Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table]
Non-employee Shares Issued [Axis]
Non-employee Shares Issued [Axis]
Non-employee Shares Issued [Axis]
Non-employee Shares Issued [Domain]
Non-employee Shares Issued [Domain]
[Domain] for Non-employee Shares Issued [Axis]
Shares Issued - Deferred [Member]
Shares Issued - Deferred [Member]
Shares Issue - Deferred [Member]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Unvested restricted stock shareholders [Member]
Unvested restricted stock shareholders [Member]
Unvested restricted stock shareholders [Member]
Common shareholders [Member]
Common shareholders [Member]
Common shareholders [Member]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Non Employee Director Stock, Cumulative Deferred Shares
Non Employee Director Stock, Cumulative Deferred Shares
Non Employee Director Stock, Cumulative Deferred Shares
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment [Abstract]
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Noncontrolling Interest, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Student Loans Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Allowance for Loan Losses, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash and Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash - Due to Customers [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash - Due to Customers [Policy Text Block]
Restricted Cash - Due to Customers [Policy Text Block]
Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Other Assets [Policy Text Block]
Other Assets [Policy Text Block]
Other Assets [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Assets or Liabilities that Relate to Transferor's Continuing Involvement in Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Transfers of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities [Policy Text Block]
Transfers of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities [Policy Text Block]
Derivative Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock Repurchases [Policy Text Block]
Stock Repurchases [Policy Text Block]
Stock Repurchases [Policy Text Block]
Stock Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Pending Litigation [Member]
Pending Litigation [Member]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Than Zaw v. Nelnet, Inc. [Member]
Than Zaw v. Nelnet, Inc. [Member]
Than Zaw v. Nelnet, Inc. [Member]
Grant Keating v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC et al [Member]
Grant Keating v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC et al [Member]
Grant Keating v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC et al [Member]
Bais Yaakov of Spring Valley v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC [Member]
Bais Yaakov of Spring Valley v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC [Member]
Bais Yaakov of Spring Valley v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchases [Table Text Block]
Stock Repurchases [Table Text Block]
Stock Repurchases [Table Text Block]
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table]
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table]
Gain (Loss) on Investments by Category [Axis]
Investments by Category [Axis]
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Including Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost, Categories of Investments [Domain]
Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost [Domain]
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Trading Securities [Member]
Trading Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains
Gross realized losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses
Unrealized gains (losses), net
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)
Realized gains (losses), net
Trading Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)
Investment gains (losses) included in other income
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract]
Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Common Class A [Member]
Common Class A [Member]
Common Class B [Member]
Common Class B [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Preferred stock, authorized shares
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, issued shares
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued
Preferred stock, outstanding shares
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding
Par value (in Dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Shares authorized
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Shares issued
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Shares outstanding
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities [Abstract]
Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Required minimum balance after optional redemption
Required minimum balance after optional redemption
Required minimum balance after optional redemption
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Investment Holdings [Table]
Investment Holdings [Table]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Domain]
Investment [Domain]
Investments [Member]
Investments [Member]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investment Type Categorization [Domain]
Investments [Domain]
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Trading investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Student Loan Asset-Backed and Other Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Securities [Member]
Equity securities [Member]
Equity Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Gross unrealized gains
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross unrealized losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Guaranteed investment contracts - held-to-maturity
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
1:3 basis swaps [Member]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Basis Swap [Member]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Basis Swap [Member]
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Swaption [Member]
Swaption [Member]
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges [Member]
Hybrid Debt interest Rate Swap [Member]
Hybrid Debt interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cross-currency interest rate swaps [Member]
Currency Swap [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements
derivative settlements
derivative settlements
Change in fair value
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net
Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense)
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements - income (expense)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Condensed parent-only financial statements [Abstract]
Condensed parent-only financial statements [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Axis]
Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Axis]
Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Axis]
Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Domain]
Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Domain]
[Domain] for Employee Service share-based compensation, nonvested [Axis]
Year one [Member]
Year One [Member]
Year one [Member]
Year two [Member]
Year Two [Member]
Year Two [Member]
Year three [Member]
Year Three [Member]
Year Three [Member]
Year four [Member]
Year Four [Member]
Year Four [Member]
Year five [Member]
Year Five [Member]
Year Five [Member]
Year six and thereafter [Member]
After Year Five [Member]
After Year Five [Member]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock Activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Employee Share-based Compensation Expense
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date
Employee Share-based Compensation, Shares Issued
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted
Non-vested Shares at Beginning of Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Canceled
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Non-vested Shares at End of Year
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Voting Rights, Number of Votes Per Share
Common Stock, Voting Rights
Investments
Investment Holdings [Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense/Benefit [Table]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Table]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense/Benefit [Table]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Axis]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Axis]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Axis]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Domain]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Domain]
[Domain] for Schedule of Income Tax Expense or Benefit [Axis]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense/Benefit [Line Items]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Schedule of Income Tax Expense/Benefit [Table]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]
Transactions with Union Bank and Trust Company [Abstract]
Transactions with Union Bank and Trust Company [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
RevenueOrExpense [Axis]
RevenueOrExpense [Axis]
Revenue or Expense [Axis]
RevenueOrExpense [Domain]
RevenueOrExpense [Domain]
[Domain] for Revenue or Expense [Axis]
Investment Services [Axis]
Investment Services [Axis]
Investment Services [Axis]
Investment Services [Domain]
Investment Services [Domain]
Investment Services [Domain]
May 9, 2011 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
May 9, 2011 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
May 9, 2011 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
January 20, 2012 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
January 20, 2012 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
January 20, 2012 Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management agreement [Member]
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Axis]
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Axis]
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Axis]
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Domain]
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Domain]
[Domain] for Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses [Axis]
529 Plan Administration Fees [Member]
529 Plan Administration Fees [Member]
529 Plan Administration Fees [Member]
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Selling Expense [Member]
Commissions [Member]
Commissions [Member]
Cash Management [Member]
Cash Management [Member]
Cash Management [Member]
Other services [Member]
Other services [Member]
Other services [Member]
Employee Sharing Arrangement [Member]
Employee Sharing Arrangement [Member]
Employee Sharing Arrangement [Member]
Health and Productivity Services [Member]
Health and Productivity Services [Member]
Health and Productivity Service [Member]
401K Plan Administrative Fees [Member]
401K Plan Administrative Fees [Member]
401K Plan Administrative Fees [Member]
Fees Paid to/from Union Bank [Axis]
Fees Paid to or from Union Bank [Axis]
Fees Paid to/from Union Bank [Axis]
Fees Paid to Union Bank [Domain]
Fees Paid to Union Bank [Domain]
[Domain] for Fees Paid to Union Bank [Axis]
Paid to Union Bank [Member]
Paid to Union Bank [Member]
Paid to Union Bank [Member]
Received from Union Bank [Member]
Received from Union Bank [Member]
Received from Union Bank [Member]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
Union Bank and Trust Company [Member]
Union Bank and Trust Company [Member]
Union Bank and Trust Company [Member]
Parent Company [Member]
Parent Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management Fees Revenue
Management Fees Revenue
Amount invested in funds
Amount invested in funds
Amount invested in funds
Receivables due from Union Bank and Trust
Receivables due from Union Bank and Trust
Receivables due from Union Bank and Trust
Fees paid to Union Bank as custodian
Fees paid to Union Bank as custodian
Fees paid to Union Bank as custodian
Loan Purchases and Sales [Abstract]
Loan Purchases [Abstract]
Loan Purchases [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases
Financing Receivable, Significant Sales
Financing Receivable, Significant Sales
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums, Other
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums, Other
Loan Servicing [Abstract]
Loan Servicing [Abstract]
Loan Servicing [Abstract]
Student loans receivable, net
Financing Receivable, Net
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
Bank Servicing Fees
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts Receivable, Net
Funding, Participation Agreement [Abstract]
Funding, Participation Agreement [Abstract]
Funding, Participation Agreement [Abstract]
Amount of Participation, FFELP Student Loans
Amount of Participation, FFELP Student Loans
Amount of Participation, FFELP Student Loans
Maximum Participation to Union Bank FFELP Loans
Maximum Participation to Union Bank FFELP Loans
Maximum Participation to Union Bank to the extent of availability under grantor trusts.
Subparticipation Agreement [Abstract]
Subparticipation Agreement [Abstract]
Subparticipation Agreement [Abstract]
Amount of Participation
Amount of Participation
Amount of Participation
Contractual Obligation
Contractual Obligation
basis points earned on outstanding balance
basis points earned on outstanding balance
basis points earned on outstanding balance
Operating Cash Accounts [Abstract]
Cash Operating Accounts [Abstract]
Cash Operating Accounts [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents related party
Cash and cash equivalents related party
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party.
