Nelnet (NNI) 10-Q 4 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	NELNET INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Public Float	$ 1,092,135,927
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	1,258,602
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,021,028
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,476,932

Consolidated Balance Sheets (un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Student loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses)	$ 26,539,604	$ 28,324,552
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party	9,225	11,379
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party	50,028	52,150
Total cash and cash equivalents	59,253	63,529
Investments and notes receivable	285,996	303,681
Restricted cash and investments	964,799	832,624
Restricted cash - due to customers	132,018	144,771
Accrued interest receivable	380,140	383,825
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts)	41,964	51,345
Goodwill	147,312	146,000
Intangible assets, net	54,141	51,062
Property and equipment, net	96,079	80,482
Other assets	11,084	8,583
Fair value of derivative instruments	3,408	28,690
Total assets	28,715,798	30,419,144
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	26,399,686	28,105,921
Accrued interest payable	39,926	31,507
Other liabilities	136,181	169,906
Due to customers	132,018	144,771
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771	74,881
Total liabilities	26,809,582	28,526,986
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	4,601	0
Retained earnings	1,894,551	1,881,708
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings	(2,277)	2,284
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,897,300	1,884,432
Noncontrolling interest	8,916	7,726
Total equity	1,906,216	1,892,158
Total liabilities and equity	28,715,798	30,419,144
Common Class A [Member]
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock	310	325
Total equity	310	325
Common Class B [Member]
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock	115	115
Total equity	115	115
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets:
Student loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses)	26,735,698	28,499,180
Cash and cash equivalents:
Restricted cash and investments	851,389	814,294
Other assets	380,230	384,230
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	26,660,478	28,405,133
Other liabilities	405,832	353,607
Fair value of derivative instruments	44,602	64,080
Equity:
Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities	$ 856,405	$ 874,884

Consolidated Balance Sheets (u3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for loan losses	$ 48,753	$ 50,498
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,498	$ 2,003
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares Authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Shares Issued	31,024,230	32,476,528
Shares Outstanding	31,024,230	32,476,528
Common Class B [Member]
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares Authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Shares Issued	11,476,932	11,476,932
Shares Outstanding	11,476,932	11,476,932

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Interest income:
Loan interest	$ 184,067	$ 175,835		$ 374,055	$ 347,779
Investment interest	2,185	1,887		4,214	4,092
Total interest income	186,252	177,722	[1]	378,269	351,871	[1]
Interest expense:
Interest on bonds and notes payable	94,052	72,626	[1]	184,460	144,180	[1]
Net interest income	92,200	105,096	[1]	193,809	207,691	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	2,000	2,150	[1]	4,500	4,150	[1]
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	90,200	102,946	[1]	189,309	203,541	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	54,402	63,833	[1]	106,732	121,644	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	30,483	27,686	[1]	69,140	62,366	[1]
Communications revenue	4,478	0		8,824	0
Enrollment services revenue	0	12,680	[1]	4,326	26,053	[1]
Other income	9,765	11,985	[1]	23,559	23,393	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	1,515	[1]	101	4,390	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net	(40,702)	6,502		(69,392)	3,424
Total other income	58,426	124,201	[1]	143,290	241,270	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	60,923	58,787	[1]	124,165	119,837	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	8,183	6,501	[1]	15,823	12,163	[1]
Loan servicing fees	7,216	7,420	[1]	14,144	15,036	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	1,681	0		3,384	0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	10,395		3,623	21,194
Other expenses	29,409	32,725	[1]	57,783	62,826	[1]
Total operating expenses	107,412	115,828	[1]	218,922	231,056	[1]
Income before income taxes	41,214	111,319		113,677	213,755
Income tax expense	(15,036)	(40,356)	[1]	(39,469)	(77,986)	[1]
Net income	26,178	70,963	[1]	74,208	135,769	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	54	[1]	97	95	[1]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 26,150	$ 70,909	[1]	$ 74,111	$ 135,674	[1]
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted	$ 0.61	$ 1.54		$ 1.73	$ 2.94
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	42,635,700	45,946,415		42,861,896	46,127,207
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Net income	$ 26,178	$ 70,963	[1]	$ 74,208	$ 135,769	[1]
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding losses arising during period, net	(6,138)	(436)		(7,648)	(649)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) recognized in net income, net	277	(2,093)		409	(2,297)
Income tax effect	2,168	940		2,678	1,094
Total other comprehensive loss	(3,693)	(1,589)		(4,561)	(1,852)
Comprehensive income	22,485	69,374		69,647	133,917
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	54		97	95
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 22,457	$ 69,320		$ 69,550	$ 133,822
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling interest [Member]
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			0	34,756,384	11,486,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,725,678		$ 0	$ 348	$ 115	$ 17,290	$ 1,702,560	$ 5,135	$ 230
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interest	19								19
Net income	135,769	[1]					135,674		95
Other comprehensive loss	(1,852)							(1,852)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(44)								(44)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock	(9,173)						(9,173)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in Shares)				142,095	0
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	3,412			$ 1	$ 0	3,411
Compensation expense for stock based awards	2,711					2,711
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)				(1,174,008)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(51,028)			$ (12)	$ 0	(23,412)	(27,604)
Balance (in Shares) at Jun. 30, 2015			0	33,724,471	11,486,932
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	1,805,492		$ 0	$ 337	$ 115	0	1,801,457	3,283	300
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2015			0	34,713,065	11,486,932
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	1,781,493		$ 0	$ 347	$ 115	13,177	1,762,711	4,872	271
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interest	19								19
Net income	70,963	[1]					70,909		54
Other comprehensive loss	(1,589)							(1,589)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(44)								(44)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock	(4,559)						(4,559)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in Shares)				9,616	0
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	945			$ 0	$ 0	945
Compensation expense for stock based awards	1,353					1,353
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)				(998,210)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(43,089)			$ (10)	$ 0	(15,475)	(27,604)
Balance (in Shares) at Jun. 30, 2015			0	33,724,471	11,486,932
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	1,805,492		$ 0	$ 337	$ 115	0	1,801,457	3,283	300
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			0	32,476,528	11,476,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,892,158		$ 0	$ 325	$ 115	0	1,881,708	2,284	7,726
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interest	1,312								1,312
Net income	74,208						74,111		97
Other comprehensive loss	(4,561)							(4,561)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(219)								(219)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock	(10,192)						(10,192)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in Shares)				158,743	0
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	3,662			$ 1	$ 0	3,661
Compensation expense for stock based awards	2,316					2,316
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)				(1,611,041)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(52,468)			$ (16)	$ 0	(1,376)	(51,076)
Balance (in Shares) at Jun. 30, 2016			0	31,024,230	11,476,932
Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	1,906,216		$ 0	$ 310	$ 115	4,601	1,894,551	(2,277)	8,916
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2016			0	31,008,226	11,476,932
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	1,886,926		$ 0	$ 310	$ 115	2,913	1,873,500	1,416	8,672
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interest	338								338
Net income	26,178						26,150		28
Other comprehensive loss	(3,693)							(3,693)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(122)								(122)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock	(5,099)						(5,099)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in Shares)				27,946	0
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	954			$ 0	$ 0	954
Compensation expense for stock based awards	1,133					1,133
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)				(11,942)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(399)			$ 0	$ 0	(399)
Balance (in Shares) at Jun. 30, 2016			0	31,024,230	11,476,932
Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 1,906,216		$ 0	$ 310	$ 115	$ 4,601	$ 1,894,551	$ (2,277)	$ 8,916
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Consolidated Statements of Sha7

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Common Class A [Member]
Dividends paid per common share	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.20
Common Class B [Member]
Dividends paid per common share	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.20

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 74,111	$ 135,674	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	97	95	[1]
Net income	74,208	135,769	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and student loan premiums and deferred origination costs	62,298	60,191
Student loan discount accretion	(21,524)	(21,506)
Provision for loan losses	4,500	4,150	[1]
Derivative market value adjustment	48,649	19,457
Foreign currency transaction adjustment	8,712	(33,538)
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments	3,523	51,947
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities	0	585
Gain on sale of loans	0	(351)
Gain from debt repurchases	(101)	(4,039)
Loss (gain) from sales of available-for-sale securities, net	409	(2,297)
(Payments for) proceeds from (purchases) sales of trading securities, net	(235)	(11,697)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(20,260)	3,119
Other	6,069	6,376
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable	3,685	(743)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	9,462	(10,341)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(2,579)	(1,967)
Increase in accrued interest payable	8,419	2,566
Decrease in other liabilities	(10,006)	(4,526)
Net cash provided by operating activities	175,229	191,985
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Purchases of student loans and student loan residual interests	(183,375)	(1,637,650)
Net proceeds from student loan repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other	1,927,319	1,953,437
Proceeds from sale of student loans	44,738	3,996
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(51,735)	(5,550)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	58,232	47,951
Purchases of investments and issuance of notes receivable	(10,222)	(53,770)
Proceeds from investments and notes receivable	5,360	8,824
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(29,577)	(9,519)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments, net	(131,325)	16,532
Net cash provided by investing activities	1,629,415	324,251
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on bonds and notes payable	(1,972,880)	(2,629,565)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable	226,194	2,233,630
Payments of debt issuance costs	(1,084)	(8,707)
Dividends paid	(10,192)	(9,173)
Repurchases of common stock	(52,468)	(51,028)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	417	431
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	1,312	19
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(219)	(44)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,808,920)	(464,437)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,276)	51,799
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	63,529	130,481
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	59,253	182,280
Cash disbursements made for:
Interest	142,446	108,436
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	55,988	67,211
Noncash activity:
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired	0	517,845
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed	$ 0	$ 451,845
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Basis of Financial Reporting

Basis of Financial Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Reporting	Basis of Financial Reporting The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2016 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2016 . The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the " 2015 Annual Report"). Reclassifications Certain amounts previously reported within the Company's consolidated balance sheet and statements of income have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications are summarized below. • In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued accounting guidance regarding the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new guidance requires that entities present debt issuance costs related to a debt liability as a direct deduction from that liability on the balance sheet. This guidance became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. As a result of this standard, the Company reclassified its debt issuance costs, which were previously included in "other assets" on the consolidated balance sheet, to "bonds and notes payable." • On February 1, 2016, the Company sold 100 percent of the membership interests in Sparkroom LLC, which includes the majority of the Company's inquiry management products and services within Nelnet Enrollment Solutions. The Company retained the digital marketing and content solution products and services under the brand name Peterson's within the Nelnet Enrollment Solutions business, which include test preparation study guides, school directories and databases, career exploration guides, on-line courses, scholarship search and selection data, career planning information and guides, and on-line information about colleges and universities. The Company reclassified the revenue and cost of goods sold attributable to the Peterson's products and services from "enrollment services revenue" and "cost to provide enrollment services" to "other income" and "other expenses," respectively, on the consolidated statements of income. After this reclassification, "enrollment services revenue" and "cost to provide enrollment services" include the operating results of the products and services sold as part of the Sparkroom disposition for all periods presented. These reclassifications had no effect on consolidated net income.

