Supplemental balance sheet information (goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year	$ 996,415
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	(20,000)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	976,415
Currency translation adjustment	93
Goodwill, gross, end of period	996,508
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period	(20,000)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period	976,508
Small Business Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year	671,295
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	(20,000)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	651,295
Currency translation adjustment	93
Goodwill, gross, end of period	671,388
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period	(20,000)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period	651,388
Financial Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year	176,614
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	176,614
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, gross, end of period	176,614
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period	176,614
Direct Checks [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year	148,506
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year	148,506
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, gross, end of period	148,506
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period	$ 148,506