TSYS is currently undergoing federal income tax examinations for the years 2011 through 2013. Additionally, a number of tax examinations are in progress by the relevant state tax authorities. Although TSYS is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of these examinations, TSYS believes that its liability for uncertain tax positions relating to these jurisdictions for such years is adequate. TSYS’ effective tax rate was 35.3% and 24.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. TSYS’ effective tax rate was 35.5% and 30.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increased rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to realizing favorable discrete items during 2015 and increases in permanent items during 2016. GAAP 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 were $17.5 million and $13.1 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which resulted in an increase of $4.4 million during the period. 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 $1.2 million and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The total amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates are $18.1 million and $13.2 million (net of the federal benefit on state tax issues), respectively, which include interest and penalties of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. TSYS does not expect any significant changes to its calculation of uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.

Segment Reporting and Major Cus

Segment Reporting and Major Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
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, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding segment reporting and major customers. The following table presents the Company’s total assets by segment: As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 North America Services $ International Services Merchant Services NetSpend Intersegment assets Total assets $ The Company maintains property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, in the following geographic areas: As of (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 United States $ Europe* Other* Total $ * The following table presents the Company’s operating results by segment: Operating Segments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Operating income (a) $ Share-based compensation TransFirst M&A and integration expenses 1 - - Acquisition intangible amortization Adjusted operating income (b) $ Adjusted operating income by segment: North America Services (c) $ International Services (d) Merchant Services (e) NetSpend (f) Corporate Administration and Other Adjusted segment operating income 2 $ Total revenues (g) $ Reimbursable items, interchange and assessment expenses Net revenue 2 (h) Intersegment Segment net revenue $ Segment net revenue: North America Services (i) $ International Services (j) Merchant Services (k) NetSpend (l) Segment net revenue $ Operating margin (GAAP) (a)/(g) Adjusted operating margin on net revenue (b)/(h) Adjusted segment operating margin on net revenue: North America Services (c)/(i) International Services (d)/(j) Merchant Services (e)/(k) NetSpend (f)/(l) Depreciation and amortization: North America Services $ International Services Merchant Services NetSpend Segment depreciation and amortization Acquisition intangible amortization Corporate Administration and Other Total depreciation and amortization $ 1 Excludes share-based compensation 2 Net revenue and adjusted segment operating income are non-GAAP measures. Net revenue is total revenues less reimbursable items (such as postage), as well as, merchant acquiring interchange and assessment fees charged by the card associations or payment networks that are recorded by TSYS as expense . Adjusted segment operating income excludes acquisition intangible amortization, TransFirst M&A and integration expenses, share-based compensation and expenses associated with Corporate Administration and Other. The following tables reconcile geographic revenues to external revenues by operating segment based on the domicile of the Company’s customers: Three months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - Other* - Total $ $ Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - Other* - Total $ $ Three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - Other* - Total $ $ Nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - - Other* - Total $ $ * Major Customers For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not have any major customers.

Supplementary Cash Flow Informa

Supplementary Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	Note 8 — Supplementary Cash Flow Information Nonvested Awards The Company issued shares of common stock to certain key employees during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The grants were issued under nonvested stock bonus awards for services to be provided in the future. Refer to Note 5 for more information. Equipment and Software Acquired Under Capital Lease Obligations There was approximately $1.6 million of equipment and software acquired under capital lease obligations in the first nine months of 2016. During the first nine months of 2015, the Company acquired equipment and software under capital lease obligations in the amount of $3.8 million. Equipment and Software Acquired Under Direct Financing The Company did not acquire any equipment or software under direct financing during the first nine months of 2016 or 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 9 — Commitments and Contingencies Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding commitments and contingencies. Income Taxes The total liability for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2016 was $17.5 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 twelve months. 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 accruals for litigation and similar matters when those matters present loss contingencies that TSYS determines to be both probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with GAAP. 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. Korthals Matter Central Payment Co., LLC (CPAY), a majority owned joint venture of the Company, has been named as a defendant in a purported class action complaint, Heidarpour v. Central Payment Co., LLC, Civil Action No. 4:15-cv-00139, filed August 18, 2015 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, relating to the activities of Korthals, LLC (“Korthals”) and its sole shareholder, an independent sales agent of CPAY. The complaint alleges that CPAY retained Korthals to send unsolicited commercial pre-recorded messages to residential phone numbers in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (47 U.S.C. §§227 et seq.). The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief among other remedies. The parties are conducting motion practice. There is no trial date set. While the Company and CPAY intend to vigorously defend matters arising out of the relationship of CPAY with Korthals and believe CPAY has substantial defenses related to these purported claims, the Company currently cannot reasonably estimate losses attributable to this matter. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Matter The Company has been in discussions with the FTC regarding an investigation by the FTC staff of certain marketing practices of NetSpend Corporation (NetSpend), a subsidiary of the Company. The FTC staff has indicated that it has recommended that the FTC file a complaint against NetSpend related to that investigation asserting violations of section 5 of the FTC Act, which may include allegations of deceptive marketing practices. While NetSpend denies that it has engaged in any deceptive marketing practices, the Company is in discussions with the FTC staff about a potential settlement of those claims that could resolve the issues raised by the FTC staff in the course of the investigation. Both the settlement and any claims that the FTC might assert in litigation would seek consumer redress that would include transfer or payment over to the FTC by NetSpend’s issuing banks of amounts held by those banks in certain accounts that were never activated by consumers or that were subsequently blocked due to suspicion of fraud, as well as the return by NetSpend of certain fees assessed in connection with those accounts. If the settlement discussions are ultimately successful, the Company plans to enter into a settlement with the FTC. If the settlement discussions prove to be unsuccessful, then the Company expects that the FTC would direct the filing of a complaint against NetSpend. While the Company intends to vigorously defend matters arising out of any complaint filed by the FTC, and believes that NetSpend has substantial defenses related to these possible claims, the Company currently cannot reasonably estimate losses attributable to this matter. One point of discussion with the FTC staff involves consumer accounts that consumers have not activated. Whether or not the settlement discussions prove successful, NetSpend intends to continue its efforts to encourage consumers to activate and use their accounts. TelexFree Matter ProPay, Inc. (ProPay), a subsidiary of the Company, has been named as one of a number of defendants (including other merchant processors) in several purported class action lawsuits relating to the activities of TelexFree, Inc. and its affiliates and principals. TelexFree is a former merchant customer of ProPay. With regard to TelexFree, each purported class action lawsuit generally alleges that TelexFree engaged in an improper multi-tier marketing scheme involving voice-over Internet protocol telephone services. The plaintiffs in each of the purported class action complaints generally allege that the various merchant processor defendants, including ProPay, aided and abetted the improper activities of TelexFree. TelexFree filed for bankruptcy protection in Nevada. The bankruptcy proceeding was subsequently transferred to the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court. Specifically, ProPay has been named as one of a number of defendants (including other merchant processors) in each of the following purported class action complaints relating to TelexFree: (i) Waldermara Martin, et al. v. TelexFree, Inc., et al. (Case No. BK-S-14-12524-ABL) filed on May 3, 2014 in the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada, (ii) Anthony Cellucci, et al. v. TelexFree, Inc., et. al. (Case No. 4:14-BK-40987) filed on May 15, 2014 in the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Massachusetts, (iii) Maduako C. Ferguson Sr., et al. v. Telexelectric, LLP, et. al (Case No. 5:14-CV-00316-D) filed on June 5, 2014 in the United States District Court of North Carolina, (iv) Todd Cook v. TelexElectric LLP et al. (Case No. 2:14-CV-00134), filed on June 24, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, (v) Felicia Guevara v. James M. Merrill et al., CA No. 1:14-cv-22405-DPG), filed on June 27, 2014 in the United State District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and (vi) Reverend Jeremiah Githere, et al. v. TelexElectric LLP et al. (Case No. 1:14-CV-12825-GAO), filed on June 30, 2014 in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (together, the “Actions”). On October 21, 2014, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred and consolidated the Actions before the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Consolidated Action”). Following the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s October 21, 2014 order, four additional cases arising from the alleged TelexFree scheme were transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts for coordinated or consolidated proceedings, including (i) Paulo Eduardo Ferrari et al. v. Telexfree, Inc. et al. (Case No. 14-04080); (ii) Magalhaes v. TelexFree, Inc., et al., No. 14-cv-12437 (D. Mass.); (iii) Griffith v. Merrill et al., No. 14-CV-12058 (D. Mass.); Abelgadir v. Telexelectric, LLP, No. 14-09857 (S.D.N.Y.) In addition, on September 23, 2015, a putative class action relating to TelexFree was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, styled Rita Dos Santos, Putative Class Representatives and those Similarly Situated v. TelexElectric, LLP et al ., 2:15-cv-01906-NVW (the “Arizona Action”). The Arizona Action makes claims similar to those alleged in the consolidated action pending before the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On September 29, 2015, a group of certain defendants to the Consolidated Action, including ProPay, filed a “tag along” notice with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, asking that the Arizona Action be transferred to the District of Massachusetts where it can be consolidated or coordinated with the Consolidated Action. On October 20, 2015, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the Arizona Action to the District of Massachusetts. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts appointed lead plaintiffs’ counsel on behalf of the putative class of plaintiffs in the Consolidated Action. On March 31, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a First Consolidated Amended Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”). The Consolidated Complaint purports to bring claims on behalf of all persons who purchased certain TelexFree “memberships” and suffered a “net loss” between January 1, 2012 and April 16, 2014. The Consolidated Complaint supersedes the complaints filed prior to consolidation of the Actions, and alleges that ProPay aided and abetted tortious acts committed by TelexFree, and that ProPay was unjustly enriched in the course of providing payment processing services to TelexFree. On April 30, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint (the “Second Amended Complaint”), which amends and supersedes the Consolidated Complaint. Like the Consolidated Complaint, the Second Amended Complaint generally alleges that ProPay aided and abetted tortious acts committed by TelexFree, and that ProPay was unjustly enriched in the course of providing payment processing services to TelexFree. Several defendants, including ProPay, moved to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on June 2, 2015. Briefing on those motions closed on October 16, 2015. The court held a hearing on the motions to dismiss on November 2, 2015. At present, pursuant to a court order, all discovery in the action is stayed pending the resolution of parallel criminal proceedings against certain former principals of TelexFree, Inc. ProPay has also received various subpoenas, a seizure warrant and other inquiries requesting information regarding TelexFree from (i) the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Securities Division, (ii) United States Securities and Exchange Commission, (iii) US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and (iv) the bankruptcy Trustee of the Chapter 11 entities of TelexFree, Inc., TelexFree, LLC and TelexFree Financial, Inc. Pursuant to the seizure warrant served by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, ProPay delivered all funds associated with TelexFree held for chargeback and other purposes by ProPay to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In addition, ProPay received a notice of potential claim from the bankruptcy Trustee as a result of the relationship of ProPay with TelexFree and its affiliates. The above proceedings and actions are preliminary in nature. While the Company and ProPay intend to vigorously defend matters arising out of the relationship of ProPay with TelexFree and believe ProPay has substantial defenses related to these purported claims, the Company currently cannot reasonably estimate losses attributable to these matters.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 10 – Earnings Per Share The following tables illustrate basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Common Participating Common Participating Basic EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a) $ Average common shares outstanding (b) Basic EPS (a)/(b) $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c) $ Average common shares outstanding Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d) Diluted EPS (c)/(d) $ Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Common Participating Common Participating Basic EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a) $ Average common shares outstanding (b) Basic EPS (a)/(b) $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c) $ Average common shares outstanding Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d) Diluted EPS (c)/(d) $ The diluted EPS calculation excludes stock options and nonvested awards that are convertible into 0.4 million and 0.5 million common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and excludes 0.5 million common shares for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 11 — Acquisitions Refer to Note 24 of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included as Exhibit 13.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, for a discussion regarding acquisitions. On April 1, 2016, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of TransFirst for an aggregate purchase price of $2.35 billion in cash as of the closing, which is subject to certain working capital and other adjustments, as described in the Purchase Agreement. TransFirst previously operated as a privately held company, under the ownership of Vista Equity Partners. The results of the newly acquired business are being reported by TSYS as part of the Merchant Services segment. The Company funded the cash consideration and the payment of transaction-related expenses through a combination of cash-on-hand and proceeds from debt financings, including proceeds drawn under the Company’s Credit Agreement and the proceeds from an issuance of Notes, which together included proceeds of approximately $2.35 billion. The goodwill amount of $1.7 billion arising from the acquisition is primarily attributable to the expansion of customer base, differentiated distribution channels and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of TSYS and TransFirst. All of the goodwill was assigned to TSYS’ Merchant Services segment. The goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for TransFirst and the preliminary recognized amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on April 1, 2016 (the acquisition date) as of September 30, 2016. (in thousands) September 30, 2016 Consideration Cash $ Fair value of total consideration transferred $ Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ Accounts receivable, net Property, equipment and software Identifiable intangible assets Deferred tax asset Other assets Deferred tax liability Financial liabilities Total identifiable net assets Goodwill $ In the three months ended September 30, 2016, there was a $56,000 increase in the purchase price due to the finalization of the working capital requirement. In addition, there was a $2 million decrease in identifiable intangible assets and a $112,000 decrease in deferred tax liabilities that resulted in a net increase to goodwill of $1.9 million. 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, intangible assets, goodwill and financial liabilities. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in the TransFirst acquisition include merchant relationships, channel partners, current technology, the TransFirst trade name, non-compete agreements and a favorable lease. The identifiable intangible assets had no significant estimated residual value. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of one to ten 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 $814.1 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 acquisition and the related estimated weighted average useful lives are as follows: (in millions) Fair Value Weighted Average (in years) Merchant relationships $ Channel partners Current technology Trade name Covenants not-to-compete Favorable lease Total acquired identifiable intangible assets $ The fair value measurement of the identifiable intangible assets represents Level 2 and Level 3 measurements as defined by GAAP. Key assumptions include (a) cash flow projections based on market participant and internal data, (b) a discount rate of 8.5%, (c) a pre-tax royalty rate range of 1%-3%, (d) attrition rates of 11%-16%, (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 $29.6 million in acquisition-related costs primarily related to professional, legal and accounting costs, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and $9.8 million related to the bridge term loan facility, which is included in interest expense. These costs are expensed as incurred and are included in the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company recorded $841.8 million of revenue and $13.8 million of operating income since the acquisition date that is included in the consolidated results through the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as a result of the TransFirst acquisition. Pro Forma Results of Operations The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 as if the acquisition of TransFirst had occurred on January 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma information reflects certain pro forma adjustments to the combined historical financial information of TSYS and TransFirst. The pro forma adjustments include incremental amortization and depreciation expense, incremental interest expense associated with new long-term debt, a reduction of revenues and operating expenses associated with contracts existing between the companies and the elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs directly related to the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred as of that date. The unaudited pro forma information is also not intended to be a projection of future results due to the integration of the acquired business. Actual Supplemental pro forma Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Actual Supplemental pro forma Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ 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 TransFirst’s operations had occurred prior to January 1, 2015, 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 charges such as technology and infrastructure integration expenses, and other costs related to the integration of TransFirst into TSYS. In March 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining 45% interest in TSYS Managed Services EMEA Limited (EMEA) from Merchants Limited. The Company acquired the outstanding stock from Merchants Limited for approximately £4.2 million, or $5.9 million, in cash. In connection with the purchase, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of the existing debt between EMEA and Merchants Limited of approximately £2.2 million, or $3.0 million. In September 2016, the Company adjusted goodwill for NetSpend to include an additional $634,000 for a change in unrecognized income tax benefits associated with the acquisition resulting from active audits at the time of the acquisition.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 12 — Subsequent Events Management performed an evaluation of the Company’s activity as of the date these financial statements were issued, and has concluded that there are no significant subsequent events requiring disclosure.

Supplementary Balance Sheet I19

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances	(in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts $ Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts Total $
Significant Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	(in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Prepaid expenses $ Supplies inventory Income taxes receivable - Other Total $
Significant Components of Contract Acquisition Costs, Net of Accumulated Amortization	(in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Conversion costs, net of accumulated amortization of $161.6 million and $149.9 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively $ Payments for processing rights, net of accumulated amortization of $144.2 million and $137.9 million as of 2016 and 2015, respectively Total $
Significant Components of Other Current Liabilities	(in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Deferred revenues $ Accrued expenses Accrued third-party commissions Dividends payable Accrued interest Other Total $
Income Tax Effects Allocated to and Cumulative Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(a) (b) (c) (d) (a+d) (in thousands) Beginning Balance December 31, 2015 Pretax Tax Effect Net-of-Tax Ending Balance September 30, 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ $ $ Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Change in AOCI related to postretirement healthcare plans Total $ $ $

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Summary of Market-Based Awards Granted	The following table summarizes the market-based awards granted during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015: Year Performance Performance Number of Period Expensed 2016 December 2017 TSR December 2017 2016 December 2018 TSR December 2018 2015 July 2016, 2017 and 2018 TSR July 2018 2015 December 2017 TSR December 2017
Summary of Performance-Based Awards Granted	The following table summarizes the performance-based awards granted during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015: Year Performance Performance Number of Period Expensed 2016 December 2016 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2016 2016 December 2017 Adjusted EPS December 2017 2016 December 2018 Merchant Segment Net Revenue, Corporate Accountability Operating Income and attainment of synergies from TransFirst acquisition December 2018 2016 December 2018 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted Operating Income December 2018 2016 December 2018 Merchant Segment Net Revenue and Corporate Accountability Operating Income December 2018 2016 December 2018 Adjusted EPS December 2018 2016 December 2016 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2018 2015 December 2017 Adjusted EPS December 2017 2015 December 2015 Revenues before Reimbursable Items and Adjusted EPS December 2018
Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Value of Options	Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Number of options granted Weighted average exercise price $ Risk-free interest rate % % Expected volatility % % Expected term (years) Dividend yield % % Weighted average fair value $
Unvested Restricted Awards
Summary of Number of Shares Granted Each Year	Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Number of shares granted Market value ( in millions ) $