Student Loans Receivable and Al

Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses Student loans receivable consisted of the following: As of As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Federally insured loans: Stafford and other $ 5,629,034 6,202,064 Consolidation 20,837,356 22,086,043 Total 26,466,390 28,288,107 Private education loans 288,170 267,642 26,754,560 28,555,749 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (a) (166,203 ) (180,699 ) Allowance for loan losses – federally insured loans (33,224 ) (35,490 ) Allowance for loan losses – private education loans (15,529 ) (15,008 ) $ 26,539,604 28,324,552 (a) As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , "loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs" included $26.2 million and $33.0 million , respectively, of non-accretable discount associated with purchased loans of $10.1 billion and $10.8 billion , respectively. Private Education Loans In February 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with CommonBond, Inc. ("CommonBond"), a student lending company that provides private education loans to graduate students, under which the Company committed to purchase private education loans for a period of 18 months , with the maximum purchase obligation limited to $200.0 million . As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had purchased $190.1 million in private education loans from CommonBond and has satisfied its commitment under this agreement. Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 50,084 51,161 50,498 48,900 Provision for loan losses: Federally insured loans 2,000 2,000 4,000 4,000 Private education loans — 150 500 150 Total provision for loan losses 2,000 2,150 4,500 4,150 Charge-offs: Federally insured loans (3,217 ) (3,259 ) (6,266 ) (6,408 ) Private education loans (514 ) (446 ) (915 ) (1,122 ) Total charge-offs (3,731 ) (3,705 ) (7,181 ) (7,530 ) Recoveries - private education loans 250 238 526 492 Purchase (sale) of federally insured and private education loans, net 100 — 260 (230 ) Transfer from repurchase obligation related to private education loans repurchased, net 50 180 150 4,242 Balance at end of period $ 48,753 50,024 48,753 50,024 Allocation of the allowance for loan losses: Federally insured loans $ 33,224 36,762 33,224 36,762 Private education loans 15,529 13,262 15,529 13,262 Total allowance for loan losses $ 48,753 50,024 48,753 50,024 Student Loan Status and Delinquencies Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact the Company’s earnings through increased servicing and collection costs and account charge-offs. The table below shows the Company’s loan delinquency amounts. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 As of June 30, 2015 Federally insured loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment $ 1,936,064 $ 2,292,941 $ 2,634,088 Loans in forbearance 2,672,241 2,979,357 3,118,774 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 18,957,457 86.7 % 19,447,541 84.4 % 19,055,994 85.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days 828,885 3.8 1,028,396 4.5 950,055 4.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 482,379 2.2 566,953 2.5 612,657 2.7 Loans delinquent 91-120 days 320,213 1.5 415,747 1.8 355,636 1.6 Loans delinquent 121-270 days 918,788 4.2 1,166,940 5.1 1,051,843 4.7 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater 350,363 1.6 390,232 1.7 359,601 1.6 Total loans in repayment 21,858,085 100.0 % 23,015,809 100.0 % 22,385,786 100.0 % Total federally insured loans $ 26,466,390 $ 28,288,107 $ 28,138,648 Private education loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment $ 54,597 $ 30,795 $ 5,268 Loans in forbearance 1,610 350 142 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 225,585 97.2 % 228,464 96.7 % 161,355 95.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days 1,361 0.6 1,771 0.7 1,407 0.8 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 929 0.4 1,283 0.5 1,647 1.0 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 4,088 1.8 4,979 2.1 5,383 3.2 Total loans in repayment 231,963 100.0 % 236,497 100.0 % 169,792 100.0 % Total private education loans $ 288,170 $ 267,642 $ 175,202

Bonds and Notes Payable

Bonds and Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and Notes Payable	Bonds and Notes Payable The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument: As of June 30, 2016 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 23,418,478 0.30% - 6.90% 8/26/19 - 8/26/52 Bonds and notes based on auction 1,158,415 1.26% - 2.21% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total variable-rate bonds and notes 24,576,893 FFELP warehouse facilities 1,811,708 0.46% - 0.80% 7/9/18 - 4/26/19 Private education loan warehouse facility 221,114 0.81% 4/28/17 Unsecured line of credit 105,000 1.94% - 1.95% 10/30/20 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 57,184 4.01% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 93,355 1.97% - 3.38% 10/31/16 - 12/15/45 26,865,254 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs, net (465,568 ) Total $ 26,399,686 As of December 31, 2015 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 25,155,336 0.05% - 6.90% 8/26/19 - 8/26/52 Bonds and notes based on auction 1,160,365 0.88% - 2.17% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total variable-rate bonds and notes 26,315,701 FFELP warehouse facilities 1,855,907 0.27% - 0.56% 4/29/18 - 12/14/18 Private education loan warehouse facility 181,184 0.57% 12/26/16 Unsecured line of credit 100,000 1.79% - 1.92% 10/30/20 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 57,184 3.99% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 93,355 1.93% - 3.38% 10/31/16 - 12/15/45 28,603,331 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs, net (497,410 ) Total $ 28,105,921 FFELP Warehouse Facilities The Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below. NFSLW-I (a) NHELP-II NHELP-III Total Maximum financing amount $ 875,000 500,000 750,000 2,125,000 Amount outstanding 844,087 455,049 512,572 1,811,708 Amount available $ 30,913 44,951 237,428 313,292 Expiration of liquidity provisions July 8, 2016 December 16, 2016 April 28, 2017 Final maturity date July 9, 2018 December 14, 2018 April 26, 2019 Maximum advance rates 92.0 - 98.0% 85.0 - 95.0% 92.2 - 95.0% Minimum advance rates 84.0 - 90.0% 85.0 - 95.0% 92.2 - 95.0% Advanced as equity support $ 36,663 38,051 30,694 105,408 (a) On July 10, 2015, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to temporarily increase the maximum financing amount to $875.0 million. The maximum financing amount was scheduled to decrease by $125.0 million on March 31, 2016. On January 26, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to extend the scheduled decrease of the maximum financing amount by $125.0 million to July 8, 2016. On July 7, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to permanently set the maximum financing amount at $875.0 million , and changed the expiration of liquidity provisions to July 10, 2018 and the final maturity date to September 7, 2018 . Private Education Loan Warehouse Facility On June 26, 2015, the Company entered into a $275.0 million private education loan warehouse facility. As of June 30, 2016 , there was $221.1 million outstanding on the facility and $53.9 million was available for future use. The facility has a static advance rate that requires initial equity for loan funding, but does not require increased equity based on market movements. The maximum advance rate on the entire facility is 88 percent and minimum advance rates, depending on loan characteristics and program type, ranged from 64 percent to 99 percent . As of June 30, 2016 , $32.0 million was advanced on the facility as equity support. The facility is supported by liquidity provisions, which had an original expiration date of June 24, 2016 . On April 1, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this facility to change the expiration date for the liquidity provisions to October 28, 2016 , and to change the final maturity date to April 28, 2017 . In addition, the minimum advance rates, depending on loan characteristics and program type, were changed to a range from 61.75 percent to 95.00 percent , and the maximum advance rate on the entire facility remained at 88 percent . In the event the Company is unable to renew the liquidity provisions by the amended expiration date of October 28, 2016, the facility would become a term facility at a stepped-up cost, with no additional student loans being eligible for financing, and the Company would be required to refinance the existing loans in the facility by the facility's amended final maturity date of April 28, 2017. Unsecured Line of Credit The Company has a $350.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of October 30, 2020 . As of June 30, 2016 , the unsecured line of credit had an outstanding balance of $105.0 million and $245.0 million was available for future use.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's risk management strategy are further described in note 5 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Annual Report. A tabular presentation of such derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is presented below. Basis Swaps The following table summarizes the Company’s basis swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). As of June 30, As of December 31, 2016 2015 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2016 $ 2,000,000 $ 7,500,000 2028 125,000 — The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.3 basis points and 10.0 basis points, respectively. Interest Rate Swaps – Floor Income Hedges The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2016 $ 750,000 0.72 % $ 1,000,000 0.76 % 2017 1,000,000 0.97 2,100,000 0.84 2018 1,600,000 1.08 1,600,000 1.08 2019 3,250,000 0.97 500,000 1.12 2020 1,500,000 1.01 — — 2025 100,000 2.32 100,000 2.32 2026 50,000 1.52 — — $ 8,250,000 0.99 % $ 5,300,000 0.95 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR. On August 20, 2014, the Company paid $9.1 million for an interest rate swap option to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The interest rate swap option gives the Company the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a $250 million notional interest rate swap in which the Company would pay a fixed amount of 3.30% and receive discrete one-month LIBOR. If the interest rate swap option is exercised, the swap would become effective in 2019 and mature in 2024. Interest Rate Swaps – Unsecured Debt Hedges The Company had the following derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 that are used to effectively convert the variable interest rate on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities to a fixed rate of 7.66% . Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2036 $ 25,000 4.28 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR. Interest Rate Caps In June 2015, in conjunction with the entry into the $275.0 million private education loan warehouse facility, the Company paid $2.9 million for two interest rate cap contracts with a total notional amount of $275.0 million . The first interest rate cap has a notional amount of $125.0 million and a one-month LIBOR strike rate of 2.50% , and the second interest rate cap has a notional amount of $150.0 million and a one-month LIBOR strike rate of 4.99% . In the event that the one-month LIBOR rate rises above the applicable strike rate, the Company would receive monthly payments related to the spread difference. Both interest rate cap contracts have a maturity date of July 15, 2020. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk In 2006, the Company issued €352.7 million of student loan asset-backed Euro Notes (the "Euro Notes") with an interest rate based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result of the Euro Notes, the Company is exposed to market risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euro. The principal and accrued interest on these notes are re-measured at each reporting period and recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date. The Company entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. Under the terms of the cross-currency interest rate swap, the Company receives from the counterparty a spread to the EURIBOR index based on a notional amount of €352.7 million and pays a spread to the LIBOR index based on a notional amount of $450.0 million . In addition, under the terms of this agreement, all principal payments on the Euro Notes will effectively be paid at the exchange rate in effect between the U.S. dollar and Euro as of the issuance of the notes. The following table shows the income statement impact as a result of the re-measurement of the Euro Notes and the change in the fair value of the related derivative instrument. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Re-measurement of Euro Notes $ 9,768 (14,671 ) (8,712 ) 33,538 Change in fair value of cross-currency interest rate swap (12,008 ) 13,933 20,693 (35,873 ) Total impact to consolidated statements of income - income (expense) (a) $ (2,240 ) (738 ) 11,981 (2,335 ) (a) The financial statement impact of the above items is included in "Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Management has structured the cross-currency interest rate swap to economically hedge the Euro Notes to effectively convert the Euro Notes to U.S. dollars and pay a spread on these notes based on the LIBOR index. However, the cross-currency interest rate swap does not qualify for hedge accounting. The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in the fair value of the corresponding cross-currency interest rate swap. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains and losses between these financial instruments due to the principal and accrued interest on the Euro Notes being re-measured to U.S. dollars at each reporting date based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date, while the cross-currency interest rate swap is measured at fair value at each reporting date with the change in fair value recognized in the current period earnings. Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets: Fair value of asset derivatives Fair value of liability derivatives As of As of As of As of June 30, December 31, June 30, December 31, 1:3 basis swaps $ 623 724 127 410 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 27 21,408 42,791 1,175 Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge 986 3,257 — — Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — — 11,660 7,646 Interest rate caps 355 1,570 — — Cross-currency interest rate swap — — 44,957 65,650 Other 1,417 1,731 2,236 — Total $ 3,408 28,690 101,771 74,881 During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company terminated a total notional amount of $3.1 billion of fixed rate floor income hedges for gross proceeds of $3.0 million , and a total notional amount of $300.0 million of other basis swaps for gross proceeds of $0.5 million . During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company terminated a total notional amount of $5.5 billion of 1:3 Basis Swaps for gross proceeds of $51.9 million . Offsetting of Derivative Assets/Liabilities The Company records derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to right of offset provisions with counterparties. The following tables include the gross amounts related to the Company's derivative portfolio recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, reconciled to the net amount when excluding derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral received/pledged: Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative assets Gross amounts of recognized assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement Cash collateral pledged Net asset (liability) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 3,408 (3,053 ) — 355 Balance as of December 31, 2015 28,690 (851 ) 1,632 29,471 Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative liabilities Gross amounts of recognized liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement Cash collateral pledged/received, net Net asset (liability) Balance as of $ (101,771 ) 3,053 90,170 (8,548 ) Balance as of (74,881 ) 851 13,168 (60,862 ) The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ 743 123 414 389 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (4,841 ) (5,019 ) (10,084 ) (10,034 ) Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges (231 ) (253 ) (463 ) (505 ) Cross-currency interest rate swap (1,166 ) (293 ) (1,898 ) (507 ) Total settlements - expense (5,495 ) (5,442 ) (12,031 ) (10,657 ) Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps (586 ) 1,428 183 12,398 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (27,276 ) 7,534 (59,985 ) 2,662 Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge (856 ) 1,381 (2,272 ) 470 Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges (1,464 ) 2,540 (4,014 ) 1,087 Interest rate caps (453 ) (201 ) (1,215 ) (201 ) Cross-currency interest rate swap (12,008 ) 13,933 20,693 (35,873 ) Other (2,332 ) — (2,039 ) — Total change in fair value - (expense) income (44,975 ) 26,615 (48,649 ) (19,457 ) Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense) 9,768 (14,671 ) (8,712 ) 33,538 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense) $ (40,702 ) 6,502 (69,392 ) 3,424

Investments and Notes Receivabl

Investments and Notes Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments and Notes Receivable A summary of the Company's investments and notes receivable follows: As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses (a) Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): Available-for-sale investments: Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities (b) $ 133,190 1,091 (6,432 ) 127,849 139,970 3,402 (1,362 ) 142,010 Equity securities 720 1,797 (69 ) 2,448 846 1,686 (100 ) 2,432 Total available-for-sale investments $ 133,910 2,888 (6,501 ) 130,297 140,816 5,088 (1,462 ) 144,442 Trading investments: Student loan asset-backed securities 5,867 6,045 Equity securities 5,318 4,905 Total trading investments 11,185 10,950 Total available-for-sale and trading investments 141,482 155,392 Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value): Venture capital and funds 65,778 63,323 Real estate 48,586 50,463 Notes receivable 17,206 18,473 Tax liens and affordable housing 12,944 16,030 Total investments and notes receivable $ 285,996 303,681 (a) As of June 30, 2016 , the Company considered the decline in market value of its available-for-sale investments to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of its investments other-than-temporarily impaired. (b) As of June 30, 2016 , the stated maturities of the majority of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years.