Restricted cash - due to customers
Restricted cash - due to customers
Restricted cash - due to customers
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating
Other Fees Paid to/Received from Union Bank [Abstract]
Other Fees Paid to (Received from) Union Bank [Abstract]
Other Fees Paid to / Received from Union Bank [Abstract]
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Square Footage Leased to Union Bank and Trust Company
Square Footage Leased to Union Bank and Trust Company
Square Footage Leased to Union Bank and Trust Company
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Bonds and Notes Payable [Abstract]
Bonds and Notes Payable [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Axis]
Lender Name [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Secured line of credit [Member]
Secured Debt [Member]
Secured line of credit [Member]
Secured line of credit [Member]
Secured line of credit [Member]
Unsecured line of credit [Member]
Line of Credit [Member]
NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member]
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member]
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date
Maximum financing amount
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Amount outstanding
Long-term Line of Credit
Amount available
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Expiration of liquidity provisions
expiration of liquidity provisions
expiration of liquidity provisions
Final maturity date
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End
Advanced as equity support
FFELP warehouse facility equity support
FFELP warehouse facility equity support
Minimum advance rates - range minimum
Minimum Advance Rates - range minimum
Minimum Advance Rates - range minimum
Minimum advance rates - range maximum
Minimum Advance Rates - range maximum
Minimum Advance Rates - range maximum
Maximum advance rates - range minimum
Maximum Advance Rates - range minimum
Maximum Advance Rates - range minimum
Maximum advance rates - range maximum
Maximum Advance Rates - range maximum
Maximum Advance Rates - range maximum
decrease in lending facility
decrease in lending facility
decrease in lending facility
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
parent only balance sheet [Table Text Block]
parent only balance sheet [Table Text Block]
parent only balance sheet [Table Text Block]
parent only income statement [Table Text Block]
parent only income statement [Table Text Block]
parent only income statement [Table Text Block]
Parent Only Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
Parent Only Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
Parent Only Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
parent only statement of cash flows [Table Text Block]
parent only statement of cash flows [Table Text Block]
parent only statement of cash flows [Table Text Block]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and Notes Payable
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Customer Relationships [Member]
Customer Relationships [Member]
Computer Software [Member]
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Trade Names [Member]
Trade Names [Member]
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Media Content [Member]
Media Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
parent-only results of operations [Abstract]
parent-only results of operations [Abstract]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Investment interest
Investment Income, Interest
Interest on bonds and notes payable
Interest Expense
Net interest income
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense):
Noninterest Income, Other [Abstract]
Other income
Other Income
Gain from debt repurchases
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases net
Gains on sale of student loans and debt repurchases, net.
Equity in subsidiaries income
Equity in subsidiary income
Equity in subsidiary income
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative Market Value And Foreign Currency Adjustments And Derivative Settlements Net
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net.
Total other income
Noninterest Income
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Income before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest
Income tax expense
Net income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities [Axis]
Variable Interest Entities [Axis]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain]
Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain]
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets:
Assets [Abstract]
Student loans receivable, net
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party
Cash and cash equivalents not held at related party
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party
Total cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Investments
Investments
Restricted cash and investments
Restricted Cash and Investments
Accrued interest receivable
Interest Receivable
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,656 and $3,845, respectively)
Goodwill
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Other assets
Other Assets
Fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value
Fair value of derivative instrument, net
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net
Total assets
Assets
Liabilities:
Liabilities [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable
Accrued interest payable
Interest Payable
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities
Due to customers
Payables to Customers
Fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value
Total liabilities
Liabilities
Equity:
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock:
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Noncontrolling interest
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total equity
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Commitments and contingencies
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Total liabilities and equity
Liabilities and Equity
Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Axis]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Axis]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Axis]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Domain]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Domain]
[Domain] for Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Axis]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Schedule of Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table]
Tax expense at federal rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Increase (decrease) resulting from: [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) resulting from: [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) resulting from: [Abstract]
State tax, net of federal income tax benefit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent
Provision of uncertain federal and state tax matters
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent
Tax credits
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent
Other
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Parent Only Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Parent Only Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, net
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Income tax effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Total other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis]
Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Director [Member]
Director [Member]
Nelnet, Inc. [Member]
Union Financial Services Inc. [Member]
Union Financial Services Inc. [Member]
Union Financial Services Inc. [Member]
Percent ownership of Union Financial Services Inc.
Percent ownership of Union Financial Services Inc.
Percent ownership of Union Financial Services Inc.
Aircraft purchase price
Aircraft purchase price
Aircraft purchase price
Proceeds from sale of percentage of aircraft
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
Percent of aircraft owned
percent of aircraft owned
percent of aircraft owned
Legal Proceedings
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - 1:3 Basis swaps
Interest Rate Swaps - One month to Three Month LIBOR [Table Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - 1 month to Three Month LIBOR [Table Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - Floor Income Hedges
Interest Rate Swaps - Floor Income Hedges [Table Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - Floor Income Hedges [Table Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - Unsecured Debt Hedges
Interest Rate Swaps - Unsecured Debt Hedge [Table Text Block]
Interest Rate Swaps - Unsecured Debt Hedge [Table Text Block]
Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts on the Statement of Income
Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts on the Statement of Income [Table Text Block]
Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts on the Statement of Income [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Interest income:
Interest income: [Abstract]
Loan interest
Loan interest
Student loan interest.
Total interest income
Interest expense:
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Less provision for loan losses
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Interest Income (Expense), after Provision for Loan Loss
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense): [Abstract]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue.
