Nelnet (NNI) 10-K 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-31924
Entity Registrant Name	NELNET, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001258602
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NE
Entity Tax Identification Number	84-0748903
Entity Address, Address Line One	121 South 13th Street, Suite 100
Entity Address, City or Town	Lincoln,
Entity Address, State or Province	NE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	68508
City Area Code	402
Local Phone Number	458-2370
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per Share
Trading Symbol	NNI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,195,786,762
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled to be held May 21, 2020, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,462,915
Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,271,609

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $61,914 and $60,388 respectively)	$ 20,669,371	$ 22,377,142
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party	13,922	9,472
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party	119,984	111,875
Total cash and cash equivalents	133,906	121,347
Investments and notes receivable	246,973	249,370
Restricted cash	650,939	701,366
Restricted cash - due to customers	437,756	369,678
Accrued interest receivable	733,623	679,197
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,455 and $3,271, respectively)	115,391	59,531
Goodwill	156,912	156,912
Intangible assets, net	81,532	114,290
Property and equipment, net	348,259	344,784
Other assets	134,308	45,533
Fair value of derivative instruments	0	1,818
Total assets	23,708,970	25,220,968
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,529,054	22,218,740
Accrued interest payable	47,285	61,679
Other liabilities	303,781	256,092
Due to customers	437,756	369,678
Total liabilities	21,317,876	22,906,189
Commitments and contingencies
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	5,715	622
Retained earnings	2,377,627	2,299,556
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	2,972	3,883
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,386,712	2,304,464
Noncontrolling interests	4,382	10,315
Total equity	2,391,094	2,314,779
Total liabilities and equity	23,708,970	25,220,968
Class A
Common stock:
Common stock	285	288
Class B
Common stock:
Common stock	113	115
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $61,914 and $60,388 respectively)	20,664,126	22,359,655
Cash and cash equivalents:
Restricted cash	639,816	677,611
Other assets	735,286	679,735
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,742,798	22,146,374
Other liabilities	158,067	163,327
Common stock:
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities	$ 1,138,363	$ 1,407,300

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for loan losses	$ 61,914	$ 60,388
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,455	$ 3,271
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	0	0
Class A
Par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares authorized (in shares)	600,000,000	600,000,000
Shares issued (in shares)	28,458,495	28,798,464
Shares outstanding (in shares)	28,458,495	28,798,464
Class B
Par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Shares issued (in shares)	11,271,609	11,459,641
Shares outstanding (in shares)	11,271,609	11,459,641

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest income:
Loan interest	$ 914,256	$ 897,666	$ 757,731
Investment interest	34,421	26,600	12,695
Total interest income	948,677	924,266	770,426
Interest expense:
Interest on bonds and notes payable	699,327	669,906	465,188
Net interest income	249,350	254,360	305,238
Less provision for loan losses	39,000	23,000	14,450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	210,350	231,360	290,788
Other income:
Other income	65,179	54,805	55,728
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net	(30,789)	71,085	(18,554)
Total other income	831,245	832,532	479,062
Cost of services:
Cost of services	102,026	76,492	58,628
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	463,503	436,179	301,885
Depreciation and amortization	105,049	86,896	39,541
Other expenses	194,272	178,031	143,112
Total operating expenses	762,824	701,106	484,538
Income before income taxes	176,745	286,294	226,684
Income tax expense	35,451	58,770	64,863
Net income	141,294	227,524	161,821
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	509	389	11,345
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.54	$ 5.57	$ 4.14
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	40,047,402	40,909,022	41,791,941
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Other income:
Revenue	$ 455,255	$ 440,027	$ 223,000
Education technology services and payment processing services
Other income:
Revenue	277,331	221,962	193,188
Cost of services:
Cost of services	81,603	59,566	48,678
Communications revenue
Other income:
Revenue	64,269	44,653	25,700
Cost of services:
Cost of services	$ 20,423	$ 16,926	$ 9,950

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 41,834	$ 33,135	$ 24,678	$ 41,647	$ 21,674	$ 43,126	$ 49,539	$ 113,185	$ 141,294	$ 227,524	$ 161,821
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net									(1,199)	1,056	2,349
Reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net income, net of losses									0	(978)	(2,528)
Income tax effect									288	(69)	66
Total other comprehensive (loss) income									(911)	9	(113)
Comprehensive income									140,383	227,533	161,708
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									509	389	11,345
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									$ 140,892	$ 227,922	$ 173,053

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred stock shares	Common stock sharesClass A	Common stock sharesClass B	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		0	30,628,112	11,476,932
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,070,925	$ 0	$ 306	$ 115	$ 420	$ 2,056,084	$ 4,730	$ 9,270
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	19,578							19,578
Net income (loss)	161,821					173,166		(11,345)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(113)						(113)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(1,645)							(1,645)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock	(24,097)					(24,097)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)			178,114
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	3,621		$ 2		3,619
Compensation expense for stock based awards	4,193				4,193
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(1,473,054)
Repurchase of common stock	(68,896)		$ (15)		(7,711)	(61,170)
Conversion of common stock (in shares)			8,345	(8,345)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	2,165,387	$ 0	$ 293	$ 115	521	2,143,983	4,617	15,858
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		0	29,341,517	11,468,587
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	1,023							1,023
Net income (loss)	227,524					227,913		(389)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9						9
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(525)							(525)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock	(26,839)					(26,839)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)			316,148
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	5,174		$ 3		5,171
Compensation expense for stock based awards	6,194				6,194
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(868,147)
Repurchase of common stock	(45,331)		$ (8)		(11,264)	(34,059)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(19,101)					(13,449)		(5,652)
Conversion of common stock (in shares)			8,946	(8,946)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	2,314,779	$ 0	$ 288	$ 115	622	2,299,556	3,883	10,315
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		0	28,798,464	11,459,641
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	4,756							4,756
Net income (loss)	141,294					141,803		(509)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(911)						(911)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(4,103)							(4,103)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock	(29,485)					(29,485)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)			198,272
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	4,851		$ 2		4,849
Compensation expense for stock based awards	6,401				6,401
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(726,273)
Repurchase of common stock	(40,411)		$ (7)		(6,157)	(34,247)
Conversion of common stock (in shares)			188,032	(188,032)
Conversion of common stock			$ 2	$ (2)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,391,094	$ 0	$ 285	$ 113	$ 5,715	$ 2,377,627	$ 2,972	$ 4,382
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		0	28,458,495	11,271,609

Consolidated Statements of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class A
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.74	$ 0.66	$ 0.58
Class B
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.74	$ 0.66	$ 0.58

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(509)	(389)	(11,345)
Net income		141,294	227,524	161,821
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costs		192,662	184,682	137,823
Loan discount accretion		(35,824)	(40,800)	(44,812)
Provision for loan losses		39,000	23,000	14,450
Derivative market value adjustments		76,195	(1,014)	(26,379)
Unrealized foreign currency transaction adjustment		0	0	45,600
(Payments to) proceeds from termination of derivative instruments, net		(12,530)	10,283	(30,382)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		16,689	0	0
(Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net		(70,685)	40,382	76,325
Gain from sale of loans		(17,261)	0	0
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(7,265)	10,981	(1,544)
Non-cash compensation expense		6,781	6,539	4,416
Impairment expense		0	11,721	3,626
Other		(2,647)	(11,049)	(2,410)
Increase in accrued interest receivable		(54,586)	(248,869)	(39,203)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable		(55,949)	3,059	(4,234)
Increase in other assets		(11,065)	(4,069)	(42,270)
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable		(14,394)	11,640	4,362
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		40,422	(12,506)	(2,341)
Increase in due to customers		68,078	59,388	67,419
Net cash provided by operating activities		298,915	270,892	322,267
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Purchases of loans		(2,008,207)	(3,922,251)	(325,476)
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest		3,462,391	3,322,783	3,363,526
Proceeds from sale of loans		196,564	23,712	53,203
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(1,010)	(46,424)	(128,523)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		105	71,415	156,540
Purchases of investments and issuance of notes receivable		(103,250)	(67,040)	(29,339)
Proceeds from investments and notes receivable		70,472	23,039	11,545
Purchases of property and equipment		(92,499)	(125,023)	(156,005)
Business (acquisitions) sale, net of cash and restricted cash acquired		0	(12,562)	4,511
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		1,524,566	(732,351)	2,949,982
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on bonds and notes payable		(4,698,878)	(3,113,503)	(5,403,224)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable		2,997,972	3,922,962	1,984,558
Payments of debt issuance costs		(14,406)	(13,808)	(6,497)
Payments to extinguish debt		(14,030)	0	0
Payment of contingent consideration		0	0	(850)
Dividends paid		(29,485)	(26,839)	(24,097)
Repurchases of common stock		(40,411)	(45,331)	(68,896)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,552	1,359	678
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		0	(13,449)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		4,650	918	19,473
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		(235)	(525)	(1,645)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(1,793,271)	711,784	(3,500,500)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		30,210	250,325	(228,251)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year		1,192,391	942,066	1,170,317
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year		1,222,601	1,192,391	942,066
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest		657,436	591,394	390,278
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits	[1]	17,672	473	96,271
Noncash investing and financing activity:
Receipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations		39,780	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		3,868	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		$ 1,192,391	$ 942,066	$ 942,066
[1]	For 2019 and 2018, the Company utilized $31.8 million and $14.7 million of federal and state tax credits, respectively, related primarily to renewable energy.

Consolidated Statements of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax credit utilized in period	$ 31.8	$ 14.7

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Nelnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Nelnet” or the “Company”) is a diverse company with a purpose to serve others and a vision to make customers' dreams possible by delivering customer focused products and services. The largest operating businesses engage in loan servicing; education technology, services, and payment processing; and communications. A significant portion of the Company's revenue is net interest income earned on a portfolio of federally insured student loans. The Company also makes investments to further diversify the Company both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses, including, but not limited to, investments in real estate, early-stage and emerging growth companies, and renewable energy. Substantially all revenue from external customers is earned, and all long-lived assets are located, in the United States. The Company was formed as a Nebraska corporation in 1978 to service federal student loans for two local banks. The Company built on this initial foundation as a servicer to become a leading originator, holder, and servicer of federal student loans, principally consisting of loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP” or “FFEL Program”) of the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”). The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “Reconciliation Act of 2010”) discontinued new loan originations under the FFEL Program, effective July 1, 2010, and requires that all new federal student loan originations be made directly by the Department through the Federal Direct Loan Program. This law does not alter or affect the terms and conditions of existing FFELP loans. As a result of this law, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans. To reduce its reliance on interest income on student loans, the Company has expanded its services and products. This expansion has been accomplished through internal growth and innovation as well as business acquisitions. The Company has four reportable operating segments. The Company's reportable operating segments include: • Loan Servicing and Systems (“LSS”) • Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing (“ETS&PP”) • Communications • Asset Generation and Management (“AGM”) A description of each reportable operating segment is included below. See note 14 for additional information on the Company's segment reporting. Loan Servicing and Systems The primary service offerings of the Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment include: • Servicing federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education • Servicing FFELP loans • Originating and servicing private education and consumer loans • Providing student loan servicing software and other information technology products and services • Providing outsourced services including call center, processing, and marketing services LSS provides for the servicing of the Company's student loan portfolio and the portfolios of third parties. The loan servicing activities include loan conversion activities, application processing, borrower updates, customer service, payment processing, due diligence procedures, funds management reconciliations, and claim processing. These activities are performed internally for the Company's portfolio in addition to generating external fee revenue when performed for third-party clients. On February 7, 2018, the Company acquired Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (“Great Lakes”). See note 7 for additional information related to this acquisition. Nelnet Servicing, LLC, (“Nelnet Servicing”), a subsidiary of the Company, and Great Lakes are two of four large private sector companies (referred to as Title IV Additional Servicers, or “TIVAS”) awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. This segment also provides student loan servicing software, which is used internally by the Company and licensed to third-party student loan holders and servicers. These software systems have been adapted so that they can be offered as hosted servicing software solutions usable by third parties to service various types of student loans, including Federal Direct Loan Program and FFEL Program loans. This segment also provides business process outsourcing primarily specializing in contact center management. The contact center solutions and services include taking inbound calls, helping with outreach campaigns and sales, and interacting with customers through multi-channels. Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing NBS provides service and technology to administrators, teachers, students, and families of K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The Company's payment processing services and technologies also serve customers outside of education. In the K-12 market, the Company (known as FACTS) offers (i) financial management, including actively managed tuition payment plans, financial needs assessment (grant and aid), incidental billing, advanced accounting, and payment forms; (ii) school administration solutions, including school information system software that automates the flow of information between school administrators, teachers, and parents and includes administrative processes such as admissions, enrollment, scheduling, cafeteria management, attendance, and grade book management; (iii) advancement (giving management), including a comprehensive donation platform that streamlines donor communications, organizes donor information, and provides access to data analysis and reporting; (iv) enrollment and communications, including website design and cost effective admissions software; (v) professional development and educational instruction services; and (vi) innovative technology products that aid in teacher and student evaluations. In the higher education market, the Company (known as Nelnet Campus Commerce) offers solutions including (i) actively managed tuition payment plans and (ii) payment technology and processing. Outside of the education market, the Company also offers technology and payment services including electronic transfer and credit card processing, reporting, billing and invoicing, mobile and virtual terminal solutions, and specialized integrations to business software. In addition, this operating segment offers mobile first technology focused on increasing engagement, online giving, and communication for church and not-for-profit customers. Additionally, the Company may earn revenue for payment processing fees when families make tuition payments. Communications ALLO Communications LLC (“ALLO”) provides pure fiber optic service to homes and businesses for internet, television, and telephone services. The acquisition of ALLO in 2015 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. ALLO derives its revenue primarily from the sale of communication services to residential, governmental, and business customers in Nebraska and Colorado. Internet and television services include revenue from residential and business customers for subscriptions to ALLO's data and video products. ALLO data services provide high-speed internet access over ALLO's all-fiber network at various symmetrical speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second for residential customers and is capable of providing symmetrical speeds of over 1 gigabit per second for business customers. Telephone services include local and long distance telephone service, hostedPBX services, and other services. Asset Generation and Management The Company's Asset Generation and Management operating segment includes the acquisition, management, and ownership of the Company's loan assets. Substantially all loan assets included in this segment are student loans originated under the FFEL Program, including the Stafford Loan Program, the PLUS Loan program, and loans that reflect the consolidation into a single loan of certain previously separate borrower obligations (“Consolidation” loans). The Company also acquires private education and consumer loans. The Company generates a substantial portion of its earnings from the spread, referred to as the Company's loan spread, between the yield it receives on its loan portfolio and the associated costs to finance such portfolio. The loan assets are held in a series of lending subsidiaries and associated securitization trusts designed specifically for this purpose. In addition to the loan spread earned on its portfolio, all costs and activity associated with managing the portfolio, such as servicing of the assets and debt maintenance, are included in this segment. Corporate and Other Activities Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable are combined and included in Corporate and Other Activities. Corporate and Other Activities include the following items: • The operating results of Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC (“WRCM”), the Company's SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary • Income earned on certain investment activities, including real estate and renewable energy (solar) • Interest expense incurred on unsecured debt transactions • Other product and service offerings that are not considered reportable operating segments Corporate and Other Activities also include certain corporate activities and overhead functions related to executive management, internal audit, human resources, accounting, legal, enterprise risk management, information technology, occupancy, and marketing. These costs are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nelnet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. In addition, the accounts of all variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary are included in the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Variable Interest Entities The Company assesses its partnerships and joint ventures to determine if the entity meets the qualifications of a VIE. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of each VIE to determine if it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company examines specific criteria and uses judgment when determining whether an entity is a VIE and whether it is the primary beneficiary. The Company performs this review initially at the time it enters into a partnership or joint venture agreement and reassess upon reconsideration events. VIEs - Consolidated The Company is required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is the primary beneficiary. The Company's education and other lending subsidiaries are engaged in the securitization of finance assets. These lending subsidiaries hold beneficial interests in eligible loans, subject to creditors with specific interests. The liabilities of the Company's lending subsidiaries are not the direct obligations of Nelnet, Inc. or any of its other subsidiaries. Each lending subsidiary is structured to be bankruptcy remote, meaning that it should not be consolidated in the event of bankruptcy of the parent company or any other subsidiary. The Company is generally the administrator and master servicer of the securitized assets held in its lending subsidiaries and owns the residual interest of the securitization trusts. For accounting purposes, the transfers of loans to the securitization trusts do not qualify as sales. Accordingly, all the financial activities and related assets and liabilities, including debt, of the securitizations are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and are summarized as supplemental information on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, the Company owned 98.9 percent of the economic rights of ALLO Communications LLC and has a disproportional 80 percent of the voting rights related to all operating decisions for ALLO's business. See note 1, “Description of Business,” for a description of ALLO, including the primary services offered. In addition to the Company’s original equity investment, Nelnet, Inc. (the parent) contributed additional equity with a yield-based preferred return of future earnings due on the newly contributed equity. The Company will continue to increase its ownership interests as it makes cash contributions to fund ALLO's operating losses and capital expenditures. In addition, ALLO's management, as current minority members, has the opportunity to earn ownership interests based on the financial performance of ALLO. Nelnet, Inc.’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with ALLO is equal to its ownership interests investment. All of ALLO’s financial activities and related assets and liabilities are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 14, “Segment Reporting,” for disclosure of ALLO’s total assets and results of operations (included in the "Communications" operating segment), note 15, "Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue," for disclosure of ALLO's disaggregated revenue and deferred revenue, note 9, "Goodwill," for disclosure of ALLO's goodwill, and note 10, “Property and Equipment,” for disclosure of ALLO’s fixed assets. ALLO's goodwill and property and equipment comprise the majority of its assets. The assets recognized as a result of consolidating ALLO are the property of ALLO and are not available for any other purpose. VIEs - Not consolidated The Company is not required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company makes investments in entities that promote renewable energy sources (solar). The Company’s investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax credits, operating cash flows, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These investments are included in "investments and notes receivable" on the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of these investments are reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed in service. The Company’s unfunded capital and other commitments related to these unconsolidated VIEs are included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these unconsolidated VIEs include the investment, unfunded capital commitments, and previously recorded tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level. The tax credit recapture period ratably decreases over five years from when the project is placed in service. While the Company believes potential losses from these investments are remote, the maximum exposure was determined by assuming a scenario where the energy-producing projects completely fail and do not meet certain government compliance requirements resulting in recapture of the related tax credits. The following table provides a summary of solar investment VIEs that the Company has not consolidated: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Investment carrying amount $ 7,562 2,724 Tax credits subject to recapture 67,069 11,345 Unfunded capital and other commitments 14,006 — Maximum exposure to loss (a) $ 88,637 14,069 (a) Amount includes $3.0 million as of December 31, 2019 syndicated to other investors in certain solar projects. Accounting Standard Adopted in 2019 In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases ("ASC Topic 842"). The standard requires the identification of arrangements that should be accounted for as leases by lessees and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for all leases with a term longer than twelve months and classify the lease as either operating or financing, with the income statement reflecting lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019, using the effective date as its date of initial application. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under the new standard are not provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The Company elected to utilize the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permitted it to not reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. The most significant impact of the standard relates to (1) the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet; (2) the deconsolidation of assets and liabilities for certain sale-leaseback transactions arising from build-to-suit lease arrangements for which construction was completed and the Company is leasing the constructed assets that did not qualify for sale accounting prior to the adoption of the new standard; and (3) significant new disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities. The build-to-suit lease arrangements have been reassessed as operating leases as of the effective date under ASC Topic 842. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recognizing lease liabilities of $33.7 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments. In addition, the Company recognized ROU assets of $32.8 million, which corresponds to the lease liabilities reduced by deferred rent expense as of the effective date. The Company also deconsolidated total assets of $43.8 million and total liabilities of $34.8 million for entities that had been consolidated due to sale-leaseback transactions that failed to qualify for recognition as sales under the prior guidance. Deconsolidation of these entities reduced noncontrolling interests by $6.1 million. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of the new lease standard was as follows: Adjustments from adoption of new lease standard Balances at December 31, 2018 ROU assets and lease liabilities Deconsolidation of sale-leaseback transactions Balances at January 1, 2019 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,347 — (646) 120,701 Investments and notes receivable 249,370 — (23,134) 226,236 Accounts receivable 59,531 — (89) 59,442 Property and equipment, net 344,784 — (16,974) 327,810 Other assets 45,533 32,831 (27) 78,337 Liabilities Bonds and notes payable 22,218,740 — (33,182) 22,185,558 Other liabilities 256,092 32,831 (1,611) 287,312 Equity Noncontrolling interests 10,315 — (6,077) 4,238 Reclassifications Certain amounts previously reported within the Company’s consolidated statements of income have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications include: • Reclassifying “gain from debt repurchases” to “other income”; and • Reclassifying “loan servicing fees to third parties” to “other expenses.” Noncontrolling Interests Amounts for noncontrolling interests reflect the proportionate share of membership interest (equity) and net income attributable to the holders of minority membership interests in the following entities: • Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC - WRCM is the Company’s SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary. WRCM issued 10 percent minority membership interests on January 1, 2012. • ALLO Communications LLC - On December 31, 2015, the Company purchased 92.5 percent of the ownership interests in ALLO. On January 1, 2016, the Company sold a 1.0 percent ownership interest in ALLO to a non-related third party. Subsequently, the Company contributed additional equity to increase its ownership interest in ALLO to 98.9 percent. Per ALLO's operating agreement, currently all operating results of ALLO are allocated to the Company. In addition, the Company has established entities for the purpose of investing in renewable energy (solar) and federal opportunity zone programs in which it has noncontrolling members. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and other disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Loans Receivable Loans consist of federally insured student loans, private education loans, and consumer loans. If the Company has the ability and intent to hold loans for the foreseeable future, such loans are held for investment and carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premium or discount and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income. Loans which are held-for-investment also have an allowance for loan loss as needed. Any loans the Company has the ability and intent to sell are classified as held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans which are held for sale do not have the associated premium or discount and origination costs and fees amortized into interest income and there is also no related allowance for loan losses. There were no loans classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Federally insured loans were originated under the FFEL Program by certain eligible lenders as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”). These loans, including related accrued interest, are guaranteed at their maximum level permitted under the Higher Education Act by an authorized guaranty agency, which has a contract of reinsurance with the Department. The terms of the loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest. Generally, Stafford and PLUS loans have repayment periods between five and ten years. Consolidation loans have repayment periods of twelve to thirty years. FFELP loans do not require repayment while the borrower is in-school, and during the grace period immediately upon leaving school. The borrower may also be granted a deferment or forbearance for a period of time based on need, during which time the borrower is not considered to be in repayment. Interest continues to accrue on loans in the in-school, deferment, and forbearance program periods. In addition, eligible borrowers may qualify for income-driven repayment plans offered by the Department. These plans determine the borrower's payment amount based on their discretionary income and may extend their repayment period. Interest rates on federally insured student loans may be fixed or variable, dependent upon the type of loan, terms of the loan agreements, and date of origination. Substantially all FFELP loan principal and related accrued interest is guaranteed as provided by the Higher Education Act. These guarantees are subject to the performance of certain loan servicing due diligence procedures stipulated by applicable Department regulations. If these due diligence requirements are not met, affected student loans may not be covered by the guarantees in the event of borrower default. Such student loans are subject to “cure” procedures and reinstatement of the guarantee under certain circumstances. Loans also include private education and consumer loans. Private education loans are loans to students or their families that are non-federal loans and loans not insured or guaranteed under the FFEL Program. These loans are used primarily to bridge the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount funded through financial aid, federal loans, or borrowers' personal resources. The terms of the private education loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over a period of up to 30 years. The private education loans are not covered by a guarantee or collateral in the event of borrower default. Consumer loans are unsecured loans to an individual for personal, family, or household purposes. The terms of the consumer loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in weekly or monthly installments of principal and interest over a period of up to 6 years. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses on loans. The provision for loan losses reflects the activity for the applicable period and provides an allowance at a level that the Company's management believes is appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses using a historical loss rate methodology adjusted for qualitative factors separately on each of its federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios. These evaluation processes are subject to numerous judgments and uncertainties including the selection of loss rates over time and determination of the loss emergence period. The allowance for the federally insured loan portfolio is based on periodic evaluations of the Company's loan portfolios considering loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors, changes to federal student loan programs, current economic conditions, and other relevant qualitative factors. The federal government guarantees 97 percent of the principal of and the interest on federally insured student loans disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 (and 98 percent for those loans disbursed on and after October 1, 1993 and prior to July 1, 2006), which limits the Company's loss exposure on the outstanding balance of the Company's federally insured portfolio. Student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured. In determining the appropriate allowance for loan losses on the private education and consumer loans, the Company considers several factors, including: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, type of program, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant qualitative factors. The Company places private education and consumer loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 90 days past due, and charges off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days or 180 days past due, depending on type of loan program. Collections, if any, are reflected as a recovery through the allowance for loan losses. Management has determined that each of the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios meet the definition of a portfolio segment, which is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment disclosures are presented on this basis in note 3 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables. The Company collectively evaluates loans for impairment and as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any impaired loans as defined in the Receivables Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. For loans purchased where there is evidence of credit deterioration since the origination of the loan, the Company records a credit discount, separate from the allowance for loan losses, which is non-accretable to interest income. Remaining discounts and premiums for purchased loans are recognized in interest income over the remaining estimated lives of the loans. The Company continues to evaluate credit losses associated with purchased loans based on current information and changes in expectations to determine the need for any additional allowance for loan losses. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Accrued interest on loans purchased and sold is included in cash flows from operating activities in the respective period. Net purchased loan accrued interest was $112.9 million and $181.0 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amount of purchased loan accrued interest in 2017 was not significant. Investments The Company classifies its debt securities, primarily student loan and other asset-backed securities, as available-for-sale. These securities are carried at fair value, with the temporary changes in fair value, net of taxes, carried as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Other-than-temporary impairment is evaluated by considering several factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security (considering factors such as adverse conditions specific to the security and ratings agency actions), and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The entire fair value loss on a security that has experienced an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in earnings if the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the loss. However, if the impairment is other-than-temporary, and either of those two conditions does not exist, the portion of the impairment related to credit losses is recorded in earnings and the impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive income. When an investment is sold, the cost basis is determined through specific identification of the security sold. The Company classifies its residual interest in consumer loan securitizations as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments. The Company measures accretable yield initially as the excess of all cash flows expected to be collected attributable to the beneficial interest estimated at the acquisition/transaction date over the initial investment and recognizes interest income over the life of the beneficial interest using the effective interest method. The Company continues to update, over the life of the beneficial interest, the expectation of cash flows to be collected. Beneficial interest investments are evaluated for impairment by comparing the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised) to the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date, both discounted using the same effective rate equal to the current yield used to accrete the beneficial interest. Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, the Company uses the measurement alternative of cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The Company uses qualitative factors to identify impairment on these investments. The Company accounts for equity investments over which it has significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and subsequently increased or decreased by the amount of the Company’s proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Equity method investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment using certain impairment indicators such as a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors. These factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other-than-temporary and shall be recognized. For periods prior to January 1, 2018, equity securities with readily determinable fair values were primarily classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values were recorded at cost less impairment, if any. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily includes amounts for student loan securitizations and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the student loans held as trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on the trust's asset-backed debt securities. Restricted cash also includes collateral deposits with derivative counterparties and third-party clearinghouses. Restricted Cash - Due to Customers As a servicer of student loans, the Company collects student loan remittances and subsequently disburses these remittances to the appropriate lending entities. In addition, as part of the Company's Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment, the Company collects tuition payments and subsequently remits these payments to the appropriate schools. Cash collected for customers and the related liability are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are presented at their net realizable values, which include allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowance estimates are based upon individual customer experience, as well as the age of receivables and likelihood of collection. Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. All contingent consideration is measured at fair value on the acquisition date and included in the consideration transferred in the acquisition. Contingent consideration classified as a liability is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved, and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Goodwill The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business one level below that operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. The Company tests goodwill for impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The guidance provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform a quantitative impairment test (described below), otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the Company elects to not perform a qualitative assessment or if the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company performs a quantitative impairment test on goodwill. In the quantitative test, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. See note 9, "Goodwill," for information regarding the Company's annual goodwill impairment review. Intangible Assets The Company uses estimates to determine the fair value of acquired assets to allocate the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. Such estimates are generally based on estimated future cash flows or cost savings associated with particular assets and are discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimates of future cash flows associated with intangible assets are generally prepared using a cost savings method, a lost income method, or an excess return method, as appropriate. In utilizing such methods, management must make certain assumptions about the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and other economic benefits from the assets, the remaining economic useful life of the assets, and general economic factors concerning the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The Company may also use replacement cost or market comparison approaches to estimate fair value if such methods are determined to be more appropriate. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated lives. Such assets are amortized using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the Company uses a straight-line amortization method. The Company evaluates the estimated remaining useful lives of purchased intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and major improvements, including leasehold improvements, are capitalized. Gains and losses from the sale of property and equipment are included in determining net income. The Company uses the straight-line method for recording depreciation and amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized straight-line over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Leases At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease and records the lease in the consolidated financial statements upon lease commencement, which is the date when the underlying asset is made available by the lessor. The Company primarily leases dark fiber to support its telecommunications operations and office and data center space. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All other lease assets (ROU assets) and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. The Company classifies each lease as operating or financing, with the income statement reflecting lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. When the discount rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. The Company has elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single, combined lease component for its office and data center space. In addition, the Company has identified itself as the lessor in its Communications operating segment for services provided to customers that include customer-premise equipment. The Company has also elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for those services and associated leases as a single, combined component. The non-lease services are 'predominant' in those contracts. Therefore, the combined component is considered a single performance obligation under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can be extended. The exercise of lease renewal options for the ma