Business Combinations Business

Business Combinations Business Combinations (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Combination Allo Communications LLC ("Allo") On December 31, 2015, the Company purchased 92.5 percent of the ownership interests of Allo for total cash consideration of $46.25 million . On January 1, 2016, the Company sold a 1.0 percent ownership interest in Allo to a non-related third-party for $0.5 million . The remaining 7.5 percent of the ownership interests of Allo is owned by members of Allo management, who have the opportunity to earn an additional 11.5 percent (up to 19 percent ) of the total ownership interests based on the financial performance of Allo. The additional ownership interest that Allo management has the opportunity to earn are based on their continued employment with Allo. Accordingly, the value associated with the ownership interests issued to these employees of $1.0 million will be recognized by Allo as compensation expense over the performance period. Allo provides pure fiber optic service to homes and businesses for internet, television, and telephone services. The acquisition of Allo provides additional diversification of the Company's revenues and cash flows outside of education. In addition, the acquisition leverages the Company's existing infrastructure, customer service capabilities and call centers, and financial strength and liquidity for continued growth. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair values of the assets and liabilities related to Allo are subject to refinement as the Company completes its analysis relative to the fair values at the date of acquisition. During the first six months of 2016, the Company recognized certain adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2015 that were needed to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The net impact of these adjustments was an increase to goodwill, and the adjustments had no impact on operating results. Cash and cash equivalents $ 334 Restricted cash and investments 850 Accounts receivable 1,935 Property and equipment 32,479 Other assets 371 Intangible assets 11,410 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 21,112 Other liabilities (4,587 ) Bonds and notes payable (13,904 ) Net assets acquired 50,000 Minority interest (3,750 ) Total consideration paid by the Company $ 46,250 The $11.4 million of acquired intangible assets on the date of acquisition had a weighted-average useful life of approximately 12 years. The intangible assets that made up this amount included customer relationships of $6.3 million ( 10 -year useful life) and a trade name of $5.1 million ( 15 -year useful life). The $21.1 million of goodwill was assigned to the Communications operating segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amount allocated to goodwill was primarily attributable to future customers to be generated through the continued expansion of Allo's services in rural markets. The proforma impacts of the acquisition on the Company's historical results prior to the acquisition were not material. Allo recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists between Allo and the customer, (ii) delivery of the product to the customer has occurred or service has been provided to the customer, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured. Revenues based on a flat fee, derived principally from internet, television, and telephone services are billed in advance and recognized in subsequent periods when the services are provided. Revenues for usage-based services, such as access charges billed to other telephone carriers for originating and terminating long-distance calls on Allo's network, are billed in arrears. Allo recognizes revenue from these services in the period the services are rendered rather than billed. Earned but unbilled usage-based services are recorded in accounts receivable.

Intangible Assets Intangible As

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Intangible Assets and Goodwill Intangible assets consist of the following: Weighted average remaining useful life as of June 30, 2016 (months) As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $5,949 and $4,028, respectively) 171 $ 30,935 27,576 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $6,820 and $4,397, respectively) 31 12,128 11,601 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $1,224 and $795, respectively) 195 10,348 10,687 Content (net of accumulated amortization of $1,350 and $900, respectively) 6 450 900 Covenants not to compete (net of accumulated amortization of $74 and $56, respectively) 95 280 298 Total - amortizable intangible assets 143 $ 54,141 51,062 The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $2.7 million and $2.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $5.2 million and $4.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2016 (July 1 - December 31) $ 6,328 2017 9,386 2018 8,605 2019 5,147 2020 4,231 2021 and thereafter 20,444 $ 54,141 The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment was as follows: Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,596 67,168 19,800 41,883 8,553 146,000 Allo purchase price adjustment — — 1,312 — — 1,312 Balance as of March 31, 2016 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 8,553 147,312 Allo purchase price adjustment — — — — — — Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 8,553 147,312

Property Plant and Equipment Pr

Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of As of Useful life June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Non-communications: Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 95,113 89,093 Office furniture and equipment 3-7 years 12,576 12,638 Building and building improvements 5-39 years 12,244 12,239 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 3,868 3,868 Leasehold improvements 5-20 years 3,342 3,545 Land — 827 700 Construction in progress — 9,986 1,210 137,956 123,293 Accumulated depreciation - non-communications 84,583 77,188 Non-communications, net property and equipment 53,373 46,105 Communications: Network plant and fiber 5-15 years 26,382 25,669 Central office 5-15 years 4,376 909 Customer located property 5-10 years 3,823 6,912 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 1,296 470 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years 752 74 Other 1-20 years 625 343 Land — 70 — Construction in progress — 7,192 — 44,516 34,377 Accumulated depreciation - communications 1,810 — Communications, net property and equipment 42,706 34,377 Total property and equipment, net $ 96,079 80,482 Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 related to property and equipment was $5.4 million and $4.1 million , respectively

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company applies the two-class method in computing both basic and diluted earnings per share, which requires the calculation of separate earnings per share amounts for common stock and unvested share based awards. Unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. Three months ended June 30, 2016 2015 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 25,879 271 26,150 70,146 763 70,909 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 42,193,769 441,931 42,635,700 45,451,888 494,527 45,946,415 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 0.61 0.61 0.61 1.54 1.54 1.54 Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 73,334 777 74,111 134,227 1,447 135,674 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 42,412,287 449,609 42,861,896 45,635,155 492,052 46,127,207 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 1.73 1.73 1.73 2.94 2.94 2.94 Unvested restricted stock awards are the Company's only potential common shares and, accordingly, there were no awards that were antidilutive and not included in average shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	See note 14 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Annual Report for a description of the Company's operating segments. The following tables include the results of each of the Company's operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Company allocated certain corporate overhead expenses that are incurred within the Corporate and Other Activities segment to the other operating segments. These expenses included certain corporate activities related to executive management, internal audit, enterprise risk management, and other costs incurred by the Company due to corporate-wide initiatives. Effective January 1, 2016, internal reporting to executive management (the "chief operating decision maker") changed to eliminate the allocation of these expenses to the other segments. Management believes the change in its allocation methodology results in a better reflection of the operating results of each of the reportable segments as if they each operated as a standalone business entity, which also reflects how management evaluates the performance of the segments. Prior period segment operating results have been restated to conform to the current period presentation. Three months ended June 30, 2016 Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 22 3 — 184,966 2,064 (802 ) 186,252 Interest expense — — 205 92,769 1,881 (802 ) 94,052 Net interest income 22 3 (205 ) 92,197 183 — 92,200 Less provision for loan losses — — — 2,000 — — 2,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 22 3 (205 ) 90,197 183 — 90,200 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 54,402 — — — — — 54,402 Intersegment servicing revenue 11,408 — — — — (11,408 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 30,483 — — — — 30,483 Communications revenue — — 4,478 — — — 4,478 Enrollment services revenue — — — — — — — Other income — — — 3,834 5,931 — 9,765 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — — — — — — Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — — (31,411 ) (3,797 ) — (35,207 ) Derivative settlements, net — — — (5,264 ) (231 ) — (5,495 ) Total other income 65,810 30,483 4,478 (32,841 ) 1,903 (11,408 ) 58,426 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 31,380 15,444 1,377 499 12,222 — 60,923 Depreciation and amortization 445 2,511 1,378 — 3,848 — 8,183 Loan servicing fees — — — 7,216 — — 7,216 Cost to provide communication services — — 1,681 — — — 1,681 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — — — — — Other expenses 11,380 4,815 813 1,481 10,920 — 29,409 Intersegment expenses, net 6,102 1,562 187 11,539 (7,981 ) (11,408 ) — Total operating expenses 49,307 24,332 5,436 20,735 19,009 (11,408 ) 107,412 Income (loss) before income taxes 16,525 6,154 (1,163 ) 36,621 (16,923 ) — 41,214 Income tax (expense) benefit (6,280 ) (2,338 ) 442 (13,916 ) 7,057 — (15,036 ) Net income (loss) 10,245 3,816 (721 ) 22,705 (9,866 ) — 26,178 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 28 — 28 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 10,245 3,816 (721 ) 22,705 (9,894 ) — 26,150 Three months ended June 30, 2015 (a) Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 13 1 176,279 1,814 (385 ) 177,722 Interest expense — — 71,441 1,570 (385 ) 72,626 Net interest income 13 1 104,838 244 — 105,096 Less provision for loan losses — — 2,150 — — 2,150 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 13 1 102,688 244 — 102,946 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 63,833 — — — — 63,833 Intersegment servicing revenue 12,223 — — — (12,223 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 27,686 — — — 27,686 Enrollment services revenue — — — 12,680 — 12,680 Other income — — 3,950 8,035 — 11,985 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — 1,041 474 — 1,515 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — 9,404 2,540 — 11,944 Derivative settlements, net — — (5,189 ) (253 ) — (5,442 ) Total other income 76,056 27,686 9,206 23,476 (12,223 ) 124,201 Operating expenses: . Salaries and benefits 31,585 13,583 524 13,095 — 58,787 Depreciation and amortization 527 2,195 — 3,779 — 6,501 Loan servicing fees — — 7,420 — — 7,420 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — 10,395 — 10,395 Other expenses 15,376 4,112 1,270 11,967 — 32,725 Intersegment expenses, net 8,045 2,164 12,362 (10,348 ) (12,223 ) — Total operating expenses 55,533 22,054 21,576 28,888 (12,223 ) 115,828 Income (loss) before income taxes 20,536 5,633 90,318 (5,168 ) — 111,319 Income tax (expense) benefit (7,804 ) (2,140 ) (34,321 ) 3,910 — (40,356 ) Net income (loss) 12,732 3,493 55,997 (1,258 ) — 70,963 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 54 — 54 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 12,732 3,493 55,997 (1,312 ) — 70,909 (a) Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015. Six months ended June 30, 2016 Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 43 5 — 375,689 4,157 (1,625 ) 378,269 Interest expense — — 352 182,647 3,087 (1,625 ) 184,460 Net interest income 43 5 (352 ) 193,042 1,070 — 193,809 Less provision for loan losses — — — 4,500 — — 4,500 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 43 5 (352 ) 188,542 1,070 — 189,309 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 106,732 — — — — — 106,732 Intersegment servicing revenue 23,415 — — — — (23,415 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 69,140 — — — — 69,140 Communications revenue — — 8,824 — — — 8,824 Enrollment services revenue — — — — 4,326 — 4,326 Other income — — — 8,097 15,462 — 23,559 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — — 101 — — 101 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — — (51,308 ) (6,053 ) — (57,361 ) Derivative settlements, net — — — (11,568 ) (463 ) — (12,031 ) Total other income 130,147 69,140 8,824 (54,678 ) 13,272 (23,415 ) 143,290 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 64,346 29,880 2,467 1,018 26,454 — 124,165 Depreciation and amortization 883 4,782 2,507 — 7,650 — 15,823 Loan servicing fees — — — 14,144 — — 14,144 Cost to provide communication services — — 3,384 — — — 3,384 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — — 3,623 — 3,623 Other expenses 22,850 8,973 1,566 2,997 21,397 — 57,783 Intersegment expenses, net 12,343 3,074 331 23,646 (15,978 ) (23,415 ) — Total operating expenses 100,422 46,709 10,255 41,805 43,146 (23,415 ) 218,922 Income (loss) before income taxes 29,768 22,436 (1,783 ) 92,059 (28,804 ) — 113,677 Income tax (expense) benefit (11,312 ) (8,526 ) 678 (34,983 ) 14,674 — (39,469 ) Net income (loss) 18,456 13,910 (1,105 ) 57,076 (14,130 ) — 74,208 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 97 — 97 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 18,456 13,910 (1,105 ) 57,076 (14,227 ) — 74,111 Six months ended June 30, 2015 (a) Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Asset Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 20 3 348,702 3,967 (821 ) 351,871 Interest expense — — 141,981 3,020 (821 ) 144,180 Net interest income 20 3 206,721 947 — 207,691 Less provision for loan losses — — 4,150 — — 4,150 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 20 3 202,571 947 — 203,541 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 121,644 — — — — 121,644 Intersegment servicing revenue 25,094 — — — (25,094 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 62,366 — — — 62,366 Enrollment services revenue — — — 26,053 — 26,053 Other income — — 8,526 14,867 — 23,393 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — 1,392 2,998 — 4,390 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — 12,994 1,087 — 14,081 Derivative settlements, net — — (10,152 ) (505 ) — (10,657 ) Total other income 146,738 62,366 12,760 44,500 (25,094 ) 241,270 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 65,288 26,904 1,065 26,580 — 119,837 Depreciation and amortization 973 4,390 — 6,800 — 12,163 Loan servicing fees — — 15,036 — — 15,036 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — 21,194 — 21,194 Other expenses 29,976 7,914 2,407 22,529 — 62,826 Intersegment expenses, net 14,687 4,199 25,370 (19,162 ) (25,094 ) — Total operating expenses 110,924 43,407 43,878 57,941 (25,094 ) 231,056 Income (loss) before income taxes 35,834 18,962 171,453 (12,494 ) — 213,755 Income tax (expense) benefit (13,617 ) (7,206 ) (65,152 ) 7,989 — (77,986 ) Net income (loss) 22,217 11,756 106,301 (4,505 ) — 135,769 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 95 — 95 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 22,217 11,756 106,301 (4,600 ) — 135,674 (a) Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015 .