Enrollment services revenue
Enrollment services revenue
Enrollment services revenue
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases, net
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Operating expenses:
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Salaries and benefits
Labor and Related Expense
Cost to provide enrollment services
Cost of Services
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Other
Other Expenses
Total operating expenses
Income tax expense
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share: [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]
Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Fair value [Member]
Carrying value [Member]
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted Cash Fair Value
Restricted Cash Fair Value
Restricted investments
Restricted Investments
Derivative instruments
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments
2014-4 Securitization [Axis]
2014-4 Securitization [Axis]
2014-4 Securitization [Axis]
2014-4 Securitization [Domain]
2014-4 Securitization [Domain]
[Domain] for 2014-4 Securitization [Axis]
2014-4 Securitization Class A-1 [Member]
2014-4 Securitization Class A-1 [Member]
2014-4 Securitization Class A-1
2014-4 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-4 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-4 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization [Axis]
2014-2 Securitization [Axis]
2014-2 Securitization [Axis]
2014-2 Securitization [Domain]
2014-2 Securitization [Domain]
[Domain] for 2014-2 Securitization [Axis]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-1 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-1 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-1 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-2 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-3 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-3 [Member]
2014-2 Securitization Class A-3 [Member]
Class A [Member]
Class A [Member]
Class A [Member]
Class B [Member]
Class B [Member]
Class B [Member]
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
2014-1 Securitization [Member]
2014-1 Securitization [Member]
2014-1 Securitization [Member]
2014-2 Securitization [Member]
2014-2 Securitization [Member]
2014-2 Securitization [Member]
2014-3 Securitization [Member]
2014-3 Securitization [Member]
2014-3 Securitization [Member]
2014-4 Securitization [Member]
2014-4 Securitization [Member]
2014-4 Securitization [Member]
2014-5 Securitization [Member]
2014-5 Securitization [Member]
2014-5 Securitization [Member]
2014-6 Securitization [Member]
2014-6 Securitization [Member]
2014-6 Securitization [Member]
2013-1 Securitization [Member]
2013-1 Securitization [Member]
2013-1 Securitization [Member]
2013-2 Securitization [Member]
2013-2 Securitization [Member]
2013-2 Securitization [Member]
2013-3 Securitization [Member]
2013-3 Securitization [Member]
2013-3 Securitization [Member]
2013-4 Securitization [Member]
2013-4 Securitization [Member]
2013-4 Securitization [Member]
2013-5 Securitization [Member]
2013-5 Securitization [Member]
2013-5 Securitization [Member]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Asset
Date issued
Asset-backed securitization, issuance date
Asset-backed securitization, issuance date
Total original principal amount
Bond discount
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount
Issue price
Long-term Debt, Fair Value
Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:)
Class B subordinated notes purchased with issuance of asset-backed securitizations (off-balance sheet)
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Asset
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
RenWeb Acquisition [Member]
RenWeb Acquisition [Member]
RenWeb Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segment [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing [Member]
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing [Member]
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing [Member]
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce [Member]
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce [Member]
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce [Member]
Asset Generation and Management [Member]
Asset Generation and Management [Member]
Asset Generation and Management [Member]
Corporate and Other Activities [Member]
Corporate and Other [Member]
Eliminations [Member]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income
Interest expense
Intersegment servicing revenue
Revenues
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
Derivative Market Value and Foreign Currency Adjustment
Derivative Market Value and Foreign Currency Adjustment
Derivative settlements, net
Intersegment expenses, net
intersegment expenses
intersegment expenses
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
Corporate overhead allocation
Corporate Overhead Allocation
Corporate Overhead Allocation
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash
Derivative Assets Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Derivative Assets Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Derivative Assets Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Net
Receivables [Abstract]
Repurchase Obligation [Table]
Repurchase Obligation [Table]
Repurchase Obligation [Table]
repurchase obligaion [Axis]
Repurchase Obligation [Axis]
Repurchase Obligation [Axis]
Repurchase Obligation [Domain]
Repurchase Obligation [Domain]
Repurchase Obligation [Domain]
Private education loans sold subject to repurchase agreement [Member]
Non-Federally Insured Loans Sold Subject to Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Non-Federally Insured Loans Sold Subject to Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Repurchase Obligation [Line Items]
Repurchase Obligation [Line Items]
Repurchase Obligation [Line Items]
Days delinquent to trigger repurchase range, minimum
Days Past Due to Trigger Repurchase - Range Minimum
Days past due to trigger repurchase - range minimum
Days delinquent to trigger repurchase range, maximum
Days Past Due To Trigger Repurchase Range Maximum
Days Past Due To Trigger Repurchase Range Maximum
Change in Repurchase Obligation [Roll Forward]
Change in Repurchase Obligation [Roll Forward]
Change in Repurchase Obligation
Beginning balance
Repurchase Obligation
Repurchase Obligation
Repurchase obligation transferred to the allowance for loan losses related to loans repurchased, net
Transfer to the Allowance for Loan Losses Related to Loans Sold or Purchased and other, net
Transfer to/from the Repurchase Obligation Related to Loans Sold/Purchased and other, net
Repurchase obligation associated with loans sold
Repurchase Obligation Associated With Loans Sold on January 13, 2011
Repurchase Obligation Associated With Loans Sold on January 13, 2011
Current period income
Repurchase Obligation Current Period Income
Repurchase Obligation Current Period Income
Ending balance
Other Borrowings [Abstract]
Other Borrowings [Abstract]
Other borrowings [Axis]
Other borrowings [Axis]
Other borrowings [Axis]
Other borrowings [Domain]
Other borrowings [Domain]
[Domain] for Other borrowings [Axis]
Mortgages [Member]
Mortgages [Member]
Sub-Participation [Member]
Sub-Participation [Member]
Sub-Participation [Member]
Third-party [Member]
Third-party [Member]
Third-party [Member]
Defeased debt [Member]
Defeased debt [Member]
Defeased debt [Member]
Other borrowings [Member]
Other borrowings [Member]
Other borrowings [Member]
future obligation to fund subparticipation
future obligation to fund subparticipation
future obligation to fund subparticipation
Major Customer [Abstract]
Major Customer [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, within 1 year
