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