Major Customer

Major Customer	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Major Customer The Company earns loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the U.S. Department of Education (the "Department") that currently expires on June 16, 2019. Revenue earned by the Company's Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment related to this contract was $37.1 million and $33.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $72.3 million and $66.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In April 2016, the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid released information regarding a new contract procurement process for the Department to acquire a single servicing solution to support the management of federal student financial aid, including the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. The contract solicitation process is divided into two phases. Responses for Phase I were due on May 9, 2016. On May 6, 2016, the Company and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. ("Great Lakes") submitted a joint response to Phase I as part of a newly created joint venture to respond to the contract solicitation process and to provide services under the new contract in the event that the Department selects it to be awarded with the contract. The joint venture will operate as a new legal entity called GreatNet Solutions, LLC ("GreatNet"). The Company and Great Lakes each own 50 percent of the ownership interests of GreatNet. In addition to the Company, Great Lakes is currently one of four private sector companies (referred to as Title IV Additional Servicers, or "TIVAS") that currently has a student loan servicing contract with the Department to provide servicing for loans owned by the Department. On June 30, 2016, the Department announced which entities were selected to respond to Phase II of the procurement selection process. GreatNet was one of three entities selected.

Fair Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers into or out of level 1, level 2, or level 3 for the six months ended June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (available-for-sale and trading): Student loan asset-backed securities $ — 133,592 133,592 — 147,925 147,925 Equity securities 7,766 — 7,766 7,337 — 7,337 Debt securities 124 — 124 130 — 130 Total investments (available-for-sale and trading) 7,890 133,592 141,482 7,467 147,925 155,392 Fair value of derivative instruments — 3,408 3,408 — 28,690 28,690 Total assets $ 7,890 137,000 144,890 7,467 176,615 184,082 Liabilities: Fair value of derivative instruments $ — 101,771 101,771 — 74,881 74,881 Total liabilities $ — 101,771 101,771 — 74,881 74,881 The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of June 30, 2016 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 26,875,363 26,539,604 — — 26,875,363 Cash and cash equivalents 59,253 59,253 59,253 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 141,482 141,482 7,890 133,592 — Notes receivable 17,206 17,206 — 17,206 — Restricted cash 955,689 955,689 955,689 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Restricted investments 9,110 9,110 9,110 — — Accrued interest receivable 380,140 380,140 — 380,140 — Derivative instruments 3,408 3,408 — 3,408 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 25,510,394 26,399,686 — 25,510,394 — Accrued interest payable 39,926 39,926 — 39,926 — Due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Derivative instruments 101,771 101,771 — 101,771 — As of December 31, 2015 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 28,611,350 28,324,552 — — 28,611,350 Cash and cash equivalents 63,529 63,529 63,529 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 155,392 155,392 7,467 147,925 — Notes receivable 18,067 18,473 — 18,067 — Restricted cash 823,450 823,450 823,450 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Restricted investments 9,174 9,174 9,174 — — Accrued interest receivable 383,825 383,825 — 383,825 — Derivative instruments 28,690 28,690 — 28,690 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 27,150,775 28,105,921 — 27,150,775 — Accrued interest payable 31,507 31,507 — 31,507 — Due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Derivative instruments 74,881 74,881 — 74,881 — The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities are described in note 20 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Annual Report.

Basis of Financial Reporting Si

Basis of Financial Reporting Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Reporting	Basis of Financial Reporting The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2016 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2016 . The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the " 2015 Annual Report").

Business Combinations Revenue R

Business Combinations Revenue Recognition (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allo recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists between Allo and the customer, (ii) delivery of the product to the customer has occurred or service has been provided to the customer, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured. Revenues based on a flat fee, derived principally from internet, television, and telephone services are billed in advance and recognized in subsequent periods when the services are provided. Revenues for usage-based services, such as access charges billed to other telephone carriers for originating and terminating long-distance calls on Allo's network, are billed in arrears. Allo recognizes revenue from these services in the period the services are rendered rather than billed. Earned but unbilled usage-based services are recorded in accounts receivable.

Student Loans Receivable and 23

Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	Student loans receivable consisted of the following: As of As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Federally insured loans: Stafford and other $ 5,629,034 6,202,064 Consolidation 20,837,356 22,086,043 Total 26,466,390 28,288,107 Private education loans 288,170 267,642 26,754,560 28,555,749 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (a) (166,203 ) (180,699 ) Allowance for loan losses – federally insured loans (33,224 ) (35,490 ) Allowance for loan losses – private education loans (15,529 ) (15,008 ) $ 26,539,604 28,324,552 (a) As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , "loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs" included $26.2 million and $33.0 million , respectively, of non-accretable discount associated with purchased loans of $10.1 billion and $10.8 billion , respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 50,084 51,161 50,498 48,900 Provision for loan losses: Federally insured loans 2,000 2,000 4,000 4,000 Private education loans — 150 500 150 Total provision for loan losses 2,000 2,150 4,500 4,150 Charge-offs: Federally insured loans (3,217 ) (3,259 ) (6,266 ) (6,408 ) Private education loans (514 ) (446 ) (915 ) (1,122 ) Total charge-offs (3,731 ) (3,705 ) (7,181 ) (7,530 ) Recoveries - private education loans 250 238 526 492 Purchase (sale) of federally insured and private education loans, net 100 — 260 (230 ) Transfer from repurchase obligation related to private education loans repurchased, net 50 180 150 4,242 Balance at end of period $ 48,753 50,024 48,753 50,024 Allocation of the allowance for loan losses: Federally insured loans $ 33,224 36,762 33,224 36,762 Private education loans 15,529 13,262 15,529 13,262 Total allowance for loan losses $ 48,753 50,024 48,753 50,024
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	Student Loan Status and Delinquencies Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact the Company’s earnings through increased servicing and collection costs and account charge-offs. The table below shows the Company’s loan delinquency amounts. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 As of June 30, 2015 Federally insured loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment $ 1,936,064 $ 2,292,941 $ 2,634,088 Loans in forbearance 2,672,241 2,979,357 3,118,774 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 18,957,457 86.7 % 19,447,541 84.4 % 19,055,994 85.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days 828,885 3.8 1,028,396 4.5 950,055 4.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 482,379 2.2 566,953 2.5 612,657 2.7 Loans delinquent 91-120 days 320,213 1.5 415,747 1.8 355,636 1.6 Loans delinquent 121-270 days 918,788 4.2 1,166,940 5.1 1,051,843 4.7 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater 350,363 1.6 390,232 1.7 359,601 1.6 Total loans in repayment 21,858,085 100.0 % 23,015,809 100.0 % 22,385,786 100.0 % Total federally insured loans $ 26,466,390 $ 28,288,107 $ 28,138,648 Private education loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment $ 54,597 $ 30,795 $ 5,268 Loans in forbearance 1,610 350 142 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 225,585 97.2 % 228,464 96.7 % 161,355 95.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days 1,361 0.6 1,771 0.7 1,407 0.8 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 929 0.4 1,283 0.5 1,647 1.0 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 4,088 1.8 4,979 2.1 5,383 3.2 Total loans in repayment 231,963 100.0 % 236,497 100.0 % 169,792 100.0 % Total private education loans $ 288,170 $ 267,642 $ 175,202

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Bonds and Notes Payable [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument: As of June 30, 2016 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 23,418,478 0.30% - 6.90% 8/26/19 - 8/26/52 Bonds and notes based on auction 1,158,415 1.26% - 2.21% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total variable-rate bonds and notes 24,576,893 FFELP warehouse facilities 1,811,708 0.46% - 0.80% 7/9/18 - 4/26/19 Private education loan warehouse facility 221,114 0.81% 4/28/17 Unsecured line of credit 105,000 1.94% - 1.95% 10/30/20 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 57,184 4.01% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 93,355 1.97% - 3.38% 10/31/16 - 12/15/45 26,865,254 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs, net (465,568 ) Total $ 26,399,686 As of December 31, 2015 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 25,155,336 0.05% - 6.90% 8/26/19 - 8/26/52 Bonds and notes based on auction 1,160,365 0.88% - 2.17% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total variable-rate bonds and notes 26,315,701 FFELP warehouse facilities 1,855,907 0.27% - 0.56% 4/29/18 - 12/14/18 Private education loan warehouse facility 181,184 0.57% 12/26/16 Unsecured line of credit 100,000 1.79% - 1.92% 10/30/20 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 57,184 3.99% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 93,355 1.93% - 3.38% 10/31/16 - 12/15/45 28,603,331 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs, net (497,410 ) Total $ 28,105,921
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	FFELP Warehouse Facilities The Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below. NFSLW-I (a) NHELP-II NHELP-III Total Maximum financing amount $ 875,000 500,000 750,000 2,125,000 Amount outstanding 844,087 455,049 512,572 1,811,708 Amount available $ 30,913 44,951 237,428 313,292 Expiration of liquidity provisions July 8, 2016 December 16, 2016 April 28, 2017 Final maturity date July 9, 2018 December 14, 2018 April 26, 2019 Maximum advance rates 92.0 - 98.0% 85.0 - 95.0% 92.2 - 95.0% Minimum advance rates 84.0 - 90.0% 85.0 - 95.0% 92.2 - 95.0% Advanced as equity support $ 36,663 38,051 30,694 105,408 (a) On July 10, 2015, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to temporarily increase the maximum financing amount to $875.0 million. The maximum financing amount was scheduled to decrease by $125.0 million on March 31, 2016. On January 26, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to extend the scheduled decrease of the maximum financing amount by $125.0 million to July 8, 2016