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis
Fair value, within 1 year
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value
Amortized cost, 1-5 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis
Fair value, 1-5 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value
Amortized cost, 6-10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis
Fair value, 6-10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value
Amortized cost, after 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis
Fair value, after 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value
Amortized cost
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Fair value
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Taxes Receivable
Income Taxes Receivable
Taxes Payable, Current
Taxes Payable, Current
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Statement, Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Other comprehensive income:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract]
Less reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net income, net of losses
Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Table]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Table]
Debt Security [Axis]
Debt Security [Axis]
Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain]
Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Within 1 year
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount
1-5 years
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount
6-10 years
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount
After 10 years
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount
Total
Held-to-maturity Securities
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Building [Member]
Building [Member]
Land [Member]
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Accumulated Depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Range Maximum
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table]
Nature of Uncertainty [Axis]
Nature of Uncertainty [Axis]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain]
Favorably affect the effective tax rate [Member]
Favorably affect the effective tax rate [Member]
Favorably affect the effective tax rate [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Gross balance - Period Start
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Settlements with taxing authorities
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Gross balance - Period End
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional paid-in capital [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Employee notes receivable [Member]
Employee Notes Receivable [Member]
Noncontrolling interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance (in Shares)
Shares, Issued
Balance
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Other comprehensive earnings
Distribution made to noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in Shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Compensation expense for stock based awards
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Repurchase of common stock
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Reduction of employee stock notes receivable
Reduction Of Employee Stock Notes Receivable
Reduction Of Employee Stock Notes Receivable
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted
Balance (in Shares)
Balance
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Summary Investment Holdings
Summary Investment Holdings [Table Text Block]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Axis]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Axis]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Axis]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Domain]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Domain]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Domain]
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Student loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Notes [Axis]
Student loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Notes [Axis]
Student loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Notes [Axis]
Student Loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Note [Domain]
Student Loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Note [Domain]
Student Loan Asset Backed Securities Euro Note [Domain]
Cross-currency interest rate swap 1 [Member]
Euro Note Interest Rate Swap 1 - Euro Value [Member]
Euro Note Interest Rate Swap 1 - Euro Value [Member]
Cross currency interest rate swap 2 [Member]
Euro Note Interest Rate Swap 2 - Euro Value [Member]
Euro Note Interest Rate Swap 2 - Euro Value [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount
Derivative, Notional Amount
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate
Re-measurement of Euro Notes
Change in fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net
Total impact to consolidated statements of income - income (expense)
Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table]
Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table]
Financing Receivable Information by Portfolio Segment [Axis]
Class of Financing Receivable [Axis]
Class of Financing Receivable [Domain]
Class of Financing Receivable [Domain]
Federally insured loans [Member]
Federally insured student loans [Member]
Federally insured student loans [Member]
Private education loans [Member]
Non-federally insured student loans [Member]
Non-federally insured student loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Allowance for loan losses - balance
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs
Recoveries - non-federally insured loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery
Purchase (sale) of financing receivables, net
Purchase (Sale) of Financing Receivables
Purchase (Sale) of Financing Receivables
Transfer from repurchase obligation related to non-federally insured loans repurchased, net
Transfer from the Repurchase Obligation Related to Loans Sold or Purchased and other, net
Transfer from the Repurchase Obligation Related to Loans Sold or Purchased and other, net
Allowance for loan losses - balance
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses:
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Enrollment Services [Member]
Enrollment Services [Member]
Enrollment Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Begining Balance
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Goodwill, Ending Balance
Schedule of Financing Receivables Recorded Investment Credit Quality Indicator [Table]
Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table]
Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]
Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]
Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]
Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]
Federally insured loans, excluding rehabilitated loans [Member]
Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans [Member]
Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans Delinquent 31 Days or Greater in Percentage
Loans Delinquent 31 Days or Greater in Percentage
Loans Delinquent 31 Days or Greater in Percentage
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in School Grace and Deferment
Loans in School Grace and Deferment
Loans in forbearance
Loans in Forbearance
Loans in Forbearance
Total loans in repayment
Total Loans in Repayment
Total Loans in Repayment
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in Repayment Status [Abstract]
Loans in Repayment Status [Abstract]
Loans current
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current
Loans current, percentage
Loans in Repayment - Current, in Percentage
Loans in Repayment, Current, in Percentage
