Acquisitions - Cayan - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 11, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Pro Forma Results of Operations
Total revenues (Notes 2 and 8)		$ 987,170	$ 1,184,725
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders		141,841	105,868
Operating Income (Loss)		$ 188,271	$ 167,183
Cayan
Pro Forma Results of Operations
Total revenues (Notes 2 and 8)	$ 42,000			$ 1,217,517
Net income attributable to TSYS common shareholders				$ 96,297
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 3,400