Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019 shares
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Total System Services, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000721683
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-10254
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	GA
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-1493818
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Entity Address, Address Line One	Georgia
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Post Office Box 1755
Entity Address, City or Town	Columbus
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	31902
City Area Code	706
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Local Phone Number	644-4388
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	176,977,106
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	TSS
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false