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, percentage
Loans Delinquent 31 to 60 days in Percentage
Loans Delinquent 31 to 60 days in Percentage
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Loans delinquent 61-90 days, percentage
Loans Delinquent 61 to 90 Days in Percentage
Loans Delinquent 61 to 90 Days in Percentage
Loans delinquent 91-120 days
Loans delinquent 91-120 days
Loans delinquent 91-120 days
Loans delinquent 91-120 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 91-120 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 91-120 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 121-270 days
Loans delinquent 121-270 days
Loans delinquent 121-270 days
Loans delinquent 121-270 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 121-270 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 121-270 days, percentage
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater
Loans Delinquent Greater than 271 Days Past Due
Loans Delinquent Greater than 271 Days Past Due
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater, percentage
Loans Delinquent 271 Days or Greater in Percentage
Loans Delinquent 271 Days or Greater in Percentage
Total loans in repayment
Total loans in repayment, percentage
Total Loans in Repayment in Percentage
Total Loans in Repayment in Percentage
Student loans receivable, gross
Financing Receivable, Gross
DEI non-printing [Abstract]
DEI non-printing [Abstract]
Document Information [Table]
Document Information [Table]
Document Information, Document [Axis]
Document Information, Document [Axis]
Document [Domain]
Document [Domain]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Document Type
Document Type
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Level 2 [Member]
Student loan asset-backed securities [Member]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets [Abstract]
Investments
Available-for-sale Securities
Fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative Asset
Total assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative Liability
Total liabilities
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Table]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Table]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Table]
Employee Contribution Percentage [Axis]
Employee Contribution Percentage [Axis]
Employee Contribution Percentage [Axis]
Employee Contribution Percentage [Domain]
Employee Contribution Percentage [Domain]
[Domain] for Employee Contribution Percentage [Axis]
Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Maximum Emplyee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Maximum Emplyee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 50 Percent Employer Match After 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Maximum Employee Contribuion Percentage Eligible for 50 Percent Employeer Match After 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Maximum Employee Contribuion Percentage Eligible for 50 Percent Employeer Match After 100 Percent Employer Match [Member]
Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Axis]
Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Axis]
Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Axis]
Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Domain]
Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Domain]
[Domain] for Percent of Employee Salary to Receive Employer Match [Axis]
Employer Match on Employee Contributions up to Three Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Employer Match on First Three Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Employer Match on First Three Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Employer Match on Employee Contributions Between Three and Five Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Employer Match on Employee Contributions Between Three and Five Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Employer Match on Employee Contributions Between Three and Five Percent of Employee Salary [Member]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Table]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee, Percent
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Scenario [Axis]
Net interest income
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
Salaries and benefits
Cost to provide enrollment services
Cost to provide enrollment services
Costs to provide enrollment services.
Depreciation and amortization
Operating expenses - other
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral
Proceeds (payments) to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments, net
Proceeds (payments) to terminate and or amend derivative instruments
Proceeds (payments) to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments (not designated as hedging).
Payments to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments
Payments to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments
Payments to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments (not designated as hedging).
Fair Value
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of business acquisition: [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and student loan premiums and deferred origination costs
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Student loan discount accretion
Student loan discount accretion
Student loan discount accretion
Derivative market value adjustment
Foreign currency transaction adjustment
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Payment for interest rate swap option
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities
Loss (gain) on sale of loans, net
Gain on Sale of Financing Receivables
Gain on Sale of Financing Receivables
Gain from debt repurchases
Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument
Gain from sale of available-for-sale securities, net
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)
Proceeds from sales of trading securities, net
Proceeds from (Payments for) Trading Securities, Short-term
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Non-cash compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Other
Other Noncash Income (Expense)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net
Decrease in accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Cash flows from investing activities, net of business acquisition: [Abstract]
Purchases of student loans and student loan residual interests
Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables
Net proceeds from student loan repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other
Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables
Proceeds from sale of student loans
Proceeds from Sale of Finance Receivables
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities
Purchases of other investments
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Repayments of receivables and other assets
Proceeds from Collection of Other Receivables
Purchases of property and equipment, net
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments, net
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments
Business and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Business and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired, including contingency payments
Business and asset acquisitions net of cash acquired including contingency payments.
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities, net of borrowings assumed:
Cash flows from financing activities: [Abstract]
Payments on bonds and notes payable
Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt
Payments of debt issuance costs
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs
Dividends paid
Payments of Dividends
Repurchases of common stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable.