Loans Receivable and Allowance

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses	Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses Loans receivable consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Federally insured student loans: Stafford and other $ 4,684,314 4,969,667 Consolidation 15,644,229 17,186,229 Total 20,328,543 22,155,896 Private education loans 244,258 225,975 Consumer loans 225,918 138,627 20,798,719 22,520,498 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (35,036) (53,572) Non-accretable discount (a) (32,398) (29,396) Allowance for loan losses: Federally insured loans (36,763) (42,310) Private education loans (9,597) (10,838) Consumer loans (15,554) (7,240) $ 20,669,371 22,377,142 (a) At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the non-accretable discount related to purchased loan portfolios of $5.4 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively. On May 1, 2019 and October 17, 2019, the Company sold $47.7 million (par value) and $179.3 million (par value) of consumer loans, respectively, to an unrelated third party who securitized such loans. The Company recognized a $1.7 million (pre-tax) and $15.6 million (pre-tax) gain, respectively, as part of these transactions. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received an 11.0 percent and 28.7 percent residual interest, respectively, in the consumer loan securitizations that are included in "investments and notes receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. 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 loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below. Balance at beginning of period Provision for loan losses Charge-offs Recoveries Loan sale and other Balance at end of period Year ended December 31, 2019 Federally insured loans $ 42,310 8,000 (13,547) — — 36,763 Private education loans 10,838 — (1,965) 724 — 9,597 Consumer loans 7,240 31,000 (12,498) 812 (11,000) 15,554 $ 60,388 39,000 (28,010) 1,536 (11,000) 61,914 Year ended December 31, 2018 Federally insured loans $ 38,706 14,000 (11,396) — 1,000 42,310 Private education loans 12,629 — (2,415) 624 — 10,838 Consumer loans 3,255 9,000 (5,056) 41 — 7,240 $ 54,590 23,000 (18,867) 665 1,000 60,388 Year ended December 31, 2017 Federally insured loans $ 37,268 13,000 (11,562) — — 38,706 Private education loans 14,574 (2,000) (1,313) 768 600 12,629 Consumer loans — 3,450 (195) — — 3,255 $ 51,842 14,450 (13,070) 768 600 54,590 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 December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Federally insured loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 1,074,678 $ 1,298,493 $ 1,260,394 Loans in forbearance (b) 1,339,821 1,430,291 1,774,405 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 15,410,993 86.0 % 16,882,252 86.9 % 16,477,004 88.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 650,796 3.6 683,084 3.5 682,586 3.7 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 428,879 2.4 427,764 2.2 374,534 2.0 Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) 310,851 1.7 283,831 1.5 287,922 1.5 Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 812,107 4.5 806,692 4.2 629,480 3.4 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c)(d) 300,418 1.8 343,489 1.7 235,281 1.2 Total loans in repayment 17,914,044 100.0 % 19,427,112 100.0 % 18,686,807 100.0 % Total federally insured loans $ 20,328,543 $ 22,155,896 $ 21,721,606 Private education loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 4,493 $ 4,320 $ 6,053 Loans in forbearance (b) 3,108 1,494 2,237 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 227,013 95.9 % 208,977 95.0 % 196,720 96.5 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,814 1.2 3,626 1.6 1,867 0.9 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 1,694 0.7 1,560 0.7 1,052 0.5 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 5,136 2.2 5,998 2.7 4,231 2.1 Total loans in repayment 236,657 100.0 % 220,161 100.0 % 203,870 100.0 % Total private education loans $ 244,258 $ 225,975 $ 212,160 Consumer loans: Loans in repayment status: Loans current $ 220,404 97.5 % $ 136,130 98.2 % $ 61,344 98.7 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,046 0.9 1,012 0.7 289 0.5 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 1,545 0.7 832 0.6 198 0.3 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 1,923 0.9 653 0.5 280 0.5 Total loans in repayment 225,918 100.0 % 138,627 100.0 % 62,111 100.0 % Total consumer loans $ 225,918 $ 138,627 $ 62,111 (a) Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans, e.g. , residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation for law students. (b) Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, according to a schedule approved by the servicer consistent with the established loan program servicing procedures and policies. (c) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due and relate to repayment loans, that is, receivables not charged off, and not in school, grace, deferment, or forbearance. (d) A portion of loans included in loans delinquent 271 days or greater includes loans in claim status, which are loans that have gone into default and have been submitted to the guaranty agency.

Bonds and Notes Payable

Bonds and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 December 31, 2019 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 18,428,998 1.98% - 3.61% 5/27/25 - 1/25/68 Bonds and notes based on auction 768,626 2.75% - 3.60% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 19,197,624 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed 512,836 2.00% - 3.45% 10/25/67 / 11/25/67 FFELP warehouse facilities 778,094 1.98% / 2.07% 5/20/21 / 5/31/22 Consumer loan warehouse facility 116,570 1.99% 4/23/22 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 73,308 3.15% / 3.54% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 49,367 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 50,000 3.29% 12/16/24 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 20,381 5.28% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 5,000 3.44% 5/30/22 20,803,180 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (274,126) Total $ 20,529,054 As of December 31, 2018 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 20,192,123 2.59% - 4.52% 11/25/24 - 2/25/67 Bonds and notes based on auction 793,476 2.84% - 3.55% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 20,985,599 FFELP warehouse facilities 986,886 2.65% / 2.71% 5/20/20 / 5/31/21 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 50,720 4.26% 12/26/40 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 63,171 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 310,000 3.92% - 4.01% 6/22/23 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 20,381 6.17% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 120,342 3.05% - 5.22% 1/3/19 - 12/15/45 22,537,099 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (318,359) Total $ 22,218,740 Secured Financing Transactions The Company has historically relied upon secured financing vehicles as its most significant source of funding for loans. The net cash flow the Company receives from the securitized loans generally represents the excess amounts, if any, generated by the underlying loans over the amounts required to be paid to the bondholders, after deducting servicing fees and any other expenses relating to the securitizations. The Company’s rights to cash flow from securitized loans are subordinate to bondholder interests, and the securitized loans may fail to generate any cash flow beyond what is due to bondholders. The Company’s secured financing vehicles during the periods presented include loan warehouse facilities and asset-backed securitizations. The majority of the bonds and notes payable are primarily secured by the loans receivable, related accrued interest, and by the amounts on deposit in the accounts established under the respective bond resolutions or financing agreements. FFELP warehouse facilities The Company funds the majority 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 December 31, 2019, the Company had two FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below. NFSLW-I NHELP-II Total Maximum financing amount $ 550,000 500,000 1,050,000 Amount outstanding 489,303 288,791 778,094 Amount available $ 60,697 211,209 271,906 Expiration of liquidity provisions May 20, 2020 May 31, 2020 Final maturity date May 20, 2021 May 31, 2022 Advanced as equity support $ 21,670 20,882 42,552 The FFELP warehouse facilities are supported by liquidity provisions, which are subject to the respective expiration date shown in the above table. In the event the Company is unable to renew the liquidity provisions by such date, 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 final maturity date. The NFSLW-I warehouse facility has a static advance rate until the expiration date of the liquidity provisions. In the event the liquidity provisions are not extended, the valuation agent has the right to perform a one-time mark to market on the underlying loans funded in this facility, subject to a floor. The loans would then be funded at this new advance rate until the final maturity date of the facility. The NHELP-II warehouse facility has a static advance rate that requires initial equity for loan funding and does not require increased equity based on market movements. The FFELP warehouse facilities contain financial covenants relating to levels of the Company’s consolidated net worth, ratio of recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA, and unencumbered cash. Any noncompliance with these covenants could result in a requirement for the immediate repayment of any outstanding borrowings under the facilities. Asset-backed securitizations The following tables summarize the asset-backed securitization transactions completed in 2019 and 2018. Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2019 2019-1 2019-2 Private education loan 2019-3 2019-4 2019-5 2019-6 2019-7 Total Class A-1 Notes Class A-2 Notes 2019-1 total Class A-1 Notes Class A-2 Notes 2019-7 total Date securities issued 2/27/19 2/27/19 2/27/19 4/30/19 6/25/19 7/24/19 8/22/19 9/25/19 10/30/19 12/19/19 12/19/19 12/19/19 Total original principal amount $ 35,700 448,000 496,800 416,100 47,159 498,300 418,600 374,500 145,200 210,300 200,000 420,800 2,817,459 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 35,700 448,000 483,700 405,000 47,159 485,800 408,000 364,500 140,200 210,300 200,000 410,300 2,744,659 Bond discount — — — — — — — (114) (26) — — — (140) Issue price $ 35,700 448,000 483,700 405,000 47,159 485,800 408,000 364,386 140,174 210,300 200,000 410,300 2,744,519 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.30% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.75% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.90% Prime rate less 1.60% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.80% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.87% 2.53% 2.46% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.00% Final maturity date 4/25/67 4/25/67 6/27/67 6/25/49 8/25/67 9/26/67 10/25/67 11/25/67 1/25/68 1/25/68 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 13,100 11,100 12,500 10,600 10,000 5,000 10,500 72,800 Bond discount — — — — (4) (913) — (917) Issue price $ 13,100 11,100 12,500 10,600 9,996 4,087 10,500 71,883 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.40% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.55% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.65% 3.45% 2.00% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.75% Final maturity date 4/25/67 6/27/67 8/25/67 9/26/67 10/25/67 11/25/67 1/25/68 During 2019, the Company extinguished $1.05 billion of notes payable included in certain FFELP asset-backed securitizations prior to the notes’ contractual maturities. To extinguish the notes, the Company paid premiums of $14.0 million and wrote off $2.7 million of debt issuance costs. In total, the Company recognized $16.7 million (pre-tax) in expenses to extinguish these notes, which is included in “other expenses” on the consolidated statements of income. Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2018 2018-1 2018-2 2018-3 2018-4 2018-5 Total Class Class 2018-1 total Class Class Class 2018-3 total Class Class 2018-4 total Date securities issued 3/29/18 3/29/18 3/29/18 6/7/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 8/30/18 8/30/18 8/30/18 12/13/18 Total original principal amount $ 98,000 375,750 473,750 509,800 220,000 546,900 220,000 1,001,900 30,500 451,900 495,700 511,500 2,992,650 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 98,000 375,750 473,750 509,800 220,000 546,900 220,000 986,900 30,500 451,900 482,400 498,000 2,950,850 Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:) 0.32% 0.76% 0.65% 0.30% 0.44% 0.75% 0.26% 0.70% 0.68% Final maturity date 5/25/66 5/25/66 7/26/66 9/27/66 9/27/66 9/27/66 10/25/66 10/25/66 2/25/67 Class B subordinated notes: Total original principal amount $ 15,000 13,300 13,500 41,800 Bond discount (229) — — (229) Issue price $ 14,771 13,300 13,500 41,571 Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:) 1.20% 1.40% 1.45% Final maturity date 9/27/66 10/25/66 2/25/67 Auction Rate Securities The interest rates on certain of the Company's FFELP asset-backed securities were set and provide for interest rates to be periodically reset via a "dutch auction" ("Auction Rate Securities"). As of December 31, 2019, the Company is currently the sponsor on $768.6 million of Auction Rate Securities. Since the auction feature has essentially been inoperable for substantially all auction rate securities since 2008, the Auction Rate Securities generally pay interest to the holder at a maximum rate as defined by the indenture. While these rates will vary, they will generally be based on a spread to LIBOR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents. Consumer Loan Warehouse Facility During 2019, the Company obtained a consumer loan warehouse facility that has an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $200.0 million, an advance rate of 70 or 75 percent depending on the type of collateral and subject to certain concentration limits, liquidity provisions to April 23, 2021, and a final maturity date of April 23, 2022. As of December 31, 2019, $116.6 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility and $83.4 million was available for future funding. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, the Company had $41.3 million advanced as equity support under this facility. Unsecured Line of Credit The Company has a $455.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of December 16, 2024. The line of credit provides that the Company may increase the aggregate financing commitments, through the existing lenders and/or through new lenders, up to a total of $550.0 million, subject to certain conditions. As of December 31, 2019, $50.0 million was outstanding on the line of credit and $405.0 million was available for future use. Interest on amounts borrowed under the line of credit is payable, at the Company's election, at an alternate base rate or a Eurodollar rate, plus a variable rate (LIBOR), in each case as defined in the credit agreement. The initial margin applicable to Eurodollar borrowings is 150 basis points and may vary from 100 to 200 basis points depending on the Company's credit rating. The line of credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that, if not met, lead to an event of default under the agreement. The covenants include, among others, maintaining: • A minimum consolidated net worth • A minimum recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (over the last four rolling quarters) • A limitation on recourse indebtedness • A limitation on the amount of unsecuritized private education and consumer loans in the Company’s portfolio • A limitation on permitted investments, including business acquisitions that are not in one of the Company's existing lines of business As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of these requirements. Many of these covenants are duplicated in the Company's other lending facilities, including its warehouse facilities. The Company's operating line of credit does not have any covenants related to unsecured debt ratings. However, changes in the Company's ratings have modest implications on the pricing level at which the Company obtains funds. A default on the Company's other debt facilities would result in an event of default on the Company's unsecured line of credit that would result in the outstanding balance on the line of credit becoming immediately due and payable. Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities On September 27, 2006, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities ("Hybrid Securities"). The Hybrid Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company. The interest rate on the Hybrid Securities through September 29, 2036 ("the scheduled maturity date") is equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.375%, payable quarterly, which was 5.28% at December 31, 2019. The principal amount of the Hybrid Securities will become due on the scheduled maturity date only to the extent that prior to such date the Company has received proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying capital securities (as defined in the Hybrid Securities' indenture). If any amount is not paid on the scheduled maturity date, it will remain outstanding and bear interest at a floating rate as defined in the indenture, payable monthly. On September 15, 2061, the Company must pay any remaining principal and interest on the Hybrid Securities in full whether or not the Company has sold qualifying capital securities. At the Company's option, the Hybrid Securities are redeemable in whole or in part at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Other Borrowings During 2017, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement, the proceeds of which are collateralized by FFELP asset-backed security investments. Included in "other borrowings" as of December 31, 2018 was $41.4 million, subject to this repurchase agreement. During 2018, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement, the proceeds of which were collateralized by private education loans. On June 25, 2019, the Company terminated this repurchase agreement. Included in "other borrowings" as of December 31, 2018 was $45.0 million subject to this repurchase agreement. On May 30, 2019, the Company entered into a $22.0 million secured line of credit agreement with a maturity date of May 30, 2022 and an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of December 31, 2019, $5.0 million was outstanding under this line of credit and $17.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit is secured by several Company-owned properties. The Company had other notes payable included in its consolidated financial statements which were issued by partnerships for certain real estate development projects in Lincoln, Nebraska. Although the Company’s ownership interests in these partnerships are 50 percent or less, because the Company was the developer of and is a current tenant in the associated buildings, the operating results of these partnerships were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for leases (see note 2). As a result of the adoption of this new standard, these real estate entities were deconsolidated, including $33.9 million of related debt. Prior to January 1, 2019, this debt was included in "other borrowings." Debt Covenants Certain bond resolutions and related credit agreements contain, among other requirements, covenants relating to restrictions on additional indebtedness, limits as to direct and indirect administrative expenses, and maintaining certain financial ratios. Management believes the Company is in compliance with all covenants of the bond indentures and related credit agreements as of December 31, 2019. Maturity Schedule Bonds and notes outstanding as of December 31, 2019 are due in varying amounts as shown below. 2020 $ — 2021 489,303 2022 410,361 2023 — 2024 50,000 2025 and thereafter 19,853,516 $ 20,803,180 Generally, the Company's secured financing instruments can be redeemed on any interest payment date at par plus accrued interest. Subject to certain provisions, all bonds and notes are subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of certain lending subsidiaries. Debt Repurchases The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its own debt in 2018 and 2017. There were no debt repurchases in 2019. Gains (losses) recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in "other income" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Par Purchase price Gain (loss) Par Purchase price Gain (loss) Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Unsecured debt - Hybrid Securities $ — — — 29,803 25,357 4,446 Asset-backed securities 12,905 12,546 359 154,407 155,951 (1,544) $ 12,905 12,546 359 184,210 181,308 2,902

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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. In addition, the Company previously used derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange risk associated with student loan asset-backed notes that were denominated in Euros prior to a remarketing of such notes in October 2017. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of the Company's assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The Company periodically reviews the mismatch related to the interest rate characteristics of its assets and liabilities together with the Company's outlook as to current and future market conditions. Based on those factors, the Company uses derivative instruments as part of its overall risk management strategy. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's interest rate risk management strategy are discussed below. Basis Swaps Interest earned on the majority of the Company's FFELP student loan assets is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. Meanwhile, the Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan assets with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. The differing interest rate characteristics of the Company's loan assets versus the liabilities funding these assets results in basis risk, which impacts the Company's excess spread earned on its loans. The Company also faces repricing risk due to the timing of the interest rate resets on its liabilities, which may occur as infrequently as once a quarter, in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on its assets, which generally occur daily. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $18.9 billion, $0.8 billion, and $0.6 billion of FFELP loans indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate, three-month commercial paper rate, and the three-month treasury bill rate, respectively, the indices for which reset daily, and $7.5 billion of debt indexed to three-month LIBOR, the indices for which reset quarterly, and $11.0 billion of debt indexed to one-month LIBOR, the indices for which reset monthly. The Company has used derivative instruments to hedge its basis risk and repricing risk. The Company has entered into basis swaps 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). The following table summarizes the Company’s 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2019 $ — 3,500,000 2020 1,000,000 1,000,000 2021 250,000 250,000 2022 (a) 2,000,000 2,000,000 2023 750,000 750,000 2024 1,750,000 250,000 2026 1,150,000 1,150,000 2027 250,000 375,000 2028 — 325,000 2029 — 100,000 2031 — 300,000 $ 7,150,000 10,000,000 (a) $750 million of the notional amount of these derivatives have forward effective start dates of May 2020. The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, was one-month LIBOR plus 9.7 basis points and 9.4 basis points, respectively. Interest rate swaps – floor income hedges FFELP loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time, or a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payments ("SAP") formula set by the Department. The SAP rate is based on an applicable index plus a fixed spread that depends on loan type, origination date, and repayment status. The Company generally finances its student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or certain declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the SAP rate, these student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to reflect the low and/or declining interest rates. In these interest rate environments, the Company may earn additional spread income that it refers to as floor income. Depending on the type of loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to an annual rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, the Company may earn floor income for an extended period of time, which the Company refers to as fixed rate floor income, and for those loans where the borrower rate is reset annually on July 1, the Company may earn floor income to the next reset date, which the Company refers to as variable rate floor income. All FFELP loans first originated on or after April 1, 2006 effectively earn at the SAP rate, since lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income for these loans to the Department. Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates may reduce the amount of floor income received and this may have an impact on earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increasing financing costs, until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their SAP formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively become variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $3.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, of FFELP student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income, of which the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate for these loans, which is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate, was 3.72% and 4.24%, respectively. The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2019 $ — — % $ 3,250,000 0.97 % 2020 1,500,000 1.01 1,500,000 1.01 2021 600,000 2.15 100,000 2.95 2022 (b) 250,000 1.65 — — 2023 150,000 2.25 400,000 2.24 2024 — — 300,000 2.28 2027 — — 25,000 2.35 $ 2,500,000 1.42 % $ 5,575,000 1.18 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR. (b) These derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021. Interest Rate Swap Options – Floor Income Hedges During 2014 and 2018, the Company paid $9.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively for interest rate swap options to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The interest rate swap options gave the Company the right, but not the obligation, to enter into interest rate swaps during the third quarter of 2019 in which the Company would pay a weighted average fixed amount of 3.21 percent and receive discrete one-month or three-month LIBOR through 2024. The Company did not exercise its rights on these options, and such swap options expired. Interest Rate Caps In June 2015 and June 2019, the Company paid $2.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for interest rate cap contracts to mitigate a rise in interest rates and its impact on earnings related to its student loan portfolio earning a fixed rate. In the event that the one-month LIBOR or three-month LIBOR rate rises above the applicable strike rate, the Company will receive monthly payments related to the spread difference. The following table summarizes these derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019. Notional Amount Strike rate Maturity date $ 125,000 2.50% (1-month LIBOR) July 15, 2020 150,000 4.99 (1-month LIBOR) July 15, 2020 500,000 2.25 (3-month LIBOR) September 25, 2020 Interest Rate Swaps - Unsecured Debt Hedges The Company has unsecured debt (Hybrid Securities) outstanding in which it pays interest at three-month LIBOR plus 3.375%. The Company had $25.0 million (notional amount) of derivative financial instruments that were used to effectively convert the variable interest rate on a designated notional amount of this debt to a fixed rate. These derivatives were terminated during the fourth quarter of 2018. Derivative Terminations During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company terminated certain derivatives for net payments of $12.5 million, including payments of $14.4 million on the termination of floor income hedges, proceeds of $1.4 million on the termination of other hedges, and proceeds of $0.5 million on the termination of 1:3 basis swaps. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company terminated certain derivatives for net proceeds of $10.3 million, including proceeds of $14.2 million on the termination of floor income hedges, and payments of $3.9 million on the termination of hybrid debt hedges. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company terminated certain derivatives for net payments of $30.4 million, including proceeds of $2.1 million and $0.9 million on the termination of 1:3 basis swaps and interest rate caps, respectively, and payments of $33.4 million on the termination of its cross-currency interest rate swap. Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives Balance Sheet The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. There is no difference between the gross amounts of recognized assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company's derivative portfolio and the net amount when excluding derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral received. Fair value of asset derivatives Fair value of liability derivatives As of As of As of As of December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges $ — 1,465 — — Interest rate caps — 353 — — Total $ — 1,818 — — Income Statement Impact The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ 5,214 5,577 (3,069) Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 40,192 64,901 10,838 Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — (407) (781) Cross-currency interest rate swap — — (6,321) Total settlements - income 45,406 70,071 667 Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps 1,515 12,573 (8,224) Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (77,027) (10,962) 3,585 Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges (1,465) (3,848) (2,433) Interest rate caps (628) 78 (893) Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — 3,173 279 Cross-currency interest rate swap — — 34,208 Other 1,410 — (143) Total change in fair value - (expense) income (76,195) 1,014 26,379 Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) — — (45,600) Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net - (expense) income $ (30,789) 71,085 (18,554) Derivative Instruments - Credit and Market Risk For non-centrally cleared derivatives, the Company is exposed to credit risk. However, the majority of the Company's derivatives currently outstanding and anticipated to be executed in future periods are and will be executed and cleared at a regulated clearinghouse, thus, significantly reducing counterparty credit risk associated with the Company's derivative portfolio. Interest rate movements have an impact on the amount of collateral the Company is required to deposit with its derivative instrument counterparties and variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. The Company attempts to manage market risk associated with interest rates by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. The Company's derivative portfolio and hedging strategy is reviewed periodically by its internal risk committee and board of directors' Risk and Finance Committee. With the Company's current derivative portfolio, the Company does

Investments and Notes Receivabl

Investments and Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Investments and Notes Receivable	Investments and Notes Receivable A summary of the Company's investments and notes receivable follows: As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities - available-for-sale (a) $ 48,790 3,911 — 52,701 47,931 5,109 — 53,040 Equity securities 9,622 4,561 (1,283) 12,900 12,909 5,145 (407) 17,647 Total investments (at fair value) $ 58,412 8,472 (1,283) 65,601 60,840 10,254 (407) 70,687 Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value): Venture capital and funds: Measurement alternative (b) 72,760 70,939 Equity method 15,379 16,191 Other 1,175 900 Total venture capital and funds 89,314 88,030 Real estate: Equity method 44,159 29,483 Other 867 34,211 Total real estate 45,026 63,694 Solar: Equity method 7,562 2,724 Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations (c) 33,187 — Tax liens and affordable housing 6,283 7,862 Notes receivable — 16,373 Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value) 181,372 178,683 Total investments and notes receivable $ 246,973 249,370 (a) As of December 31, 2019, the stated maturities of substantially all of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years. (b) During 2018, the Company recorded upward adjustments of $7.2 million (pre-tax) on these investments, which are included in "other income" in the consolidated statements of income. The upward adjustments were made as a result of observable price changes. The Company also recorded $0.8 million (pre-tax) in impairments in 2018 on these investments.

Business Combination

Business Combination	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combinations Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. ("Great Lakes") On February 7, 2018, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Great Lakes for total cash consideration of $150.0 million. Great Lakes provides servicing for federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education, FFELP loans, and private education loans. The acquisition of Great Lakes has expanded the Company's portfolio of loans it services. The operating results of Great Lakes are included in the Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment. As part of the acquisition, the Company acquired the remaining 50 percent ownership in GreatNet Solutions, LLC ("GreatNet"), a joint venture formed prior to the acquisition between Nelnet Servicing, a subsidiary of the Company, and Great Lakes. Prior to the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent of GreatNet, the Company consolidated the operating results of GreatNet, as the Company was deemed to have control over the joint venture. The proportionate share of membership interest (equity) and net loss of GreatNet that was attributable to Great Lakes was reflected as a noncontrolling interest in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company recognized a $19.1 million reduction to consolidated shareholders' equity as a result of acquiring Great Lakes' 50 percent ownership in GreatNet. This transaction resulted in a $5.7 million decrease in noncontrolling interests and a $13.4 million decrease in retained earnings. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair value assigned to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in GreatNet reduced the total consideration allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Great Lakes from $150.0 million to $136.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,399 Accounts receivable 23,708 Property and equipment 35,919 Other assets 14,018 Intangible assets 75,329 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 15,043 Other liabilities (54,865) Net assets acquired $ 136,551 The $75.3 million of acquired intangible assets on the date of acquisition had a weighted-average useful life of approximately 4 years. The intangible assets that made up this amount include customer relationships of $70.2 million (4-year average useful life) and a trade name of $5.1 million (7-year useful life). The $15.0 million of goodwill was assigned to the Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amount allocated to goodwill was primarily attributed to the deferred tax liability related to the difference between the carrying amount and tax bases of acquired identifiable intangible assets and the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Company and Great Lakes. The Great Lakes assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded by the Company at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition, and Great Lakes' operating results from the date of acquisition forward are included in the Company's consolidated operating results. During 2018, the Company converted Great Lakes' FFELP and private education loan servicing volume to Nelnet Servicing's servicing platform. In addition, the Company began to combine certain shared services and overhead functions between Great Lakes and the Company. As a result of these operational changes, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 attributed to Great Lakes since the acquisition are not provided since the results of the Great Lakes legal entity are no longer reflective of the entity acquired. The following unaudited pro forma information for the Company has been prepared as if the acquisition of Great Lakes had occurred on January 1, 2017. The information is based on the historical results of the separate companies and may not necessarily be indicative of the results that could have been achieved or of results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments include the impact of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets acquired. Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 460,074 452,760 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 229,409 185,369 Net income per share - basic and diluted $ 5.61 4.44 Tuition Management Systems, LLC ("TMS") On November 20, 2018, the Company acquired 100 percent of the membership interests of TMS for total cash consideration of $27.0 million. TMS provides tuition payment plans, billing services, payment technology solutions, and refund management to educational institutions. The TMS acquisition added both K-12 and higher education schools to the Company's existing customer base, further enhancing the Company's market share leading position with private faith based K-12 schools and advancing to a market leading position in higher education. The operating results of TMS are included in the Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment from the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Cash and cash equivalents $ 438 Restricted cash - due to customers 123,169 Accounts receivable 1,019 Other assets 381 Intangible assets 26,390 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 3,110 Other liabilities (4,321) Due to customers (123,169) Net assets acquired $ 27,017 The $26.4 million of acquired intangible assets on the date of acquisition had a weighted-average useful life of approximately 10 years. The intangible assets that made up this amount include customer relationships of $25.4 million (10-year useful life) and computer software of $1.0 million (2-year useful life). The $3.1 million of goodwill was assigned to the Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amount allocated to goodwill was primarily attributed to the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Company and TMS. The pro forma impacts of the TMS acquisition on the Company's historical results prior to the acquisition were not material.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of the following: Weighted average remaining useful life as of December 31, 2019 (months) As of December 31, 2019 2018 Amortizable intangible assets, net: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $60,553 and $33,968, respectively) 80 $ 71,900 98,484 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $2,792 and $5,825, respectively) 96 7,478 10,868 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $3,233 and $15,420, respectively) 14 2,154 4,938 Total - amortizable intangible assets, net 80 $ 81,532 114,290 The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $32.8 million, $30.2 million, and $9.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of December 31, 2019, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2020 $ 29,515 2021 18,761 2022 7,172 2023 6,925 2024 6,511 2025 and thereafter 12,648 $ 81,532