Derivative Financial Instrume25

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Swaps - 1:3 Basis swaps	Basis Swaps The following table summarizes the Company’s basis swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). As of June 30, As of December 31, 2016 2015 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2016 $ 2,000,000 $ 7,500,000 2028 125,000 — The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.3 basis points and 10.0 basis points, respectively.
Interest Rate Swaps - Floor Income Hedges	Interest Rate Swaps – Floor Income Hedges The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2016 $ 750,000 0.72 % $ 1,000,000 0.76 % 2017 1,000,000 0.97 2,100,000 0.84 2018 1,600,000 1.08 1,600,000 1.08 2019 3,250,000 0.97 500,000 1.12 2020 1,500,000 1.01 — — 2025 100,000 2.32 100,000 2.32 2026 50,000 1.52 — — $ 8,250,000 0.99 % $ 5,300,000 0.95 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
Interest Rate Swaps - Unsecured Debt Hedges	Interest Rate Swaps – Unsecured Debt Hedges The Company had the following derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 that are used to effectively convert the variable interest rate on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities to a fixed rate of 7.66% . Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2036 $ 25,000 4.28 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
Impact of Foreign Exchange Contracts on the Statement of Income	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk In 2006, the Company issued €352.7 million of student loan asset-backed Euro Notes (the "Euro Notes") with an interest rate based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result of the Euro Notes, the Company is exposed to market risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euro. The principal and accrued interest on these notes are re-measured at each reporting period and recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date. The Company entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. Under the terms of the cross-currency interest rate swap, the Company receives from the counterparty a spread to the EURIBOR index based on a notional amount of €352.7 million and pays a spread to the LIBOR index based on a notional amount of $450.0 million . In addition, under the terms of this agreement, all principal payments on the Euro Notes will effectively be paid at the exchange rate in effect between the U.S. dollar and Euro as of the issuance of the notes. The following table shows the income statement impact as a result of the re-measurement of the Euro Notes and the change in the fair value of the related derivative instrument. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Re-measurement of Euro Notes $ 9,768 (14,671 ) (8,712 ) 33,538 Change in fair value of cross-currency interest rate swap (12,008 ) 13,933 20,693 (35,873 ) Total impact to consolidated statements of income - income (expense) (a) $ (2,240 ) (738 ) 11,981 (2,335 ) (a) The financial statement impact of the above items is included in "Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Management has structured the cross-currency interest rate swap to economically hedge the Euro Notes to effectively convert the Euro Notes to U.S. dollars and pay a spread on these notes based on the LIBOR index. However, the cross-currency interest rate swap does not qualify for hedge accounting. The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in the fair value of the corresponding cross-currency interest rate swap. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains and losses between these financial instruments due to the principal and accrued interest on the Euro Notes being re-measured to U.S. dollars at each reporting date based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date, while the cross-currency interest rate swap is measured at fair value at each reporting date with the change in fair value recognized in the current period earnings.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets: Fair value of asset derivatives Fair value of liability derivatives As of As of As of As of June 30, December 31, June 30, December 31, 1:3 basis swaps $ 623 724 127 410 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 27 21,408 42,791 1,175 Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge 986 3,257 — — Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — — 11,660 7,646 Interest rate caps 355 1,570 — — Cross-currency interest rate swap — — 44,957 65,650 Other 1,417 1,731 2,236 — Total $ 3,408 28,690 101,771 74,881 During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company terminated a total notional amount of $3.1 billion of fixed rate floor income hedges for gross proceeds of $3.0 million , and a total notional amount of $300.0 million of other basis swaps for gross proceeds of $0.5 million . During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company terminated a total notional amount of $5.5 billion of 1:3 Basis Swaps for gross proceeds of $51.9 million
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	Offsetting of Derivative Assets/Liabilities The Company records derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to right of offset provisions with counterparties. The following tables include the gross amounts related to the Company's derivative portfolio recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, reconciled to the net amount when excluding derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral received/pledged: Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative assets Gross amounts of recognized assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement Cash collateral pledged Net asset (liability) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 3,408 (3,053 ) — 355 Balance as of December 31, 2015 28,690 (851 ) 1,632 29,471 Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets Derivative liabilities Gross amounts of recognized liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement Cash collateral pledged/received, net Net asset (liability) Balance as of $ (101,771 ) 3,053 90,170 (8,548 ) Balance as of (74,881 ) 851 13,168 (60,862 )
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ 743 123 414 389 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (4,841 ) (5,019 ) (10,084 ) (10,034 ) Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges (231 ) (253 ) (463 ) (505 ) Cross-currency interest rate swap (1,166 ) (293 ) (1,898 ) (507 ) Total settlements - expense (5,495 ) (5,442 ) (12,031 ) (10,657 ) Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps (586 ) 1,428 183 12,398 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (27,276 ) 7,534 (59,985 ) 2,662 Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge (856 ) 1,381 (2,272 ) 470 Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges (1,464 ) 2,540 (4,014 ) 1,087 Interest rate caps (453 ) (201 ) (1,215 ) (201 ) Cross-currency interest rate swap (12,008 ) 13,933 20,693 (35,873 ) Other (2,332 ) — (2,039 ) — Total change in fair value - (expense) income (44,975 ) 26,615 (48,649 ) (19,457 ) Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense) 9,768 (14,671 ) (8,712 ) 33,538 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense) $ (40,702 ) 6,502 (69,392 ) 3,424

Investments and Notes Receiva26

Investments and Notes Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Summary Investment Holdings	A summary of the Company's investments and notes receivable follows: As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses (a) Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): Available-for-sale investments: Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities (b) $ 133,190 1,091 (6,432 ) 127,849 139,970 3,402 (1,362 ) 142,010 Equity securities 720 1,797 (69 ) 2,448 846 1,686 (100 ) 2,432 Total available-for-sale investments $ 133,910 2,888 (6,501 ) 130,297 140,816 5,088 (1,462 ) 144,442 Trading investments: Student loan asset-backed securities 5,867 6,045 Equity securities 5,318 4,905 Total trading investments 11,185 10,950 Total available-for-sale and trading investments 141,482 155,392 Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value): Venture capital and funds 65,778 63,323 Real estate 48,586 50,463 Notes receivable 17,206 18,473 Tax liens and affordable housing 12,944 16,030 Total investments and notes receivable $ 285,996 303,681 (a) As of June 30, 2016 , the Company considered the decline in market value of its available-for-sale investments to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of its investments other-than-temporarily impaired. (b) As of June 30, 2016 , the stated maturities of the majority of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years.

Business Combinations Busines27

Business Combinations Business Combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Cash and cash equivalents $ 334 Restricted cash and investments 850 Accounts receivable 1,935 Property and equipment 32,479 Other assets 371 Intangible assets 11,410 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 21,112 Other liabilities (4,587 ) Bonds and notes payable (13,904 ) Net assets acquired 50,000 Minority interest (3,750 ) Total consideration paid by the Company $ 46,250 The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of June 30, 2016 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 26,875,363 26,539,604 — — 26,875,363 Cash and cash equivalents 59,253 59,253 59,253 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 141,482 141,482 7,890 133,592 — Notes receivable 17,206 17,206 — 17,206 — Restricted cash 955,689 955,689 955,689 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Restricted investments 9,110 9,110 9,110 — — Accrued interest receivable 380,140 380,140 — 380,140 — Derivative instruments 3,408 3,408 — 3,408 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 25,510,394 26,399,686 — 25,510,394 — Accrued interest payable 39,926 39,926 — 39,926 — Due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Derivative instruments 101,771 101,771 — 101,771 — As of December 31, 2015 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 28,611,350 28,324,552 — — 28,611,350 Cash and cash equivalents 63,529 63,529 63,529 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 155,392 155,392 7,467 147,925 — Notes receivable 18,067 18,473 — 18,067 — Restricted cash 823,450 823,450 823,450 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Restricted investments 9,174 9,174 9,174 — — Accrued interest receivable 383,825 383,825 — 383,825 — Derivative instruments 28,690 28,690 — 28,690 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 27,150,775 28,105,921 — 27,150,775 — Accrued interest payable 31,507 31,507 — 31,507 — Due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Derivative instruments 74,881 74,881 — 74,881 —

Intangible Assets Intangible 28

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Intangible assets consist of the following: Weighted average remaining useful life as of June 30, 2016 (months) As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $5,949 and $4,028, respectively) 171 $ 30,935 27,576 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $6,820 and $4,397, respectively) 31 12,128 11,601 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $1,224 and $795, respectively) 195 10,348 10,687 Content (net of accumulated amortization of $1,350 and $900, respectively) 6 450 900 Covenants not to compete (net of accumulated amortization of $74 and $56, respectively) 95 280 298 Total - amortizable intangible assets 143 $ 54,141 51,062
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $2.7 million and $2.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $5.2 million and $4.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of June 30, 2016 , the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2016 (July 1 - December 31) $ 6,328 2017 9,386 2018 8,605 2019 5,147 2020 4,231 2021 and thereafter 20,444 $ 54,141
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,596 67,168 19,800 41,883 8,553 146,000 Allo purchase price adjustment — — 1,312 — — 1,312 Balance as of March 31, 2016 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 8,553 147,312 Allo purchase price adjustment — — — — — — Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 8,553 147,312

Property Plant and Equipment 29

Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of As of Useful life June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Non-communications: Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 95,113 89,093 Office furniture and equipment 3-7 years 12,576 12,638 Building and building improvements 5-39 years 12,244 12,239 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 3,868 3,868 Leasehold improvements 5-20 years 3,342 3,545 Land — 827 700 Construction in progress — 9,986 1,210 137,956 123,293 Accumulated depreciation - non-communications 84,583 77,188 Non-communications, net property and equipment 53,373 46,105 Communications: Network plant and fiber 5-15 years 26,382 25,669 Central office 5-15 years 4,376 909 Customer located property 5-10 years 3,823 6,912 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 1,296 470 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years 752 74 Other 1-20 years 625 343 Land — 70 — Construction in progress — 7,192 — 44,516 34,377 Accumulated depreciation - communications 1,810 — Communications, net property and equipment 42,706 34,377 Total property and equipment, net $ 96,079 80,482

Earnings per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Three months ended June 30, 2016 2015 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 25,879 271 26,150 70,146 763 70,909 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 42,193,769 441,931 42,635,700 45,451,888 494,527 45,946,415 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 0.61 0.61 0.61 1.54 1.54 1.54 Six months ended June 30, 2016 2015 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 73,334 777 74,111 134,227 1,447 135,674 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 42,412,287 449,609 42,861,896 45,635,155 492,052 46,127,207 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 1.73 1.73 1.73 2.94 2.94 2.94

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	See note 14 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Annual Report for a description of the Company's operating segments. The following tables include the results of each of the Company's operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Company allocated certain corporate overhead expenses that are incurred within the Corporate and Other Activities segment to the other operating segments. These expenses included certain corporate activities related to executive management, internal audit, enterprise risk management, and other costs incurred by the Company due to corporate-wide initiatives. Effective January 1, 2016, internal reporting to executive management (the "chief operating decision maker") changed to eliminate the allocation of these expenses to the other segments. Management believes the change in its allocation methodology results in a better reflection of the operating results of each of the reportable segments as if they each operated as a standalone business entity, which also reflects how management evaluates the performance of the segments. Prior period segment operating results have been restated to conform to the current period presentation. Three months ended June 30, 2016 Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 22 3 — 184,966 2,064 (802 ) 186,252 Interest expense — — 205 92,769 1,881 (802 ) 94,052 Net interest income 22 3 (205 ) 92,197 183 — 92,200 Less provision for loan losses — — — 2,000 — — 2,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 22 3 (205 ) 90,197 183 — 90,200 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 54,402 — — — — — 54,402 Intersegment servicing revenue 11,408 — — — — (11,408 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 30,483 — — — — 30,483 Communications revenue — — 4,478 — — — 4,478 Enrollment services revenue — — — — — — — Other income — — — 3,834 5,931 — 9,765 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — — — — — — Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — — (31,411 ) (3,797 ) — (35,207 ) Derivative settlements, net — — — (5,264 ) (231 ) — (5,495 ) Total other income 65,810 30,483 4,478 (32,841 ) 1,903 (11,408 ) 58,426 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 31,380 15,444 1,377 499 12,222 — 60,923 Depreciation and amortization 445 2,511 1,378 — 3,848 — 8,183 Loan servicing fees — — — 7,216 — — 7,216 Cost to provide communication services — — 1,681 — — — 1,681 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — — — — — Other expenses 11,380 4,815 813 1,481 10,920 — 29,409 Intersegment expenses, net 6,102 1,562 187 11,539 (7,981 ) (11,408 ) — Total operating expenses 49,307 24,332 5,436 20,735 19,009 (11,408 ) 107,412 Income (loss) before income taxes 16,525 6,154 (1,163 ) 36,621 (16,923 ) — 41,214 Income tax (expense) benefit (6,280 ) (2,338 ) 442 (13,916 ) 7,057 — (15,036 ) Net income (loss) 10,245 3,816 (721 ) 22,705 (9,866 ) — 26,178 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 28 — 28 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 10,245 3,816 (721 ) 22,705 (9,894 ) — 26,150 Three months ended June 30, 2015 (a) Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 13 1 176,279 1,814 (385 ) 177,722 Interest expense — — 71,441 1,570 (385 ) 72,626 Net interest income 13 1 104,838 244 — 105,096 Less provision for loan losses — — 2,150 — — 2,150 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 13 1 102,688 244 — 102,946 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 63,833 — — — — 63,833 Intersegment servicing revenue 12,223 — — — (12,223 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 27,686 — — — 27,686 Enrollment services revenue — — — 12,680 — 12,680 Other income — — 3,950 8,035 — 11,985 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — 1,041 474 — 1,515 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — 9,404 2,540 — 11,944 Derivative settlements, net — — (5,189 ) (253 ) — (5,442 ) Total other income 76,056 27,686 9,206 23,476 (12,223 ) 124,201 Operating expenses: . Salaries and benefits 31,585 13,583 524 13,095 — 58,787 Depreciation and amortization 527 2,195 — 3,779 — 6,501 Loan servicing fees — — 7,420 — — 7,420 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — 10,395 — 10,395 Other expenses 15,376 4,112 1,270 11,967 — 32,725 Intersegment expenses, net 8,045 2,164 12,362 (10,348 ) (12,223 ) — Total operating expenses 55,533 22,054 21,576 28,888 (12,223 ) 115,828 Income (loss) before income taxes 20,536 5,633 90,318 (5,168 ) — 111,319 Income tax (expense) benefit (7,804 ) (2,140 ) (34,321 ) 3,910 — (40,356 ) Net income (loss) 12,732 3,493 55,997 (1,258 ) — 70,963 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 54 — 54 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 12,732 3,493 55,997 (1,312 ) — 70,909 (a) Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015. Six months ended June 30, 2016 Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Communications Asset Generation and Management Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 43 5 — 375,689 4,157 (1,625 ) 378,269 Interest expense — — 352 182,647 3,087 (1,625 ) 184,460 Net interest income 43 5 (352 ) 193,042 1,070 — 193,809 Less provision for loan losses — — — 4,500 — — 4,500 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 43 5 (352 ) 188,542 1,070 — 189,309 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 106,732 — — — — — 106,732 Intersegment servicing revenue 23,415 — — — — (23,415 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 69,140 — — — — 69,140 Communications revenue — — 8,824 — — — 8,824 Enrollment services revenue — — — — 4,326 — 4,326 Other income — — — 8,097 15,462 — 23,559 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — — 101 — — 101 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — — (51,308 ) (6,053 ) — (57,361 ) Derivative settlements, net — — — (11,568 ) (463 ) — (12,031 ) Total other income 130,147 69,140 8,824 (54,678 ) 13,272 (23,415 ) 143,290 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 64,346 29,880 2,467 1,018 26,454 — 124,165 Depreciation and amortization 883 4,782 2,507 — 7,650 — 15,823 Loan servicing fees — — — 14,144 — — 14,144 Cost to provide communication services — — 3,384 — — — 3,384 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — — 3,623 — 3,623 Other expenses 22,850 8,973 1,566 2,997 21,397 — 57,783 Intersegment expenses, net 12,343 3,074 331 23,646 (15,978 ) (23,415 ) — Total operating expenses 100,422 46,709 10,255 41,805 43,146 (23,415 ) 218,922 Income (loss) before income taxes 29,768 22,436 (1,783 ) 92,059 (28,804 ) — 113,677 Income tax (expense) benefit (11,312 ) (8,526 ) 678 (34,983 ) 14,674 — (39,469 ) Net income (loss) 18,456 13,910 (1,105 ) 57,076 (14,130 ) — 74,208 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 97 — 97 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 18,456 13,910 (1,105 ) 57,076 (14,227 ) — 74,111 Six months ended June 30, 2015 (a) Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Asset Corporate and Other Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 20 3 348,702 3,967 (821 ) 351,871 Interest expense — — 141,981 3,020 (821 ) 144,180 Net interest income 20 3 206,721 947 — 207,691 Less provision for loan losses — — 4,150 — — 4,150 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 20 3 202,571 947 — 203,541 Other income: Loan and guaranty servicing revenue 121,644 — — — — 121,644 Intersegment servicing revenue 25,094 — — — (25,094 ) — Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue — 62,366 — — — 62,366 Enrollment services revenue — — — 26,053 — 26,053 Other income — — 8,526 14,867 — 23,393 Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases — — 1,392 2,998 — 4,390 Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net — — 12,994 1,087 — 14,081 Derivative settlements, net — — (10,152 ) (505 ) — (10,657 ) Total other income 146,738 62,366 12,760 44,500 (25,094 ) 241,270 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 65,288 26,904 1,065 26,580 — 119,837 Depreciation and amortization 973 4,390 — 6,800 — 12,163 Loan servicing fees — — 15,036 — — 15,036 Cost to provide enrollment services — — — 21,194 — 21,194 Other expenses 29,976 7,914 2,407 22,529 — 62,826 Intersegment expenses, net 14,687 4,199 25,370 (19,162 ) (25,094 ) — Total operating expenses 110,924 43,407 43,878 57,941 (25,094 ) 231,056 Income (loss) before income taxes 35,834 18,962 171,453 (12,494 ) — 213,755 Income tax (expense) benefit (13,617 ) (7,206 ) (65,152 ) 7,989 — (77,986 ) Net income (loss) 22,217 11,756 106,301 (4,505 ) — 135,769 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 95 — 95 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 22,217 11,756 106,301 (4,600 ) — 135,674 (a) Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015 .

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers into or out of level 1, level 2, or level 3 for the six months ended June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (available-for-sale and trading): Student loan asset-backed securities $ — 133,592 133,592 — 147,925 147,925 Equity securities 7,766 — 7,766 7,337 — 7,337 Debt securities 124 — 124 130 — 130 Total investments (available-for-sale and trading) 7,890 133,592 141,482 7,467 147,925 155,392 Fair value of derivative instruments — 3,408 3,408 — 28,690 28,690 Total assets $ 7,890 137,000 144,890 7,467 176,615 184,082 Liabilities: Fair value of derivative instruments $ — 101,771 101,771 — 74,881 74,881 Total liabilities $ — 101,771 101,771 — 74,881 74,881
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Cash and cash equivalents $ 334 Restricted cash and investments 850 Accounts receivable 1,935 Property and equipment 32,479 Other assets 371 Intangible assets 11,410 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 21,112 Other liabilities (4,587 ) Bonds and notes payable (13,904 ) Net assets acquired 50,000 Minority interest (3,750 ) Total consideration paid by the Company $ 46,250 The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of June 30, 2016 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 26,875,363 26,539,604 — — 26,875,363 Cash and cash equivalents 59,253 59,253 59,253 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 141,482 141,482 7,890 133,592 — Notes receivable 17,206 17,206 — 17,206 — Restricted cash 955,689 955,689 955,689 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Restricted investments 9,110 9,110 9,110 — — Accrued interest receivable 380,140 380,140 — 380,140 — Derivative instruments 3,408 3,408 — 3,408 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 25,510,394 26,399,686 — 25,510,394 — Accrued interest payable 39,926 39,926 — 39,926 — Due to customers 132,018 132,018 132,018 — — Derivative instruments 101,771 101,771 — 101,771 — As of December 31, 2015 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Student loans receivable $ 28,611,350 28,324,552 — — 28,611,350 Cash and cash equivalents 63,529 63,529 63,529 — — Investments (available-for-sale and trading) 155,392 155,392 7,467 147,925 — Notes receivable 18,067 18,473 — 18,067 — Restricted cash 823,450 823,450 823,450 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Restricted investments 9,174 9,174 9,174 — — Accrued interest receivable 383,825 383,825 — 383,825 — Derivative instruments 28,690 28,690 — 28,690 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 27,150,775 28,105,921 — 27,150,775 — Accrued interest payable 31,507 31,507 — 31,507 — Due to customers 144,771 144,771 144,771 — — Derivative instruments 74,881 74,881 — 74,881 —

Basis of Financial Reporting Re

Basis of Financial Reporting Reclassifications (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Sale of subsidiary [Line Items]
Percent of membership interest sold	100.00%

Student Loans Receivable (Detai

Student Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses		$ 48,753	$ 50,084	$ 50,498	$ 50,024	$ 51,161	$ 48,900
Student loans receivable		26,539,604		28,324,552
Federally insured loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses		33,224			36,762
Private education loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses		15,529			$ 13,262
held for investment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		26,754,560		28,555,749
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs	[1]	166,203		180,699
Student loans receivable		26,539,604		28,324,552
held for investment [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		26,466,390		28,288,107
Allowance for loan losses		33,224		35,490
held for investment [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		288,170		267,642
Allowance for loan losses		15,529		15,008
held for investment [Member] | Stafford and Other [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		5,629,034		6,202,064
held for investment [Member] | Consolidation Loans [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		20,837,356		22,086,043
Non-accretable discount [Member] | held for investment [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student loans receivable, gross		10,100,000		10,800,000
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs		26,200		$ 33,000
CommonBond Purchase Commitment [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments to Purchase or Sell		$ 200,000
CommonBond Purchase Commitment [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period		18 months
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases		$ 190,100
[1]	As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, "loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs" included $26.2 million and $33.0 million, respectively, of non-accretable discount associated with purchased loans of $10.1 billion and $10.8 billion, respectively.

Student Loans Receivable and 35

Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Allowance for loan losses - balance	$ 50,084	$ 51,161		$ 50,498	$ 48,900
Provision for loan losses	2,000	2,150	[1]	4,500	4,150	[1]
Charge-offs	(3,731)	(3,705)		(7,181)	(7,530)
Purchase (sale) of federally insured and private education loans, net	100	0		260	(230)
Allowance for loan losses - balance	48,753	50,024		48,753	50,024
Federally insured loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Provision for loan losses	2,000	2,000		4,000	4,000
Charge-offs	(3,217)	(3,259)		(6,266)	(6,408)
Allowance for loan losses - balance	33,224	36,762		33,224	36,762
Private education loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Provision for loan losses	0	150		500	150
Charge-offs	(514)	(446)		(915)	(1,122)
Recoveries - private education loans	250	238		526	492
Transfer from repurchase obligation related to private education loans repurchased, net	50	180		150	4,242
Allowance for loan losses - balance	$ 15,529	$ 13,262		$ 15,529	$ 13,262
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Student Loans Receivable and 36

Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses Student Loan Status and Delinquency (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Federally insured loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 1,936,064	$ 2,634,088	$ 2,292,941
Loans in forbearance	2,672,241	3,118,774	2,979,357
Student loans receivable, gross	26,466,390	28,138,648	28,288,107
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current	$ 18,957,457	$ 19,055,994	$ 19,447,541
Loans current, percentage	86.70%	85.20%	84.40%
Total loans in repayment	$ 21,858,085	$ 22,385,786	$ 23,015,809
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Private education loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 54,597	$ 5,268	$ 30,795
Loans in forbearance	1,610	142	350
Student loans receivable, gross	288,170	175,202	267,642
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current	$ 225,585	$ 161,355	$ 228,464
Loans current, percentage	97.20%	95.00%	96.70%
Total loans in repayment	$ 231,963	$ 169,792	$ 236,497
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 828,885	$ 950,055	$ 1,028,396
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	3.80%	4.20%	4.50%
Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 1,361	$ 1,407	$ 1,771
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	0.60%	0.80%	0.70%
Financing Receivables, 61 to 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 482,379	$ 612,657	$ 566,953
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	2.20%	2.70%	2.50%
Financing Receivables, 61 to 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 929	$ 1,647	$ 1,283
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	0.40%	1.00%	0.50%
Financing receivables, 91-120 days past due [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 320,213	$ 355,636	$ 415,747
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	1.50%	1.60%	1.80%
Financing receivables, 121-270 days past due [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 918,788	$ 1,051,843	$ 1,166,940
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	4.20%	4.70%	5.10%
Financing receivables, 271 days or greater past due [Member] | Federally insured loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 350,363	$ 359,601	$ 390,232
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	1.60%	1.60%	1.70%
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 91 Days Past Due [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 4,088	$ 5,383	$ 4,979
Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due	1.80%	3.20%	2.10%

Outstanding Debt Obligations (D

Outstanding Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 26,399,686	$ 28,105,921
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs, net	(465,568)	(497,410)
Variable-rate bonds and notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	24,576,893	26,315,701
Bonds and notes based on indices [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 23,418,478	$ 25,155,336
Bonds and notes based on indices [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.30%	0.05%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 26, 2019	Aug. 26, 2019
Bonds and notes based on indices [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.90%	6.90%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 26, 2052	Aug. 26, 2052
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 1,158,415	$ 1,160,365
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.26%	0.88%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 22, 2032	Mar. 22, 2032
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.21%	2.17%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Nov. 26, 2046	Nov. 26, 2046
Warehouse facilities [Member] | FFELP Warehouse Total [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 1,811,708	$ 1,855,907
Warehouse facilities [Member] | FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.46%	0.27%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 9, 2018	Apr. 29, 2018
Warehouse facilities [Member] | FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.80%	0.56%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 26, 2019	Dec. 14, 2018
Warehouse facilities [Member] | Private education loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 221,114	$ 181,184
Warehouse facilities [Member] | Private education loans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.81%	0.57%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 28, 2017	Dec. 26, 2016
Warehouse facilities [Member] | Private education loans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.81%	0.57%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 28, 2017	Dec. 26, 2016
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 105,000	$ 100,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.94%	1.79%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 30, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020
Line of Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.95%	1.92%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 30, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 57,184	$ 57,184
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.01%	3.99%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Sep. 15, 2061	Sep. 15, 2061
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.01%	3.99%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Sep. 15, 2061	Sep. 15, 2061
Other borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 93,355	$ 93,355
Other borrowings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.97%	1.93%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Other borrowings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.38%	3.38%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 15, 2045	Dec. 25, 2045
Bonds and notes payable, gross [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 26,865,254	$ 28,603,331

Bonds and Notes Payable Outstan

Bonds and Notes Payable Outstanding Lines of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jul. 07, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			$ 350,000		$ 350,000
Amount outstanding			105,000		105,000
Amount available			245,000		$ 245,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Oct. 30, 2020
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			2,125,000		$ 2,125,000
Amount outstanding			1,811,708		1,811,708
Amount available			313,292		313,292
Advanced as equity support			105,408		105,408
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			750,000		750,000
Amount outstanding			512,572		512,572
Amount available			237,428		$ 237,428
Expiration of liquidity provisions					Apr. 28, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Apr. 26, 2019
Advanced as equity support			30,694		$ 30,694
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			875,000		875,000
Amount outstanding			844,087		844,087
Amount available	[1]		30,913		$ 30,913
Expiration of liquidity provisions					Jul. 8, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Jul. 9, 2018
Expected decrease in financing amount				$ 125,000
Advanced as equity support			36,663		$ 36,663
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			500,000		500,000
Amount outstanding			455,049		455,049
Amount available			44,951		$ 44,951
Expiration of liquidity provisions					Dec. 16, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Dec. 14, 2018
Advanced as equity support			$ 38,051		$ 38,051
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Jul. 9, 2018	Apr. 29, 2018
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			92.15%		92.15%
Maximum advance rates			92.15%		92.15%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			84.00%		84.00%
Maximum advance rates			92.00%		92.00%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			85.00%		85.00%
Maximum advance rates			85.00%		85.00%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Apr. 26, 2019	Dec. 14, 2018
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-III Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			95.00%		95.00%
Maximum advance rates			95.00%		95.00%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			90.00%		90.00%
Maximum advance rates			98.00%		98.00%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NHELP-II Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			95.00%		95.00%
Maximum advance rates			95.00%		95.00%
FFELP Warehouse Total [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member] | NFSLW-I Warehouse [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount		$ 875,000
Expiration of liquidity provisions		Jul. 10, 2018
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Sep. 7, 2018
Private Loan Warehouse Total [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			$ 275,000		$ 275,000
Amount outstanding			221,100		221,100
Amount available			$ 53,900		53,900
Expiration of liquidity provisions			Oct. 28, 2016	Jun. 24, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Apr. 28, 2017
Advanced as equity support			$ 32,000		$ 32,000
Maximum advance rates			88.00%	88.00%	88.00%
Private Loan Warehouse Total [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			61.75%	64.00%	61.75%
Private Loan Warehouse Total [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Warehouse facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum advance rates			95.00%	99.00%	95.00%
[1]	On July 10, 2015, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to temporarily increase the maximum financing amount to $875.0 million. The maximum financing amount was scheduled to decrease by $125.0 million on March 31, 2016. On January 26, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to extend the scheduled decrease of the maximum financing amount by $125.0 million to July 8, 2016. On July 7, 2016, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to permanently set the maximum financing amount at $875.0 million, and changed the expiration of liquidity provisions to July 10, 2018 and the final maturity date to September 7, 2018.

Derivative Financial Instrume39

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities		$ 0	$ 585
Bonds and notes payable		$ 26,399,686		$ 28,105,921
1:3 basis swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Paid on Swap		one-month LIBOR		one-month LIBOR
Weighted average basis spread on variable rate paid on swap		0.093%		0.10%
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap		3-month LIBOR		3-month LIBOR
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 8,250,000		$ 5,300,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	0.99%		0.95%
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap		3-month LIBOR		3-month LIBOR
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 750,000		$ 1,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	0.72%		0.76%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2017 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 1,000,000		$ 2,100,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	0.97%		0.84%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2018 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 1,600,000		$ 1,600,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	1.08%		1.08%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 3,250,000		$ 500,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	0.97%		1.12%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 1,500,000		$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	1.01%		0.00%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[1]	2.32%		2.32%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Maturity 2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 50,000		$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate		1.52%		0.00%
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities		$ 2,900
Derivative, Notional Amount		275,000
Swaption [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Used in Operating Activities		9,100
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 250,000
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap		1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Swaption Interest Rate		3.30%
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable		$ 57,184		$ 57,184
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | unsecured debt hedges [Member] | Maturity 2036 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 25,000		$ 25,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	[2]	4.28%		4.28%
Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Received on Swap		3-month LIBOR		3-month LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate		7.66%		7.66%
Private Loan Warehouse Total [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable		$ 275,000
Interest Rate Cap 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 125,000
Derivative, Description of Terms		one-month LIBOR
Derivative, Cap Interest Rate		2.50%
Interest Rate Cap 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 150,000
Derivative, Description of Terms		one-month LIBOR
Derivative, Cap Interest Rate		4.99%
Maturity 2016 [Member] | 1:3 basis swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 2,000,000		$ 7,500,000
Maturity 2028 [Member] | 1:3 basis swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 125,000		$ 0
[1]	For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
[2]	(a)For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.

Derivative Financial Instrume40

Derivative Financial Instruments Cross-currency Interest Rate Swaps (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable		$ 26,399,686		$ 26,399,686			$ 28,105,921
Change in fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps				(48,649)	$ (19,457)
Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable | €						€ 352.7
Derivative, Notional Amount		450,000		450,000		€ 352.7
Re-measurement of Euro Notes		9,768	$ (14,671)	(8,712)	33,538
Change in fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps		(12,008)	13,933	20,693	(35,873)
Total impact to statements of income - income (expense)	[1]	$ (2,240)	$ (738)	$ 11,981	$ (2,335)
[1]	The financial statement impact of the above items is included in "Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

Derivative Financial Instrume41

Derivative Financial Instruments Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	$ 3,408		$ 28,690
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	101,771		74,881
1:3 basis swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	623		724
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	127		410
notional amount of terminated derivatives		$ 5,500,000
Proceeds to terminate and or amend derivative instruments		$ 51,900
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	27		21,408
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	42,791		1,175
notional amount of terminated derivatives	3,100,000
Proceeds to terminate and or amend derivative instruments	3,000
Swaption [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	986		3,257
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0		0
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	0		0
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	11,660		7,646
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	355		1,570
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0		0
Cross-currency interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	0		0
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	44,957		65,650
Other Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset	1,417		1,731
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	2,236		$ 0
notional amount of terminated derivatives	300,000
Proceeds to terminate and or amend derivative instruments	$ 500

Derivative Financial Instrume42

Derivative Financial Instruments Gross/Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	$ 3,408	$ 28,690
Fair value of derivative instruments, liability	101,771	74,881
Fair value of derivative instruments, asset, net	355	29,471
Fair value of derivative instruments, liability, net	8,548	60,862
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	101,771	74,881
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	3,053	851
Cash collateral pledged	90,170	13,168
Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(3,053)	(851)
Cash collateral pledged	$ 0	$ 1,632

Derivative Financial Instrume43

Derivative Financial Instruments Income Statement Effect of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	$ (5,495)	$ (5,442)	[1]	$ (12,031)	$ (10,657)	[1]
Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(5,495)	(5,442)		(12,031)	(10,657)
Change in fair value	(44,975)	26,615		(48,649)	(19,457)
Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense)	9,768	(14,671)		(8,712)	33,538
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements - income (expense)	(40,702)	6,502		(69,392)	3,424
1:3 basis swaps [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	743	123		414	389
Change in fair value	(586)	1,428		183	12,398
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(4,841)	(5,019)		(10,084)	(10,034)
Change in fair value	(27,276)	7,534		(59,985)	2,662
Interest rate swap option - floor income hedges [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value	(856)	1,381		(2,272)	470
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(231)	(253)		(463)	(505)
Change in fair value	(1,464)	2,540		(4,014)	1,087
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value	(453)	(201)		(1,215)	(201)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(1,166)	(293)		(1,898)	(507)
Change in fair value	(12,008)	13,933		20,693	(35,873)
Other Contract [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value	$ (2,332)	$ 0		$ (2,039)	$ 0
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Investments and Notes Receiva44

Investments and Notes Receivable Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments and notes receivable		$ 285,996		$ 303,681
Investments [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		141,482		155,392
Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale investments [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost		133,910		140,816
Gross Unrealized Gain		2,888		5,088
Gross Unrealized Loss		6,501	[1]	1,462
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		130,297		144,442
Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale investments [Member] | Student Loan Asset-Backed and Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost	[2]	133,190		139,970
Gross Unrealized Gain	[2]	1,091		3,402
Gross Unrealized Loss	[2]	6,432	[1]	1,362
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	127,849		142,010
Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale investments [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost		720		846
Gross Unrealized Gain		1,797		1,686
Gross Unrealized Loss		69	[1]	100
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		2,448		2,432
Investments [Member] | Trading investments [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		11,185		10,950
Investments [Member] | Trading investments [Member] | Student Loan Asset-Backed and Other Debt Securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		5,867		6,045
Investments [Member] | Trading investments [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		5,318		4,905
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value) [Member] | Venture Capital Funds [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Investments		65,778		63,323
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value) [Member] | Real Estate Investment [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Investments		48,586		50,463
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value) [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Investments		17,206		18,473
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value) [Member] | Tax liens and affordable housing investments [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Investments		$ 12,944		$ 16,030
[1]	As of June 30, 2016, the Company considered the decline in market value of its available-for-sale investments to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of its investments other-than-temporarily impaired.
[2]	As of June 30, 2016, the stated maturities of the majority of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years.

Business Combinations Schedule

Business Combinations Schedule of Assets Acquired, Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 147,312	$ 147,312	$ 146,000
Communications [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	334
BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestrictedCashAndEquivalents	850
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables	1,935
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	32,479
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	371
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	11,410
Goodwill	21,112
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other	(4,587)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities	(13,904)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	50,000
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value	(3,750)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest	$ 46,250

Business Combinations Acquisiti

Business Combinations Acquisition Details (Details) - Communications [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	$ 11,410
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		92.50%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 46,250
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		7.50%
Noncontrolling Interest, Minimum earn up percentage by noncontrolling owners		11.50%
Noncontrolling Interest, Maximum earn up percentage by noncontrolling owners		19.00%
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$ 21,100
ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesSaleOfInterestByParentPercentage	1.00%
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Sale of Interest by Parent	$ 500
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 1,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 6,300
Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 5,100

Intangible Assets Intangible 47

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	143 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 54,141	$ 51,062
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,949	4,028
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	171 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 30,935	27,576
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 6,820	4,397
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	31 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 12,128	11,601
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,224	795
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	195 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 10,348	10,687
Media Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,350	900
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	6 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 450	900
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 74	56
Weighted average remaining useful life (months)	95 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 280	$ 298

Intangible Assets Amortization

Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 2,700	$ 2,400	$ 5,200	$ 4,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	6,328		6,328
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	9,386		9,386
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	8,605		8,605
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	5,147		5,147
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	4,231		4,231
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	20,444		20,444
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 54,141		$ 54,141		$ 51,062

Intangible Assets Goodwill (Det

Intangible Assets Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 147,312	$ 146,000
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	1,312
Goodwill	147,312	147,312
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	8,596	8,596
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	0
Goodwill	8,596	8,596
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	67,168	67,168
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	0
Goodwill	67,168	67,168
Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	21,112	19,800
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	1,312
Goodwill	21,112	21,112
Asset Generation and Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	41,883	41,883
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	0
Goodwill	41,883	41,883
Corporate and Other Activities [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	8,553	8,553
Allo purchase price adjustment	0	0
Goodwill	$ 8,553	$ 8,553

Property Plant and Equipment 50

Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 5,400	$ 4,100	$ 10,600	$ 7,400
Property and equipment, net	96,079		96,079		$ 80,482
non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	137,956		137,956		123,293
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	84,583		84,583		77,188
Property and equipment, net	53,373		53,373		46,105
Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	44,516		44,516		34,377
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,810		1,810		0
Property and equipment, net	42,706		42,706		34,377
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	95,113		95,113		89,093
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	752		$ 752		74
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			1 year
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			1 year
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	12,576		$ 12,576		12,638
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			7 years
Building [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	12,244		$ 12,244		12,239
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			39 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,868		$ 3,868		3,868
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,296		$ 1,296		470
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			4 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			4 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			10 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,342		$ 3,342		3,545
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			20 years
Land [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	827		$ 827		700
Land [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	70		$ 70		0
Land [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Land [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Land [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Land [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Construction in Progress [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	9,986		$ 9,986		1,210
Construction in Progress [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	7,192		$ 7,192		0
Construction in Progress [Member] | Minimum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Construction in Progress [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Construction in Progress [Member] | Maximum [Member] | non-communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
Construction in Progress [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			0 years
network plant and fiber [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	26,382		$ 26,382		25,669
network plant and fiber [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
network plant and fiber [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			15 years
central office [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,376		$ 4,376		909
central office [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
central office [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			15 years
Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,823		$ 3,823		6,912
Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			10 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 625		$ 625		$ 343
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			1 year
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Communications [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			20 years

Earnings per Common Share (Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0		0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 26,150	$ 70,909	[1]	$ 74,111	$ 135,674	[1]
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	42,635,700	45,946,415		42,861,896	46,127,207
Earnings per share - basic and diluted	$ 0.61	$ 1.54		$ 1.73	$ 2.94
Common shareholders [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 25,879	$ 70,146		$ 73,334	$ 134,227
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	42,193,769	45,451,888		42,412,287	45,635,155
Earnings per share - basic and diluted	$ 0.61	$ 1.54		$ 1.73	$ 2.94
Unvested restricted stock shareholders [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 271	$ 763		$ 777	$ 1,447
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	441,931	494,527		449,609	492,052
Earnings per share - basic and diluted	$ 0.61	$ 1.54		$ 1.73	$ 2.94
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	$ 186,252	$ 177,722	[1]	$ 378,269	$ 351,871	[1]
Interest expense	94,052	72,626	[1]	184,460	144,180	[1]
Net interest income	92,200	105,096	[1]	193,809	207,691	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	(2,000)	(2,150)	[1]	(4,500)	(4,150)	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	90,200	102,946	[1]	189,309	203,541	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	54,402	63,833	[1]	106,732	121,644	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	30,483	27,686	[1]	69,140	62,366	[1]
Communications revenue	4,478	0		8,824	0
Enrollment services revenue	0	12,680	[1]	4,326	26,053	[1]
Other income	9,765	11,985	[1]	23,559	23,393	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	1,515	[1]	101	4,390	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	(35,207)	11,944	[1]	(57,361)	14,081	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	(5,495)	(5,442)	[1]	(12,031)	(10,657)	[1]
Total other income	58,426	124,201	[1]	143,290	241,270	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	60,923	58,787	[1]	124,165	119,837	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	8,183	6,501	[1]	15,823	12,163	[1]
Loan servicing fees	7,216	7,420	[1]	14,144	15,036	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	1,681	0		3,384	0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	10,395	[1]	3,623	21,194	[1]
Other expenses	29,409	32,725	[1]	57,783	62,826	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Total operating expenses	107,412	115,828	[1]	218,922	231,056	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,214	111,319	[1]	113,677	213,755	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	(15,036)	(40,356)	[1]	(39,469)	(77,986)	[1]
Net income (loss)	26,178	70,963	[1]	74,208	135,769	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	54	[1]	97	95	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	26,150	70,909	[1]	74,111	135,674	[1]
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	22	13	[1]	43	20	[1]
Interest expense	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income	22	13	[1]	43	20	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	22	13	[1]	43	20	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	54,402	63,833	[1]	106,732	121,644	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	11,408	12,223	[1]	23,415	25,094	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Communications revenue	0			0
Enrollment services revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other income	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Total other income	65,810	76,056	[1]	130,147	146,738	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	31,380	31,585	[1]	64,346	65,288	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	445	527	[1]	883	973	[1]
Loan servicing fees	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	0			0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other expenses	11,380	15,376	[1]	22,850	29,976	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	6,102	8,045	[1]	12,343	14,687	[1]
Total operating expenses	49,307	55,533	[1]	100,422	110,924	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,525	20,536	[1]	29,768	35,834	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	(6,280)	(7,804)	[1]	(11,312)	(13,617)	[1]
Net income (loss)	10,245	12,732	[1]	18,456	22,217	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	10,245	12,732	[1]	18,456	22,217	[1]
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	3	1	[1]	5	3	[1]
Interest expense	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income	3	1	[1]	5	3	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	3	1	[1]	5	3	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	30,483	27,686	[1]	69,140	62,366	[1]
Communications revenue	0			0
Enrollment services revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other income	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Total other income	30,483	27,686	[1]	69,140	62,366	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	15,444	13,583	[1]	29,880	26,904	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	2,511	2,195	[1]	4,782	4,390	[1]
Loan servicing fees	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	0			0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other expenses	4,815	4,112	[1]	8,973	7,914	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	1,562	2,164	[1]	3,074	4,199	[1]
Total operating expenses	24,332	22,054	[1]	46,709	43,407	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,154	5,633	[1]	22,436	18,962	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	(2,338)	(2,140)	[1]	(8,526)	(7,206)	[1]
Net income (loss)	3,816	3,493	[1]	13,910	11,756	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	3,816	3,493	[1]	13,910	11,756	[1]
Communications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	0			0
Interest expense	205			352
Net interest income	(205)			(352)
Less provision for loan losses	0			0
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	(205)			(352)
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	0			0
Intersegment servicing revenue	0			0
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	0			0
Communications revenue	4,478			8,824
Enrollment services revenue	0			0
Other income	0			0
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0			0
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	0			0
Derivative settlements, net	0			0
Total other income	4,478			8,824
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	1,377			2,467
Depreciation and amortization	1,378			2,507
Loan servicing fees	0			0
Cost to provide communications services	1,681			3,384
Cost to provide enrollment services	0			0
Other expenses	813			1,566
Intersegment expenses, net	187			331
Total operating expenses	5,436			10,255
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,163)			(1,783)
Income tax (expense) benefit	442			678
Net income (loss)	(721)			(1,105)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0			0
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	(721)			(1,105)
Asset Generation and Management [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	184,966	176,279	[1]	375,689	348,702	[1]
Interest expense	92,769	71,441	[1]	182,647	141,981	[1]
Net interest income	92,197	104,838	[1]	193,042	206,721	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	(2,000)	(2,150)	[1]	(4,500)	(4,150)	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	90,197	102,688	[1]	188,542	202,571	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Communications revenue	0			0
Enrollment services revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other income	3,834	3,950	[1]	8,097	8,526	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	1,041	[1]	101	1,392	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	(31,411)	9,404	[1]	(51,308)	12,994	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	(5,264)	(5,189)	[1]	(11,568)	(10,152)	[1]
Total other income	(32,841)	9,206	[1]	(54,678)	12,760	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	499	524	[1]	1,018	1,065	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Loan servicing fees	7,216	7,420	[1]	14,144	15,036	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	0			0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other expenses	1,481	1,270	[1]	2,997	2,407	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	11,539	12,362	[1]	23,646	25,370	[1]
Total operating expenses	20,735	21,576	[1]	41,805	43,878	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	36,621	90,318	[1]	92,059	171,453	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	(13,916)	(34,321)	[1]	(34,983)	(65,152)	[1]
Net income (loss)	22,705	55,997	[1]	57,076	106,301	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	22,705	55,997	[1]	57,076	106,301	[1]
Corporate and Other Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	2,064	1,814	[1]	4,157	3,967	[1]
Interest expense	1,881	1,570	[1]	3,087	3,020	[1]
Net interest income	183	244	[1]	1,070	947	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	183	244	[1]	1,070	947	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Communications revenue	0			0
Enrollment services revenue	0	12,680	[1]	4,326	26,053	[1]
Other income	5,931	8,035	[1]	15,462	14,867	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	474	[1]	0	2,998	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	(3,797)	2,540	[1]	(6,053)	1,087	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	(231)	(253)	[1]	(463)	(505)	[1]
Total other income	1,903	23,476	[1]	13,272	44,500	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	12,222	13,095	[1]	26,454	26,580	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	3,848	3,779	[1]	7,650	6,800	[1]
Loan servicing fees	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	0			0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	10,395	[1]	3,623	21,194	[1]
Other expenses	10,920	11,967	[1]	21,397	22,529	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	(7,981)	(10,348)	[1]	(15,978)	(19,162)	[1]
Total operating expenses	19,009	28,888	[1]	43,146	57,941	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	(16,923)	(5,168)	[1]	(28,804)	(12,494)	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	7,057	3,910	[1]	14,674	7,989	[1]
Net income (loss)	(9,866)	(1,258)	[1]	(14,130)	(4,505)	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	54	[1]	97	95	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	(9,894)	(1,312)	[1]	(14,227)	(4,600)	[1]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	(802)	(385)	[1]	(1,625)	(821)	[1]
Interest expense	(802)	(385)	[1]	(1,625)	(821)	[1]
Net interest income	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Less provision for loan losses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Intersegment servicing revenue	(11,408)	(12,223)	[1]	(23,415)	(25,094)	[1]
Tuition payment processing, school information, and campus commerce revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Communications revenue	0			0
Enrollment services revenue	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other income	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Derivative settlements, net	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Total other income	(11,408)	(12,223)	[1]	(23,415)	(25,094)	[1]
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Loan servicing fees	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Cost to provide communications services	0			0
Cost to provide enrollment services	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Other expenses	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Intersegment expenses, net	(11,408)	(12,223)	[1]	(23,415)	(25,094)	[1]
Total operating expenses	(11,408)	(12,223)	[1]	(23,415)	(25,094)	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income (loss)	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	[1]	0	0	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 0	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	$ 0	[1]
[1]	Does not include the Communications segment, which was initiated as a result of the acquisition of Allo on December 31, 2015.

Major Customer (Details)

Major Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Customer	Department of Education	Department of Education	Department of Education	Department of Education
Concentration Risk Dollar Value [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue	$ 37.1	$ 33.6	$ 72.3	$ 66
GreatNet [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%		50.00%

Assets and Liabilities that are

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 141,482	$ 155,392
Fair value of derivative instruments	3,408	28,690
Total assets	144,890	184,082
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771	74,881
Total liabilities	101,771	74,881
Student loan asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	133,592	147,925
Equity securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,766	7,337
Debt securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	124	130
Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,890	7,467
Fair value of derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	7,890	7,467
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Student loan asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,766	7,337
Level 1 [Member] | Debt securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	124	130
Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	133,592	147,925
Fair value of derivative instruments	3,408	28,690
Total assets	137,000	176,615
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771	74,881
Total liabilities	101,771	74,881
Level 2 [Member] | Student loan asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	133,592	147,925
Level 2 [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Debt securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	$ 26,539,604,000	$ 28,324,552,000
Cash and cash equivalents	59,253,000	63,529,000	$ 182,280,000	$ 130,481,000
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	285,996,000	303,681,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Accrued interest receivable	380,140,000	383,825,000
Derivative instruments	3,408,000	28,690,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	26,399,686,000	28,105,921,000
Accrued interest payable	39,926,000	31,507,000
Due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771,000	74,881,000
Fair value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	26,875,363,000	28,611,350,000
Cash and cash equivalents	59,253,000	63,529,000
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	141,482,000	155,392,000
Notes Receivable	17,206,000	18,067,000
Restricted cash	955,689,000	823,450,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Restricted investments	9,110,000	9,174,000
Accrued interest receivable	380,140,000	383,825,000
Derivative instruments	3,408,000	28,690,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	25,510,394,000	27,150,775,000
Accrued interest payable	39,926,000	31,507,000
Due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771,000	74,881,000
Fair value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	59,253,000	63,529,000
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	7,890,000	7,467,000
Notes Receivable	0	0
Restricted cash	955,689,000	823,450,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Restricted investments	9,110,000	9,174,000
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Fair value of derivative instruments	0	0
Fair value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	133,592,000	147,925,000
Notes Receivable	17,206,000	18,067,000
Restricted cash	0	0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0	0
Restricted investments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	380,140,000	383,825,000
Derivative instruments	3,408,000	28,690,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	25,510,394,000	27,150,775,000
Accrued interest payable	39,926,000	31,507,000
Due to customers	0	0
Fair value of derivative instruments	101,771,000	74,881,000
Fair value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	26,875,363,000	28,611,350,000
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	0	0
Notes Receivable	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0	0
Restricted investments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Due to customers	0	0
Fair value of derivative instruments	0	0
Carrying value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Student loans receivable	26,539,604,000	28,324,552,000
Cash and cash equivalents	59,253,000	63,529,000
Investments (available-for-sale and trading)	141,482,000	155,392,000
Notes Receivable	17,206,000	18,473,000
Restricted cash	955,689,000	823,450,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Restricted investments	9,110,000	9,174,000
Accrued interest receivable	380,140,000	383,825,000
Derivative instruments	3,408,000	28,690,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds and notes payable	26,399,686,000	28,105,921,000
Accrued interest payable	39,926,000	31,507,000
Due to customers	132,018,000	144,771,000
Fair value of derivative instruments	$ 101,771,000	$ 74,881,000