Issuance of noncontrolling interest
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Cash disbursements made for:
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: [Abstract]
Interest
Interest Paid
Income taxes, net of refunds
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Noncash activity:
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Investing activity - student loans and other assets acquired
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired
Investing activity - sale of education lending subsidiary, including student loans and other assets
Assets sold in a non cash transaction
Assets sold in a non cash transaction
Investing activity - note receivable obtained in connection with sale of education lending subsidiary
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Assets Acquired
Financing activity - borrowings and other liabilities transferred in sale of education lending subsidiary
Borrowings and other liabilities reduction
Borrowings and other liabilities reduction
Financing activity - borrowings and other liabilities assumed in acquisition of student loans
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed
parent-only statements of cash flows [Abstract]
parent-only statements of cash flows [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used by) provided by operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization
Derivative market value adjustment
Derivative market value adjustment
Gain/Loss included in earnings for the period from the change in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
equity in earnings of subsidiaries
equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Gain from debt repurchases
Gain From Debt Repurchases
Gain from repurchase of bonds and notes payable.
Other non-cash items
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement
Decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Cash flows from investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities
Capital contributions to/from subsidiaries, net
Capital contributions to/from subsidiaries, net
Capital contributions to/from subsidiaries, net
Sales (purchases) of subsidiary debt, net
Purchase of Subsidiary Debt
Purchase of Subsidiary Debt at parent company
Purchases of other investments, net
Payments to Acquire Other Investments
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Payments on notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Payments of debt issuance costs
Dividends paid
Repurchases of common stock
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable
Issuance of noncontrolling interest
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
Net cash used in financing activities
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Table]
Shares Issued - Not Deferred [Member]
Shares Issued - Not Deferred [Member]
Shares Issued - Not Deferred [Member]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Securities Issued
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued
Non-employee Director Stock at Lower Cost
Non-employee Director Stock at Lower Cost
Non-employee Director Stock at Lower Cost
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Expense
Issuance of Stock and Warrants for Services or Claims
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Discount Axis [Axis]
Discount Axis [Axis]
Discount Axis [Axis]
Discount Axis [Domain]
Discount Axis [Domain]
[Domain] for Discount Axis [Axis]
Non-Accretable Discount [Member]
Non-Accretable Discount [Member]
Non-Accretable Discount [Member]
Investments [Domain]
held for investment [Member]
held for investment [Member]
held for investment [Member]
Federally Insured Student Loans [Axis]
Federally Insured Student Loans [Axis]
Federally Insured Student Loans [Axis]
Federally Insured Student Loans [Domain]
Federally Insured Student Loans [Domain]
[Domain] for Federally Insured Student Loans [Axis]
Stafford and other [Member]
Stafford and Other [Member]
Stafford and Other [Member]
Consolidation [Member]
Consolidation Loans [Member]
Consolidation Loans [Member]
Portfolio Segment [Axis]
Financing Receivable Allowance [Domain]
Federally insured student loans [Member]
Private education loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder Equity Parenthetical [Abstract]
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder Equity Parenthetical [Abstract]
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock - per share
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
purchased accrued interest
purchased accrued interest
purchased accrued interest
Schedule of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Table]
Schedule of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Table] [Table]
Schedule of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Table] [Table]
Variable-rate bonds and notes [Member]
Variable-rate bonds and notes [Member]
Variable-rate bonds and notes [Member]
Bonds and notes based on indices [Member]
Bonds and notes based on indicies [Member]
Bonds and notes based on indicies [Member]
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member]
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member]
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member]
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings [Member]
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings [Member]
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities [Member]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Bonds and notes payable, gross [Member]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross [Member]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross [Member]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net
Interest rate range - minimum
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum
Interest rate range - maximum
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum
Final maturity, start
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start
Final maturity, end
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
One Month LIBOR [Member]
One Month LIBOR [Member]
One Month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps 1 [Member]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps 1 [Member]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps 1 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 8 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 8 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 8 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 7 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 7 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 7 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 6 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 6 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 6 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 5 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 5 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 5 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Oustanding 4 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Oustanding 4 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Oustanding 4 [Member]
Maturity 2022 [Member]
Maturity 2022 [Member]
Maturity 2022 [Member]
Maturity 2021 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstancing 1 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstancing 1 [Member]
Maturity 2023 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 2 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 2 [Member]
Maturity 2024 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 3 [Member]
One Month to Three Month Basis Swap Outstanding 3 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member]
Fixed Rate Floor Income Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Basis Swaps [Axis]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Basis Swaps [Axis]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Basis Swaps [Axis]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Swaps [Domain]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Swaps [Domain]