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment was as follows: Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Generation and Management (a) Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 — 138,759 Goodwill acquired 15,043 3,110 — — — 18,153 Balance as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 $ 23,639 70,278 21,112 41,883 — 156,912 (a) As a result of the Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans, and net interest income from the Company's existing FFELP loan portfolio will decline over time as the Company's portfolio pays down. As a result, as this revenue stream winds down, goodwill impairment will be triggered for the Asset Generation and Management reporting unit due to the passage of time and depletion of projected cash flows stemming from its FFELP student loan portfolio. Management believes the elimination of new FFELP loan originations will not have an adverse impact on the fair value of the Company's other reporting units. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually. This annual review is completed by the Company as of November 30 of each year and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. For the 2019 and 2018 annual reviews of goodwill, the Company assessed qualitative factors and concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units were less than their carrying amount. As such, the Company was not required to perform further impairment testing and concluded there was no impairment of goodwill. In 2017, due to the sale of a reporting unit at the Corporate segment, the Company recognized an impairment expense of $3.6 million (pre-tax) which is included in "other expenses" in the consolidated statements of income.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, Useful life 2019 2018 Non-communications: Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 160,319 137,705 Building and building improvements 5-48 years 37,904 50,138 Office furniture and equipment 1-10 years 21,245 22,796 Leasehold improvements 1-15 years 9,517 9,327 Transportation equipment 5-10 years 5,049 5,123 Land — 1,400 3,328 Construction in progress — 13,738 3,578 249,172 231,995 Accumulated depreciation - non-communications (142,270) (123,003) Non-communications, net property and equipment 106,902 108,992 Communications: Network plant and fiber 4-15 years 254,560 215,787 Customer located property 2-4 years 27,011 21,234 Central office 5-15 years 17,672 15,688 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 6,611 6,580 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years 5,574 4,943 Other 1-39 years 3,702 3,219 Land — 70 70 Construction in progress — 54 6,344 315,254 273,865 Accumulated depreciation - communications (73,897) (38,073) Communications, net property and equipment 241,357 235,792 Total property and equipment, net $ 348,259 344,784 The Company recorded depreciation expense on its property and equipment of $72.3 million, $56.7 million, and $30.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Impairment charges As part of integrating technology and becoming more efficient and effective in meeting borrower needs, the Company continues to evaluate the best use of its servicing systems on a post-Great Lakes acquisition basis. As a result of this evaluation, in 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.9 million (pre-tax) within its Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment related to certain external software development costs that were previously capitalized. On October 16, 2018, the Company terminated its investment in a proprietary payment processing platform. This decision was made as a result of decreases in price and advancements of technology by established processors in the industry. As a result of this decision, in 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.8 million (pre-tax) within its Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment. The charge primarily represents computer equipment and external software development costs related to the payment processing platform. The above impairment charges are included in "other expenses" in the consolidated statements of income.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity Classes of Common Stock The Company's common stock is divided into two classes. The Class B common stock has ten votes per share and the Class A common stock has one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by the Company's shareholders. Each Class B share is convertible at any time at the holder's option into one Class A share. With the exception of the voting rights and the conversion feature, the Class A and Class B shares are identical in terms of other rights, including dividend and liquidation rights. Stock Repurchases The Company has a stock repurchase program that expires on May 7, 2022 in which it can repurchase up to five million shares of its Class A common stock on the open market, through private transactions, or otherwise. As of December 31, 2019, 4.8 million shares may still be purchased under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares repurchased by the Company during 2019, 2018, and 2017 are shown in the table below. In accordance with the corporate laws of the state in which the Company is incorporated, all shares repurchased by the Company are legally retired upon acquisition by the Company. Total shares repurchased Purchase price Average price of shares repurchased (per share) Year ended December 31, 2019 726,273 $ 40,411 $ 55.64 Year ended December 31, 2018 868,147 45,331 52.22 Year ended December 31, 2017 1,473,054 68,896 46.77

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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. Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 139,946 1,857 141,803 225,170 2,743 227,913 171,442 1,724 173,166 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 39,523,082 524,320 40,047,402 40,416,719 492,303 40,909,022 41,375,964 415,977 41,791,941 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 3.54 3.54 3.54 5.57 5.57 5.57 4.14 4.14 4.14 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. As of December 31, 2019, a cumulative amount of 193,411 shares have been deferred by non-employee directors under the Directors Stock Compensation Plan and will become issuable upon the termination of service by the respective non-employee director on the board of directors. These shares are included in the Company's weighted average shares outstanding calculation.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As required by the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC Topic 740"), the Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. It further requires that a change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions be recognized in earnings in the period of such change. As of December 31, 2019, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding the federal benefit received from state positions) was $20.1 million, which is included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Of this total, $15.9 million (net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods. The Company currently anticipates uncertain tax positions will decrease by $6.4 million prior to December 31, 2020 as a result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations, settlements, correspondence with examining authorities, and recognition or measurement considerations with federal and state jurisdictions; however, actual developments in this area could differ from those currently expected. Of the anticipated $6.4 million decrease, $5.1 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Gross balance - beginning of year $ 23,445 28,421 Additions based on tax positions of prior years 651 1,405 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1,339 2,044 Settlements with taxing authorities (1,810) (915) Reductions for tax positions of prior years (380) (5,109) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations (3,097) (2,401) Gross balance - end of year $ 20,148 23,445 All the reductions shown in the table above that are due to prior year tax positions, settlements, and the lapse of statutes of limitations impacted the effective tax rate. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions as part of interest expense and other expense, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, $5.0 million and $4.9 million in accrued interest and penalties, respectively, were included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized interest expense of $0.1 million, $0.4 million, and $0.8 million related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The impact to the consolidated statements of income related to penalties for uncertain tax positions was not significant for the years 2019, 2018, and 2017. The impact of timing differences and tax attributes are considered when calculating interest and penalty accruals associated with the unrecognized tax benefits. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return in the U.S. and the Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2016. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2010. As of December 31, 2019, the Company has tax uncertainties that remain unsettled in the jurisdiction of California (2010 through 2015). The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ 38,931 45,822 65,196 State 3,546 1,969 1,246 Foreign 239 (2) (35) Total current provision 42,716 47,789 66,407 Deferred: Federal (4,280) 11,783 (8,270) State (2,922) (883) 6,618 Foreign (63) 81 108 Total deferred provision (7,265) 10,981 (1,544) Provision for income tax expense $ 35,451 58,770 64,863 The differences between the income tax provision computed at the statutory federal corporate tax rate and the financial statement provision for income taxes are shown below: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax expense at federal rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) resulting from: State tax, net of federal income tax benefit 2.5 2.4 1.6 Tax credits (3.0) (1.9) (1.3) Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters (0.7) (1.0) — Reduction of statutory federal rate (a) — — (8.0) Other 0.2 — — Effective tax rate 20.0 % 20.5 % 27.3 % (a) The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, changed existing United States tax law and included numerous provisions that affect businesses, including the Company. The Tax Act, for instance, introduced changes that impact U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits. The Company accounted for the change in tax laws in accordance with ASC Topic 740 that provides guidance that a change in tax law or rates be recognized in the financial reporting period that includes the enactment date, which is the date the changes were signed into law. The income tax accounting effect of a change in tax laws or tax rates includes, for example, adjusting (or re-measuring) deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as evaluating whether a valuation allowance is needed for deferred tax assets. The Company re-measured its deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 22, 2017 which resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $19.3 million. The Company determined no valuation allowance was needed for any deferred tax assets as a result of the Tax Act. The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 18,037 16,633 Student loans 15,479 15,054 Tax credit carryforwards 9,394 — Lease liability 5,891 — Accrued expenses 4,112 3,254 Stock compensation 2,167 2,041 Securitizations 1,261 2,014 State net operating losses 551 528 Total gross deferred tax assets 56,892 39,524 Less valuation allowance (548) (527) Net deferred tax assets 56,344 38,997 Deferred tax liabilities: Partnership basis 56,741 47,488 Depreciation 11,489 9,469 Lease right of use asset 5,684 — Intangible assets 5,399 9,903 Loan origination services 4,647 6,243 Debt and equity investments 3,775 1,363 Basis in certain derivative contracts 2,730 22,042 Other 1,003 1,172 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 91,468 97,680 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (35,124) (58,683) The Company has performed an evaluation of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of the Company's deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible or eligible for utilization of a tax credit carryforward. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, carry back opportunities, and tax planning strategies in making the assessment of the amount of the valuation allowance. With the exception of a portion of the Company's state net operating losses, it is management's opinion that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and should not be reduced by a valuation allowance. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a current income tax receivable of $27.3 million and $6.4 million, respectively, that is included in "other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company has four reportable operating segments. The Company's reportable operating segments include: • Loan Servicing and Systems • Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing • Communications • Asset Generation and Management The Company earns fee-based revenue through its Loan Servicing and Systems; Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing; and Communications operating segments. In addition, the Company earns interest income on its loan portfolio in its Asset Generation and Management operating segment. The Company’s operating segments are defined by the products and services they offer and the types of customers they serve, and they reflect the manner in which financial information is currently evaluated by management. See note 1, "Description of Business," for a description of each operating segment, including the primary products and services offered. The management reporting process measures the performance of the Company’s operating segments based on the management structure of the Company, as well as the methodology used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Executive management (the "chief operating decision maker") evaluates the performance of the Company’s operating segments based on their financial results prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The accounting policies of the Company’s operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment revenues are charged by a segment that provides a product or service to another segment. Intersegment revenues and expenses are included within each segment consistent with the income statement presentation provided to management. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, beginning January 1, 2018, income taxes are allocated based on 24% of income before taxes for each individual operating segment. Prior to January 1, 2018, income taxes were allocated based on 38% of income before taxes for each individual operating segment. The difference between the consolidated income tax expense and the sum of taxes calculated for each operating segment is included in income taxes in Corporate and Other Activities. Corporate and Other Activities Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable are combined and included in Corporate and Other Activities. Corporate and Other Activities includes the following items: • Income earned on certain investment activities, including real estate and renewable energy (solar) • Interest expense incurred on unsecured debt transactions • Other product and service offerings that are not considered reportable operating segments including, but not limited to, WRCM, the SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary Corporate and Other Activities also includes certain corporate activities and overhead functions related to executive management, internal audit, human resources, accounting, legal, enterprise risk management, information technology, occupancy, and marketing. These costs are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services. Segment Results The following tables include the results of each of the Company's reportable operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements. Year ended December 31, 2019 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 2,031 9,244 3 931,963 9,232 (3,796) 948,677 Interest expense 115 46 — 693,375 9,587 (3,796) 699,327 Net interest income (expense) 1,916 9,198 3 238,588 (355) — 249,350 Less provision for loan losses — — — 39,000 — — 39,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 1,916 9,198 3 199,588 (355) — 210,350 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 455,255 — — — — — 455,255 Intersegment servicing revenue 46,751 — — — — (46,751) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 277,331 — — — — 277,331 Communications revenue — — 64,269 — — — 64,269 Other income 9,736 259 1,509 30,349 23,327 — 65,179 Derivative settlements, net — — — 45,406 — — 45,406 Derivative market value and foreign currency transactions adjustments, net — — — (76,195) — — (76,195) Total other income 511,742 277,590 65,778 (440) 23,327 (46,751) 831,245 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 81,603 — — — — 81,603 Cost to provide communications services — — 20,423 — — — 20,423 Total cost of services — 81,603 20,423 — — — 102,026 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 276,136 94,666 21,004 1,545 70,152 — 463,503 Depreciation and amortization 34,755 12,820 37,173 — 20,300 — 105,049 Other expenses 71,064 22,027 15,165 34,445 51,571 — 194,272 Intersegment expenses, net 54,325 13,405 2,962 47,362 (71,303) (46,751) — Total operating expenses 436,280 142,918 76,304 83,352 70,720 (46,751) 762,824 Income (loss) before income taxes 77,378 62,267 (30,946) 115,796 (47,748) — 176,745 Income tax (expense) benefit (18,571) (14,944) 7,427 (27,792) 18,428 — (35,451) Net income (loss) 58,807 47,323 (23,519) 88,004 (29,320) — 141,294 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 509 — 509 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 58,807 47,323 (23,519) 88,004 (28,811) — 141,803 Total assets as of December 31, 2019 $ 290,311 506,382 303,347 22,128,917 627,897 (147,884) 23,708,970 Year ended December 31, 2018 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 1,351 4,453 4 911,502 19,944 (12,989) 924,266 Interest expense — 9 9,987 662,360 10,540 (12,989) 669,906 Net interest income (expense) 1,351 4,444 (9,983) 249,142 9,404 — 254,360 Less provision for loan losses — — — 23,000 — — 23,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 1,351 4,444 (9,983) 226,142 9,404 — 231,360 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 440,027 — — — — — 440,027 Intersegment servicing revenue 47,082 — — — — (47,082) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 221,962 — — — — 221,962 Communications revenue — — 44,653 — — — 44,653 Other income 7,284 — 1,075 12,723 33,724 — 54,805 Derivative settlements, net — — — 70,478 (407) — 70,071 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net — — — (2,159) 3,173 — 1,014 Total other income 494,393 221,962 45,728 81,042 36,490 (47,082) 832,532 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, — 59,566 — — — — 59,566 Cost to provide communications revenue — — 16,926 — — — 16,926 Total cost of services — 59,566 16,926 — — — 76,492 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 267,458 81,080 18,779 1,526 67,336 — 436,179 Depreciation and amortization 32,074 13,484 23,377 — 17,960 — 86,896 Other expenses 67,336 28,137 11,900 15,961 54,697 — 178,031 Intersegment expenses, net 59,042 10,681 2,578 47,870 (73,088) (47,082) — Total operating expenses 425,910 133,382 56,634 65,357 66,905 (47,082) 701,106 Income (loss) before income taxes 69,834 33,458 (37,815) 241,827 (21,011) — 286,294 Income tax (expense) benefit (16,954) (8,030) 9,075 (58,038) 15,177 — (58,770) Net income (loss) 52,880 25,428 (28,740) 183,789 (5,834) — 227,524 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 808 — — — (419) — 389 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 53,688 25,428 (28,740) 183,789 (6,253) — 227,913 Total assets as of December 31, 2018 $ 226,445 471,719 286,816 23,806,321 563,841 (134,174) 25,220,968 Year ended December 31, 2017 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 513 17 3 764,225 13,643 (7,976) 770,426 Interest expense 3 — 5,427 464,256 3,477 (7,976) 465,188 Net interest income (expense) 510 17 (5,424) 299,969 10,166 — 305,238 Less provision for loan losses — — — 14,450 — — 14,450 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 510 17 (5,424) 285,519 10,166 — 290,788 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 223,000 — — — — — 223,000 Intersegment servicing revenue 41,674 — — — — (41,674) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 193,188 — — — — 193,188 Communications revenue — — 25,700 — — — 25,700 Other income — — — 11,857 43,871 — 55,728 Derivative settlements, net — — — 1,448 (781) — 667 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net — — — (19,357) 136 — (19,221) Total other income 264,674 193,188 25,700 (6,052) 43,226 (41,674) 479,062 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, — 48,678 — — — — 48,678 Cost to provide communications services — — 9,950 — — — 9,950 Total cost of services — 48,678 9,950 — — — 58,628 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 156,256 69,500 14,947 1,548 59,633 — 301,885 Depreciation and amortization 2,864 9,424 11,835 — 15,418 — 39,541 Other expenses 39,126 17,897 8,074 26,634 51,381 — 143,112 Intersegment expenses, net 31,871 9,079 2,101 42,830 (44,208) (41,674) — Total operating expenses 230,117 105,900 36,957 71,012 82,224 (41,674) 484,538 Income (loss) before income taxes 35,067 38,627 (26,631) 208,455 (28,832) — 226,684 Income tax (expense) benefit (18,128) (14,678) 10,120 (79,213) 37,036 — (64,863) Net income (loss) 16,939 23,949 (16,511) 129,242 8,204 — 161,821 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 12,640 — — — (1,295) — 11,345 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 29,579 23,949 (16,511) 129,242 6,909 — 173,166 Total assets as of December 31, 2017 $ 122,330 250,351 214,336 22,910,974 877,859 (411,415) 23,964,435

Disaggregated Revenue and Defer

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue	Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue The following provides additional revenue recognition information for the Company’s fee-based reportable operating segments. Loan Servicing and Systems Revenue Loan servicing and systems revenue consists of the following items: • Loan servicing revenue - Loan servicing revenue consideration is determined from individual contracts with customers and is calculated monthly based on the dollar value of loans, number of loans, number of borrowers serviced for each customer, or number of transactions. Loan servicing requires a significant level of integration and the individual components are not considered distinct. The Company will perform various services, including, but not limited to, (i) application processing, (ii) monthly servicing, (iii) conversion processing, and (iv) fulfillment services, during each distinct service period. Even though the mix and quantity of activities that the Company performs each period may differ, the nature of the activities are substantially the same. Revenue is allocated to the distinct service period, typically a month, and recognized as control transfers as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. • Software services revenue - Software services revenue consideration is determined from individual contracts with customers and includes license and maintenance fees associated with loan software products, generally in a remote hosted environment, and computer and software consulting. Usage-based revenue from remote hosted licenses is allocated to the distinct service period, typically a month, and recognized as control transfers as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. Revenue from any non-refundable up-front fee is recognized ratably over the contract period, as the fee relates to set-up activities that provide no incremental benefit to the customers. Computer and software consulting is also capable of being distinct and accounted for as a separate performance obligation. Revenue allocated to computer and software consulting is recognized as services are provided. • Outsourced services revenue - Outsourced services revenue consideration is determined from individual contracts with customers and is calculated monthly based on the volume of services. Revenue is allocated to the distinct service period, typically a month, and recognized as control transfers as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Government servicing - Nelnet $ 157,991 157,091 155,829 Government servicing - Great Lakes 185,656 168,298 — Private education and consumer loan servicing 36,788 41,474 28,060 FFELP servicing 25,043 31,542 15,542 Software services 41,077 32,929 17,782 Outsourced services and other 8,700 8,693 5,787 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 455,255 440,027 223,000 Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Revenue Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue consists of the following items: • Tuition payment plan services - Tuition payment plan services consideration is determined from individual plan agreements, which are governed by plan service agreements, and includes access to a remote hosted environment and management of payment processing. The management of payment processing is considered a distinct performance obligation when sold with the remote hosted environment. Revenue for each performance obligation is allocated to the distinct service period, the academic school term, and recognized ratably over the service period as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. • Payment processing - Payment processing consideration is determined from individual contracts with customers and includes electronic transfer and credit card processing, reporting, virtual terminal solutions, and specialized integrations to business software for education and non-education markets. Volume-based revenue from payment processing is allocated and recognized to the distinct service period, based on when each transaction is completed, and recognized as control transfers as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. The electronic transfer and credit card processing consideration is recognized as revenue on a gross basis as the Company is the principal in the delivery of the payment processing. The Company has concluded it is the principal as it controls the services before delivery to the educational institution or business, it is primarily responsible for the delivery of the services, and it has discretion in setting prices charged to its customers. In addition, the Company has the unilateral ability to accept or reject a transaction based on criteria established by the Company. The Company is liable for the costs of processing the transactions and records such costs within "cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services." • Education technology and services - Education technology and services consideration is determined from individual contracts with customers and is based on the services selected by the customer. Services in K-12 private and faith based schools primarily includes (i) assistance with financial needs assessment, (ii) school information system software that automates administrative processes such as admissions, enrollment, scheduling, cafeteria management, attendance, and grade book management, and (iii) professional development and educational instruction services. Revenue for these services is recognized for the consideration the Company has a right to invoice, the amount of which corresponds directly with the value provided to the customer based on the performance completed. Services provided to the higher education market include payment technology and processing that allow for electronic billing and payment of campus charges. These services are considered distinct performance obligations. Revenue for each performance obligation is allocated to the distinct service period, typically a month or based on when each transaction is completed, and recognized as control transfers as customers simultaneously receive and consume benefits. The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tuition payment plan services $ 106,682 85,381 76,753 Payment processing 110,848 84,289 71,652 Education technology and services 58,578 51,155 44,539 Other 1,223 1,137 244 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue $ 277,331 221,962 193,188 Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services is primarily associated with providing payment processing services. Interchange and payment network fees are charged by the card associations or payment networks. Depending upon the transaction type, the fees are a percentage of the transaction’s dollar value, a fixed amount, or a combination of the two methods. Other items included in cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services include salaries and benefits and third-party professional service costs directly related to providing professional development and educational instruction services to teachers, school leaders, and students. Communications Revenue Communications revenue is derived principally from internet, television, and telephone services and is billed as a flat fee in advance of providing the service. Revenues for usage-based services, such as access charges billed to other telephone carriers for originating and terminating long-distance calls on the Company's network, are billed in arrears. These are each considered distinct performance obligations. Revenue is recognized monthly for the consideration the Company has a right to invoice, the amount of which corresponds directly with the value provided to the customer based on the performance completed. The Company recognizes revenue from these services in the period the services are rendered rather than billed. Revenue received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue. Earned but unbilled usage-based services are recorded in accounts receivable. The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering and customer type: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Internet $ 38,239 24,069 11,976 Television 16,196 12,949 8,018 Telephone 9,705 7,546 5,603 Other 129 89 103 Communications revenue $ 64,269 44,653 25,700 Residential revenue $ 48,344 33,434 17,696 Business revenue 15,689 10,976 7,744 Other 236 243 260 Communications revenue $ 64,269 44,653 25,700 Cost to provide communications services is primarily associated with television programming costs. The Company has various contracts to obtain television programming from programming vendors whose compensation is typically based on a flat fee per customer. The cost of the right to exhibit network programming under such arrangements is recorded in the month the programming is available for exhibition. Programming costs are paid each month based on calculations performed by the Company and are subject to periodic audits performed by the programmers. Other items in cost to provide communications services include connectivity, franchise, and other regulatory costs directly related to providing internet and telephone services. Other Income The following table provides the components of "other income" on the consolidated statements of income: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Gain on sale of loans $ 17,261 — — Borrower late fee income 12,884 12,302 11,604 Management fee revenue 8,838 6,497 — Gain on investments and notes receivable, net of losses 6,136 9,579 939 Investment advisory services 2,941 6,009 12,723 Peterson's revenue — — 12,572 Other 17,119 20,418 17,890 Other income $ 65,179 54,805 55,728 • Borrower late fee income - Late fee income is earned by the education lending subsidiaries. Revenue is allocated to the distinct service period, based on when each transaction is completed. • Management fee revenue - Management fee revenue is earned for providing administrative support and marketing services provided primarily to Great Lakes' former parent company. Revenue is allocated to the distinct service period, based on when each transaction is completed. • Investment advisory fees - Investment advisory services are provided by WRCM, the Company's SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary, under various arrangements. The Company earns monthly fees based on the monthly outstanding balance of investments and certain performance measures, which are recognized monthly as the uncertainty of the transaction price is resolved. • Peterson's revenue - The Company earned revenue related to educational digital marketing and content solution products and services under the brand name Peterson's. On December 31, 2017, the Company sold Peterson's. Deferred Revenue Activity in the deferred revenue balance, which is included in "other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, is shown below: Loan Servicing and Systems Education, Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 6,105 24,708 963 1,365 33,141 Deferral of revenue 3,406 73,445 15,217 2,721 94,789 Recognition of revenue (4,543) (73,989) (14,515) (2,607) (95,654) Balance as of December 31, 2017 4,968 24,164 1,665 1,479 32,276 Deferral of revenue 5,117 77,297 25,325 5,553 113,292 Recognition of revenue (5,672) (70,905) (24,439) (5,430) (106,446) Balance as of December 31, 2018 4,413 30,556 2,551 1,602 39,122 Deferral of revenue 3,585 93,373 36,024 3,505 136,487 Recognition of revenue (5,286) (91,855) (35,343) (3,479) (135,963) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 2,712 32,074 3,232 1,628 39,646

Major Customer

Major Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Major Customer	Major Customer Nelnet Servicing earns loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Nelnet Servicing related to this contract was $158.0 million, $157.1 million, and $155.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In addition, Great Lakes, which was acquired by the Company on February 7, 2018, also earns loan servicing revenue from a similar servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Great Lakes related to this contract was $185.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Revenue of $168.3 million was earned for the period from February 7, 2018 to December 31, 2018. Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes' servicing contracts with the Department previously provided for expiration on June 16, 2019. On May 15, 2019, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes each received a contract extension from the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid (“FSA”) pursuant to which FSA extended the expiration date of the current contracts to December 15, 2019. On November 26, 2019, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes each received an additional extension from FSA on their contracts through December 14, 2020. The contract extensions also provided the potential for two additional six-month extensions at the Department’s discretion through December 14, 2021. FSA is conducting a contract procurement process entitled Next Generation Financial Services Environment (“NextGen”) for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. On January 15, 2019, FSA issued solicitations for three NextGen components: • NextGen Enhanced Processing Solution (“EPS”) • NextGen Business Process Operations (“BPO”) • NextGen Optimal Processing Solution (“OPS”) On April 1, 2019 and October 4, 2019, the Company responded to the EPS component. On January 16, 2020, FSA released an amendment to the EPS component and the company responded on February 3, 2020. In addition, on August 1, 2019, the Company responded to the BPO component. On January 10, 2020, FSA released an amendment to the BPO component and the Company responded on January 30, 2020. The Company is also part of a team that has responded and intends to respond to various aspects of the OPS component; however, on November 12, 2019, FSA put an indefinite hold on the OPS solicitation. The Company cannot predict the timing, nature, or outcome of these solicitations.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: As of December 31, 2019 Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in "other assets" on the $ 32,770 Operating lease liabilities, which is included in "other liabilities" on the $ 33,689 The following table provides components of lease expense: Year ended December 31, 2019 Rental expense, which is included in "other expenses" on the $ 11,171 Rental expense, which is included in "cost to provide communications 1,609 Total operating rental expense $ 12,780 (a) Includes short-term and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. The following table provides supplemental cash flow information related to leases: Year ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows related to operating leases $ 9,966 Supplemental noncash activity: Operating ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, $ 8,731 Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate are shown below: As of December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 7.29 Weighted average discount rate 3.93 % Maturity of lease liabilities are shown below: 2020 $ 10,178 2021 6,905 2022 4,652 2023 3,640 2024 2,567 2025 and thereafter 10,941 Total lease payments 38,883 Imputed interest (5,194) Total $ 33,689 The Company adopted the new lease standard using the effective date as its date of initial application (January 1, 2019) as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2018 are shown below: 2019 $ 9,181 2020 8,261 2021 5,776 2022 3,745 2023 2,904 2024 and thereafter 5,479 Total minimum lease payments $ 35,346 Total rental expense incurred by the Company prior to the adoption of the new lease standard was $8.4 million and $5.7 million during 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Defined Contribution Benefit Pl

Defined Contribution Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan	Defined Contribution Benefit PlanThe Company has a 401(k) savings plan that covers substantially all of its employees. Employees may contribute up to 100 percent of their pre-tax salary, subject to IRS limitations. The Company matches up to 100 percent on the first 3 percent of contributions and 50 percent on the next 2 percent. The Company made contributions to the plan of $10.8 million, $9.8 million, and $6.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Stock Based Compensation Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation Plan	Stock Based Compensation Plans Restricted Stock Plan The following table summarizes restricted stock activity: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Non-vested shares at beginning of year 532,336 398,210 447,380 Granted 186,281 279,441 107,237 Vested (109,651) (100,035) (131,988) Canceled (59,121) (45,280) (24,419) Non-vested shares at end of year 549,845 532,336 398,210 As of December 31, 2019, there was $17.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost included in equity on the consolidated balance sheet related to restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized as compensation expense in future periods as shown in the table below. 2020 $ 5,927 2021 3,839 2022 2,587 2023 1,731 2024 1,157 2025 and thereafter 1,793 $ 17,034 For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized compensation expense of $6.4 million, $6.2 million, and $4.2 million, respectively, related to shares issued under the restricted stock plan, which is included in "salaries and benefits" on the consolidated statements of income. Employee Share Purchase Plan The Company has an employee share purchase plan pursuant to which employees are entitled to purchase Class A common stock from payroll deductions at a 15 percent discount from market value. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized compensation expense of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million respectively, in connection with issuing 33,250 shares, 28,744 shares, and 16,989 shares, respectively, under this plan, which is included in "salaries and benefits" on the consolidated statements of income. Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan The Company has a compensation plan for non-employee directors pursuant to which non-employee directors can elect to receive their annual retainer fees in the form of cash or Class A common stock. If a non-employee director elects to receive Class A common stock, the number of shares of Class A common stock that are awarded is equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable in cash divided by 85 percent of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date the fee is payable. Non-employee directors who choose to receive Class A common stock may also elect to defer receipt of the Class A common stock until termination of their service on the board of directors. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized $1.2 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million, respectively, of expense related to this plan, which is included in "other expenses" on the consolidated statements of income. The following table provides the number of shares awarded under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Shares issued - not deferred Shares issued- deferred Total Year ended December 31, 2019 9,588 11,212 20,800 Year ended December 31, 2018 8,029 10,680 18,709 Year ended December 31, 2017 6,855 10,974 17,829 As of December 31, 2019, a cumulative amount of 193,411 shares have been deferred by directors and will be issued upon the termination of their service on the board of directors. These shares are included in the Company's weighted average shares outstanding calculation.