Segment Reporting, including Ge

Segment Reporting, including Geographic Area Data and Major Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total Assets by Segment	As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 North America Services $ International Services Merchant Services NetSpend Intersegment assets Total assets $
Operating Segments	Operating Segments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Operating income (a) $ Share-based compensation TransFirst M&A and integration expenses 1 - - Acquisition intangible amortization Adjusted operating income (b) $ Adjusted operating income by segment: North America Services (c) $ International Services (d) Merchant Services (e) NetSpend (f) Corporate Administration and Other Adjusted segment operating income 2 $ Total revenues (g) $ Reimbursable items, interchange and assessment expenses Net revenue 2 (h) Intersegment Segment net revenue $ Segment net revenue: North America Services (i) $ International Services (j) Merchant Services (k) NetSpend (l) Segment net revenue $ Operating margin (GAAP) (a)/(g) Adjusted operating margin on net revenue (b)/(h) Adjusted segment operating margin on net revenue: North America Services (c)/(i) International Services (d)/(j) Merchant Services (e)/(k) NetSpend (f)/(l) Depreciation and amortization: North America Services $ International Services Merchant Services NetSpend Segment depreciation and amortization Acquisition intangible amortization Corporate Administration and Other Total depreciation and amortization $ 1 Excludes share-based compensation 2 Net revenue and adjusted segment operating income are non-GAAP measures. Net revenue is total revenues less reimbursable items (such as postage), as well as, merchant acquiring interchange and assessment fees charged by the card associations or payment networks that are recorded by TSYS as expense . Adjusted segment operating income excludes acquisition intangible amortization, TransFirst M&A and integration expenses, share-based compensation and expenses associated with Corporate Administration and Other.
Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	As of (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 United States $ Europe* Other* Total $ *
Reconciliation of Geographic Revenues to External Revenues by Operating Segments	Three months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - Other* - Total $ $ Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - Other* - Total $ $ Three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - Other* - Total $ $ Nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) North International Merchant NetSpend Total United States $ - $ Europe* - Canada* - - - Other* - Total $ $ *

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Common Participating Common Participating Basic EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a) $ Average common shares outstanding (b) Basic EPS (a)/(b) $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c) $ Average common shares outstanding Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d) Diluted EPS (c)/(d) $ Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Common Participating Common Participating Basic EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a) $ Average common shares outstanding (b) Basic EPS (a)/(b) $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Less income allocated to nonvested awards Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c) $ Average common shares outstanding Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d) Diluted EPS (c)/(d) $

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Amounts of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Recognized	(in thousands) September 30, 2016 Consideration Cash $ Fair value of total consideration transferred $ Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ Accounts receivable, net Property, equipment and software Identifiable intangible assets Deferred tax asset Other assets Deferred tax liability Financial liabilities Total identifiable net assets Goodwill $
Estimated Fair Value of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired	(in millions) Fair Value Weighted Average (in years) Merchant relationships $ Channel partners Current technology Trade name Covenants not-to-compete Favorable lease Total acquired identifiable intangible assets $
Pro Forma Revenue and Earnings	Actual Supplemental pro forma Three months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Actual Supplemental pro forma Nine months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $ Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders $

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets non current	$ 6,974	$ 6,242
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets current		24,700
Deferred tax assets non current		24,700
Accounting Standards Update 2015-15
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred debt issuance costs, net		$ 6,400
NetSpend Holdings Inc
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating segments | segment	4

Fair Value Measurement - Additi

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 3,254,422	$ 1,545,424

Supplementary Balance Sheet I26

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts	$ 399,633	$ 307,578
Cash and cash equivalents in foreign accounts	47,250	81,750
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 446,883	$ 389,328

Supplementary Balance Sheet I27

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Significant Components of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Uncategorized [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 55,076	$ 37,961
Supplies inventory	13,478	15,114
Income taxes receivable		51,322
Other	55,564	49,802
Total	$ 124,118	$ 154,199

Supplementary Balance Sheet I28

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Significant Components of Contract Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 243,794	$ 247,811
Conversion costs
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	149,396	159,000
Payments for processing rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 94,398	$ 88,811

Supplementary Balance Sheet I29

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Conversion costs
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 161.6	$ 149.9
Payments for processing rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 144.2	$ 137.9

Supplementary Balance Sheet I30

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Reclassifications of AOCI			$ 0
Conversion costs
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 6,900,000	$ 7,000,000	21,300,000	$ 20,100,000
Payments for processing rights
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 4,900,000	$ 4,600,000	$ 14,900,000	$ 12,400,000

Supplementary Balance Sheet I31

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Significant Components of Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred revenues	$ 40,261	$ 39,863
Accrued expenses	29,429	26,017
Accrued third-party commissions	25,793	9,810
Dividends payable	19,351	19,367
Accrued interest	11,325	2,820
Other	102,387	68,702
Total	$ 228,546	$ 166,579

Supplementary Balance Sheet I32

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information - Income Tax Effects Allocated to and Cumulative Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,843,018
Ending Balance	2,065,669
Foreign currency translation adjustments and transfers from noncontrolling interests
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(35,013)
Pretax Amount	(20,298)
Tax Effect	(4,035)
Net-of-Tax Amount	(16,263)
Ending Balance	(51,276)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,503
Pretax Amount	2,936
Tax Effect	1,128
Net-of-Tax Amount	1,808
Ending Balance	4,311
Change in AOCI related to postretirement healthcare plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(1,034)
Pretax Amount	582
Tax Effect	209
Net-of-Tax Amount	373
Ending Balance	(661)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (OCI)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(33,544)
Pretax Amount	(16,780)
Tax Effect	(2,698)
Net-of-Tax Amount	(14,082)
Ending Balance	$ (47,626)

Long-Term Borrowings - Addition

Long-Term Borrowings - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 17, 2016	Feb. 23, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 700,000
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Term Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			1.50%
Term Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			1.00%
Term Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			1.75%
Term Loan | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.50%
Term Loan | Base rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.00%
Term Loan | Base rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.75%
Unsecured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 800,000
Repayment of revolving loan facility				$ 300,000
Credit facility, Outstanding				$ 170,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee			0.10%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee			0.25%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			1.30%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.90%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			1.50%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.30%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | Base rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.00%
Unsecured revolving credit facility | Base rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin rate			0.50%
Standby letters of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 50,000
Bridge Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bridge loan facility, term			364 days
Bridge loan facility, term			$ 1,150,000
Line of Credit, Current			350,000
TransFirst
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price	$ 2,351,400
Refinancing Term Loan | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			300,000
Delayed Draw Term Loan | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			400,000
Before Amendment | Bridge Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bridge loan facility, term			$ 2,000,000
3.800% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 750,000
Senior notes maturity year		2,021
Senior notes interest rate		3.80%
4.800% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 750,000
Senior notes maturity year		2,026
Senior notes interest rate		4.80%

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 13,100	$ 11,300	$ 33,792	$ 31,468
2015 & 2016 Performance Share Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements	24,600		24,600
2016 Market Based Share Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements	2,600		$ 2,600
Nonvested Restricted Stock Bonus Awards | Certain key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			4 years
Performance Shares | 2014 Performance Shares | attained in 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of performance shares grant expected to vest			200.00%
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements	$ 4,100		$ 4,100
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested share-based compensation arrangements, remaining weighted average recognition period			1 year 6 months
Stock Options | Certain key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			3 years

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Number of Shares Granted Each Year (Details) - Unvested Restricted Awards - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	331,733	388,211
Market value	$ 15.3	$ 14.9

Share-Based Compensation - Su36

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Market- Based Awards Granted (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	687,685	613,473
Market Based Share Awards | 2016 Market Based Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	6,403
Market Based Share Awards | 2016 Market Based Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	52,404
Market Based Share Awards | 2015 Market-Based Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	57,982
Market Based Share Awards | 2015 Market-Based Share Plan | Performance Period Ending July 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	25,000

Share-Based Compensation - Su37

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Performance-Based Awards Granted (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	687,685	613,473
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	122,284
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	15,605
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	29,332
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	78,220
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	14,940
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	144,995
Performance Shares | 2016 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	67,517
Performance Shares | 2015 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	135,289
Performance Shares | 2015 Performance Share Plan | Performance Period Ending December 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	165,543

Share-Based Compensation - Su38

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions and Fair Value of Options (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of options granted	687,685	613,473
Weighted average exercise price	$ 47.01	$ 39.01
Risk-free interest rate	1.24%	1.73%
Expected volatility	21.53%	20.80%
Expected term (years)	4 years 6 months	6 years 3 months 18 days
Dividend yield	0.86%	1.04%
Weighted average fair value	$ 8.50	$ 8.27

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate attributable to continuing operations	35.30%	24.50%	35.50%	30.70%
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits			$ 4.4
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits	$ 17.5		17.5		$ 13.1
Gross accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1.2		1.2		0.7
Unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates	18.1		18.1		13.2
Unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rates , interest and penalties	$ 0.8		$ 0.8		$ 0.5

Segment Reporting and Major C40

Segment Reporting and Major Customers - Total Assets by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 6,375,178	$ 3,877,895
Operating Segments | North America Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	5,660,048	3,485,924
Operating Segments | International Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	310,286	348,714
Operating Segments | Merchant Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	3,325,108	689,781
Operating Segments | NetSpend
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,468,576	1,504,740
Intersegment Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (4,388,840)	$ (2,151,264)

Segment Reporting and Major C41

Segment Reporting and Major Customers - Property and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 281,733	$ 289,898
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	235,541	241,814
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	39,774	41,953
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 6,418	$ 6,131

Segment Reporting and Major C42

Segment Reporting and Major Customers - Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 155,327	$ 163,104	$ 442,835	$ 416,202
Total revenues	1,146,888	707,890	3,037,853	2,062,698
Depreciation and amortization	98,916	64,499	271,468	191,219
Reimbursable items, interchange and assessment expenses	357,300	71,504	781,684	208,444
Net revenue from external customers	789,588	636,386	2,256,169	1,854,254
North America Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	337,407	334,657	1,010,494	961,784
International Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	83,511	90,540	249,737	255,078
Merchant Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	571,220	143,045	1,276,733	409,493
NetSpend
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	154,750	139,648	500,889	436,343
Corporate, Non-Segment | Share Based Compensation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	13,069	11,295	33,792	31,468
Corporate, Non-Segment | TransFirst
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	1,830		25,908
Corporate, Non-Segment | Corporate Administration
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(37,022)	(14,736)	(99,830)	(72,753)
Depreciation and amortization	898	336	2,694	1,762
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	53,341	22,883	134,748	69,601
Segment Reconciling Items | Acquisition Related Intangible Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	53,341	22,883	134,748	69,601
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	223,567	197,282	637,283	517,271
Depreciation and amortization	44,677	41,280	134,026	119,856
Net revenue from external customers	$ 798,042	$ 643,386	$ 2,285,667	$ 1,879,352
Operating margin	13.50%	23.00%	14.60%	20.20%
Operating margin on net revenue	28.30%	31.00%	28.30%	27.90%
Operating Segments | North America Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 113,425	$ 113,946	$ 350,955	$ 324,902
Depreciation and amortization	27,540	25,300	82,464	72,831
Net revenue from external customers	$ 300,754	$ 293,571	$ 901,563	$ 846,989
Operating margin on net revenue	37.70%	38.80%	38.90%	38.40%
Operating Segments | International Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 15,524	$ 18,370	$ 41,564	$ 38,706
Depreciation and amortization	7,050	8,678	23,394	26,084
Net revenue from external customers	$ 79,445	$ 86,446	$ 236,570	$ 244,033
Operating margin on net revenue	19.50%	21.30%	17.60%	15.90%
Operating Segments | Merchant Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 90,784	$ 42,387	$ 219,056	$ 117,192
Depreciation and amortization	6,846	4,670	18,702	13,394
Net revenue from external customers	$ 262,494	$ 123,721	$ 644,573	$ 351,987
Operating margin on net revenue	34.60%	34.30%	34.00%	33.30%
Operating Segments | NetSpend
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 40,856	$ 37,315	$ 125,538	$ 109,224
Depreciation and amortization	3,241	2,632	9,466	7,547
Net revenue from external customers	$ 155,349	$ 139,648	$ 502,961	$ 436,343
Operating margin on net revenue	26.30%	26.70%	25.00%	25.00%
Intersegment Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	$ 8,454	$ 7,000	$ 29,498	$ 25,098

Segment Reporting and Major C43

Segment Reporting and Major Customers - Reconciliation of Geographic Revenues to External Revenues by Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,146,888	$ 707,890	$ 3,037,853	$ 2,062,698
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	989,608	540,071	2,553,034	1,560,811
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	74,884	79,630	225,841	224,349
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	66,024	68,560	209,269	219,033
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	16,372	19,629	49,709	58,505
North America Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	337,407	334,657	1,010,494	961,784
North America Services | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	264,062	257,756	776,671	716,061
North America Services | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	207	199	606	597
North America Services | Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	65,839	68,396	208,739	218,565
North America Services | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,299	8,306	24,478	26,561
International Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	83,511	90,540	249,737	255,078
International Services | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	74,620	79,402	225,071	223,671
International Services | Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues			23
International Services | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,891	11,138	24,643	31,407
Merchant Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	571,220	143,045	1,276,733	409,493
Merchant Services | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	570,796	142,667	1,275,474	408,407
Merchant Services | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	57	29	164	81
Merchant Services | Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	185	164	507	468
Merchant Services | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	182	185	588	537
NetSpend
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	154,750	139,648	500,889	436,343
NetSpend | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 154,750	$ 139,648	$ 500,889	$ 436,343

Supplementary Cash Flow Infor44

Supplementary Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]
Equipment and software acquired under capital lease obligations	$ 1,600	$ 3,800
Financing agreement for perpetual software licenses
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]
Financing agreement amount	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments And Contingencies -

Commitments And Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Liability for uncertain tax positions	$ 17.5	$ 13.1

Earnings Per Share - Basic and

Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Under Guidance of ASC 260 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basic EPS:
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352	$ 120,622	$ 245,688	$ 281,216
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$ 0.46	$ 0.66	$ 1.34	$ 1.53
Diluted EPS:
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352	$ 120,622	$ 245,688	$ 281,216
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$ 0.46	$ 0.65	$ 1.33	$ 1.52
Common Stock
Basic EPS:
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352	$ 120,622	$ 245,688	$ 281,216
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	(391)	(991)	(1,240)	(2,445)
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$ 84,961	$ 119,631	$ 244,448	$ 278,771
Average common shares outstanding (b)	182,971	182,431	182,656	182,701
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$ 0.46	$ 0.66	$ 1.34	$ 1.53
Diluted EPS:
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352	$ 120,622	$ 245,688	$ 281,216
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	(389)	(985)	(1,236)	(2,432)
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$ 84,963	$ 119,637	$ 244,452	$ 278,784
Average common shares outstanding	182,971	182,431	182,656	182,701
Increase due to assumed issuance of shares related to common equivalent shares outstanding	811	1,327	829	1,214
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)	183,782	183,758	183,485	183,915
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$ 0.46	$ 0.65	$ 1.33	$ 1.52
Participating Securities
Basic EPS:
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	$ 391	$ 991	$ 1,240	$ 2,445
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (a)	$ 391	$ 991	$ 1,240	$ 2,445
Average common shares outstanding (b)	860	1,523	945	1,619
Basic EPS (a)/(b)	$ 0.45	$ 0.65	$ 1.31	$ 1.51
Diluted EPS:
Less income allocated to nonvested awards	$ 389	$ 985	$ 1,236	$ 2,432
Net income allocated to common stock for EPS calculation (c)	$ 389	$ 985	$ 1,236	$ 2,432
Average common shares outstanding	860	1,523	945	1,619
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (d)	860	1,523	945	1,619
Diluted EPS (c)/(d)	$ 0.45	$ 0.65	$ 1.31	$ 1.50

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Convertible stock options and nonvested awards excluded from diluted EPS calculation	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.5

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Debt and cash-on-hand used for business acquisition					$ 2,350,000
Goodwill				$ 3,254,422	3,254,422	$ 1,545,424
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 814,100
Purchase of noncontrolling interest					5,878
TransFirst
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price	2,351,400
Goodwill	1,709,715
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 814,131
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, discount rate	8.50%
Assumption used in fair value measurement, royalty rate low range	1.00%
Assumption used in fair value measurement, royalty rate high range	3.00%
Assumption used in fair value measurement,, attrition rate low range	11.00%
Assumption used in fair value measurement, attrition rate high range	16.00%
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, effective tax rate	40.00%
Assumption used in fair value, measurement, long-term sustainable growth rate	3.00%
Revenue since acquisition date				841,800
Operating income since acquisition date				$ 13,800
TransFirst | Bridge Loan Facility | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition-related costs					29,600
TransFirst | Bridge Loan Facility | Interest expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition-related costs					$ 9,800
TransFirst | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful life	1 year
TransFirst | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful life	10 years
Merchants Limited | TSYS Managed Services EMEA Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired from minority interest holders		45.00%	45.00%
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		£ 4.2	$ 5,900
Repayment of debt assumed upon acquisition		£ 2.2	$ 3,000

Acquisitions - Amounts of Asset

Acquisitions - Amounts of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 814,100
Goodwill		$ 3,254,422	$ 1,545,424
TransFirst
Consideration
Cash	2,351,400
Fair value of total consideration transferred	2,351,400
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash	5,907
Accounts receivable, net	62,313
Property equipment and software	12,726
Identifiable intangible assets	814,131
Deferred tax asset	2,244
Other assets	7,509
Deferred tax liability	(206,645)
Financial liabilities	(56,500)
Total identifiable net assets	641,685
Goodwill	1,709,715
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net, Total	$ 2,351,400
Increase in business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price		56,000
Increase in identifiable intangible assets		2,000
Decrease in deferred tax liability		112,000
Increase in goodwill		$ 1,900

Acquisitions - Estimated Fair V

Acquisitions - Estimated Fair Value of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 814.1
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	9 years 2 months 12 days
Merchant Relationships
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 588
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	10 years
Channel Partner
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 121
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	10 years
Current Technology
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 72
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	$ 16
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	1 year
Covenants-Not-to-Compete
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 15
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	3 years
Favorable Lease
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, fair value	$ 2.1
Acquired intangible assets, weighted average useful lives	5 years 7 months 6 days

Acquisitions - Unaudited Pro Fo

Acquisitions - Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 1,146,888,000	$ 707,890,000	$ 3,037,853,000	$ 2,062,698,000
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352,000	$ 120,622,000	$ 245,688,000	$ 281,216,000
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.46	$ 0.66	$ 1.34	$ 1.53
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.46	$ 0.65	$ 1.33	$ 1.52
NetSpend
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 154,750,000	$ 139,648,000	$ 500,889,000	$ 436,343,000
Change in unrecognized income tax benefits	634,000		634,000
TransFirst
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	1,146,888,000	707,890,000	3,037,853,000	2,062,698,000
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 85,352,000	$ 120,622,000	$ 245,688,000	$ 281,216,000
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.46	$ 0.66	$ 1.34	$ 1.53
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.46	$ 0.65	$ 1.33	$ 1.52
Revenue	$ 1,146,888,000	$ 827,592,000	$ 3,430,012,000	$ 2,412,262,000
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 88,413,000	$ 114,029,000	$ 273,058,000	$ 247,533,000
Basic EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.48	$ 0.63	$ 1.49	$ 1.35
Diluted EPS attributable to TSYS common shareholders	$ 0.48	$ 0.62	$ 1.49	$ 1.35

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 04, 2016item
Subsequent Event
Number of subsequent events	0