<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.8.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>448</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>461</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>101</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SettlementProcessingAssetsAndObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - OTHER ASSETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/OtherAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>OTHER ASSETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCredit</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTax</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptions</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/NoncontrollingInterests</Role>
      <ShortName>NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ComparativeDataForYearEndedDecember312016AndSevenMonthsEndedDecember312015Unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/QuarterlyConsolidatedFinancialInformationUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2124100 - Schedule - SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SettlementProcessingAssetsAndObligationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditTables</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxTables</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2320301 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ComparativeDataForYearEndedDecember312016AndSevenMonthsEndedDecember312015UnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322301 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/QuarterlyConsolidatedFinancialInformationUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Business, Consolidation and Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBusinessConsolidationAndPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Business, Consolidation and Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Reserve for Operating Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReserveForOperatingLossesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Reserve for Operating Losses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401405 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401406 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401407 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accrued Buyout Liability (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccruedBuyoutLiabilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accrued Buyout Liability (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401408 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401409 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401410 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Reclassifications (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReclassificationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Reclassifications (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401411 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently Issued Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyIssuedPronouncementsNotYetAdoptedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently Issued Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS - Components of Consideration Transferred (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AcquisitionsComponentsOfConsiderationTransferredDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS - Components of Consideration Transferred (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402404 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS - Schedule of Fair Value of Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfFairValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS - Schedule of Fair Value of Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402405 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SettlementProcessingAssetsAndObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SETTLEMENT PROCESSING ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Roll-Forward (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillRollForwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Roll-Forward (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405404 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405405 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFutureIntangibleAssetAmortizationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406401 - Disclosure - OTHER ASSETS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/OtherAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>OTHER ASSETS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Outstanding Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditScheduleOfOutstandingDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Outstanding Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Maturity Requirements On Outstanding Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditScheduleOfMaturityRequirementsOnOutstandingDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Maturity Requirements On Outstanding Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407404 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407405 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditScheduleOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407406 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of effect on other comprehensive income (loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLinesOfCreditScheduleOfEffectOnOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT - Schedule of effect on other comprehensive income (loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES - Summary (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesSummaryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES - Summary (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Income Before Income Taxes, Domestic and Foreign (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxesDomesticAndForeignDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Income Before Income Taxes, Domestic and Foreign (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409405 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Reconciliation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Reconciliation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409406 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409407 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Net Deferred Tax Asset and Liability (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxNetDeferredTaxAssetAndLiabilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Net Deferred Tax Asset and Liability (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409408 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Change in Valuation Allowance (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxChangeInValuationAllowanceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Change in Valuation Allowance (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409409 - Disclosure - INCOME TAX - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/IncomeTaxUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAX - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410401 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsShareBasedCompensationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411403 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Restricted, Performance and Leveraged Units Stock Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsRestrictedPerformanceAndLeveragedUnitsStockActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Restricted, Performance and Leveraged Units Stock Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411404 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411405 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Stock Option Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsStockOptionActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Stock Option Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411406 - Disclosure - SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Schedule of Valuation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsAndOptionsScheduleOfValuationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTIONS - Schedule of Valuation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures  (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationScheduleOfCashFlowDisclosuresDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures  (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Non Controlling Interest (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsReconciliationOfNetIncomeAttributableToNonControllingInterestDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Non Controlling Interest (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Schedule of AOCI (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossScheduleOfAociDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Schedule of AOCI (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Schedule of Segments by Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentsBySegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION - Schedule of Segments by Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416404 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Schedule of Assets by Region (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfAssetsByRegionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION - Schedule of Assets by Region (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420402 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420403 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ComparativeDataForYearEndedDecember312016AndSevenMonthsEndedDecember312015UnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>COMPARATIVE DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422402 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - Schedule of Summarized Quarterly Results (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/QuarterlyConsolidatedFinancialInformationUnauditedScheduleOfSummarizedQuarterlyResultsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - Schedule of Summarized Quarterly Results (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422403 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/QuarterlyConsolidatedFinancialInformationUnauditedNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="gpn-20171231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424401 - Schedule - SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>gpn-20171231.xml</File>
    <File>gpn-20171231.xsd</File>
    <File>gpn-20171231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>gpn-20171231_def.xml</File>
    <File>gpn-20171231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>gpn-20171231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