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	Related Parties (dollar amounts in this note are not in thousands) Transactions with Union Bank and Trust Company Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank") is controlled by Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc. (“F&M”), which owns a majority of Union Bank's common stock and a minority share of Union Bank's non-voting non-convertible preferred stock. Michael S. Dunlap, Executive Chairman and a member of the board of directors and a significant shareholder of the Company, along with his spouse and children, owns or controls a significant portion of the stock of F&M, and Mr. Dunlap's sister, Angela L. Muhleisen, along with her spouse and children, also owns or controls a significant portion of F&M stock. Mr. Dunlap serves as a Director and Chairman of F&M, and as a Director of Union Bank. Ms. Muhleisen serves as a Director and Chief Executive Officer of F&M and as a Director, Chairperson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank. Union Bank is deemed to have beneficial ownership of a significant number of shares of the Company because it serves in a capacity of trustee or account manager for various trusts and accounts holding shares of the Company, and may share voting and/or investment power with respect to such shares. Mr. Dunlap and Ms. Muhleisen beneficially own a significant percent of the voting rights of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company has entered into certain contractual arrangements with Union Bank. These transactions are summarized below. Loan Purchases The Company purchased $67.7 million (par value) and $2.9 million (par value) of private education loans from Union Bank in 2019 and 2017, respectively. There were no private education loan purchases in 2018. In addition, the Company purchased $32.6 million (par value), $74.7 million (par value), and $10.3 million (par value) of consumer loans from Union Bank in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The net premium paid by the Company on these loan acquisitions was $1.2 million in 2019. The premiums paid by the Company in 2018 and 2017 were not significant. The Company has an agreement with Union Bank in which the Company provides marketing, origination, and loan servicing services to Union Bank related to private education loans. Union Bank paid $1.8 million in marketing fees to the Company in 2019 under this agreement. Loan Servicing The Company serviced $395.5 million, $405.5 million, and $462.3 million of FFELP and private education loans for Union Bank as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Servicing and origination fee revenue earned by the Company from servicing loans for Union Bank was $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Funding - Participation Agreement The Company maintains an agreement with Union Bank, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in student loans (the “FFELP Participation Agreement”). The Company uses this facility as a source to fund FFELP student loans. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, $749.6 million and $664.3 million, respectively, of loans were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days' notice. This agreement provides beneficiaries of Union Bank's grantor trusts with access to investments in interests in student loans, while providing liquidity to the Company on a short-term basis. The Company can participate loans to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $900 million or an amount in excess of $900 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. Loans participated under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Funding - Real Estate 12100.5 West Center, LLC ("West Center") is an entity that was established in 2016 for the sole purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a commercial real estate property in Omaha, Nebraska. The Company owns 33.33% of West Center. On October 31, 2019, Union Bank, as lender, received a $2.9 million promissory note from West Center. The promissory note carries an interest rate of 3.85% and has a maturity date of October 30, 2024. Operating Cash Accounts The majority of the Company's cash operating accounts are maintained at Union Bank. The Company also invests amounts in the Short term Federal Investment Trust (“STFIT”) of the Student Loan Trust Division of Union Bank, which are included in “cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party” and “restricted cash - due to customers” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $390.5 million and $147.2 million, respectively, invested in the STFIT or deposited at Union Bank in operating accounts, of which $270.5 million and $35.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, represented cash collected for customers. Interest income earned by the Company on the amounts invested in the STFIT and in cash operating accounts for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $1.6 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. 529 Plan Administration Services The Company provides certain 529 Plan administration services to certain college savings plans (the “College Savings Plans”) through a contract with Union Bank, as the program manager. Union Bank is entitled to a fee as program manager pursuant to its program management agreement with the College Savings Plans. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company has received fees of $3.7 million, $3.2 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, from Union Bank related to the administration services provided to the College Savings Plans. Lease Arrangements Union Bank leases approximately 4,000 square feet in the Company's corporate headquarters building. Union Bank paid the Company approximately $79,000, $76,000, and $74,000 for commercial rent and storage income during 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The lease agreement expires on June 30, 2023. Other Fees Paid to Union Bank During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company paid Union Bank approximately $213,000, $128,000, and $127,000, respectively, in cash management and trustee fees. Other Fees Received from Union Bank During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $317,000, $231,000, and $231,000, respectively, under certain employee sharing arrangements. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $92,000, $34,000, and $5,000, respectively, for communications services. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $1,000, $4,000, and $11,000 in payment processing fees (net of merchant fees of approximately $4,000, $13,000, and $1,000), respectively. 401(k) Plan Administration Union Bank administers the Company's 401(k) defined contribution plan. Fees paid to Union Bank to administer the plan are paid by the plan participants and were approximately $366,000, $313,000, and $241,000 during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Investment Services Union Bank has established various trusts whereby Union Bank serves as trustee for the purpose of purchasing, holding, managing, and selling investments in student loan asset-backed securities. WRCM, an SEC-registered investment advisor and a subsidiary of the Company, has a management agreement with Union Bank under which WRCM performs various advisory and management services on behalf of Union Bank with respect to investments in securities by the trusts, including identifying securities for purchase or sale by the trusts. The agreement provides that Union Bank will pay to WRCM annual fees of 25 basis points on the outstanding balance of the investments in the trusts. As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of investments in the trusts was $756.3 million. In addition, Union Bank will pay additional fees to WRCM of up to 50 percent of the gains from the sale of securities from the trusts or securities being called prior to the full contractual maturity. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company earned $1.8 million, $4.5 million, and $9.2 million, respectively, of fees under this agreement. WRCM also has management agreements with Union Bank under which it is designated to serve as investment advisor with respect to the assets (principally Nelnet stock) within several trusts established by Mr. Dunlap and his spouse and Stephen F. Butterfield, former Vice Chairman and former member of the board of directors of the Company who passed away in April 2018, and his spouse Shelby J. Butterfield. Union Bank serves as trustee for the trusts. Per the terms of the agreements, Union Bank pays WRCM five basis points of the aggregate value of the assets of the trusts as of the last day of each calendar quarter. As of December 31, 2019, WRCM was the investment advisor with respect to a total of 6.3 million shares of the Company's Class B common stock held directly by these trusts, and the 50% interest held by the Butterfield Family Trust, an estate planning trust for the family of Mr. Butterfield, in Union Financial Services, Inc. (“UFS”), which holds a total of 1.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock and the other 50% interest in which is owned by Mr. Dunlap. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company earned approximately $219,000, $172,000, and $161,000, respectively, of fees under these agreements. WRCM has established private investment funds for the primary purpose of purchasing, selling, investing, and trading, directly or indirectly, in student loan asset-backed securities, and to engage in financial transactions related thereto. Mr. Dunlap, Jeffrey R. Noordhoek (an executive officer of the Company), Ms. Muhleisen and her spouse, and WRCM have invested in certain of these funds. Based upon the current level of holdings by non-affiliated limited partners, the management agreements provide non-affiliated limited partners the ability to remove WRCM as manager without cause. WRCM earns 50 basis points (annually) on the outstanding balance of the investments in these funds, of which WRCM pays approximately 50 percent of such amount to Union Bank as custodian. As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of investments in these funds was $152.1 million. The Company paid Union Bank $0.3 million in each of 2019, 2018, and 2017 as custodian of the funds. Transactions with F&M During the third quarter of 2019, the Company, F&M, and the holding company of BankFirst of Norfolk, Nebraska ("BankFirst"), of which Mr. Dunlap is a member of the Board of Directors, co-invested $0.7 million, $2.1 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, in a Company-managed limited liability company that invests in renewable energy (solar). As part of these transactions, the Company receives management and performance fees under a management agreement. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company earned a total of approximately $138,000 of management fees under this agreement, allocable in equal amounts of approximately $69,000 to the investments of each of F&M and BankFirst. Transactions with UFS UFS is owned 50 percent by Mr. Dunlap and 50 percent by the Butterfield Family Trust, an estate planning trust for the family of Mr. Butterfield. Historically, the Company owned a 65 percent interest in an aircraft due to the frequent business travel needs of the Company's executives and the limited availability of commercial flights in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the Company's headquarters are located. UFS owned the remaining interest in the same aircraft. On December 31, 2018, the Company purchased an additional 17.5 percent interest in the aircraft from UFS for $717,500, which reflected what available information indicated was the aircraft's fair market value at the time of sale. As a result of this transaction, the Company's ownership in the aircraft increased to 82.5 percent. On December 31, 2018, UFS also contributed a 17.5 percent interest in the aircraft to an entity owned by Mr. Dunlap. Transactions with Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as "Hudl") David Graff, who has served on the Company's Board of Directors since 2014, is CEO, co-founder, and a director of Hudl. The Company and Mr. Dunlap, along with his children, currently hold combined direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl of 19.2% and 3.7%, respectively. The Company's and Mr. Dunlap's direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl consist of preferred stock with certain liquidation preferences that are considered substantive. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Company's and Mr. Dunlap's equity ownership interests are not considered in-substance common stock and the Company is accounting for its equity investment in Hudl using the measurement alternative method. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying amount of the Company's investment in Hudl is $51.8 million, and is included in "investments and notes receivable" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. On July 26, 2019, the Company, as lender, received a $16.0 million promissory note from Hudl. The promissory note carried a 14 percent interest rate and was due 180 days from the date of issuance. In connection with this promissory note, the Company entered into a Subordination Agreement with Union Bank, effective as of July 26, 2019, which required the Company to subordinate its promissory note from Hudl to existing notes Union Bank holds from Hudl. The $16.0 million promissory note from Hudl was paid in full to the Company in August 2019. The Company makes investments to further diversify the Company both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses, including investments in real estate. Recent real estate investments have been focused on the development of commercial properties in the Midwest, and particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the Company's headquarters are located. One investment includes the development of a building in Lincoln's Haymarket District that is the new headquarters of Hudl, in which Hudl is the primary tenant in this building. Transaction with Assurity Life Insurance Company ("Assurity") Thomas Henning, who has served on the Company's Board of Directors since 2003, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Assurity. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, Nelnet Business Solutions, a subsidiary of the Company, paid $1.7 million, $1.7 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, to Assurity for insurance premiums for insurance on certain tuition payment plans. As part of providing the tuition payment plan insurance to Nelnet Business Solutions, Assurity entered into a reinsurance agreement with the Company's insurance subsidiary, under which Assurity paid the Company's insurance subsidiary reinsurance premiums of $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.4 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and the Company's insurance subsidiary paid claims on such reinsurance to Assurity of $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $0.7 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In addition, Assurity pays Nelnet Business Solutions a partial refund annually based on claim experience, which was approximately $56,000, $84,000, and $10,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (a): Student loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale $ — 52,597 52,597 — 52,936 52,936 Equity securities 6 — 6 2,722 — 2,722 Equity securities measured at net asset value (b) 12,894 14,925 Debt securities - available-for-sale 104 — 104 104 — 104 Total investments 110 52,597 65,601 2,826 52,936 70,687 Derivative instruments (c) — — — — 1,818 1,818 Total assets $ 110 52,597 65,601 2,826 54,754 72,505 (a) Investments represent investments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 investments are measured based upon quoted prices and include investments traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, and corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, U.S. government bonds, and U.S. Treasury securities that trade in active markets. Level 2 investments include student loan asset-backed securities. The fair value for the student loan asset-backed securities is determined using indicative quotes from broker-dealers or an income approach valuation technique (present value using the discount rate adjustment technique) that considers, among other things, rates currently observed in publicly traded debt markets for debt of similar terms issued by companies with comparable credit risk. (b) In accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. (c) All derivatives are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined using a market approach in which derivative pricing models use the stated terms of the contracts, observable yield curves, and volatilities from active markets. When determining the fair value of derivatives, the Company takes into account counterparty credit risk for positions where it is exposed to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. The net exposures for each counterparty are adjusted based on market information available for the specific counterparty. The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of December 31, 2019 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 21,477,630 20,669,371 — — 21,477,630 Cash and cash equivalents 133,906 133,906 133,906 — — Investments (at fair value) 65,601 65,601 110 52,597 — Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations 33,258 33,187 — — 33,258 Restricted cash 650,939 650,939 650,939 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 437,756 437,756 437,756 — — Accrued interest receivable 733,623 733,623 — 733,623 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 20,479,095 20,529,054 — 20,479,095 — Accrued interest payable 47,285 47,285 — 47,285 — Due to customers 437,756 437,756 437,756 — — As of December 31, 2018 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 23,521,171 22,377,142 — — 23,521,171 Cash and cash equivalents 121,347 121,347 121,347 — — Investments (at fair value) 70,687 70,687 2,826 52,936 — Notes receivable 16,373 16,373 — 16,373 — Restricted cash 701,366 701,366 701,366 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 369,678 369,678 369,678 — — Accrued interest receivable 679,197 679,197 — 679,197 — Derivative instruments 1,818 1,818 — 1,818 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 22,270,462 22,218,740 — 22,270,462 — Accrued interest payable 61,679 61,679 — 61,679 — Due to customers 369,678 369,678 369,678 — — The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are previously discussed. The remaining financial assets and liabilities were estimated using the following methods and assumptions: Loans Receivable Fair values for loans receivable were determined by modeling loan cash flows using stated terms of the assets and internally-developed assumptions. The significant assumptions used to project cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds, required return on equity, and future interest rate and index relationships. A number of significant inputs into the models are internally derived and not observable to market participants. Beneficial Interest in Consumer Loan Securitizations Fair values for beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations were determined by modeling securitization cash flows and internally-developed assumptions. The significant assumptions used to project cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds, required return on equity, and future interest rate and index relationships. A number of significant inputs into the models are internally derived and not observable to market participants. Notes Receivable Fair values for notes receivable were determined by using model-derived valuations with observable inputs, including current market rates. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Restricted Cash – Due to Customers, Accrued Interest Receivable, Accrued Interest Payable, and Due to Customers The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the variable rate of interest and/or the short maturities of these instruments. Bonds and Notes Payable The fair value of bonds and notes payable was determined from quotes from broker-dealers or through standard bond pricing models using the stated terms of the borrowings, observable yield curves, market credit spreads, and weighted average life of underlying collateral. Fair value adjustments for unsecured corporate debt are made based on indicative quotes from observable trades. Limitations The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Therefore, the calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal ProceedingsThe Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business. These matters frequently involve claims by student loan borrowers disputing the manner in which their student loans have been serviced or the accuracy of reports to credit bureaus, claims by student loan borrowers or other consumers alleging that state or Federal consumer protection laws have been violated in the process of collecting loans or conducting other business activities, and disputes with other business entities. In addition, from time to time, the Company receives information and document requests from state or federal regulators concerning its business practices. The Company cooperates with these inquiries and responds to the requests. While the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any regulatory examination, inquiry, or investigation, the Company believes its activities have materially complied with applicable law, including the Higher Education Act, the rules and regulations adopted by the Department thereunder, and the Department's guidance regarding those rules and regulations. On the basis of present information, anticipated insurance coverage, and advice received from counsel, it is the opinion of the Company's management that the disposition or ultimate determination of these claims, lawsuits, and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, or results of operations.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 2019 First Second Third Fourth Net interest income $ 58,816 59,825 66,457 64,252 Less provision for loan losses 7,000 9,000 10,000 13,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 51,816 50,825 56,457 51,252 Loan servicing and systems revenue 114,898 113,985 113,286 113,086 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue 79,159 60,342 74,251 63,578 Communications revenue 14,543 15,758 16,470 17,499 Other income 9,067 16,152 13,439 26,522 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net (11,539) (24,088) 1,668 3,170 Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services (21,059) (15,871) (25,671) (19,002) Cost to provide communications services (4,759) (5,101) (5,236) (5,327) Salaries and benefits (111,059) (111,214) (116,670) (124,561) Depreciation and amortization (24,213) (24,484) (27,701) (28,651) Other operating expenses (43,816) (45,417) (58,329) (46,710) Income tax (expense) benefit (11,391) (6,209) (8,829) (9,022) Net income 41,647 24,678 33,135 41,834 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (56) (59) 77 546 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 41,591 24,619 33,212 42,380 Earnings per common share: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted $ 1.03 0.61 0.83 1.06 2018 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Net interest income $ 67,307 57,739 59,773 69,539 Less provision for loan losses 4,000 3,500 10,500 5,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 63,307 54,239 49,273 64,539 Loan servicing and systems revenue 100,141 114,545 112,579 112,761 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue 60,221 48,742 58,409 54,589 Communications revenue 9,189 10,320 11,818 13,326 Other income 18,557 9,580 16,673 9,998 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net 66,799 17,031 17,098 (29,843) Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services (13,683) (11,317) (19,087) (15,479) Cost to provide communications services (3,717) (3,865) (4,310) (5,033) Salaries and benefits (96,643) (111,118) (114,172) (114,247) Depreciation and amortization (18,457) (21,494) (22,992) (23,953) Other operating expenses (36,553) (43,613) (48,281) (49,583) Income tax (expense) benefit (35,976) (13,511) (13,882) 4,599 Net income 113,185 49,539 43,126 21,674 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 740 (104) (199) (48) Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 113,925 49,435 42,927 21,626 Earnings per common share: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted $ 2.78 1.21 1.05 0.53

Condensed Parent Company Financ

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements	Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements The following represents the condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and condensed statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019 for Nelnet, Inc. The Company is limited in the amount of funds that can be transferred to it by its subsidiaries through intercompany loans, advances, or cash dividends. These limitations relate to the restrictions by trust indentures under the lending subsidiaries debt financing arrangements. The amounts of cash and investments restricted in the respective reserve accounts of the education lending subsidiaries are shown on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash. Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 2019 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,144 36,890 Investments and notes receivable 137,229 140,582 Investment in subsidiary debt 13,818 13,818 Restricted cash 9,567 16,217 Investment in subsidiaries 2,181,122 2,448,540 Notes receivable from subsidiaries 42,552 56,973 Other assets 100,059 57,555 Fair value of derivative instruments — 1,818 Total assets $ 2,557,491 2,772,393 Liabilities: Notes payable $ 67,655 369,725 Other liabilities 97,952 94,016 Total liabilities 165,607 463,741 Equity: Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock 398 403 Additional paid-in capital 5,715 622 Retained earnings 2,377,627 2,299,556 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 2,972 3,883 Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity 2,386,712 2,304,464 Noncontrolling interest 5,172 4,188 Total equity 2,391,884 2,308,652 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,557,491 2,772,393 Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Investment interest income $ 4,925 17,707 13,060 Interest expense on bonds and notes payable 9,588 9,270 3,315 Net interest (expense) income (4,663) 8,437 9,745 Other income: Other income 8,384 13,944 3,483 Gain from debt repurchases 136 359 2,964 Equity in subsidiaries income 182,346 158,364 170,897 Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net (30,789) 71,085 (603) Total other income 160,077 243,752 176,741 Operating expenses 19,561 4,795 6,117 Income before income taxes 135,853 247,394 180,369 Income tax benefit (expense) 5,950 (19,481) (7,491) Net income 141,803 227,913 172,878 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 288 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 141,803 227,913 173,166 Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Net income $ 141,803 227,913 172,878 Other comprehensive (loss) income: Available-for-sale securities: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net (1,199) 1,056 2,349 Reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net — (978) (2,528) Income tax effect 288 (69) 66 Total other comprehensive (loss) income (911) 9 (113) Comprehensive income 140,892 227,922 172,765 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 288 Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 140,892 227,922 173,053 Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 141,803 227,913 173,166 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (288) Net income 141,803 227,913 172,878 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 467 442 420 Derivative market value adjustments 76,195 (1,014) 7,591 (Payments to) proceeds from termination of derivative instruments, net (12,530) 10,283 2,100 (Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net (70,685) 40,382 76,325 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (182,346) (158,364) (170,897) Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (19,183) 21,814 (8,056) Non-cash compensation expense 6,781 6,539 4,416 Other (4,586) (16,306) (3,454) (Increase) decrease in other assets (10,672) 25,252 4,171 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 29,384 (9,621) 10,104 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (45,372) 147,320 95,598 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale securities — (46,382) (127,567) Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities — 75,605 156,727 Capital distributions/contributions from/to subsidiaries, net 449,602 (334,280) 29,426 Decrease (increase) in notes receivable from subsidiaries 14,421 (31,325) (50,793) Increase in guaranteed payment from subsidiary — (70,270) — Proceeds from investments and notes receivable 27,926 7,783 4,823 Proceeds from (purchases of) subsidiary debt, net — 61,841 (3,844) Purchases of investments and issuances of notes receivable (47,106) (28,610) (18,023) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 444,843 (365,638) (9,251) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable (361,272) (8,651) (27,480) Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 60,000 300,000 61,059 Payments of debt issuance costs (1,129) (827) — Dividends paid (29,485) (26,839) (24,097) Repurchases of common stock (40,411) (45,331) (68,896) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,552 1,359 678 Acquisition of noncontrolling interest — (13,449) — Issuance of noncontrolling interest 878 13 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (369,867) 206,275 (58,736) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 29,604 (12,043) 27,611 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 53,107 65,150 37,539 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 82,711 53,107 65,150 Cash disbursements made for: Interest $ 9,501 8,628 2,882 Income taxes, net of refunds and credits $ 17,672 473 96,721 Noncash investing and financing activities: Recapitalization of accrued interest payable to accrued guaranteed payment $ — 6,674 — Recapitalization of note payable to guaranteed payment $ — 186,429 — Recapitalization of guaranteed payment to investment in subsidiary $ — 273,360 — Contributions to subsidiaries $ — — 2,092

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nelnet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. In addition, the accounts of all variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary are included in the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities The Company assesses its partnerships and joint ventures to determine if the entity meets the qualifications of a VIE. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of each VIE to determine if it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company examines specific criteria and uses judgment when determining whether an entity is a VIE and whether it is the primary beneficiary. The Company performs this review initially at the time it enters into a partnership or joint venture agreement and reassess upon reconsideration events. VIEs - Consolidated The Company is required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is the primary beneficiary. The Company's education and other lending subsidiaries are engaged in the securitization of finance assets. These lending subsidiaries hold beneficial interests in eligible loans, subject to creditors with specific interests. The liabilities of the Company's lending subsidiaries are not the direct obligations of Nelnet, Inc. or any of its other subsidiaries. Each lending subsidiary is structured to be bankruptcy remote, meaning that it should not be consolidated in the event of bankruptcy of the parent company or any other subsidiary. The Company is generally the administrator and master servicer of the securitized assets held in its lending subsidiaries and owns the residual interest of the securitization trusts. For accounting purposes, the transfers of loans to the securitization trusts do not qualify as sales. Accordingly, all the financial activities and related assets and liabilities, including debt, of the securitizations are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and are summarized as supplemental information on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, the Company owned 98.9 percent of the economic rights of ALLO Communications LLC and has a disproportional 80 percent of the voting rights related to all operating decisions for ALLO's business. See note 1, “Description of Business,” for a description of ALLO, including the primary services offered. In addition to the Company’s original equity investment, Nelnet, Inc. (the parent) contributed additional equity with a yield-based preferred return of future earnings due on the newly contributed equity. The Company will continue to increase its ownership interests as it makes cash contributions to fund ALLO's operating losses and capital expenditures. In addition, ALLO's management, as current minority members, has the opportunity to earn ownership interests based on the financial performance of ALLO. Nelnet, Inc.’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with ALLO is equal to its ownership interests investment. All of ALLO’s financial activities and related assets and liabilities are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 14, “Segment Reporting,” for disclosure of ALLO’s total assets and results of operations (included in the "Communications" operating segment), note 15, "Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue," for disclosure of ALLO's disaggregated revenue and deferred revenue, note 9, "Goodwill," for disclosure of ALLO's goodwill, and note 10, “Property and Equipment,” for disclosure of ALLO’s fixed assets. ALLO's goodwill and property and equipment comprise the majority of its assets. The assets recognized as a result of consolidating ALLO are the property of ALLO and are not available for any other purpose. VIEs - Not consolidated The Company is not required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company makes investments in entities that promote renewable energy sources (solar). The Company’s investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax credits, operating cash flows, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These investments are included in "investments and notes receivable" on the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of these investments are reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed in service. The Company’s unfunded capital and other commitments related to these unconsolidated VIEs are included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these unconsolidated VIEs include the investment, unfunded capital commitments, and previously recorded tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level. The tax credit recapture period ratably decreases over five years from when the project is placed in service. While the Company believes potential losses from these investments are remote, the maximum exposure was determined by assuming a scenario where the energy-producing projects completely fail and do not meet certain government compliance requirements resulting in recapture of the related tax credits.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019	Accounting Standard Adopted in 2019 In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases ("ASC Topic 842"). The standard requires the identification of arrangements that should be accounted for as leases by lessees and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for all leases with a term longer than twelve months and classify the lease as either operating or financing, with the income statement reflecting lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019, using the effective date as its date of initial application. Consequently, financial information is not updated and the disclosures required under the new standard are not provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The Company elected to utilize the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permitted it to not reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. The most significant impact of the standard relates to (1) the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet; (2) the deconsolidation of assets and liabilities for certain sale-leaseback transactions arising from build-to-suit lease arrangements for which construction was completed and the Company is leasing the constructed assets that did not qualify for sale accounting prior to the adoption of the new standard; and (3) significant new disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities. The build-to-suit lease arrangements have been reassessed as operating leases as of the effective date under ASC Topic 842. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recognizing lease liabilities of $33.7 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments. In addition, the Company recognized ROU assets of $32.8 million, which corresponds to the lease liabilities reduced by deferred rent expense as of the effective date. The Company also deconsolidated total assets of $43.8 million and total liabilities of $34.8 million for entities that had been consolidated due to sale-leaseback transactions that failed to qualify for recognition as sales under the prior guidance. Deconsolidation of these entities reduced noncontrolling interests by $6.1 million. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of the new lease standard was as follows: Adjustments from adoption of new lease standard Balances at December 31, 2018 ROU assets and lease liabilities Deconsolidation of sale-leaseback transactions Balances at January 1, 2019 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,347 — (646) 120,701 Investments and notes receivable 249,370 — (23,134) 226,236 Accounts receivable 59,531 — (89) 59,442 Property and equipment, net 344,784 — (16,974) 327,810 Other assets 45,533 32,831 (27) 78,337 Liabilities Bonds and notes payable 22,218,740 — (33,182) 22,185,558 Other liabilities 256,092 32,831 (1,611) 287,312 Equity Noncontrolling interests 10,315 — (6,077) 4,238
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain amounts previously reported within the Company’s consolidated statements of income have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications include: • Reclassifying “gain from debt repurchases” to “other income”; and • Reclassifying “loan servicing fees to third parties” to “other expenses.”
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests Amounts for noncontrolling interests reflect the proportionate share of membership interest (equity) and net income attributable to the holders of minority membership interests in the following entities: • Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC - WRCM is the Company’s SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary. WRCM issued 10 percent minority membership interests on January 1, 2012. • ALLO Communications LLC - On December 31, 2015, the Company purchased 92.5 percent of the ownership interests in ALLO. On January 1, 2016, the Company sold a 1.0 percent ownership interest in ALLO to a non-related third party. Subsequently, the Company contributed additional equity to increase its ownership interest in ALLO to 98.9 percent. Per ALLO's operating agreement, currently all operating results of ALLO are allocated to the Company. In addition, the Company has established entities for the purpose of investing in renewable energy (solar) and federal opportunity zone programs in which it has noncontrolling members.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and other disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Loans Receivable	Loans Receivable Loans consist of federally insured student loans, private education loans, and consumer loans. If the Company has the ability and intent to hold loans for the foreseeable future, such loans are held for investment and carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premium or discount and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income. Loans which are held-for-investment also have an allowance for loan loss as needed. Any loans the Company has the ability and intent to sell are classified as held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans which are held for sale do not have the associated premium or discount and origination costs and fees amortized into interest income and there is also no related allowance for loan losses. There were no loans classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Federally insured loans were originated under the FFEL Program by certain eligible lenders as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”). These loans, including related accrued interest, are guaranteed at their maximum level permitted under the Higher Education Act by an authorized guaranty agency, which has a contract of reinsurance with the Department. The terms of the loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest. Generally, Stafford and PLUS loans have repayment periods between five and ten years. Consolidation loans have repayment periods of twelve to thirty years. FFELP loans do not require repayment while the borrower is in-school, and during the grace period immediately upon leaving school. The borrower may also be granted a deferment or forbearance for a period of time based on need, during which time the borrower is not considered to be in repayment. Interest continues to accrue on loans in the in-school, deferment, and forbearance program periods. In addition, eligible borrowers may qualify for income-driven repayment plans offered by the Department. These plans determine the borrower's payment amount based on their discretionary income and may extend their repayment period. Interest rates on federally insured student loans may be fixed or variable, dependent upon the type of loan, terms of the loan agreements, and date of origination. Substantially all FFELP loan principal and related accrued interest is guaranteed as provided by the Higher Education Act. These guarantees are subject to the performance of certain loan servicing due diligence procedures stipulated by applicable Department regulations. If these due diligence requirements are not met, affected student loans may not be covered by the guarantees in the event of borrower default. Such student loans are subject to “cure” procedures and reinstatement of the guarantee under certain circumstances. Loans also include private education and consumer loans. Private education loans are loans to students or their families that are non-federal loans and loans not insured or guaranteed under the FFEL Program. These loans are used primarily to bridge the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount funded through financial aid, federal loans, or borrowers' personal resources. The terms of the private education loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over a period of up to 30 years. The private education loans are not covered by a guarantee or collateral in the event of borrower default. Consumer loans are unsecured loans to an individual for personal, family, or household purposes. The terms of the consumer loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in weekly or monthly installments of principal and interest over a period of up to 6 years.
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses on loans. The provision for loan losses reflects the activity for the applicable period and provides an allowance at a level that the Company's management believes is appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses using a historical loss rate methodology adjusted for qualitative factors separately on each of its federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios. These evaluation processes are subject to numerous judgments and uncertainties including the selection of loss rates over time and determination of the loss emergence period. The allowance for the federally insured loan portfolio is based on periodic evaluations of the Company's loan portfolios considering loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors, changes to federal student loan programs, current economic conditions, and other relevant qualitative factors. The federal government guarantees 97 percent of the principal of and the interest on federally insured student loans disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 (and 98 percent for those loans disbursed on and after October 1, 1993 and prior to July 1, 2006), which limits the Company's loss exposure on the outstanding balance of the Company's federally insured portfolio. Student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured. In determining the appropriate allowance for loan losses on the private education and consumer loans, the Company considers several factors, including: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, type of program, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant qualitative factors. The Company places private education and consumer loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 90 days past due, and charges off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days or 180 days past due, depending on type of loan program. Collections, if any, are reflected as a recovery through the allowance for loan losses. Management has determined that each of the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios meet the definition of a portfolio segment, which is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment disclosures are presented on this basis in note 3 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables. The Company collectively evaluates loans for impairment and as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any impaired loans as defined in the Receivables Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. For loans purchased where there is evidence of credit deterioration since the origination of the loan, the Company records a credit discount, separate from the allowance for loan losses, which is non-accretable to interest income. Remaining discounts and premiums for purchased loans are recognized in interest income over the remaining estimated lives of the loans. The Company continues to evaluate credit losses associated with purchased loans based on current information and changes in expectations to determine the need for any additional allowance for loan losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statement of Cash Flow	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Investments	Investments The Company classifies its debt securities, primarily student loan and other asset-backed securities, as available-for-sale. These securities are carried at fair value, with the temporary changes in fair value, net of taxes, carried as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Other-than-temporary impairment is evaluated by considering several factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security (considering factors such as adverse conditions specific to the security and ratings agency actions), and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The entire fair value loss on a security that has experienced an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in earnings if the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the loss. However, if the impairment is other-than-temporary, and either of those two conditions does not exist, the portion of the impairment related to credit losses is recorded in earnings and the impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive income. When an investment is sold, the cost basis is determined through specific identification of the security sold. The Company classifies its residual interest in consumer loan securitizations as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments. The Company measures accretable yield initially as the excess of all cash flows expected to be collected attributable to the beneficial interest estimated at the acquisition/transaction date over the initial investment and recognizes interest income over the life of the beneficial interest using the effective interest method. The Company continues to update, over the life of the beneficial interest, the expectation of cash flows to be collected. Beneficial interest investments are evaluated for impairment by comparing the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised) to the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date, both discounted using the same effective rate equal to the current yield used to accrete the beneficial interest. Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, the Company uses the measurement alternative of cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The Company uses qualitative factors to identify impairment on these investments. The Company accounts for equity investments over which it has significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and subsequently increased or decreased by the amount of the Company’s proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Equity method investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment using certain impairment indicators such as a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors. These factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other-than-temporary and shall be recognized. For periods prior to January 1, 2018, equity securities with readily determinable fair values were primarily classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values were recorded at cost less impairment, if any.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily includes amounts for student loan securitizations and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the student loans held as trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on the trust's asset-backed debt securities. Restricted cash also includes collateral deposits with derivative counterparties and third-party clearinghouses.
Restricted Cash - Due to Customers	Restricted Cash - Due to Customers As a servicer of student loans, the Company collects student loan remittances and subsequently disburses these remittances to the appropriate lending entities. In addition, as part of the Company's Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment, the Company collects tuition payments and subsequently remits these payments to the appropriate schools. Cash collected for customers and the related liability are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are presented at their net realizable values, which include allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowance estimates are based upon individual customer experience, as well as the age of receivables and likelihood of collection.
Business Combinations	Business CombinationsThe Company uses the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. All contingent consideration is measured at fair value on the acquisition date and included in the consideration transferred in the acquisition. Contingent consideration classified as a liability is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved, and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business one level below that operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. The Company tests goodwill for impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The guidance provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform a quantitative impairment test (described below), otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the Company elects to not perform a qualitative assessment or if the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company performs a quantitative impairment test on goodwill. In the quantitative test, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. See note 9, "Goodwill," for information regarding the Company's annual goodwill impairment review. Intangible Assets The Company uses estimates to determine the fair value of acquired assets to allocate the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. Such estimates are generally based on estimated future cash flows or cost savings associated with particular assets and are discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimates of future cash flows associated with intangible assets are generally prepared using a cost savings method, a lost income method, or an excess return method, as appropriate. In utilizing such methods, management must make certain assumptions about the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and other economic benefits from the assets, the remaining economic useful life of the assets, and general economic factors concerning the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The Company may also use replacement cost or market comparison approaches to estimate fair value if such methods are determined to be more appropriate. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated lives. Such assets are amortized using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the Company uses a straight-line amortization method. The Company evaluates the estimated remaining useful lives of purchased intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization.
Property and Equipment	Property and EquipmentProperty and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and major improvements, including leasehold improvements, are capitalized. Gains and losses from the sale of property and equipment are included in determining net income. The Company uses the straight-line method for recording depreciation and amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized straight-line over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset
Leases	Leases At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease and records the lease in the consolidated financial statements upon lease commencement, which is the date when the underlying asset is made available by the lessor. The Company primarily leases dark fiber to support its telecommunications operations and office and data center space. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All other lease assets (ROU assets) and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. The Company classifies each lease as operating or financing, with the income statement reflecting lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. When the discount rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. The Company has elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single, combined lease component for its office and data center space. In addition, the Company has identified itself as the lessor in its Communications operating segment for services provided to customers that include customer-premise equipment. The Company has also elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for those services and associated leases as a single, combined component. The non-lease services are 'predominant' in those contracts. Therefore, the combined component is considered a single performance obligation under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can be extended. The exercise of lease renewal options for the majority of leases is at the Company's discretion. Renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise are included in the lease term.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as ROU assets, property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assumptions and estimates about future cash flows generated by, remaining useful lives of, and fair values of the Company's intangible and other long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in the Company's business strategy and internal forecasts. Although the Company believes the historical assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company uses estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for its financial statements. Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, the Company's policy in estimating fair values is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value, such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates, and credit spreads, relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity, credit, and bid/offer spreads. In some cases fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, the Company seeks to validate the model's output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the estimates of current or future values. The Company categorizes its fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels include: • Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices. • Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose primary value drivers are observable. • Level 3: Instruments whose primary value drivers are unobservable . Inputs are developed based on the best information available; however, significant judgment is required by management in developing the inputs.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 606 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606") , to its fee-based operating segments. The majority of the Company’s revenue earned in its Asset Generation and Management operating segment, including loan interest and derivative activity, is explicitly excluded from the scope of ASC Topic 606. The Company recognizes revenue under the core principle of ASC Topic 606 to depict the transfer of control of products and services to the Company’s customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. In order to achieve that core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Company records deferred revenue when revenue is received or receivable in advance of the delivery of service. For multi-year contracts, the Company generally invoices customers annually at the beginning of each annual coverage period. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined its contracts do not include a significant financing component. The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. The Company has determined that certain sales incentive programs and pre-production contract fulfillment costs meet the requirements to be capitalized. Total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during the periods presented and are included in “other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. Additional information related to revenue earned in its Asset Generation and Management operating segment is provided below. See note 15, "Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue" for additional information related to the Company's fee-based operating segments. Loan interest income - Loan interest on federally insured student loans is paid by the Department or the borrower, depending on the status of the loan at the time of the accrual. The Department makes quarterly interest subsidy payments on certain qualified FFELP loans until the student is required under the provisions of the Higher Education Act to begin repayment. Borrower repayment of FFELP loans normally begins within six months after completion of the borrower's course of study, leaving school, or ceasing to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic load, as determined by the educational institution. Borrower repayment of PLUS and Consolidation loans normally begins within 60 days from the date of loan disbursement. Borrower repayment of private education loans typically begins six months following the borrower's graduation from a qualified institution, and the interest is either paid by the borrower or capitalized annually or at repayment. Repayment of consumer loans typically starts upon origination of the loan. The Department provides a special allowance to lenders participating in the FFEL Program. The special allowance is accrued based upon the fiscal quarter average rate of 13-week Treasury Bill auctions (for loans originated prior to January 1, 2000), the fiscal quarter average rate of the daily three-month financial commercial paper rates (for loans originated on and after January 1, 2000), or the fiscal quarter average rate of daily one-month LIBOR rates (for loans originated on and after January 1, 2000, and for lenders which elected to change the special allowance index to one-month LIBOR effective April 1, 2012) relative to the yield of the student loan. The Company recognizes loan interest income as earned, net of amortization of loan premiums and deferred origination costs and the accretion of loan discounts. Loan interest income is recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan after giving effect to interest rate reductions resulting from borrower utilization of incentives such as timely payments ("borrower benefits") and other yield adjustments. Loan premiums or discounts, deferred origination costs, and borrower benefits are amortized/accreted over the estimated life of the loans, which includes an estimate of forecasted payments in excess of contractually required payments (the constant prepayment rate). The constant prepayment rate used by the Company to amortize/accrete loan premiums/discounts is 5 percent for Stafford loans and 3 percent for Consolidation loans. The Company periodically evaluates the assumptions used to estimate the life of the loans and prepayment rates. In instances where there are changes to the assumptions, amortization/accretion is adjusted on a cumulative basis to reflect the change since the acquisition of the loan. The Company also pays the Department an annual 105 basis point rebate fee on Consolidation loans. These rebate fees are netted against loan interest income.
Interest Expense	Interest ExpenseInterest expense is based upon contractual interest rates, adjusted for the amortization of debt issuance costs and the accretion of discounts. The amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of discounts are recognized using the effective interest method
Transfer of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities	Transfer of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of LiabilitiesThe Company accounts for loan sales and debt repurchases in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, the Company derecognizes the loan and recognizes a gain or loss as the difference between the carrying basis of the loan sold and the consideration received. The Company from time to time repurchases its outstanding debt and records a gain or loss on the early extinguishment of debt based upon the difference between the carrying amount of the debt and the amount paid to the third party. The Company recognizes the results of a transfer of loans and the extinguishment of debt based upon the settlement date of the transaction
Derivative Accounting	Derivative Accounting All over-the-counter derivative contracts executed by the Company are cleared post-execution at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), a regulated clearinghouse. Clearing is a process by which a third-party, the clearinghouse, steps in between the original counterparties and guarantees the performance of both, by requiring that each post liquid collateral on an initial (initial margin) and mark-to-market (variation margin) basis to cover the clearinghouse’s potential future exposure in the event of default. The CME legally characterizes variation margin payments for over-the-counter derivatives they clear as settlements of the derivatives’ exposure rather than collateral against the exposure. For accounting and presentation purposes, the Company considers variation margin and the corresponding derivative instrument as a single unit of account. As such, variation margin payments are considered in determining the fair value of the centrally cleared derivative portfolio. The Company records derivative contracts on its balance sheet with a fair value of zero due to the payment or receipt of variation margin between the Company and the CME settling the outstanding mark-to-market exposure on such derivatives to a balance of zero on a daily basis, and records the underlying daily changes in the market value of such derivative contracts that result in such receipts or payments on its consolidated statements of income as realized derivative market value adjustments in "derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net." The Company records derivative instruments that are not required to be cleared at a clearinghouse (non-centrally cleared derivatives) in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Certain non-centrally cleared derivatives are subject to right of offset provisions with counterparties. For these derivatives, the Company does not offset fair value amounts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. In addition, the Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments with respect to the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable).
Foreign Currency	Foreign CurrencyDuring 2006, the Company issued Euro-denominated bonds, which were included in “bonds and notes payable” on the consolidated balance sheets. Transaction gains and losses resulting from exchange rate changes when re-measuring these bonds to U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date were included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” on the consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company uses the deferred method of accounting for its credits related to state tax incentives and investments that generate investment tax credits. The investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to the related asset.
Compensation Expense for Stock Based Awards	Compensation Expense for Stock Based Awards The Company has a restricted stock plan that is intended to provide incentives to attract, retain, and motivate employees in order to achieve long term growth and profitability objectives. The restricted stock plan provides for the grant to eligible employees of awards of restricted shares of Class A common stock. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined on the grant date based on the Company's stock price and is amortized to compensation cost over the related vesting periods, which range up to ten years. For those awards with only service conditions that have graded vesting schedules, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award, as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. Holders of restricted stock are entitled to receive dividends from the date of grant whether or not vested. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company also has a directors stock compensation plan pursuant to which non-employee directors can elect to receive their annual retainer fees in the form of fully vested shares of Class A common stock, and also elect to defer receipt of such shares until the termination of their service on the board of directors. The fair value of grants under this plan is determined on the grant date based on the Company's stock price, and is expensed over the board member's annual service period.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Solar Investment VIEs Not Consolidated	The following table provides a summary of solar investment VIEs that the Company has not consolidated: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Investment carrying amount $ 7,562 2,724 Tax credits subject to recapture 67,069 11,345 Unfunded capital and other commitments 14,006 — Maximum exposure to loss (a) $ 88,637 14,069 (a) Amount includes $3.0 million as of December 31, 2019 syndicated to other investors in certain solar projects.
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of New Accounting Standard	The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of the new lease standard was as follows: Adjustments from adoption of new lease standard Balances at December 31, 2018 ROU assets and lease liabilities Deconsolidation of sale-leaseback transactions Balances at January 1, 2019 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,347 — (646) 120,701 Investments and notes receivable 249,370 — (23,134) 226,236 Accounts receivable 59,531 — (89) 59,442 Property and equipment, net 344,784 — (16,974) 327,810 Other assets 45,533 32,831 (27) 78,337 Liabilities Bonds and notes payable 22,218,740 — (33,182) 22,185,558 Other liabilities 256,092 32,831 (1,611) 287,312 Equity Noncontrolling interests 10,315 — (6,077) 4,238

Loans Receivable and Allowanc_2

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Loans Receivable	Loans receivable consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Federally insured student loans: Stafford and other $ 4,684,314 4,969,667 Consolidation 15,644,229 17,186,229 Total 20,328,543 22,155,896 Private education loans 244,258 225,975 Consumer loans 225,918 138,627 20,798,719 22,520,498 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (35,036) (53,572) Non-accretable discount (a) (32,398) (29,396) Allowance for loan losses: Federally insured loans (36,763) (42,310) Private education loans (9,597) (10,838) Consumer loans (15,554) (7,240) $ 20,669,371 22,377,142 (a) At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the non-accretable discount related to purchased loan portfolios of $5.4 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively.
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 loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below. Balance at beginning of period Provision for loan losses Charge-offs Recoveries Loan sale and other Balance at end of period Year ended December 31, 2019 Federally insured loans $ 42,310 8,000 (13,547) — — 36,763 Private education loans 10,838 — (1,965) 724 — 9,597 Consumer loans 7,240 31,000 (12,498) 812 (11,000) 15,554 $ 60,388 39,000 (28,010) 1,536 (11,000) 61,914 Year ended December 31, 2018 Federally insured loans $ 38,706 14,000 (11,396) — 1,000 42,310 Private education loans 12,629 — (2,415) 624 — 10,838 Consumer loans 3,255 9,000 (5,056) 41 — 7,240 $ 54,590 23,000 (18,867) 665 1,000 60,388 Year ended December 31, 2017 Federally insured loans $ 37,268 13,000 (11,562) — — 38,706 Private education loans 14,574 (2,000) (1,313) 768 600 12,629 Consumer loans — 3,450 (195) — — 3,255 $ 51,842 14,450 (13,070) 768 600 54,590
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 December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Federally insured loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 1,074,678 $ 1,298,493 $ 1,260,394 Loans in forbearance (b) 1,339,821 1,430,291 1,774,405 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 15,410,993 86.0 % 16,882,252 86.9 % 16,477,004 88.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 650,796 3.6 683,084 3.5 682,586 3.7 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 428,879 2.4 427,764 2.2 374,534 2.0 Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) 310,851 1.7 283,831 1.5 287,922 1.5 Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 812,107 4.5 806,692 4.2 629,480 3.4 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c)(d) 300,418 1.8 343,489 1.7 235,281 1.2 Total loans in repayment 17,914,044 100.0 % 19,427,112 100.0 % 18,686,807 100.0 % Total federally insured loans $ 20,328,543 $ 22,155,896 $ 21,721,606 Private education loans: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 4,493 $ 4,320 $ 6,053 Loans in forbearance (b) 3,108 1,494 2,237 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 227,013 95.9 % 208,977 95.0 % 196,720 96.5 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,814 1.2 3,626 1.6 1,867 0.9 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 1,694 0.7 1,560 0.7 1,052 0.5 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 5,136 2.2 5,998 2.7 4,231 2.1 Total loans in repayment 236,657 100.0 % 220,161 100.0 % 203,870 100.0 % Total private education loans $ 244,258 $ 225,975 $ 212,160 Consumer loans: Loans in repayment status: Loans current $ 220,404 97.5 % $ 136,130 98.2 % $ 61,344 98.7 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,046 0.9 1,012 0.7 289 0.5 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 1,545 0.7 832 0.6 198 0.3 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 1,923 0.9 653 0.5 280 0.5 Total loans in repayment 225,918 100.0 % 138,627 100.0 % 62,111 100.0 % Total consumer loans $ 225,918 $ 138,627 $ 62,111 (a) Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans, e.g. , residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation for law students. (b) Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, according to a schedule approved by the servicer consistent with the established loan program servicing procedures and policies. (c) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due and relate to repayment loans, that is, receivables not charged off, and not in school, grace, deferment, or forbearance. (d) A portion of loans included in loans delinquent 271 days or greater includes loans in claim status, which are loans that have gone into default and have been submitted to the guaranty agency.

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument: As of December 31, 2019 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 18,428,998 1.98% - 3.61% 5/27/25 - 1/25/68 Bonds and notes based on auction 768,626 2.75% - 3.60% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 19,197,624 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed 512,836 2.00% - 3.45% 10/25/67 / 11/25/67 FFELP warehouse facilities 778,094 1.98% / 2.07% 5/20/21 / 5/31/22 Consumer loan warehouse facility 116,570 1.99% 4/23/22 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 73,308 3.15% / 3.54% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 49,367 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 50,000 3.29% 12/16/24 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 20,381 5.28% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 5,000 3.44% 5/30/22 20,803,180 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (274,126) Total $ 20,529,054 As of December 31, 2018 Carrying amount Interest rate range Final maturity Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations: Bonds and notes based on indices $ 20,192,123 2.59% - 4.52% 11/25/24 - 2/25/67 Bonds and notes based on auction 793,476 2.84% - 3.55% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 20,985,599 FFELP warehouse facilities 986,886 2.65% / 2.71% 5/20/20 / 5/31/21 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 50,720 4.26% 12/26/40 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 63,171 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 310,000 3.92% - 4.01% 6/22/23 Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities 20,381 6.17% 9/15/61 Other borrowings 120,342 3.05% - 5.22% 1/3/19 - 12/15/45 22,537,099 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (318,359) Total $ 22,218,740
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	As of December 31, 2019, the Company had two FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below. NFSLW-I NHELP-II Total Maximum financing amount $ 550,000 500,000 1,050,000 Amount outstanding 489,303 288,791 778,094 Amount available $ 60,697 211,209 271,906 Expiration of liquidity provisions May 20, 2020 May 31, 2020 Final maturity date May 20, 2021 May 31, 2022 Advanced as equity support $ 21,670 20,882 42,552
Schedule of Asset-backed Securitizations	The following tables summarize the asset-backed securitization transactions completed in 2019 and 2018. Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2019 2019-1 2019-2 Private education loan 2019-3 2019-4 2019-5 2019-6 2019-7 Total Class A-1 Notes Class A-2 Notes 2019-1 total Class A-1 Notes Class A-2 Notes 2019-7 total Date securities issued 2/27/19 2/27/19 2/27/19 4/30/19 6/25/19 7/24/19 8/22/19 9/25/19 10/30/19 12/19/19 12/19/19 12/19/19 Total original principal amount $ 35,700 448,000 496,800 416,100 47,159 498,300 418,600 374,500 145,200 210,300 200,000 420,800 2,817,459 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 35,700 448,000 483,700 405,000 47,159 485,800 408,000 364,500 140,200 210,300 200,000 410,300 2,744,659 Bond discount — — — — — — — (114) (26) — — — (140) Issue price $ 35,700 448,000 483,700 405,000 47,159 485,800 408,000 364,386 140,174 210,300 200,000 410,300 2,744,519 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.30% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.75% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.90% Prime rate less 1.60% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.80% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.87% 2.53% 2.46% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.00% Final maturity date 4/25/67 4/25/67 6/27/67 6/25/49 8/25/67 9/26/67 10/25/67 11/25/67 1/25/68 1/25/68 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 13,100 11,100 12,500 10,600 10,000 5,000 10,500 72,800 Bond discount — — — — (4) (913) — (917) Issue price $ 13,100 11,100 12,500 10,600 9,996 4,087 10,500 71,883 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.40% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.55% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.65% 3.45% 2.00% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.75% Final maturity date 4/25/67 6/27/67 8/25/67 9/26/67 10/25/67 11/25/67 1/25/68 Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2018 2018-1 2018-2 2018-3 2018-4 2018-5 Total Class Class 2018-1 total Class Class Class 2018-3 total Class Class 2018-4 total Date securities issued 3/29/18 3/29/18 3/29/18 6/7/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 7/26/18 8/30/18 8/30/18 8/30/18 12/13/18 Total original principal amount $ 98,000 375,750 473,750 509,800 220,000 546,900 220,000 1,001,900 30,500 451,900 495,700 511,500 2,992,650 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 98,000 375,750 473,750 509,800 220,000 546,900 220,000 986,900 30,500 451,900 482,400 498,000 2,950,850 Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:) 0.32% 0.76% 0.65% 0.30% 0.44% 0.75% 0.26% 0.70% 0.68% Final maturity date 5/25/66 5/25/66 7/26/66 9/27/66 9/27/66 9/27/66 10/25/66 10/25/66 2/25/67 Class B subordinated notes: Total original principal amount $ 15,000 13,300 13,500 41,800 Bond discount (229) — — (229) Issue price $ 14,771 13,300 13,500 41,571 Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:) 1.20% 1.40% 1.45% Final maturity date 9/27/66 10/25/66 2/25/67
Schedule of Long-term Debt Maturities	Bonds and notes outstanding as of December 31, 2019 are due in varying amounts as shown below. 2020 $ — 2021 489,303 2022 410,361 2023 — 2024 50,000 2025 and thereafter 19,853,516 $ 20,803,180
Schedule of Debt Repurchases	The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its own debt in 2018 and 2017. There were no debt repurchases in 2019. Gains (losses) recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in "other income" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Par Purchase price Gain (loss) Par Purchase price Gain (loss) Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Unsecured debt - Hybrid Securities $ — — — 29,803 25,357 4,446 Asset-backed securities 12,905 12,546 359 154,407 155,951 (1,544) $ 12,905 12,546 359 184,210 181,308 2,902

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Swaps - 1:3 Basis swaps	The following table summarizes the Company’s 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2019 $ — 3,500,000 2020 1,000,000 1,000,000 2021 250,000 250,000 2022 (a) 2,000,000 2,000,000 2023 750,000 750,000 2024 1,750,000 250,000 2026 1,150,000 1,150,000 2027 250,000 375,000 2028 — 325,000 2029 — 100,000 2031 — 300,000 $ 7,150,000 10,000,000 (a) $750 million of the notional amount of these derivatives have forward effective start dates of May 2020.
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 December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2019 $ — — % $ 3,250,000 0.97 % 2020 1,500,000 1.01 1,500,000 1.01 2021 600,000 2.15 100,000 2.95 2022 (b) 250,000 1.65 — — 2023 150,000 2.25 400,000 2.24 2024 — — 300,000 2.28 2027 — — 25,000 2.35 $ 2,500,000 1.42 % $ 5,575,000 1.18 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR. (b) These derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
Schedule of Interest Rate Caps	The following table summarizes these derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019. Notional Amount Strike rate Maturity date $ 125,000 2.50% (1-month LIBOR) July 15, 2020 150,000 4.99 (1-month LIBOR) July 15, 2020 500,000 2.25 (3-month LIBOR) September 25, 2020
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Presented in Balance Sheet	The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. There is no difference between the gross amounts of recognized assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company's derivative portfolio and the net amount when excluding derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral received. Fair value of asset derivatives Fair value of liability derivatives As of As of As of As of December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges $ — 1,465 — — Interest rate caps — 353 — — Total $ — 1,818 — —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Presented in Income Statement	The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ 5,214 5,577 (3,069) Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 40,192 64,901 10,838 Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — (407) (781) Cross-currency interest rate swap — — (6,321) Total settlements - income 45,406 70,071 667 Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps 1,515 12,573 (8,224) Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (77,027) (10,962) 3,585 Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges (1,465) (3,848) (2,433) Interest rate caps (628) 78 (893) Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges — 3,173 279 Cross-currency interest rate swap — — 34,208 Other 1,410 — (143) Total change in fair value - (expense) income (76,195) 1,014 26,379 Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) — — (45,600) Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net - (expense) income $ (30,789) 71,085 (18,554)

Investments and Notes Receiva_2

Investments and Notes Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Investments and Notes Receivable	A summary of the Company's investments and notes receivable follows: As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities - available-for-sale (a) $ 48,790 3,911 — 52,701 47,931 5,109 — 53,040 Equity securities 9,622 4,561 (1,283) 12,900 12,909 5,145 (407) 17,647 Total investments (at fair value) $ 58,412 8,472 (1,283) 65,601 60,840 10,254 (407) 70,687 Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value): Venture capital and funds: Measurement alternative (b) 72,760 70,939 Equity method 15,379 16,191 Other 1,175 900 Total venture capital and funds 89,314 88,030 Real estate: Equity method 44,159 29,483 Other 867 34,211 Total real estate 45,026 63,694 Solar: Equity method 7,562 2,724 Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations (c) 33,187 — Tax liens and affordable housing 6,283 7,862 Notes receivable — 16,373 Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value) 181,372 178,683 Total investments and notes receivable $ 246,973 249,370 (a) As of December 31, 2019, the stated maturities of substantially all of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years. (b) During 2018, the Company recorded upward adjustments of $7.2 million (pre-tax) on these investments, which are included in "other income" in the consolidated statements of income. The upward adjustments were made as a result of observable price changes. The Company also recorded $0.8 million (pre-tax) in impairments in 2018 on these investments.

Business Combination (Tables)

Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair value assigned to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in GreatNet reduced the total consideration allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Great Lakes from $150.0 million to $136.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,399 Accounts receivable 23,708 Property and equipment 35,919 Other assets 14,018 Intangible assets 75,329 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 15,043 Other liabilities (54,865) Net assets acquired $ 136,551
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The pro forma adjustments include the impact of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets acquired. Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 460,074 452,760 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 229,409 185,369 Net income per share - basic and diluted $ 5.61 4.44
Tuition Management Systems LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Cash and cash equivalents $ 438 Restricted cash - due to customers 123,169 Accounts receivable 1,019 Other assets 381 Intangible assets 26,390 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 3,110 Other liabilities (4,321) Due to customers (123,169) Net assets acquired $ 27,017

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consist of the following: Weighted average remaining useful life as of December 31, 2019 (months) As of December 31, 2019 2018 Amortizable intangible assets, net: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $60,553 and $33,968, respectively) 80 $ 71,900 98,484 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $2,792 and $5,825, respectively) 96 7,478 10,868 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $3,233 and $15,420, respectively) 14 2,154 4,938 Total - amortizable intangible assets, net 80 $ 81,532 114,290
Schedule of Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	As of December 31, 2019, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2020 $ 29,515 2021 18,761 2022 7,172 2023 6,925 2024 6,511 2025 and thereafter 12,648 $ 81,532

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment was as follows: Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Generation and Management (a) Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 8,596 67,168 21,112 41,883 — 138,759 Goodwill acquired 15,043 3,110 — — — 18,153 Balance as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 $ 23,639 70,278 21,112 41,883 — 156,912 (a) As a result of the Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans, and net interest income from the Company's existing FFELP loan portfolio will decline over time as the Company's portfolio pays down. As a result, as this revenue stream winds down, goodwill impairment will be triggered for the Asset Generation and Management reporting unit due to the passage of time and depletion of projected cash flows stemming from its FFELP student loan portfolio. Management believes the elimination of new FFELP loan originations will not have an adverse impact on the fair value of the Company's other reporting units.

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, Useful life 2019 2018 Non-communications: Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 160,319 137,705 Building and building improvements 5-48 years 37,904 50,138 Office furniture and equipment 1-10 years 21,245 22,796 Leasehold improvements 1-15 years 9,517 9,327 Transportation equipment 5-10 years 5,049 5,123 Land — 1,400 3,328 Construction in progress — 13,738 3,578 249,172 231,995 Accumulated depreciation - non-communications (142,270) (123,003) Non-communications, net property and equipment 106,902 108,992 Communications: Network plant and fiber 4-15 years 254,560 215,787 Customer located property 2-4 years 27,011 21,234 Central office 5-15 years 17,672 15,688 Transportation equipment 4-10 years 6,611 6,580 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years 5,574 4,943 Other 1-39 years 3,702 3,219 Land — 70 70 Construction in progress — 54 6,344 315,254 273,865 Accumulated depreciation - communications (73,897) (38,073) Communications, net property and equipment 241,357 235,792 Total property and equipment, net $ 348,259 344,784

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Repurchases	Shares repurchased by the Company during 2019, 2018, and 2017 are shown in the table below. In accordance with the corporate laws of the state in which the Company is incorporated, all shares repurchased by the Company are legally retired upon acquisition by the Company. Total shares repurchased Purchase price Average price of shares repurchased (per share) Year ended December 31, 2019 726,273 $ 40,411 $ 55.64 Year ended December 31, 2018 868,147 45,331 52.22 Year ended December 31, 2017 1,473,054 68,896 46.77

Earnings per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Common shareholders Unvested restricted stock shareholders Total Numerator: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 139,946 1,857 141,803 225,170 2,743 227,913 171,442 1,724 173,166 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 39,523,082 524,320 40,047,402 40,416,719 492,303 40,909,022 41,375,964 415,977 41,791,941 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 3.54 3.54 3.54 5.57 5.57 5.57 4.14 4.14 4.14

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 Gross balance - beginning of year $ 23,445 28,421 Additions based on tax positions of prior years 651 1,405 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1,339 2,044 Settlements with taxing authorities (1,810) (915) Reductions for tax positions of prior years (380) (5,109) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations (3,097) (2,401) Gross balance - end of year $ 20,148 23,445
Schedule of Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ 38,931 45,822 65,196 State 3,546 1,969 1,246 Foreign 239 (2) (35) Total current provision 42,716 47,789 66,407 Deferred: Federal (4,280) 11,783 (8,270) State (2,922) (883) 6,618 Foreign (63) 81 108 Total deferred provision (7,265) 10,981 (1,544) Provision for income tax expense $ 35,451 58,770 64,863
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The differences between the income tax provision computed at the statutory federal corporate tax rate and the financial statement provision for income taxes are shown below: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax expense at federal rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) resulting from: State tax, net of federal income tax benefit 2.5 2.4 1.6 Tax credits (3.0) (1.9) (1.3) Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters (0.7) (1.0) — Reduction of statutory federal rate (a) — — (8.0) Other 0.2 — — Effective tax rate 20.0 % 20.5 % 27.3 % (a) The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, changed existing United States tax law and included numerous provisions that affect businesses, including the Company. The Tax Act, for instance, introduced changes that impact U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits. The Company accounted for the change in tax laws in accordance with ASC Topic 740 that provides guidance that a change in tax law or rates be recognized in the financial reporting period that includes the enactment date, which is the date the changes were signed into law. The income tax accounting effect of a change in tax laws or tax rates includes, for example, adjusting (or re-measuring) deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as evaluating whether a valuation allowance is needed for deferred tax assets. The Company re-measured its deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 22, 2017 which resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $19.3 million. The Company determined no valuation allowance was needed for any deferred tax assets as a result of the Tax Act.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 18,037 16,633 Student loans 15,479 15,054 Tax credit carryforwards 9,394 — Lease liability 5,891 — Accrued expenses 4,112 3,254 Stock compensation 2,167 2,041 Securitizations 1,261 2,014 State net operating losses 551 528 Total gross deferred tax assets 56,892 39,524 Less valuation allowance (548) (527) Net deferred tax assets 56,344 38,997 Deferred tax liabilities: Partnership basis 56,741 47,488 Depreciation 11,489 9,469 Lease right of use asset 5,684 — Intangible assets 5,399 9,903 Loan origination services 4,647 6,243 Debt and equity investments 3,775 1,363 Basis in certain derivative contracts 2,730 22,042 Other 1,003 1,172 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 91,468 97,680 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (35,124) (58,683)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables include the results of each of the Company's reportable operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements. Year ended December 31, 2019 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 2,031 9,244 3 931,963 9,232 (3,796) 948,677 Interest expense 115 46 — 693,375 9,587 (3,796) 699,327 Net interest income (expense) 1,916 9,198 3 238,588 (355) — 249,350 Less provision for loan losses — — — 39,000 — — 39,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 1,916 9,198 3 199,588 (355) — 210,350 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 455,255 — — — — — 455,255 Intersegment servicing revenue 46,751 — — — — (46,751) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 277,331 — — — — 277,331 Communications revenue — — 64,269 — — — 64,269 Other income 9,736 259 1,509 30,349 23,327 — 65,179 Derivative settlements, net — — — 45,406 — — 45,406 Derivative market value and foreign currency transactions adjustments, net — — — (76,195) — — (76,195) Total other income 511,742 277,590 65,778 (440) 23,327 (46,751) 831,245 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 81,603 — — — — 81,603 Cost to provide communications services — — 20,423 — — — 20,423 Total cost of services — 81,603 20,423 — — — 102,026 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 276,136 94,666 21,004 1,545 70,152 — 463,503 Depreciation and amortization 34,755 12,820 37,173 — 20,300 — 105,049 Other expenses 71,064 22,027 15,165 34,445 51,571 — 194,272 Intersegment expenses, net 54,325 13,405 2,962 47,362 (71,303) (46,751) — Total operating expenses 436,280 142,918 76,304 83,352 70,720 (46,751) 762,824 Income (loss) before income taxes 77,378 62,267 (30,946) 115,796 (47,748) — 176,745 Income tax (expense) benefit (18,571) (14,944) 7,427 (27,792) 18,428 — (35,451) Net income (loss) 58,807 47,323 (23,519) 88,004 (29,320) — 141,294 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — 509 — 509 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 58,807 47,323 (23,519) 88,004 (28,811) — 141,803 Total assets as of December 31, 2019 $ 290,311 506,382 303,347 22,128,917 627,897 (147,884) 23,708,970 Year ended December 31, 2018 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 1,351 4,453 4 911,502 19,944 (12,989) 924,266 Interest expense — 9 9,987 662,360 10,540 (12,989) 669,906 Net interest income (expense) 1,351 4,444 (9,983) 249,142 9,404 — 254,360 Less provision for loan losses — — — 23,000 — — 23,000 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 1,351 4,444 (9,983) 226,142 9,404 — 231,360 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 440,027 — — — — — 440,027 Intersegment servicing revenue 47,082 — — — — (47,082) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 221,962 — — — — 221,962 Communications revenue — — 44,653 — — — 44,653 Other income 7,284 — 1,075 12,723 33,724 — 54,805 Derivative settlements, net — — — 70,478 (407) — 70,071 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net — — — (2,159) 3,173 — 1,014 Total other income 494,393 221,962 45,728 81,042 36,490 (47,082) 832,532 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, — 59,566 — — — — 59,566 Cost to provide communications revenue — — 16,926 — — — 16,926 Total cost of services — 59,566 16,926 — — — 76,492 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 267,458 81,080 18,779 1,526 67,336 — 436,179 Depreciation and amortization 32,074 13,484 23,377 — 17,960 — 86,896 Other expenses 67,336 28,137 11,900 15,961 54,697 — 178,031 Intersegment expenses, net 59,042 10,681 2,578 47,870 (73,088) (47,082) — Total operating expenses 425,910 133,382 56,634 65,357 66,905 (47,082) 701,106 Income (loss) before income taxes 69,834 33,458 (37,815) 241,827 (21,011) — 286,294 Income tax (expense) benefit (16,954) (8,030) 9,075 (58,038) 15,177 — (58,770) Net income (loss) 52,880 25,428 (28,740) 183,789 (5,834) — 227,524 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 808 — — — (419) — 389 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 53,688 25,428 (28,740) 183,789 (6,253) — 227,913 Total assets as of December 31, 2018 $ 226,445 471,719 286,816 23,806,321 563,841 (134,174) 25,220,968 Year ended December 31, 2017 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 513 17 3 764,225 13,643 (7,976) 770,426 Interest expense 3 — 5,427 464,256 3,477 (7,976) 465,188 Net interest income (expense) 510 17 (5,424) 299,969 10,166 — 305,238 Less provision for loan losses — — — 14,450 — — 14,450 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses 510 17 (5,424) 285,519 10,166 — 290,788 Other income: Loan servicing and systems revenue 223,000 — — — — — 223,000 Intersegment servicing revenue 41,674 — — — — (41,674) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 193,188 — — — — 193,188 Communications revenue — — 25,700 — — — 25,700 Other income — — — 11,857 43,871 — 55,728 Derivative settlements, net — — — 1,448 (781) — 667 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net — — — (19,357) 136 — (19,221) Total other income 264,674 193,188 25,700 (6,052) 43,226 (41,674) 479,062 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, — 48,678 — — — — 48,678 Cost to provide communications services — — 9,950 — — — 9,950 Total cost of services — 48,678 9,950 — — — 58,628 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 156,256 69,500 14,947 1,548 59,633 — 301,885 Depreciation and amortization 2,864 9,424 11,835 — 15,418 — 39,541 Other expenses 39,126 17,897 8,074 26,634 51,381 — 143,112 Intersegment expenses, net 31,871 9,079 2,101 42,830 (44,208) (41,674) — Total operating expenses 230,117 105,900 36,957 71,012 82,224 (41,674) 484,538 Income (loss) before income taxes 35,067 38,627 (26,631) 208,455 (28,832) — 226,684 Income tax (expense) benefit (18,128) (14,678) 10,120 (79,213) 37,036 — (64,863) Net income (loss) 16,939 23,949 (16,511) 129,242 8,204 — 161,821 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 12,640 — — — (1,295) — 11,345 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 29,579 23,949 (16,511) 129,242 6,909 — 173,166 Total assets as of December 31, 2017 $ 122,330 250,351 214,336 22,910,974 877,859 (411,415) 23,964,435

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_2

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregated Revenue	The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Government servicing - Nelnet $ 157,991 157,091 155,829 Government servicing - Great Lakes 185,656 168,298 — Private education and consumer loan servicing 36,788 41,474 28,060 FFELP servicing 25,043 31,542 15,542 Software services 41,077 32,929 17,782 Outsourced services and other 8,700 8,693 5,787 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 455,255 440,027 223,000 The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tuition payment plan services $ 106,682 85,381 76,753 Payment processing 110,848 84,289 71,652 Education technology and services 58,578 51,155 44,539 Other 1,223 1,137 244 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue $ 277,331 221,962 193,188 The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering and customer type: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Internet $ 38,239 24,069 11,976 Television 16,196 12,949 8,018 Telephone 9,705 7,546 5,603 Other 129 89 103 Communications revenue $ 64,269 44,653 25,700 Residential revenue $ 48,344 33,434 17,696 Business revenue 15,689 10,976 7,744 Other 236 243 260 Communications revenue $ 64,269 44,653 25,700
Components of Other Income	The following table provides the components of "other income" on the consolidated statements of income: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Gain on sale of loans $ 17,261 — — Borrower late fee income 12,884 12,302 11,604 Management fee revenue 8,838 6,497 — Gain on investments and notes receivable, net of losses 6,136 9,579 939 Investment advisory services 2,941 6,009 12,723 Peterson's revenue — — 12,572 Other 17,119 20,418 17,890 Other income $ 65,179 54,805 55,728

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: As of December 31, 2019 Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in "other assets" on the $ 32,770 Operating lease liabilities, which is included in "other liabilities" on the $ 33,689
Lease Expense, Cash Flow Information, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, and Discount Rate	The following table provides components of lease expense: Year ended December 31, 2019 Rental expense, which is included in "other expenses" on the $ 11,171 Rental expense, which is included in "cost to provide communications 1,609 Total operating rental expense $ 12,780 (a) Includes short-term and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. The following table provides supplemental cash flow information related to leases: Year ended December 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows related to operating leases $ 9,966 Supplemental noncash activity: Operating ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, $ 8,731 Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate are shown below: As of December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 7.29 Weighted average discount rate 3.93 %
Maturity of Lease Liabilities	Maturity of lease liabilities are shown below: 2020 $ 10,178 2021 6,905 2022 4,652 2023 3,640 2024 2,567 2025 and thereafter 10,941 Total lease payments 38,883 Imputed interest (5,194) Total $ 33,689
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2018 are shown below: 2019 $ 9,181 2020 8,261 2021 5,776 2022 3,745 2023 2,904 2024 and thereafter 5,479 Total minimum lease payments $ 35,346

Stock Based Compensation Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity: Year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Non-vested shares at beginning of year 532,336 398,210 447,380 Granted 186,281 279,441 107,237 Vested (109,651) (100,035) (131,988) Canceled (59,121) (45,280) (24,419) Non-vested shares at end of year 549,845 532,336 398,210
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Costs	As of December 31, 2019, there was $17.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost included in equity on the consolidated balance sheet related to restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized as compensation expense in future periods as shown in the table below. 2020 $ 5,927 2021 3,839 2022 2,587 2023 1,731 2024 1,157 2025 and thereafter 1,793 $ 17,034
Schedule of Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan	The following table provides the number of shares awarded under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Shares issued - not deferred Shares issued- deferred Total Year ended December 31, 2019 9,588 11,212 20,800 Year ended December 31, 2018 8,029 10,680 18,709 Year ended December 31, 2017 6,855 10,974 17,829

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (a): Student loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale $ — 52,597 52,597 — 52,936 52,936 Equity securities 6 — 6 2,722 — 2,722 Equity securities measured at net asset value (b) 12,894 14,925 Debt securities - available-for-sale 104 — 104 104 — 104 Total investments 110 52,597 65,601 2,826 52,936 70,687 Derivative instruments (c) — — — — 1,818 1,818 Total assets $ 110 52,597 65,601 2,826 54,754 72,505 (a) Investments represent investments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 investments are measured based upon quoted prices and include investments traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, and corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, U.S. government bonds, and U.S. Treasury securities that trade in active markets. Level 2 investments include student loan asset-backed securities. The fair value for the student loan asset-backed securities is determined using indicative quotes from broker-dealers or an income approach valuation technique (present value using the discount rate adjustment technique) that considers, among other things, rates currently observed in publicly traded debt markets for debt of similar terms issued by companies with comparable credit risk. (b) In accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. (c) All derivatives are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined using a market approach in which derivative pricing models use the stated terms of the contracts, observable yield curves, and volatilities from active markets. When determining the fair value of derivatives, the Company takes into account counterparty credit risk for positions where it is exposed to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. The net exposures for each counterparty are adjusted based on market information available for the specific counterparty.
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of December 31, 2019 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 21,477,630 20,669,371 — — 21,477,630 Cash and cash equivalents 133,906 133,906 133,906 — — Investments (at fair value) 65,601 65,601 110 52,597 — Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations 33,258 33,187 — — 33,258 Restricted cash 650,939 650,939 650,939 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 437,756 437,756 437,756 — — Accrued interest receivable 733,623 733,623 — 733,623 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 20,479,095 20,529,054 — 20,479,095 — Accrued interest payable 47,285 47,285 — 47,285 — Due to customers 437,756 437,756 437,756 — — As of December 31, 2018 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 23,521,171 22,377,142 — — 23,521,171 Cash and cash equivalents 121,347 121,347 121,347 — — Investments (at fair value) 70,687 70,687 2,826 52,936 — Notes receivable 16,373 16,373 — 16,373 — Restricted cash 701,366 701,366 701,366 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 369,678 369,678 369,678 — — Accrued interest receivable 679,197 679,197 — 679,197 — Derivative instruments 1,818 1,818 — 1,818 — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 22,270,462 22,218,740 — 22,270,462 — Accrued interest payable 61,679 61,679 — 61,679 — Due to customers 369,678 369,678 369,678 — —

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	2019 First Second Third Fourth Net interest income $ 58,816 59,825 66,457 64,252 Less provision for loan losses 7,000 9,000 10,000 13,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 51,816 50,825 56,457 51,252 Loan servicing and systems revenue 114,898 113,985 113,286 113,086 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue 79,159 60,342 74,251 63,578 Communications revenue 14,543 15,758 16,470 17,499 Other income 9,067 16,152 13,439 26,522 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net (11,539) (24,088) 1,668 3,170 Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services (21,059) (15,871) (25,671) (19,002) Cost to provide communications services (4,759) (5,101) (5,236) (5,327) Salaries and benefits (111,059) (111,214) (116,670) (124,561) Depreciation and amortization (24,213) (24,484) (27,701) (28,651) Other operating expenses (43,816) (45,417) (58,329) (46,710) Income tax (expense) benefit (11,391) (6,209) (8,829) (9,022) Net income 41,647 24,678 33,135 41,834 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (56) (59) 77 546 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 41,591 24,619 33,212 42,380 Earnings per common share: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted $ 1.03 0.61 0.83 1.06 2018 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Net interest income $ 67,307 57,739 59,773 69,539 Less provision for loan losses 4,000 3,500 10,500 5,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 63,307 54,239 49,273 64,539 Loan servicing and systems revenue 100,141 114,545 112,579 112,761 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue 60,221 48,742 58,409 54,589 Communications revenue 9,189 10,320 11,818 13,326 Other income 18,557 9,580 16,673 9,998 Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net 66,799 17,031 17,098 (29,843) Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services (13,683) (11,317) (19,087) (15,479) Cost to provide communications services (3,717) (3,865) (4,310) (5,033) Salaries and benefits (96,643) (111,118) (114,172) (114,247) Depreciation and amortization (18,457) (21,494) (22,992) (23,953) Other operating expenses (36,553) (43,613) (48,281) (49,583) Income tax (expense) benefit (35,976) (13,511) (13,882) 4,599 Net income 113,185 49,539 43,126 21,674 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 740 (104) (199) (48) Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 113,925 49,435 42,927 21,626 Earnings per common share: Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted $ 2.78 1.21 1.05 0.53

Condensed Parent Company Fina_2

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Only Balance Sheet	Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 2019 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,144 36,890 Investments and notes receivable 137,229 140,582 Investment in subsidiary debt 13,818 13,818 Restricted cash 9,567 16,217 Investment in subsidiaries 2,181,122 2,448,540 Notes receivable from subsidiaries 42,552 56,973 Other assets 100,059 57,555 Fair value of derivative instruments — 1,818 Total assets $ 2,557,491 2,772,393 Liabilities: Notes payable $ 67,655 369,725 Other liabilities 97,952 94,016 Total liabilities 165,607 463,741 Equity: Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock 398 403 Additional paid-in capital 5,715 622 Retained earnings 2,377,627 2,299,556 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 2,972 3,883 Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity 2,386,712 2,304,464 Noncontrolling interest 5,172 4,188 Total equity 2,391,884 2,308,652 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,557,491 2,772,393
Parent Only Income Statement	Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Investment interest income $ 4,925 17,707 13,060 Interest expense on bonds and notes payable 9,588 9,270 3,315 Net interest (expense) income (4,663) 8,437 9,745 Other income: Other income 8,384 13,944 3,483 Gain from debt repurchases 136 359 2,964 Equity in subsidiaries income 182,346 158,364 170,897 Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net (30,789) 71,085 (603) Total other income 160,077 243,752 176,741 Operating expenses 19,561 4,795 6,117 Income before income taxes 135,853 247,394 180,369 Income tax benefit (expense) 5,950 (19,481) (7,491) Net income 141,803 227,913 172,878 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 288 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 141,803 227,913 173,166
Parent Only Statement of Other Comprehensive Income	Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Net income $ 141,803 227,913 172,878 Other comprehensive (loss) income: Available-for-sale securities: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net (1,199) 1,056 2,349 Reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net — (978) (2,528) Income tax effect 288 (69) 66 Total other comprehensive (loss) income (911) 9 (113) Comprehensive income 140,892 227,922 172,765 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 288 Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 140,892 227,922 173,053
Parent Only Statement of Cash Flows	Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 2019 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 141,803 227,913 173,166 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (288) Net income 141,803 227,913 172,878 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 467 442 420 Derivative market value adjustments 76,195 (1,014) 7,591 (Payments to) proceeds from termination of derivative instruments, net (12,530) 10,283 2,100 (Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net (70,685) 40,382 76,325 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (182,346) (158,364) (170,897) Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (19,183) 21,814 (8,056) Non-cash compensation expense 6,781 6,539 4,416 Other (4,586) (16,306) (3,454) (Increase) decrease in other assets (10,672) 25,252 4,171 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 29,384 (9,621) 10,104 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (45,372) 147,320 95,598 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale securities — (46,382) (127,567) Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities — 75,605 156,727 Capital distributions/contributions from/to subsidiaries, net 449,602 (334,280) 29,426 Decrease (increase) in notes receivable from subsidiaries 14,421 (31,325) (50,793) Increase in guaranteed payment from subsidiary — (70,270) — Proceeds from investments and notes receivable 27,926 7,783 4,823 Proceeds from (purchases of) subsidiary debt, net — 61,841 (3,844) Purchases of investments and issuances of notes receivable (47,106) (28,610) (18,023) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 444,843 (365,638) (9,251) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable (361,272) (8,651) (27,480) Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 60,000 300,000 61,059 Payments of debt issuance costs (1,129) (827) — Dividends paid (29,485) (26,839) (24,097) Repurchases of common stock (40,411) (45,331) (68,896) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,552 1,359 678 Acquisition of noncontrolling interest — (13,449) — Issuance of noncontrolling interest 878 13 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (369,867) 206,275 (58,736) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 29,604 (12,043) 27,611 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 53,107 65,150 37,539 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 82,711 53,107 65,150 Cash disbursements made for: Interest $ 9,501 8,628 2,882 Income taxes, net of refunds and credits $ 17,672 473 96,721 Noncash investing and financing activities: Recapitalization of accrued interest payable to accrued guaranteed payment $ — 6,674 — Recapitalization of note payable to guaranteed payment $ — 186,429 — Recapitalization of guaranteed payment to investment in subsidiary $ — 273,360 — Contributions to subsidiaries $ — — 2,092

Description of Business - Narra

Description of Business - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019operating_segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
Maximum exposure to loss, syndicated to other investors	$ 3,000
ALLO Communications
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent	98.90%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | ALLO Communications
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percent of operating decision voting power	80.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
Investment carrying amount	$ 7,562	$ 2,724
Tax credits subject to recapture	67,069	11,345
Unfunded capital and other commitments	14,006	0
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 88,637	$ 14,069

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (23,708,970)		$ (25,220,968)	$ (23,964,435)
Total liabilities	(21,317,876)		(22,906,189)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	133,906	$ 120,701	121,347	$ 66,752	$ 69,654
Investments and notes receivable	246,973	226,236	249,370
Accounts receivable	115,391	59,442	59,531
Property and equipment, net	348,259	327,810	344,784
Other assets	134,308	78,337	45,533
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,529,054	22,185,558	22,218,740
Other liabilities	303,781	287,312	256,092
Equity:
Noncontrolling interests	$ 4,382	4,238	$ 10,315
ASC Topic 842
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Lease liabilities		33,700
ROU assets		32,800
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		0
Investments and notes receivable		0
Accounts receivable		0
Property and equipment, net		0
Other assets		32,831
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable		0
Other liabilities		32,831
Equity:
Noncontrolling interests		0
ASC Topic 842 | Failed Sale-Leaseback Transaction
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total assets		43,800
Total liabilities		34,800
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		(646)
Investments and notes receivable		(23,134)
Accounts receivable		(89)
Property and equipment, net		(16,974)
Other assets		(27)
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable		(33,182)
Other liabilities		(1,611)
Equity:
Noncontrolling interests		$ (6,077)

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Noncontrolling Interest (Details)	Jan. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 01, 2012
Whitetail Rock
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage				10.00%
ALLO Communications
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage sold	1.00%
Ownership percentage by parent		98.90%
ALLO Communications
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired			92.50%

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	$ 20,798,719,000	$ 22,520,498,000
Held for sale
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Threshold period past due for financing receivable to be placed on nonaccrual status	90 days
Impaired loans	$ 0	$ 0
Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Percent of principal and interest federally guaranteed	97.00%
Loans disbursed between October 1, 1993 and July 1, 2006
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Percent of principal and interest federally guaranteed	98.00%
Minimum
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Threshold period past due for write-off of financing receivable	120 days
Maximum
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Threshold period past due for write-off of financing receivable	180 days

Summary of Significant Accoun_9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Purchased accrued interest	$ 112.9	$ 181	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accou_10

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Revenue Recognition (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue recognition additional information [Line Items]
Rebate fee on consolidation loans	1.05%
Stafford Loan | Federally insured loans
Revenue recognition additional information [Line Items]
Constant prepayment rate	5.00%
Consolidation loans | Federally insured loans
Revenue recognition additional information [Line Items]
Constant prepayment rate	3.00%

Summary of Significant Accou_11

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Compensation Expense for Stock Based Awards (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (up to)	10 years

Loans Receivable and Allowanc_3

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 17, 2019	May 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			$ 20,798,719	$ 22,520,498
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs			(35,036)	(53,572)
Non-accretable discount			(32,398)	(29,396)
Allowance for loan losses			(61,914)	(60,388)	$ (54,590)	$ (51,842)
Loans receivable, net			20,669,371	22,377,142
Federally insured loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			20,328,543	22,155,896
Allowance for loan losses			(36,763)	(42,310)	(38,706)	(37,268)
Federally insured loans | Stafford and other loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			4,684,314	4,969,667
Federally insured loans | Consolidation loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			15,644,229	17,186,229
Private education loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			244,258	225,975
Allowance for loan losses			(9,597)	(10,838)	(12,629)	(14,574)
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross			225,918	138,627
Allowance for loan losses			(15,554)	(7,240)	$ (3,255)	$ 0
Financing Receivables Purchased Portfolio
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accretable discount			$ (5,400,000)	$ (5,700,000)
Financing Receivable | Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans sold, par value	$ 179,300	$ 47,700
Loans sold, gain	$ 15,600	$ 1,700
Loans sold, residual interest received	28.70%	11.00%

Loans Receivable and Allowanc_4

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				$ 60,388				$ 54,590	$ 60,388	$ 54,590	$ 51,842
Provision for loan losses	$ 13,000	$ 10,000	$ 9,000	7,000	$ 5,000	$ 10,500	$ 3,500	4,000	39,000	23,000	14,450
Charge-offs									(28,010)	(18,867)	(13,070)
Recoveries									1,536	665	768
Loan sale and other									(11,000)	1,000	600
Balance at end of period	61,914				60,388				61,914	60,388	54,590
Federally insured loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				42,310				38,706	42,310	38,706	37,268
Provision for loan losses									8,000	14,000	13,000
Charge-offs									(13,547)	(11,396)	(11,562)
Recoveries									0	0	0
Loan sale and other									0	1,000	0
Balance at end of period	36,763				42,310				36,763	42,310	38,706
Private education loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				10,838				12,629	10,838	12,629	14,574
Provision for loan losses									0	0	(2,000)
Charge-offs									(1,965)	(2,415)	(1,313)
Recoveries									724	624	768
Loan sale and other									0	0	600
Balance at end of period	9,597				10,838				9,597	10,838	12,629
Consumer loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period				$ 7,240				$ 3,255	7,240	3,255	0
Provision for loan losses									31,000	9,000	3,450
Charge-offs									(12,498)	(5,056)	(195)
Recoveries									812	41	0
Loan sale and other									(11,000)	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 15,554				$ 7,240				$ 15,554	$ 7,240	$ 3,255

Loans Receivable and Allowanc_5

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Student Loan Status and Delinquency (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans in repayment status:
Total loans	$ 20,798,719	$ 22,520,498
Federally insured loans
Loans in repayment status:
Total loans	20,328,543	22,155,896
Federally insured loans | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	1,074,678	1,298,493	$ 1,260,394
Loans in forbearance	1,339,821	1,430,291	1,774,405
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current	$ 15,410,993	$ 16,882,252	$ 16,477,004
Loans current, percentage	86.00%	86.90%	88.20%
Total loans in repayment	$ 17,914,044	$ 19,427,112	$ 18,686,807
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans	$ 20,328,543	$ 22,155,896	$ 21,721,606
Federally insured loans | Loans delinquent 31-60 days | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 650,796	$ 683,084	$ 682,586
Loans past due, percentage	3.60%	3.50%	3.70%
Federally insured loans | Loans delinquent 61-90 days | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 428,879	$ 427,764	$ 374,534
Loans past due, percentage	2.40%	2.20%	2.00%
Federally insured loans | Loans delinquent 91-120 days | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 310,851	$ 283,831	$ 287,922
Loans past due, percentage	1.70%	1.50%	1.50%
Federally insured loans | Loans delinquent 121-270 days | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 812,107	$ 806,692	$ 629,480
Loans past due, percentage	4.50%	4.20%	3.40%
Federally insured loans | Loans delinquent 271 days or greater | Federally insured loans, excluding rehabiliation loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 300,418	$ 343,489	$ 235,281
Loans past due, percentage	1.80%	1.70%	1.20%
Private education loans
Loans in repayment status:
Total loans	$ 244,258	$ 225,975
Private education loans | Private education loans
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	4,493	4,320	$ 6,053
Loans in forbearance	3,108	1,494	2,237
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current	$ 227,013	$ 208,977	$ 196,720
Loans current, percentage	95.90%	95.00%	96.50%
Total loans in repayment	$ 236,657	$ 220,161	$ 203,870
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans	$ 244,258	$ 225,975	$ 212,160
Private education loans | Loans delinquent 31-60 days | Private education loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 2,814	$ 3,626	$ 1,867
Loans past due, percentage	1.20%	1.60%	0.90%
Private education loans | Loans delinquent 61-90 days | Private education loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 1,694	$ 1,560	$ 1,052
Loans past due, percentage	0.70%	0.70%	0.50%
Private education loans | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater | Private education loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 5,136	$ 5,998	$ 4,231
Loans past due, percentage	2.20%	2.70%	2.10%
Consumer loans
Loans in repayment status:
Total loans	$ 225,918	$ 138,627
Consumer loans | Consumer loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current	$ 220,404	$ 136,130	$ 61,344
Loans current, percentage	97.50%	98.20%	98.70%
Total loans in repayment	$ 225,918	$ 138,627	$ 62,111
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans	$ 225,918	$ 138,627	$ 62,111
Consumer loans | Loans delinquent 31-60 days | Consumer loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 2,046	$ 1,012	$ 289
Loans past due, percentage	0.90%	0.70%	0.50%
Consumer loans | Loans delinquent 61-90 days | Consumer loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 1,545	$ 832	$ 198
Loans past due, percentage	0.70%	0.60%	0.30%
Consumer loans | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater | Consumer loans
Loans in repayment status:
Loans past due	$ 1,923	$ 653	$ 280
Loans past due, percentage	0.90%	0.50%	0.50%

Bonds and Notes Payable - Outst

Bonds and Notes Payable - Outstanding Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 20,529,054	$ 22,185,558	$ 22,218,740
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs	(274,126)		(318,359)
Bonds and notes based on indices | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 18,428,998		$ 20,192,123
Bonds and notes based on indices | Federally insured student loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.98%		2.59%
Bonds and notes based on indices | Federally insured student loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.61%		4.52%
Bonds and notes based on auction | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 768,626		$ 793,476
Bonds and notes based on auction | Federally insured student loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.75%		2.84%
Bonds and notes based on auction | Federally insured student loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.60%		3.55%
Variable-rate bonds and notes | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 19,197,624		$ 20,985,599
Variable-rate bonds and notes | Private education loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 73,308		$ 50,720
Interest rate			4.26%
Variable-rate bonds and notes | Private education loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.15%
Variable-rate bonds and notes | Private education loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.54%
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 512,836
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations | Federally insured student loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.00%
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations | Federally insured student loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.45%
Warehouse facilities | FFELP warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 778,094		$ 986,886
Warehouse facilities | FFELP warehouse facilities | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.98%		2.65%
Warehouse facilities | FFELP warehouse facilities | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.07%		2.71%
Warehouse facilities | Consumer loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 116,570
Interest rate	1.99%
Fixed rate bonds and notes | Private education loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 49,367		$ 63,171
Fixed rate bonds and notes | Private education loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.60%		3.60%
Fixed rate bonds and notes | Private education loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.35%		5.35%
Unsecured line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 50,000		$ 310,000
Interest rate	3.29%
Unsecured line of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			3.92%
Unsecured line of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			4.01%
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 20,381		$ 20,381
Interest rate	5.28%		6.17%
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 5,000		$ 120,342
Interest rate	3.44%
Other borrowings | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			3.05%
Other borrowings | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.22%
Bonds and notes payable, gross
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 20,803,180		$ 22,537,099

Bonds and Notes Payable - Out_2

Bonds and Notes Payable - Outstanding Lines of Credit (Details) - Warehouse facilities - FFELP warehouse facilities	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	$ 1,050,000,000
Amount outstanding	778,094,000
Amount available	271,906,000
Advanced as equity support	42,552,000
NFSLW-I
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	550,000,000
Amount outstanding	489,303,000
Amount available	60,697,000
Advanced as equity support	21,670,000
NHELP-II
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	500,000,000
Amount outstanding	288,791,000
Amount available	211,209,000
Advanced as equity support	$ 20,882,000

Bonds and Notes Payable - Sched

Bonds and Notes Payable - Schedule of Asset-Backed Securitizations (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
2019-1 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 496,800,000
2019-1 Class A-1 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	35,700,000
2019-1 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	35,700,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 35,700,000
2019-1 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.30%
2019-1 Class A-2 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 448,000,000
2019-1 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	448,000,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 448,000,000
2019-1 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.75%
2019-1 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 483,700,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	483,700,000
2019-1 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	13,100,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 13,100,000
2019-1 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.40%
2019-2 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 416,100,000
2019-2 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	405,000,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 405,000,000
2019-2 Class A Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.90%
2019-2 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 11,100,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 11,100,000
2019-2 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.50%
Private education loan 2019-A | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 47,159,000
Private education loan 2019-A | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	47,159,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 47,159,000
Private education loan 2019-A | Senior notes | Prime Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	(1.60%)
2019-3 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 498,300,000
2019-3 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	485,800,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 485,800,000
2019-3 Class A Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.80%
2019-3 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 12,500,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 12,500,000
2019-3 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.55%
2019-4 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 418,600,000
2019-4 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	408,000,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 408,000,000
2019-4 Class A Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.87%
2019-4 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 10,600,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 10,600,000
2019-4 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.65%
2019-5 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 374,500,000
2019-5 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	364,500,000
Bond discount	(114,000)
Issue price	$ 364,386,000
Interest rate	2.53%
2019-5 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 10,000,000
Bond discount	(4,000)
Issue price	$ 9,996,000
Interest rate	3.45%
2019-6 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 145,200,000
2019-6 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	140,200,000
Bond discount	(26,000)
Issue price	$ 140,174,000
Interest rate	2.46%
2019-6 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 5,000,000
Bond discount	(913,000)
Issue price	$ 4,087,000
Interest rate	2.00%
2019-7 Class A-1 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 210,300,000
2019-7 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	210,300,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 210,300,000
2019-7 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	0.50%
2019-7 Class A-2 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 200,000,000
2019-7 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	200,000,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 200,000,000
2019-7 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.00%
2019-7 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 420,800,000
2019-7 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	410,300,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	410,300,000
2019-7 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	10,500,000
Bond discount	0
Issue price	$ 10,500,000
2019-7 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	1.75%
2019 Total | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	$ 2,817,459,000
2019 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	2,744,659,000
Bond discount	(140,000)
Issue price	2,744,519,000
2019 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount	72,800,000
Bond discount	(917,000)
Issue price	$ 71,883,000
2018-1 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 473,750,000
2018-1 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		473,750,000
2018-1 Class A Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		98,000,000
2018-1 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 98,000,000
2018-1 Class A Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.32%
2018-1 Class B Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 375,750,000
2018-1 Class B Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 375,750,000
2018-1 Class B Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.76%
2018-2 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 509,800,000
2018-2 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 509,800,000
2018-2 | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.65%
2018-3 total | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 1,001,900,000
2018-3 Class A-1 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		220,000,000
2018-3 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 220,000,000
2018-3 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.30%
2018-3 Class A-2 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 546,900,000
2018-3 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 546,900,000
2018-3 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.44%
2018-3 Class A-3 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 220,000,000
2018-3 Class A-3 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 220,000,000
2018-3 Class A-3 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.75%
2018-3 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 986,900,000
2018-3 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		15,000,000
Bond discount		(229,000)
Issue price		$ 14,771,000
2018-3 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		1.20%
2018-4 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 495,700,000
2018-4 Class A-1 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		30,500,000
2018-4 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 30,500,000
2018-4 Class A-1 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.26%
2018-4 Class A-2 Notes | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 451,900,000
2018-4 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 451,900,000
2018-4 Class A-2 Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.70%
2018-4 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 482,400,000
2018-4 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		13,300,000
Bond discount		0
Issue price		$ 13,300,000
2018-4 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		1.40%
2018-5 | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 511,500,000
2018-5 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 498,000,000
2018-5 Class A Notes | Senior notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		0.68%
2018-5 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 13,500,000
Bond discount		0
Issue price		$ 13,500,000
2018-5 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)		1.45%
2018 Total | Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		$ 2,992,650,000
2018 Class A Notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		2,950,850,000
2018 Class B Notes | Subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total original principal amount		41,800,000
Bond discount		(229,000)
Issue price		$ 41,571,000
Unsecured Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.50%

Bonds and Notes Payable - Narra

Bonds and Notes Payable - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	May 30, 2019	Sep. 27, 2006	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt extinguished				$ 12,905,000	$ 184,210,000
Payments to extinguish debt			$ 14,030,000	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			16,689,000	0	$ 0
Bonds and notes payable			20,529,054,000	22,218,740,000		$ 22,185,558,000
ASC Topic 842
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable						0
Unsecured Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			455,000,000
Amount outstanding			50,000,000
Amount available			405,000,000
Higher borrowing capacity option			$ 550,000,000
Interest rate			1.50%
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable			$ 20,381,000	$ 20,381,000
Total original principal amount		$ 200,000,000
Interest rate			5.28%	6.17%
FFELP Asset-Backed Security Investment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings subject to repurchase agreement				$ 41,400,000
Private education loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings subject to repurchase agreement				$ 45,000,000
Line of Credit Maturing 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	$ 22,000,000
Amount outstanding			$ 5,000,000
Amount available			$ 17,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis		3.375%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Line of Credit Maturing 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	1.75%
Minimum | Unsecured Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis			1.00%
Maximum | Unsecured Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis			2.00%
Partnerships For Certain Real Estate Development Projects
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent				50.00%
Partnerships For Certain Real Estate Development Projects | ASC Topic 842
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE line of credit amount outstanding						$ (33,900,000)
Asset-backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt extinguished			$ 1,050,000,000
Payments to extinguish debt			14,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			16,700,000
Write off of debt issuance costs			2,700,000
Auction Rate Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable			768,600,000
Warehouse facilities | Consumer loan warehouse facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			200,000,000
Amount outstanding			116,600,000
Amount available			83,400,000
Advanced as equity support			$ 41,300,000
Warehouse facilities | Minimum | Consumer loan warehouse facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advance rate			70.00%
Warehouse facilities | Maximum | Consumer loan warehouse facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advance rate			75.00%

Bonds and Notes Payable - Matur

Bonds and Notes Payable - Maturity of long-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 20,529,054	$ 22,185,558	$ 22,218,740
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	0
2021	489,303
2022	410,361
2023	0
2024	50,000
2025 and thereafter	19,853,516
Bonds and notes payable	$ 20,803,180

Bonds and Notes Payable - Debt

Bonds and Notes Payable - Debt Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par value	$ 12,905	$ 184,210
Purchase price	12,546	181,308
Gain (loss)	359	2,902
Unsecured Debt - Hybrid Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par value	0	29,803
Purchase price	0	25,357
Gain (loss)	0	4,446
Asset-backed Securities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par value	12,905	154,407
Purchase price	12,546	155,951
Gain (loss)	$ 359	$ (1,544)

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Basis Swaps (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Loans receivable	$ 20,669,371,000		$ 22,377,142,000
Notes payable	20,529,054,000	$ 22,185,558,000	22,218,740,000
1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 7,150,000,000		$ 10,000,000,000
Variable interest rate spread	0.097%		0.094%
Maturity 2019 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 0		$ 3,500,000,000
Maturity 2020 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,000,000,000		1,000,000,000
Maturity 2021 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	250,000,000		250,000,000
Maturity 2022 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	2,000,000,000		2,000,000,000
Maturity 2023 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	750,000,000		750,000,000
Maturity 2024 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,750,000,000		250,000,000
Maturity 2026 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,150,000,000		1,150,000,000
Maturity 2027 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	250,000,000		375,000,000
Maturity 2028 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	0		325,000,000
Maturity 2029 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	0		100,000,000
Maturity 2031 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	0		$ 300,000,000
Maturing 2022, Effective Start Date May 2020 | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	750,000,000
One-month LIBOR, Daily reset | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Loans receivable	18,900,000,000
Three-month commercial paper rate | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Loans receivable	800,000,000
Three-month treasury bill, Daily reset | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Loans receivable	600,000,000
Three-month LIBOR, Quarterly reset | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notes payable	7,500,000,000
One-month LIBOR, Monthly reset | 1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 11,000,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest Rate Swaps, Floor Income Hedge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2019
Swaption
Derivative [Line Items]
Payments to enter into derivative instruments		$ 4,600	$ 9,100
Derivative, swaption interest rate				3.21%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Student loan assets, fixed floor income	$ 3,300,000	$ 2,600,000
Variable conversion rate	3.72%	4.24%
Notional amount	$ 2,500,000	$ 5,575,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	1.42%	1.18%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2019 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 0	$ 3,250,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.00%	0.97%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2020 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,500,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	1.01%	1.01%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2021 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 600,000	$ 100,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	2.15%	2.95%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2022 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 250,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	1.65%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2023 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 150,000	$ 400,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	2.25%	2.24%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2024 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 300,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company		2.28%
Fixed Rate Floor Income | Maturity 2027 | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 25,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company		2.35%

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest Rate Caps (Details) - Interest rate caps - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Payments to enter into derivative instruments	$ 300,000	$ 2,900,000
Interest Rate Cap 1 Maturing July 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount			$ 125,000,000
Interest Rate Cap 1 Maturing July 2020 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			2.50%
Interest Rate Cap 2 Maturing July 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount			$ 150,000,000
Interest Rate Cap 2 Maturing July 2020 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			4.99%
Interest Rate Cap Maturing September 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount			$ 500,000,000
Interest Rate Cap Maturing September 2020 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread			2.25%

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest Rate Swaps, Unsecured Debt Hedges (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2006	Dec. 31, 2019
Unsecured Debt Hedges | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 25,000,000
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis - plus (less)	3.375%

Derivative Financial Instrume_7

Derivative Financial Instruments - Terminations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments	$ (12,530)	$ 10,283	$ (30,382)
Floor income hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments	(14,400)	14,200
Other hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments	1,400
1:3 basis swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments	$ 500		2,100
Hybrid debt hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments		$ (3,900)
Interest rate caps
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments			900
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds (payments) to terminate derivative instruments			$ (33,400)

Derivative Financial Instrume_8

Derivative Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of asset derivatives	$ 0	$ 1,818
Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets | Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of asset derivatives	0	1,465
Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets | Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of asset derivatives	0	353
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of liability derivatives	0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities | Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of liability derivatives	0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities | Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of liability derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume_9

Derivative Financial Instruments - Income Statement Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net									$ 45,406	$ 70,071	$ 667
Change in fair value									(76,195)	1,014	26,379
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net - (expense) income	$ 3,170	$ 1,668	$ (24,088)	$ (11,539)	$ (29,843)	$ 17,098	$ 17,031	$ 66,799	(30,789)	71,085	(18,554)
1:3 basis swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net									5,214	5,577	(3,069)
Change in fair value									1,515	12,573	(8,224)
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net									40,192	64,901	10,838
Change in fair value									(77,027)	(10,962)	3,585
Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value									(1,465)	(3,848)	(2,433)
Interest rate caps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value									(628)	78	(893)
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net									0	(407)	(781)
Change in fair value									0	3,173	279
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net									0	0	(6,321)
Change in fair value									0	0	34,208
Other
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value									1,410	0	(143)
Currency Swap And Student Loan Asset Backed Euro Notes
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense)									$ 0	$ 0	$ (45,600)

Investments and Notes Receiva_3

Investments and Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019
Investments (at fair value):
Amortized cost	$ 48,790	$ 47,931
Gross unrealized gains	3,911	5,109
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	52,701	53,040
Equity securities
Amortized cost	9,622	12,909
Gross unrealized gains	4,561	5,145
Gross unrealized losses	(1,283)	(407)
Fair value	12,900	17,647
Total investments (at fair value)
Amortized cost	58,412	60,840
Gross unrealized gains	8,472	10,254
Gross unrealized losses	(1,283)	(407)
Fair value	65,601	70,687
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value)	181,372	178,683
Total investments and notes receivable	$ 246,973	249,370	$ 226,236
Available-for-sale securities, debt maturities, term	10 years
Upward adjustment on equity securities		7,200
Impairment loss equity security		800
Venture capital and funds: | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Measurement alternative	$ 72,760	70,939
Equity method	15,379	16,191
Other	1,175	900
Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value)	89,314	88,030
Real estate: | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Equity method	44,159	29,483
Other	867	34,211
Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value)	45,026	63,694
Solar: | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Equity method	7,562	2,724
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Beneficial Interest In Securitization	33,187	0
Tax liens and affordable housing | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value)	6,283	7,862
Notes receivable | Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Total investments and notes receivable (not measured at fair value)	$ 0	$ 16,373

Business Combination - Narrativ

Business Combination - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 20, 2018	Feb. 07, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 156,912	$ 156,912	$ 138,759
Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired		100.00%
Payment to acquire business		$ 150,000
Reduction to equity as result of remeasurement of equity interest previously held		19,100
Net assets acquired		136,551
Acquired intangible assets		$ 75,329
Acquired intangible asset useful life		4 years
Goodwill		$ 15,043
Tuition Management Systems LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	100.00%
Payment to acquire business	$ 27,000
Net assets acquired	27,017
Acquired intangible assets	$ 26,390
Acquired intangible asset useful life	10 years
Goodwill	$ 3,110
Customer Relationships | Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets		$ 70,200
Acquired intangible asset useful life		4 years
Customer Relationships | Tuition Management Systems LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets	$ 25,400
Acquired intangible asset useful life	10 years
Trade Names | Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets		$ 5,100
Acquired intangible asset useful life		7 years
Computer Software | Tuition Management Systems LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets	$ 1,000
Acquired intangible asset useful life	2 years
Noncontrolling interests | Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reduction to equity as result of remeasurement of equity interest previously held		$ 5,700
Retained earnings | Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reduction to equity as result of remeasurement of equity interest previously held		$ 13,400
GreatNet, LLC | Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired		50.00%

Business Combination - Schedule

Business Combination - Schedule of Assets Acquired at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 20, 2018	Feb. 07, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 156,912	$ 156,912			$ 138,759
Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				$ 27,399
Accounts receivable				23,708
Property and equipment				35,919
Other assets				14,018
Intangible assets				75,329
Goodwill				15,043
Other liabilities				(54,865)
Net assets acquired				$ 136,551
Tuition Management Systems LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 438
Restricted cash			123,169
Accounts receivable			1,019
Other assets			381
Intangible assets			26,390
Goodwill			3,110
Other liabilities			(4,321)
Due to customers			(123,169)
Net assets acquired			$ 27,017

Business Combination - Schedu_2

Business Combination - Schedule of Pro Forma Information (Details) - Great Lakes Educational Loan Service - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loan servicing and systems revenue	$ 460,074	$ 452,760
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 229,409	$ 185,369
Net income per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.61	$ 4.44

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	80 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 81,532	$ 114,290
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	80 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 71,900	98,484
Accumulated amortization	$ 60,553	33,968
Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	96 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 7,478	10,868
Accumulated amortization	$ 2,792	5,825
Computer Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	14 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 2,154	4,938
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,233	$ 15,420

Intangible Assets - Schedule _2

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 32,800	$ 30,200	$ 9,400
2020	29,515
2021	18,761
2022	7,172
2023	6,925
2024	6,511
2025 and thereafter	12,648
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 81,532	$ 114,290

Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill

Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 138,759
Goodwill acquired	18,153
Goodwill, ending balance	156,912
Goodwill	156,912	$ 156,912
Corporate and Other Activities
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	0
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill, ending balance	0
Goodwill	0	0
Loan Servicing and Systems | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	8,596
Goodwill acquired	15,043
Goodwill, ending balance	23,639
Goodwill	23,639	23,639
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	67,168
Goodwill acquired	3,110
Goodwill, ending balance	70,278
Goodwill	70,278	70,278
Communications | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	21,112
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill, ending balance	21,112
Goodwill	21,112	21,112
Asset Generation and Management | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	41,883
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill, ending balance	41,883
Goodwill	$ 41,883	$ 41,883

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)

Goodwill - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Impairment expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,600,000

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 348,259	$ 344,784		$ 327,810
Depreciation expense	72,300	56,700	$ 30,200
Impairment expense	0	11,721	$ 3,626
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment expense	7,800
Non-Communications
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	249,172	231,995
Accumulated depreciation	(142,270)	(123,003)
Property and equipment, net	106,902	108,992
Non-Communications | Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 160,319	137,705
Non-Communications | Computer equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Non-Communications | Computer equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Non-Communications | Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 37,904	50,138
Non-Communications | Building and building improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Non-Communications | Building and building improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	48 years
Non-Communications | Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 21,245	22,796
Non-Communications | Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Non-Communications | Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Non-Communications | Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 9,517	9,327
Non-Communications | Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Non-Communications | Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Non-Communications | Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 5,049	5,123
Non-Communications | Transportation equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Non-Communications | Transportation equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Non-Communications | Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 1,400	3,328
Non-Communications | Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	13,738	3,578
Communications
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	315,254	273,865
Accumulated depreciation	(73,897)	(38,073)
Property and equipment, net	241,357	235,792
Communications | Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 5,574	4,943
Communications | Computer equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Communications | Computer equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Communications | Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 6,611	6,580
Communications | Transportation equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	4 years
Communications | Transportation equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Communications | Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 70	70
Communications | Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	54	6,344
Communications | Network plant and fiber
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 254,560	215,787
Communications | Network plant and fiber | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	4 years
Communications | Network plant and fiber | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Communications | Customer located property
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 27,011	21,234
Communications | Customer located property | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	2 years
Communications | Customer located property | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	4 years
Communications | Central office
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 17,672	15,688
Communications | Central office | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Communications | Central office | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Communications | Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 3,702	$ 3,219
Communications | Other | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Communications | Other | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	39 years
Loan Servicing and Systems | Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment expense	$ 3,900

Shareholders' Equity - Classes

Shareholders' Equity - Classes of Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019vote
Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Votes per common share	10
Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Votes per common share	1

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Repurchase shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	4,800,000
Total shares repurchased (in shares)	726,273	868,147	1,473,054
Purchase price	$ 40,411	$ 45,331	$ 68,896
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)	$ 55.64	$ 52.22	$ 46.77

Earnings per Common Share (Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 42,380	$ 33,212	$ 24,619	$ 41,591	$ 21,626	$ 42,927	$ 49,435	$ 113,925	$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)									40,047,402	40,909,022	41,791,941
Earnings per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.06	$ 0.83	$ 0.61	$ 1.03	$ 0.53	$ 1.05	$ 1.21	$ 2.78	$ 3.54	$ 5.57	$ 4.14
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									0	0	0
Common shareholders
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									$ 139,946	$ 225,170	$ 171,442
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)									39,523,082	40,416,719	41,375,964
Earnings per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 3.54	$ 5.57	$ 4.14
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									$ 1,857	$ 2,743	$ 1,724
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)									524,320	492,303	415,977
Earnings per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 3.54	$ 5.57	$ 4.14
Shares Issued - Deferred
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Non employee director stock, cumulative deferred shares (in shares)	193,411								193,411

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 20,148	$ 23,445	$ 28,421
Tax benefits which would favorable affect effective tax rate	15,900
Anticipated uncertain tax position adjustment	6,400
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	5,000	4,900
Interest on income taxes expense	100	400	$ 800
Income taxes receivable	27,300	$ 6,400
Favorably affect the effective tax rate
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Anticipated uncertain tax position adjustment	$ 5,100

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unre

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross balance - beginning of year	$ 23,445	$ 28,421
Additions based on tax positions of prior years	651	1,405
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,339	2,044
Settlements with taxing authorities	(1,810)	(915)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(380)	(5,109)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(3,097)	(2,401)
Gross balance - end of year	$ 20,148	$ 23,445

Income Taxes - Schedule of Prov

Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current:
Federal									$ 38,931	$ 45,822	$ 65,196
State									3,546	1,969	1,246
Foreign									239	(2)	(35)
Total current provision									42,716	47,789	66,407
Deferred:
Federal									(4,280)	11,783	(8,270)
State									(2,922)	(883)	6,618
Foreign									(63)	81	108
Total deferred provision									(7,265)	10,981	(1,544)
Provision for income tax expense	$ 9,022	$ 8,829	$ 6,209	$ 11,391	$ (4,599)	$ 13,882	$ 13,511	$ 35,976	$ 35,451	$ 58,770	$ 64,863

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax expense at federal rate		21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State tax, net of federal income tax benefit		2.50%	2.40%	1.60%
Tax credits		(3.00%)	(1.90%)	(1.30%)
Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters		(0.70%)	(1.00%)	0.00%
Reduction of statutory federal rate		0.00%	0.00%	(8.00%)
Other		0.20%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective tax rate		20.00%	20.50%	27.30%
Income tax benefit as result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017	$ 19.3

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 18,037	$ 16,633
Student loans	15,479	15,054
Tax credit carryforwards	9,394	0
Lease liability	5,891	0
Accrued expenses	4,112	3,254
Stock compensation	2,167	2,041
Securitizations	1,261	2,014
State net operating losses	551	528
Total gross deferred tax assets	56,892	39,524
Less valuation allowance	(548)	(527)
Net deferred tax assets	56,344	38,997
Deferred tax liabilities:
Partnership basis	56,741	47,488
Depreciation	11,489	9,469
Lease right of use asset	5,684	0
Intangible assets	5,399	9,903
Loan origination services	4,647	6,243
Debt and equity investments	3,775	1,363
Basis in certain derivative contracts	2,730	22,042
Other	1,003	1,172
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	91,468	97,680
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (35,124)	$ (58,683)

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)operating_segment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | operating_segment									4
Income tax allocation to segments, percent											38.00%	24.00%
Total interest income									$ 948,677	$ 924,266	$ 770,426
Interest expense									699,327	669,906	465,188
Net interest income	$ 64,252	$ 66,457	$ 59,825	$ 58,816	$ 69,539	$ 59,773	$ 57,739	$ 67,307	249,350	254,360	305,238
Less provision for loan losses	13,000	10,000	9,000	7,000	5,000	10,500	3,500	4,000	39,000	23,000	14,450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	51,252	56,457	50,825	51,816	64,539	49,273	54,239	63,307	210,350	231,360	290,788
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									0	0	0
Other income	26,522	13,439	16,152	9,067	9,998	16,673	9,580	18,557	65,179	54,805	55,728
Derivative settlements, net									45,406	70,071	667
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									(76,195)	1,014	(19,221)
Total other income									831,245	832,532	479,062
Cost of services:
Cost of services									102,026	76,492	58,628
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	124,561	116,670	111,214	111,059	114,247	114,172	111,118	96,643	463,503	436,179	301,885
Depreciation and amortization	28,651	27,701	24,484	24,213	23,953	22,992	21,494	18,457	105,049	86,896	39,541
Other expenses	46,710	58,329	45,417	43,816	49,583	48,281	43,613	36,553	194,272	178,031	143,112
Intersegment expenses, net									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									762,824	701,106	484,538
Income (loss) before income taxes									176,745	286,294	226,684
Income tax (expense) benefit	(9,022)	(8,829)	(6,209)	(11,391)	4,599	(13,882)	(13,511)	(35,976)	(35,451)	(58,770)	(64,863)
Net income	41,834	33,135	24,678	41,647	21,674	43,126	49,539	113,185	141,294	227,524	161,821
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	546	77	(59)	(56)	(48)	(199)	(104)	740	509	389	11,345
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	42,380	33,212	24,619	41,591	21,626	42,927	49,435	113,925	141,803	227,913	173,166
Total assets	23,708,970				25,220,968				23,708,970	25,220,968	23,964,435	$ 23,708,970
Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									2,031	1,351	513
Interest expense									115	0	3
Net interest income									1,916	1,351	510
Less provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									1,916	1,351	510
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									46,751	47,082	41,674
Other income									9,736	7,284	0
Derivative settlements, net									0	0	0
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									0	0	0
Total other income									511,742	494,393	264,674
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									276,136	267,458	156,256
Depreciation and amortization									34,755	32,074	2,864
Other expenses									71,064	67,336	39,126
Intersegment expenses, net									54,325	59,042	31,871
Total operating expenses									436,280	425,910	230,117
Income (loss) before income taxes									77,378	69,834	35,067
Income tax (expense) benefit									(18,571)	(16,954)	(18,128)
Net income									58,807	52,880	16,939
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	808	12,640
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									58,807	53,688	29,579
Total assets	290,311				226,445				290,311	226,445	122,330	290,311
Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									9,244	4,453	17
Interest expense									46	9	0
Net interest income									9,198	4,444	17
Less provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									9,198	4,444	17
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									0	0	0
Other income									259	0	0
Derivative settlements, net									0	0	0
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									0	0	0
Total other income									277,590	221,962	193,188
Cost of services:
Cost of services									81,603	59,566	48,678
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									94,666	81,080	69,500
Depreciation and amortization									12,820	13,484	9,424
Other expenses									22,027	28,137	17,897
Intersegment expenses, net									13,405	10,681	9,079
Total operating expenses									142,918	133,382	105,900
Income (loss) before income taxes									62,267	33,458	38,627
Income tax (expense) benefit									(14,944)	(8,030)	(14,678)
Net income									47,323	25,428	23,949
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									47,323	25,428	23,949
Total assets	506,382				471,719				506,382	471,719	250,351	506,382
Operating Segments | Communications
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									3	4	3
Interest expense									0	9,987	5,427
Net interest income									3	(9,983)	(5,424)
Less provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									3	(9,983)	(5,424)
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									0	0	0
Other income									1,509	1,075
Derivative settlements, net									0	0	0
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									0	0	0
Total other income									65,778	45,728	25,700
Cost of services:
Cost of services									20,423	16,926	9,950
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									21,004	18,779	14,947
Depreciation and amortization									37,173	23,377	11,835
Other expenses									15,165	11,900	8,074
Intersegment expenses, net									2,962	2,578	2,101
Total operating expenses									76,304	56,634	36,957
Income (loss) before income taxes									(30,946)	(37,815)	(26,631)
Income tax (expense) benefit									7,427	9,075	10,120
Net income									(23,519)	(28,740)	(16,511)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									(23,519)	(28,740)	(16,511)
Total assets	303,347				286,816				303,347	286,816	214,336	303,347
Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									931,963	911,502	764,225
Interest expense									693,375	662,360	464,256
Net interest income									238,588	249,142	299,969
Less provision for loan losses									39,000	23,000	14,450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									199,588	226,142	285,519
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									0	0	0
Other income									30,349	12,723	11,857
Derivative settlements, net									45,406	70,478	1,448
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									(76,195)	(2,159)	(19,357)
Total other income									(440)	81,042	(6,052)
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									1,545	1,526	1,548
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Other expenses									34,445	15,961	26,634
Intersegment expenses, net									47,362	47,870	42,830
Total operating expenses									83,352	65,357	71,012
Income (loss) before income taxes									115,796	241,827	208,455
Income tax (expense) benefit									(27,792)	(58,038)	(79,213)
Net income									88,004	183,789	129,242
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									88,004	183,789	129,242
Total assets	22,128,917				23,806,321				22,128,917	23,806,321	22,910,974	22,128,917
Corporate and Other Activities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									9,232	19,944	13,643
Interest expense									9,587	10,540	3,477
Net interest income									(355)	9,404	10,166
Less provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									(355)	9,404	10,166
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									0	0	0
Other income									23,327	33,724	43,871
Derivative settlements, net									0	(407)	(781)
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									0	3,173	136
Total other income									23,327	36,490	43,226
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									70,152	67,336	59,633
Depreciation and amortization									20,300	17,960	15,418
Other expenses									51,571	54,697	51,381
Intersegment expenses, net									(71,303)	(73,088)	(44,208)
Total operating expenses									70,720	66,905	82,224
Income (loss) before income taxes									(47,748)	(21,011)	(28,832)
Income tax (expense) benefit									18,428	15,177	37,036
Net income									(29,320)	(5,834)	8,204
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									509	(419)	(1,295)
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									(28,811)	(6,253)	6,909
Total assets	627,897				563,841				627,897	563,841	877,859	627,897
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income									(3,796)	(12,989)	(7,976)
Interest expense									(3,796)	(12,989)	(7,976)
Net interest income									0	0	0
Less provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses									0	0	0
Other income:
Intersegment servicing revenue									(46,751)	(47,082)	(41,674)
Other income									0	0	0
Derivative settlements, net									0	0	0
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net									0	0	0
Total other income									(46,751)	(47,082)	(41,674)
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Other expenses									0	0	0
Intersegment expenses, net									(46,751)	(47,082)	(41,674)
Total operating expenses									(46,751)	(47,082)	(41,674)
Income (loss) before income taxes									0	0	0
Income tax (expense) benefit									0	0	0
Net income									0	0	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									0	0	0
Total assets	(147,884)				(134,174)				(147,884)	(134,174)	(411,415)	$ (147,884)
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Other income:
Revenue	113,086	113,286	113,985	114,898	112,761	112,579	114,545	100,141	455,255	440,027	223,000
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income:
Revenue									455,255	440,027	223,000
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems revenue | Eliminations
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Education technology services and payment processing services
Other income:
Revenue	63,578	74,251	60,342	79,159	54,589	58,409	48,742	60,221	277,331	221,962	193,188
Cost of services:
Cost of services	19,002	25,671	15,871	21,059	15,479	19,087	11,317	13,683	81,603	59,566	48,678
Education technology services and payment processing services | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Education technology services and payment processing services | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income:
Revenue									277,331	221,962	193,188
Cost of services:
Cost of services									81,603	59,566	48,678
Education technology services and payment processing services | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Education technology services and payment processing services | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Education technology services and payment processing services | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Education technology services and payment processing services | Eliminations
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Communications revenue
Other income:
Revenue	17,499	16,470	15,758	14,543	13,326	11,818	10,320	9,189	64,269	44,653	25,700
Cost of services:
Cost of services	$ 5,327	$ 5,236	$ 5,101	$ 4,759	$ 5,033	$ 4,310	$ 3,865	$ 3,717	20,423	16,926	9,950
Communications revenue | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Communications revenue | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Communications revenue | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income:
Revenue									64,269	44,653	25,700
Other income											0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									20,423	16,926	9,950
Communications revenue | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Communications revenue | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									0	0	0
Communications revenue | Eliminations
Other income:
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_3

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Communications Revenue, Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 64,269	$ 44,653	$ 25,700
Residential Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									48,344	33,434	17,696
Business Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									15,689	10,976	7,744
Other Customer Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									236	243	260
Loan Servicing And Systems Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									455,255	440,027	223,000
Government Servicing - Nelnet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									157,991	157,091	155,829
Government Servicing - Great Lakes
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									185,656	168,298	0
Private Education And Consumer Loan Servicing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									36,788	41,474	28,060
FFELP Servicing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									25,043	31,542	15,542
Software Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									41,077	32,929	17,782
Outsourced Services Revenue And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									8,700	8,693	5,787
Education technology services and payment processing services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 63,578	$ 74,251	$ 60,342	$ 79,159	$ 54,589	$ 58,409	$ 48,742	$ 60,221	277,331	221,962	193,188
Tuition Payment Plan Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									106,682	85,381	76,753
Payment Processing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									110,848	84,289	71,652
Education Technology And Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									58,578	51,155	44,539
Other Service Offering
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									1,223	1,137	244
Communication Revenue, Service Offering
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									64,269	44,653	25,700
Internet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									38,239	24,069	11,976
Television
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									16,196	12,949	8,018
Telephone
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									9,705	7,546	5,603
Other Communication Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 129	$ 89	$ 103

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_4

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue - Schedule of Other Income by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gain on sale of loans									$ 17,261	$ 0	$ 0
Borrower late fee income									12,884	12,302	11,604
Gain on investments and notes receivable, net of losses									6,136	9,579	939
Peterson's revenue									0	0	12,572
Other									17,119	20,418	17,890
Other income	$ 26,522	$ 13,439	$ 16,152	$ 9,067	$ 9,998	$ 16,673	$ 9,580	$ 18,557	65,179	54,805	55,728
Management fee revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									8,838	6,497	0
Investment advisory services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 2,941	$ 6,009	$ 12,723

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_5

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue - Schedule of Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 39,122	$ 32,276	$ 33,141
Deferral of revenue	136,487	113,292	94,789
Recognition of revenue	(135,963)	(106,446)	(95,654)
Ending balance	39,646	39,122	32,276
Corporate and Other Activities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,602	1,479	1,365
Deferral of revenue	3,505	5,553	2,721
Recognition of revenue	(3,479)	(5,430)	(2,607)
Ending balance	1,628	1,602	1,479
Loan Servicing and Systems | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	4,413	4,968	6,105
Deferral of revenue	3,585	5,117	3,406
Recognition of revenue	(5,286)	(5,672)	(4,543)
Ending balance	2,712	4,413	4,968
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	30,556	24,164	24,708
Deferral of revenue	93,373	77,297	73,445
Recognition of revenue	(91,855)	(70,905)	(73,989)
Ending balance	32,074	30,556	24,164
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,551	1,665	963
Deferral of revenue	36,024	25,325	15,217
Recognition of revenue	(35,343)	(24,439)	(14,515)
Ending balance	$ 3,232	$ 2,551	$ 1,665

Major Customer (Details)

Major Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Government Servicing - Nelnet
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 157,991	$ 157,091	$ 155,829
Government Servicing - Nelnet | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue		158,000	$ 157,100	$ 155,800
Great Lakes Educational Loan Service
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Acquiree revenue since acquisition	$ 168,300	$ 185,700

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in "other assets" on the consolidated balance sheet	$ 32,770
Operating lease liabilities, which is included in "other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet	$ 33,689

Leases - Lease Expense, Cash Fl

Leases - Lease Expense, Cash Flow Information, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, and Discount Rate (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 12,780
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows related to operating leases	9,966
Supplemental noncash activity:
Operating ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, excluding impact of adoption	$ 8,731
Weighted average remaining lease term	7 years 3 months 14 days
Weighted average discount rate	3.93%
Other expenses
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 11,171
Communications services
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 1,609

Leases - Lease Liability Maturi

Leases - Lease Liability Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020	$ 10,178
2021	6,905
2022	4,652
2023	3,640
2024	2,567
2025 and thereafter	10,941
Total lease payments	38,883
Imputed interest	(5,194)
Total	$ 33,689

Leases - Future Minimum Lease P

Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 9,181
2020	8,261
2021	5,776
2022	3,745
2023	2,904
2024 and thereafter	5,479
Total minimum lease payments	35,346
Rental expense	$ 8,400	$ 5,700

Defined Contribution Benefit _2

Defined Contribution Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Maximum annual employee contribution percentage	100.00%
Defined contribution plan cost	$ 10.8	$ 9.8	$ 6.2
Employer Match on Employee Contributions up to Three Percent of Employee Salary
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Employer match percentage	100.00%
Employer Match on Employee Contributions Between Three and Five Percent of Employee Salary
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Employer match percentage	50.00%
Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 100 Percent Employer Match
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Maximum annual employee contribution percentage	3.00%
Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Eligible for 50 Percent Employer Match After 100 Percent Employer Match
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Maximum annual employee contribution percentage	2.00%

Stock Based Compensation Plan_2

Stock Based Compensation Plans - Restricted Stock and Employee Share Purchase Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock Activity
Discount from market price as of purchase date	15.00%
Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Non-vested shares at beginning of year (in shares)	532,336	398,210	447,380
Granted (in shares)	186,281	279,441	107,237
Vested (in shares)	(109,651)	(100,035)	(131,988)
Canceled (in shares)	(59,121)	(45,280)	(24,419)
Non-vested shares at end of year (in shares)	549,845	532,336	398,210
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 17,034
Restricted Stock Plan | Salaries and Benefits
Restricted Stock Activity
Share-based compensation expense	6,400	$ 6,200	$ 4,200
Employee Share Purchase Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Share-based compensation expense	$ 300	$ 300	$ 200
Shares issued (in shares)	33,250	28,744	16,989
2020 | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 5,927
2021 | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	3,839
2022 | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	2,587
2023 | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,731
2024 | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,157
2025 and thereafter | Restricted Stock Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 1,793

Stock Based Compensation Plan_3

Stock Based Compensation Plans - Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Non-employee director stock at lower cost	85.00%
Non-employee share based compensation expense	$ 1.2	$ 1	$ 0.9
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	20,800	18,709	17,829
Shares issued - not deferred
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	9,588	8,029	6,855
Shares issued- deferred
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	11,212	10,680	10,974
Non employee director stock, cumulative deferred shares (in shares)	193,411

Related Parties - Transactions

Related Parties - Transactions with Union Bank and Trust Company (Details) ft² in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)ft²shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans receivable	$ 20,669,371,000	$ 20,669,371,000				$ 22,377,142,000				$ 20,669,371,000	$ 22,377,142,000
Cash and cash equivalents related party	119,984,000	119,984,000				111,875,000				119,984,000	111,875,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	$ 437,756,000	$ 437,756,000				369,678,000				437,756,000	369,678,000	$ 187,121,000			$ 119,702,000
Interest income										$ 948,677,000	924,266,000	770,426,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, Union Bank established trusts
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis points earned	0.25%	0.25%								0.25%
Amount invested in funds	$ 756,300,000	$ 756,300,000								$ 756,300,000
Percent of gains from the sale of securities	50.00%	50.00%								50.00%
Fee revenue from related party										$ 1,800,000	4,500,000	9,200,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis points earned	0.05%	0.05%								0.05%
Fee revenue from related party										$ 219,000	172,000	161,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts | Class B common stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares for which related party is investment advisor | shares	6,300,000	6,300,000								6,300,000
SLABS Fund-I, SLABS Fund-II, SLABS Fund-III, SLABS Fund-IV, and SLABS Fund-V
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis points earned	0.50%	0.50%								0.50%
Amount invested in funds	$ 152,100,000	$ 152,100,000								$ 152,100,000
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue		113,086,000	$ 113,286,000	$ 113,985,000	$ 114,898,000	112,761,000	$ 112,579,000	$ 114,545,000	$ 100,141,000	455,255,000	440,027,000	223,000,000
Communications revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 17,499,000	$ 16,470,000	$ 15,758,000	$ 14,543,000	13,326,000	$ 11,818,000	$ 10,320,000	$ 9,189,000	$ 64,269,000	44,653,000	25,700,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | SLABS Fund-I, SLABS Fund-II, SLABS Fund-III, SLABS Fund-IV, and SLABS Fund-V
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of basis points paid										50.00%
Fees paid										$ 300,000	300,000	300,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | West Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party note receivable													$ 2,900,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate													3.85%
Butterfield Family Trust | Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts | Union Financial Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party	50.00%
Mr. Dunlap | Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts | Union Financial Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party	50.00%
Union Financial Services | Nelnet, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number Of Shares Held By Related Party | shares	1,600,000	1,600,000								1,600,000
West Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	33.33%	33.33%								33.33%
Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased, net premium paid										$ 1,200,000	0	0
Loans receivable	$ 395,500,000	$ 395,500,000				405,500,000				395,500,000	405,500,000	462,300,000
Amount of participation, FFELP student loans	749,600,000	749,600,000				664,300,000				749,600,000	664,300,000
Maximum participation to Union Bank FFELP loans										900,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents related party	390,500,000	390,500,000				147,200,000				390,500,000	147,200,000
Restricted cash - due to customers	$ 270,500,000	$ 270,500,000				$ 35,300,000				270,500,000	35,300,000
Interest income										$ 1,600,000	1,000,000	900,000
Square footage leased to related party (in square feet) | ft²										4
Lease income										$ 79,000	76,000	74,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Loan servicing and systems revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue										600,000	500,000	500,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Administration service fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue										3,700,000	3,200,000	2,000,000
Director
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party note receivable														$ 16,000,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate														14.00%
Received from Union Bank | Union Bank and Trust Company | Communications revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue										92,000	34,000	5,000
Cash Management | Paid to Union Bank | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party selling, general and administrative expense										213,000	128,000	127,000
401K Plan Administrative Fees | Paid to Union Bank | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party selling, general and administrative expense										366,000	313,000	241,000
Private education loans | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased										67,700,000	0	2,900,000
Consumer loans | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased										32,600,000	74,700,000	10,300,000
Loan Origination Purchase Agreement | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Marketing, origination and servicing fees										1,800,000
Employee Sharing Arrangement | Received from Union Bank | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other revenue from related party										317,000	231,000	231,000
Processing Fees Received, Net Of Merchant Fees | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from processing fees net of merchant fee										1,000	4,000	11,000
Processing Fees Received, Merchant Fees | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from processing fees net of merchant fee										$ 4,000	$ 13,000	$ 1,000

Related Parties - Transaction_2

Related Parties - Transactions with Other Related Parties (Details)	Jul. 26, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft ownership percentage		0.825	0.65
Increase in aircraft ownership interest		0.175
Payment to acquire additional interest in aircraft		$ 717,500
Management fee revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue						$ 8,838,000	$ 6,497,000	$ 0
Entity Owned By Significant Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Increase in aircraft ownership interest		0.175
Renewable Energy Investment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment in LLC					$ 700,000
Renewable Energy Investment | Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment in LLC					2,100,000
Renewable Energy Investment | BankFirst holding co
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment in LLC					2,100,000
Affiliated Entity and Director | Management fee revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue					138,000
Director
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party note receivable	$ 16,000,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate	14.00%
Related party note receivable, term	180 days
Proceeds from note receivable				$ 16,000,000
Agile Sports Technologies, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, cost method investment						19.20%
Investment, measurement alternative						$ 51,800,000
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Payment For Insurance Premiums
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction with related party						1,700,000	1,700,000	1,500,000
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Reinsurance Premiums Paid For By Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction with related party						1,300,000	1,300,000	1,400,000
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Annual Insurance Claim Refund
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction with related party						$ 56,000	84,000	10,000
BankFirst holding co | Director | Management fee revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue					69,000
Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc. | Affiliated Entity | Management fee revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue					$ 69,000
Mr. Dunlap | Agile Sports Technologies, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party						3.70%
Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payment for insurance claims						$ 900,000	$ 900,000	$ 700,000
Union Financial Services | Mr. Dunlap
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party						50.00%
Union Financial Services | Mr. Butterfield
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party						50.00%

Fair Value - Assets and Liabili

Fair Value - Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Investments	$ 65,601	$ 70,687
Derivative instruments	0	1,818
Total assets	65,601	72,505
Student loan and other asset-backed securities
Assets:
Investments	52,597	52,936
Equity securities
Assets:
Investments	6	2,722
Equity securities measured at net asset value
Assets:
Investments	12,894	14,925
Debt securities - available-for-sale
Assets:
Investments	104	104
Level 1
Assets:
Investments	110	2,826
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	110	2,826
Level 1 | Student loan and other asset-backed securities
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 1 | Equity securities
Assets:
Investments	6	2,722
Level 1 | Debt securities - available-for-sale
Assets:
Investments	104	104
Level 2
Assets:
Investments	52,597	52,936
Derivative instruments	0	1,818
Total assets	52,597	54,754
Level 2 | Student loan and other asset-backed securities
Assets:
Investments	52,597	52,936
Level 2 | Equity securities
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 2 | Debt securities - available-for-sale
Assets:
Investments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value - Fair Value of Fina

Fair Value - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	$ 20,669,371		$ 22,377,142
Cash and cash equivalents	133,906	$ 120,701	121,347	$ 66,752	$ 69,654
Restricted cash - due to customers	437,756		369,678	$ 187,121	$ 119,702
Accrued interest receivable	733,623		679,197
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,529,054	$ 22,185,558	22,218,740
Accrued interest payable	47,285		61,679
Due to customers	437,756		369,678
Fair value
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	21,477,630		23,521,171
Cash and cash equivalents	133,906		121,347
Investments (at fair value)	65,601		70,687
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations	33,258
Notes receivable			16,373
Restricted cash	650,939		701,366
Restricted cash - due to customers	437,756		369,678
Accrued interest receivable	733,623		679,197
Fair value of derivative instruments			1,818
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,479,095		22,270,462
Accrued interest payable	47,285		61,679
Due to customers	437,756		369,678
Fair value | Level 1
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	0		0
Cash and cash equivalents	133,906		121,347
Investments (at fair value)	110		2,826
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations	0
Notes receivable			0
Restricted cash	650,939		701,366
Restricted cash - due to customers	437,756		369,678
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Fair value of derivative instruments			0
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Due to customers	437,756		369,678
Fair value | Level 2
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	0		0
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Investments (at fair value)	52,597		52,936
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations	0
Notes receivable			16,373
Restricted cash	0		0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	733,623		679,197
Fair value of derivative instruments			1,818
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,479,095		22,270,462
Accrued interest payable	47,285		61,679
Due to customers	0		0
Fair value | Level 3
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	21,477,630		23,521,171
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Investments (at fair value)	0		0
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations	33,258
Notes receivable			0
Restricted cash	0		0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Fair value of derivative instruments			0
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Due to customers	0		0
Carrying value
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	20,669,371		22,377,142
Cash and cash equivalents	133,906		121,347
Investments (at fair value)	65,601		70,687
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations	33,187
Notes receivable			16,373
Restricted cash	650,939		701,366
Restricted cash - due to customers	437,756		369,678
Accrued interest receivable	733,623		679,197
Fair value of derivative instruments			1,818
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	20,529,054		22,218,740
Accrued interest payable	47,285		61,679
Due to customers	$ 437,756		$ 369,678

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net interest income	$ 64,252	$ 66,457	$ 59,825	$ 58,816	$ 69,539	$ 59,773	$ 57,739	$ 67,307	$ 249,350	$ 254,360	$ 305,238
Less provision for loan losses	13,000	10,000	9,000	7,000	5,000	10,500	3,500	4,000	39,000	23,000	14,450
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	51,252	56,457	50,825	51,816	64,539	49,273	54,239	63,307	210,350	231,360	290,788
Other income	26,522	13,439	16,152	9,067	9,998	16,673	9,580	18,557	65,179	54,805	55,728
Derivative market value and foreign currency transaction adjustments and derivative settlements, net	3,170	1,668	(24,088)	(11,539)	(29,843)	17,098	17,031	66,799	(30,789)	71,085	(18,554)
Cost of services									(102,026)	(76,492)	(58,628)
Salaries and benefits	(124,561)	(116,670)	(111,214)	(111,059)	(114,247)	(114,172)	(111,118)	(96,643)	(463,503)	(436,179)	(301,885)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,651)	(27,701)	(24,484)	(24,213)	(23,953)	(22,992)	(21,494)	(18,457)	(105,049)	(86,896)	(39,541)
Other operating expenses	(46,710)	(58,329)	(45,417)	(43,816)	(49,583)	(48,281)	(43,613)	(36,553)	(194,272)	(178,031)	(143,112)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(9,022)	(8,829)	(6,209)	(11,391)	4,599	(13,882)	(13,511)	(35,976)	(35,451)	(58,770)	(64,863)
Net income	41,834	33,135	24,678	41,647	21,674	43,126	49,539	113,185	141,294	227,524	161,821
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	546	77	(59)	(56)	(48)	(199)	(104)	740	509	389	11,345
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 42,380	$ 33,212	$ 24,619	$ 41,591	$ 21,626	$ 42,927	$ 49,435	$ 113,925	$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.06	$ 0.83	$ 0.61	$ 1.03	$ 0.53	$ 1.05	$ 1.21	$ 2.78	$ 3.54	$ 5.57	$ 4.14
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Revenue	$ 113,086	$ 113,286	$ 113,985	$ 114,898	$ 112,761	$ 112,579	$ 114,545	$ 100,141	$ 455,255	$ 440,027	$ 223,000
Education technology services and payment processing services
Revenue	63,578	74,251	60,342	79,159	54,589	58,409	48,742	60,221	277,331	221,962	193,188
Cost of services	(19,002)	(25,671)	(15,871)	(21,059)	(15,479)	(19,087)	(11,317)	(13,683)	(81,603)	(59,566)	(48,678)
Communications revenue
Revenue	17,499	16,470	15,758	14,543	13,326	11,818	10,320	9,189	64,269	44,653	25,700
Cost of services	$ (5,327)	$ (5,236)	$ (5,101)	$ (4,759)	$ (5,033)	$ (4,310)	$ (3,865)	$ (3,717)	$ (20,423)	$ (16,926)	$ (9,950)

Condensed Parent Company Fina_3

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 133,906	$ 120,701	$ 121,347	$ 66,752	$ 69,654
Investments and notes receivable	246,973	226,236	249,370
Restricted cash	650,939		701,366	688,193	980,961
Other assets	134,308	78,337	45,533
Fair value of derivative instruments	0		1,818
Total assets	23,708,970		25,220,968	23,964,435
Liabilities:
Notes payable	20,529,054	22,185,558	22,218,740
Other liabilities	303,781	287,312	256,092
Total liabilities	21,317,876		22,906,189
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	5,715		622
Retained earnings	2,377,627		2,299,556
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	2,972		3,883
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,386,712		2,304,464
Noncontrolling interests	4,382	$ 4,238	10,315
Total equity	2,391,094		2,314,779	$ 2,165,387	$ 2,070,925
Total liabilities and equity	23,708,970		25,220,968
Parent Company
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	73,144		36,890
Investments and notes receivable	137,229		140,582
Investment in subsidiary debt	13,818		13,818
Restricted cash	9,567		16,217
Investment in subsidiaries	2,181,122		2,448,540
Notes receivable from subsidiaries	42,552		56,973
Other assets	100,059		57,555
Fair value of derivative instruments	0		1,818
Total assets	2,557,491		2,772,393
Liabilities:
Notes payable	67,655		369,725
Other liabilities	97,952		94,016
Total liabilities	165,607		463,741
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock	398		403
Additional paid-in capital	5,715		622
Retained earnings	2,377,627		2,299,556
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	2,972		3,883
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,386,712		2,304,464
Noncontrolling interests	5,172		4,188
Total equity	2,391,884		2,308,652
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,557,491		$ 2,772,393

Condensed Parent Company Fina_4

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment interest									$ 34,421	$ 26,600	$ 12,695
Interest on bonds and notes payable									699,327	669,906	465,188
Net interest (expense) income	$ 64,252	$ 66,457	$ 59,825	$ 58,816	$ 69,539	$ 59,773	$ 57,739	$ 67,307	249,350	254,360	305,238
Other income:
Other income	26,522	13,439	16,152	9,067	9,998	16,673	9,580	18,557	65,179	54,805	55,728
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net	3,170	1,668	(24,088)	(11,539)	(29,843)	17,098	17,031	66,799	(30,789)	71,085	(18,554)
Total other income									831,245	832,532	479,062
Operating expenses									762,824	701,106	484,538
Income before income taxes									176,745	286,294	226,684
Income tax expense	9,022	8,829	6,209	11,391	(4,599)	13,882	13,511	35,976	35,451	58,770	64,863
Net income	41,834	33,135	24,678	41,647	21,674	43,126	49,539	113,185	141,294	227,524	161,821
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	546	77	(59)	(56)	(48)	(199)	(104)	740	509	389	11,345
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 42,380	$ 33,212	$ 24,619	$ 41,591	$ 21,626	$ 42,927	$ 49,435	$ 113,925	141,803	227,913	173,166
Parent Company
Investment interest									4,925	17,707	13,060
Interest on bonds and notes payable									9,588	9,270	3,315
Net interest (expense) income									(4,663)	8,437	9,745
Other income:
Other income									8,384	13,944	3,483
Gain from debt repurchases									136	359	2,964
Equity in subsidiaries income									182,346	158,364	170,897
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net									(30,789)	71,085	(603)
Total other income									160,077	243,752	176,741
Operating expenses									19,561	4,795	6,117
Income before income taxes									135,853	247,394	180,369
Income tax expense									(5,950)	19,481	7,491
Net income									141,803	227,913	172,878
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	288
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166

Condensed Parent Company Fina_5

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 41,834	$ 33,135	$ 24,678	$ 41,647	$ 21,674	$ 43,126	$ 49,539	$ 113,185	$ 141,294	$ 227,524	$ 161,821
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net									(1,199)	1,056	2,349
Reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net income, net of losses									0	(978)	(2,528)
Income tax effect									288	(69)	66
Total other comprehensive (loss) income									(911)	9	(113)
Comprehensive income									140,383	227,533	161,708
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									509	389	11,345
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									140,892	227,922	173,053
Parent Company
Net income									141,803	227,913	172,878
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net									(1,199)	1,056	2,349
Reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net income, net of losses									0	(978)	(2,528)
Income tax effect									288	(69)	66
Total other comprehensive (loss) income									(911)	9	(113)
Comprehensive income									140,892	227,922	172,765
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	288
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.									$ 140,892	$ 227,922	$ 173,053

Condensed Parent Company Fina_6

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		$ 42,380	$ 33,212	$ 24,619	$ 41,591	$ 21,626	$ 42,927	$ 49,435	$ 113,925	$ 141,803	$ 227,913	$ 173,166
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(546)	(77)	59	56	48	199	104	(740)	(509)	(389)	(11,345)
Net income		41,834	$ 33,135	$ 24,678	41,647	21,674	$ 43,126	$ 49,539	113,185	141,294	227,524	161,821
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization										192,662	184,682	137,823
(Payments to) proceeds from termination of derivative instruments, net										(12,530)	10,283	(30,382)
(Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net										(70,685)	40,382	76,325
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense										(7,265)	10,981	(1,544)
Non-cash compensation expense										6,781	6,539	4,416
Decrease (increase) in other assets										(11,065)	(4,069)	(42,270)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities										40,422	(12,506)	(2,341)
Net cash provided by operating activities										298,915	270,892	322,267
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities										(1,010)	(46,424)	(128,523)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities										105	71,415	156,540
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities										1,524,566	(732,351)	2,949,982
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable										(4,698,878)	(3,113,503)	(5,403,224)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable										2,997,972	3,922,962	1,984,558
Payments of debt issuance costs										(14,406)	(13,808)	(6,497)
Dividends paid										(29,485)	(26,839)	(24,097)
Repurchases of common stock										(40,411)	(45,331)	(68,896)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock										1,552	1,359	678
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest										0	(13,449)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests										4,650	918	19,473
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities										(1,793,271)	711,784	(3,500,500)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash										30,210	250,325	(228,251)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year					1,192,391				942,066	1,192,391	942,066	1,170,317
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year		1,222,601				1,192,391				1,222,601	1,192,391	942,066
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest										657,436	591,394	390,278
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits	[1]									17,672	473	96,271
Parent Company
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.										141,803	227,913	173,166
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest										0	0	(288)
Net income										141,803	227,913	172,878
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization										467	442	420
Derivative market value adjustment										76,195	(1,014)	7,591
(Payments to) proceeds from termination of derivative instruments, net										(12,530)	10,283	2,100
(Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net										(70,685)	40,382	76,325
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries										(182,346)	(158,364)	(170,897)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense										(19,183)	21,814	(8,056)
Non-cash compensation expense										6,781	6,539	4,416
Other										(4,586)	(16,306)	(3,454)
Decrease (increase) in other assets										(10,672)	25,252	4,171
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities										29,384	(9,621)	10,104
Net cash provided by operating activities										(45,372)	147,320	95,598
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities										0	(46,382)	(127,567)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities										0	75,605	156,727
Capital contributions/distributions to/from subsidiaries, net										449,602	(334,280)	29,426
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable from subsidiaries										14,421	(31,325)	(50,793)
Increase in guaranteed payment from subsidiary										0	(70,270)	0
Proceeds from investments and notes receivable										27,926	7,783	4,823
(Purchases of) proceeds from subsidiary debt, net										0	61,841	(3,844)
Purchases of investments and issuances of notes receivable										(47,106)	(28,610)	(18,023)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities										444,843	(365,638)	(9,251)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable										(361,272)	(8,651)	(27,480)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable										60,000	300,000	61,059
Payments of debt issuance costs										(1,129)	(827)	0
Dividends paid										(29,485)	(26,839)	(24,097)
Repurchases of common stock										(40,411)	(45,331)	(68,896)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock										1,552	1,359	678
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest										0	(13,449)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests										878	13	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities										(369,867)	206,275	(58,736)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash										29,604	(12,043)	27,611
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year					$ 53,107				$ 65,150	53,107	65,150	37,539
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year		$ 82,711				$ 53,107				82,711	53,107	65,150
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest										9,501	8,628	2,882
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits										17,672	473	96,721
Noncash investing and financing activity:
Recapitalization of accrued interest payable to accrued guaranteed payment										0	6,674	0
Recapitalization of note payable to guaranteed payment										0	186,429	0
Recapitalization of guaranteed payment to investment in subsidiary										0	273,360	0
Contributions of investments to subsidiaries, net										$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,092
[1]	For 2019 and 2018, the Company utilized $31.8 million and $14.7 million of federal and state tax credits, respectively, related primarily to renewable energy.

Uncategorized Items - nni-20191

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 1,264,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(6,077,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	2,007,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(743,000)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	0
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (6,077,000)