One Month to Three Month LIBOR Swaps [Domain]
interest rate index [Axis]
interest rate index [Axis]
Interest rate index [Axis]
Interest rate index [Domain]
Interest rate index [Domain]
Interest rate index [Domain]
One-month LIBOR, Daily reset [Member]
One-month LIBOR, Daily reset [Member]
One-month LIBOR, Daily reset [Member]
Three-month treasury bill, Daily reset [Member]
Three-month treasury bill, Daily reset [Member]
Three-month treasury bill, Daily reset [Member]
Three-month LIBOR, Quarterly reset [Member]
Three-month LIBOR, Quarterly reset [Member]
Three-month LIBOR, Quarterly reset [Member]
One-month LIBOR, Monthly reset [Member]
One-month LIBOR, Monthly reset [Member]
One-month LIBOR, Monthly reset [Member]
Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities [Member]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Axis]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Axis]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Axis]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Domain]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Domain]
Unsecured Debt Interest Rate Swaps [Domain]
Maturity 2036 [Member]
Maturity 2036 [Member]
Maturity 2036 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities
Student loans earning fixed rate floor income
Student Loans Earning Fixed Rate Floor Income
Student Loans Earning Fixed Rate Floor Income
Weighted Average Variable Conversion Rate
Weighted Average Variable Conversion Rate
Weighted Average Variable Conversion Rate
Unsecured debt scheduled interest rate change date
Unsecured Debt Scheduled Interest Rate Change Date
Unsecured Debt Scheduled Interest Rate Change Date
Junior subordinated hybrid securities, description of variable rate basis
Derivative, Swaption Interest Rate
Derivative, Swaption Interest Rate
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Paid on Swap
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Paid on Swap
Weighted average basis spread on variable rate
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Concentration Risk [Table]
Concentration Risk [Table]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Dollar Value [Member]
Concentration Risk Dollar Value [Member]
Concentration Risk Dollar Value [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]
Accrual Related to Repurchase Obligation Rollforward
Accrual Related to Repurchase Obligation Rollforward [Table Text Block]
Accrual related to repurchase obligation rol forward [Table Text Block]
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Student loans
Deferred tax assets, Student Loans
Deferred tax assets, Student Loans
Intangible assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Deferred tax asset, securitizations
Deferred tax asset, securitizations
Deferred tax assets, securitizations
Capital loss carry-back
Deferred Tax Assets Capital Loss Carry-back
Deferred Tax Assets Capital Loss Carry-back
Accrued expenses
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities
Stock compensation
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost
Deferred revenue
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Debt repurchases
Deferred tax liabilities, debt repurchases
Deferred tax liabilities, debt repurchases
Loan origination services
Deferred tax liabilities, loan origination services
Deferred tax liabilities, loan origination services
Basis in certain derivative contracts
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives
Depreciation
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Unrealized gain on debt and equity securities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Gain on Debt and Equity Securities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Gain on Debt and Equity Securities
Partnership Basis
Deferred Tax Liabilities in Partnership Basis
Deferred Tax Liabilities in Partnership Basis
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Net Deferred Tax Liability
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Net Deferred Tax Asset
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Table]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Table]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Table]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Axis]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Axis]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Axis]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Domain]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Domain]
[Domain] for Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Axis]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Line Items]
Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Interest and Penalties Related to Uncertain Tax Provisions [Table]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense
Investment in subsidiary debt
investment in subsidiary debt
investment in subsidiary debt
Restricted cash
Investment in subsidiaries
investment in subsidiaries
investment in subsidiaries
Notes payable
Other liabilities
Equity:
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Maturity of long-term debt [Abstract]
Maturity of long-term debt [Abstract]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross [Member]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable Type [Domain]
Receivable [Domain]
GCO Trust-II [Member]
October 31, 2013 Purchase of residual interest [Member]
October 31, 2013 Purchase of residual interest [Member]
Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member] [Member]
Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member] [Member]
Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member] [Member]
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Student loan fair value discount
Student loan fair value discount
Student loan fair value discount
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management management agreement dated May 9, 2011, effective as of May 1, 2011 [Member]
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management management agreement dated January 20, 2012 [Member]
SLABS Fund-I, SLABS Fund-II, SLABS Fund-III, SLABS Fund-IV, and SLABS Fund-V [Member]
SLABS Fund-I, SLABS Fund-II, SLABS Fund-III, SLABS Fund-IV, and SLABS Fund-V [Member] [Member]
SLABS Fund-I, SLABS Fund-II, SLABS Fund-III, SLABS Fund-IV, and SLABS Fund-V
Basis points Whitetail Rock Capital Management earns from Union Bank on outstanding balance
Shares contributed to the trusts
Shares Contributed to the Trusts
Shares contributed to the trusts
Amount invested in funds under Whitetail Rock Capital Management management agreement
Percent of basis points earned on outstanding balance paid to custodian
Percent of basis points earned on outstanding balance paid to custodian
Percent of basis points earned on outstanding balance paid to custodian
Fee revenue related to investment services
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Information [Table]
Schedule of Product Information [Table]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Domain]
Products and Services [Domain]
Product Information [Line Items]
Product Information [Line Items]
Description of Business [Text Block]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Transfers [Abstract]
Fair Value Transfers [Abstract]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Equity, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Equity, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Equity, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Equity, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3
Investments by Category [Axis]
Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost [Domain]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax