Nelnet (NNI) 10-K 28 Feb 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-31924
Entity Registrant Name	NELNET, INC
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,468,829,489
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled to be held May 19, 2022, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Entity Central Index Key	0001258602
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,101,036
Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,674,892

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	Lincoln, Nebraska
Auditor Firm ID	185

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets:
Loans and accrued interest receivable	$ 18,335,197	$ 20,185,656
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party	30,128	33,292
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party	95,435	87,957
Total cash and cash equivalents	125,563	121,249
Investments	1,588,919	992,940
Restricted cash	741,981	553,175
Restricted cash - due to customers	326,645	283,971
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,160 and $1,824, respectively)	163,315	76,460
Goodwill	142,092	142,092
Intangible assets, net	52,029	75,070
Property and equipment, net	119,413	123,527
Other assets	82,887	92,020
Total assets	21,678,041	22,646,160
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	17,631,089	19,320,726
Accrued interest payable	4,566	28,701
Bank deposits	344,315	54,633
Other liabilities	379,231	312,280
Due to customers	366,002	301,471
Total liabilities	18,725,203	20,017,811
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	1,000	3,794
Retained earnings	2,940,523	2,621,762
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net	9,304	6,102
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,951,206	2,632,042
Noncontrolling interests	1,632	(3,693)
Total equity	2,952,838	2,628,349
Total liabilities and equity	21,678,041	22,646,160
Class A
Common stock:
Common stock	272	272
Class B
Common stock:
Common stock	107	112
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Assets:
Loans and accrued interest receivable	17,981,414	20,132,996
Cash and cash equivalents:
Restricted cash	674,073	499,223
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	17,462,456	19,355,375
Common stock:
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities	(36,276)	(83,127)
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities	$ 1,156,755	$ 1,193,717

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowance for loan losses	$ 127,113	$ 175,698
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,160	$ 1,824
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
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	27,239,654	27,193,154
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	27,239,654	27,193,154
Class B
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	10,676,642	11,155,571
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	10,676,642	11,155,571

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest income:
Loan interest	$ 482,337	$ 595,113	$ 914,256
Investment interest	41,498	24,543	34,421
Total interest income	523,835	619,656	948,677
Interest expense:
Interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits	176,233	330,071	699,327
Net interest income	347,602	289,585	249,350
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses	(12,426)	63,360	39,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	360,028	226,225	210,350
Other income/expense:
Other	78,681	57,561	47,918
Gain on sale of loans	18,715	33,023	17,261
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO	0	258,588	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net	(16,360)	(24,723)	0
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net	71,446	(24,465)	(30,789)
Total other income/expense	977,079	1,110,384	831,245
Cost of services:
Cost of services	108,660	105,018	102,026
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits	507,132	501,832	463,503
Depreciation and amortization	73,741	118,699	105,049
Other expenses	145,469	160,574	194,272
Total operating expenses	726,342	781,105	762,824
Income before income taxes	502,105	450,486	176,745
Income tax expense	115,822	100,860	35,451
Net income	386,283	349,626	141,294
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,003	2,817	509
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,572,801	39,059,588	40,047,402
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	38,572,801	39,059,588	40,047,402
Loan servicing and systems
Other income/expense:
Revenue	$ 486,363	$ 451,561	$ 455,255
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue
Other income/expense:
Revenue	338,234	282,196	277,331
Cost of services:
Cost of services	108,660	82,206	81,603
Communications services
Other income/expense:
Revenue	0	76,643	64,269
Cost of services:
Cost of services	$ 0	$ 22,812	$ 20,423

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 386,283	$ 349,626	$ 141,294
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net changes related to foreign currency translation adjustments	(10)	0	0
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net	6,921	6,637	(1,199)
Reclassification of gains recognized in net income, net of losses	(2,695)	(2,521)	0
Income tax effect	(1,014)	(986)	288
Unrealized gains (losses) during period after reclassifications and tax	3,212	3,130	(911)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,202	3,130	(911)
Comprehensive income	389,485	352,756	140,383
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,003	2,817	509
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 396,488	$ 355,573	$ 140,892

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Preferred stock shares	Common stock sharesClass A	Common stock sharesClass B	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Retained earningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interestsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018			0	28,798,464	11,459,641
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 2,314,779	$ (6,077)	$ 0	$ 288	$ 115	$ 622	$ 2,299,556		$ 3,883	$ 10,315	$ (6,077)
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	0			$ 2	$ (2)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,391,094	$ (18,868)	$ 0	$ 285	$ 113	5,715	2,377,627	$ (18,868)	2,972	4,382
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019			0	28,458,495	11,271,609
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	$ 219,265									219,265
Net income (loss)	349,626						352,443			(2,817)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,130								3,130
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(16,123)									(16,123)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock	(31,778)						(31,778)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)				213,015
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	5,628			$ 2		5,626
Compensation expense for stock based awards	7,290					7,290
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)				(1,594,394)
Repurchase of common stock	(73,358)			$ (16)		(14,837)	(58,505)
Conversion of common stock (in shares)				116,038	(116,038)
Conversion of common stock	0			$ 1	$ (1)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(600)						(375)			(225)
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest - ALLO	(208,175)									(208,175)
Other equity transactions, net of costs incurred to sell shares of subsidiary	1,218						1,218
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	2,628,349		$ 0	$ 272	$ 112	3,794	2,621,762		6,102	(3,693)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020			0	27,193,154	11,155,571
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests	61,087									61,087
Net income (loss)	386,283						393,286			(7,003)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,202								3,202
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(48,759)									(48,759)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock	(34,457)						(34,457)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)				280,845
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures	4,829			$ 2		4,827
Compensation expense for stock based awards	10,415					10,415
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)				(713,274)
Repurchase of common stock	(58,111)			$ (7)		(18,036)	(40,068)
Conversion of common stock (in shares)				478,929	(478,929)
Conversion of common stock	0			$ 5	$ (5)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 2,952,838		$ 0	$ 272	$ 107	$ 1,000	$ 2,940,523		$ 9,304	$ 1,632
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021			0	27,239,654	10,676,642

Consolidated Statements of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Class A
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.90	$ 0.82	$ 0.74
Class B
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.90	$ 0.82	$ 0.74

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(7,003)	(2,817)	(509)
Net income		386,283	349,626	141,294
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costs		132,325	198,473	192,662
Loan discount accretion		(7,990)	(35,285)	(35,824)
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses		(12,426)	63,360	39,000
Derivative market value adjustments		(92,813)	28,144	76,195
Payments to terminate derivative instruments, net		0	0	(12,530)
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net		91,294	(26,747)	(70,685)
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO, including cash impact		0	(287,579)	0
Gain from sale of loans		(18,715)	(33,023)	(17,261)
Gain from investments, net		(3,811)	(14,055)	(3,095)
Loss on (gain from) repurchases and extinguishments of debt, net		6,775	(1,924)	16,553
Purchases of equity securities, net		(42,916)	0	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		55,622	7,974	(7,265)
Non-cash compensation expense		10,673	16,739	6,781
Provision for beneficial interests and impairment expense, net		16,360	24,723	0
Other		0	186	584
Decrease (increase) in loan and investment accrued interest receivable		1,378	(61,090)	(54,586)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable		(86,982)	40,880	(55,949)
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net		39,439	59,182	(19,858)
Decrease in the carrying amount of ROU asset, net		7,170	11,594	8,793
Decrease in accrued interest payable		(24,135)	(18,584)	(14,394)
Increase in other liabilities, net		29,775	35,907	49,100
Decrease in the carrying amount of lease liability		(6,978)	(9,401)	(8,678)
Increase (decrease) in due to customers		64,539	(136,285)	68,078
Net cash provided by operating activities		544,867	212,815	298,915
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases and originations of loans		(1,318,605)	(1,459,696)	(1,906,669)
Purchases of loans from a related party		(22,678)	(147,539)	(101,538)
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest		3,103,776	2,644,347	3,462,391
Proceeds from sale of loans		85,906	136,126	196,564
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(734,817)	(471,510)	(1,010)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		160,976	173,784	105
Proceeds from and sale of beneficial interest in loan securitizations, net		40,602	44,213	6,593
Purchases of other investments		(253,894)	(168,216)	(103,250)
Proceeds from other investments		191,821	13,011	63,879
Purchases of held-to-maturity debt securities		(8,200)	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment		(58,952)	(113,312)	(92,499)
Business acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired		0	(29,989)	0
Net cash provided by investing activities		1,185,935	621,219	1,524,566
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on bonds and notes payable		(3,683,770)	(3,129,485)	(4,698,878)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable		1,947,559	1,884,689	2,997,972
Payments of debt issuance costs		(7,093)	(8,674)	(14,406)
Payments to extinguish debt		0	0	(14,030)
Increase in bank deposits, net		289,682	54,633	0
Dividends paid		(34,457)	(31,778)	(29,485)
Repurchases of common stock		(58,111)	(73,358)	(40,411)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,465	1,653	1,552
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		0	(600)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		50,716	205,768	4,650
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		(878)	(1,088)	(235)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,494,887)	(1,098,240)	(1,793,271)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(121)	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		235,794	(264,206)	30,210
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period		958,395	1,222,601	1,192,391
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period		1,194,189	958,395	1,222,601
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest		152,173	301,570	657,436
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received	[1]	18,659	29,685	17,672
Cash disbursements made for operating leases		7,970	11,488	9,966
Noncash operating, investing, and financing activity:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations		4,228	4,282	8,731
Receipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations		23,506	52,501	39,780
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		47,881	15,035	3,868
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		10,371	4,132	0
Cash and cash equivalents:
Total cash and cash equivalents		125,563	121,249	133,906
Restricted cash		741,981	553,175	650,939
Restricted cash - due to customers		326,645	283,971	437,756
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		$ 1,194,189	$ 958,395	$ 1,222,601
[1]	For 2021, 2020, and 2019 the Company utilized $34.1 million, $53.9 million, and $31.8 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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax credit utilized in period	$ 34.1	$ 53.9	$ 31.8

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, innovative company with a purpose to serve others and a vision to make dreams possible. The largest operating businesses engage in loan servicing and education technology, services, and payment processing, and the Company also has a significant investment in 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 early-stage and emerging growth companies, real estate, and renewable energy (solar). 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 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 FFELP loans. However, a significant portion of the Company’s income continues to be derived from its existing FFELP student loan portfolio. Interest income on the Company’s existing FFELP loan portfolio will decline over time as the portfolio is paid down. Since all FFELP loans will eventually run off, a key objective of the Company is to reposition itself for the post-FFELP environment. 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 and certain investment acquisitions. The Company is also actively expanding its private education and consumer loan portfolios, and in November 2020 launched Nelnet Bank (as further discussed below). In addition, the Company has been servicing federally owned student loans for the Department since 2009. 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”) • Nelnet Bank A description of each reportable operating segment is included below. See note 15 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 (known as Nelnet Diversified Services (“NDS”)) include: • Servicing federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education • Servicing FFELP loans • Originating and servicing private education and consumer loans • Backup servicing for FFELP, private education, and consumer loans • Providing student loan servicing software and other information technology products and services • Customer acquisition, management services, and backup servicing for community solar developers • Providing outsourced services including call center, processing, and technology 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. In addition, LSS provides backup servicing to third-parties, which allows a transfer of the customer’s servicing volume to the Company’s platform and becoming a full servicing customer if their existing servicer cannot perform their duties. Nelnet Servicing, LLC (“Nelnet Servicing”) and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (“Great Lakes”), subsidiaries of the Company, are two of the current seven private sector entities that have student loan servicing contracts with the Department to provide servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. This segment also provides student loan servicing software, which is used internally 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, interacting with customers through multi-channels, and processing and technology services. Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing The Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing segment (known as Nelnet Business Services (“NBS”)) provides education services, payment technology, and community management solutions for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, churches, and businesses in the United States and internationally. NBS provides service and technology under five divisions as follows: FACTS provides solutions that elevate the education experience in the K-12 market for school administrators, teachers, and families. FACTS offers (i) financial management, including tuition payment plans and financial needs assessment (grant and aid); (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 scheduling, cafeteria management, attendance, and grade book management; (iii) enrollment and communications, including website design and cost effective admissions software; (iv) advancement (giving management), including a comprehensive donation platform that streamlines donor communications, organizes donor information, and provides access to data analysis and reporting; and (v) education development, including customized professional development and coaching services, educational instruction services, and innovative technology products that aid in teacher and student evaluations. Nelnet Campus Commerce delivers payment technology to higher education institutions. Nelnet Campus Commerce solutions include (i) tuition management, including tuition payment plans and service and technology for student billings, payments, and refunds; and (ii) integrated commerce including solutions for in-person, online, and mobile payment experiences on campus. PaymentSpring provides secure payment processing technology. PaymentSpring supports and provides payment processing services, including credit card and electronic transfer, to the other divisions of NBS in addition to other industries and software platforms across the United States. Nelnet Community Engagement provides faith community engagement, giving management, and learning management services and technologies. Nelnet Community Engagement serves customers in the technology, nonprofit, religious, health care, and professional services industries. Nelnet International provides its services and technology in more than 50 countries with the largest concentrations in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. Nelnet International serves customers in the education, local government, and healthcare industries. Nelnet International’s suite of services include an integrated commerce payment platform, financial management and tuition payment plan services, and a school management platform that provides administrative, information management, financial management, and communication functions for K-12 schools. Communications ALLO Communications LLC (“ALLO”) provides pure fiber optic service to homes and businesses for internet, television, and telephone services. 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, hosted PBX services, and other services. On December 21, 2020 the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements due to ALLO’s recapitalization. The recapitalization of ALLO was not considered a strategic shift in the Company’s involvement with ALLO and ALLO’s results of operations, prior to deconsolidation, are presented by the Company as a reportable operating segment. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for a description of this transaction and the Company’s continued involvement. 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 (excluding loan assets held by Nelnet Bank). 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). AGM also acquires private education and consumer loans. AGM generates a substantial portion of its earnings from the spread, referred to as 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. Nelnet Bank On November 2, 2020, the Company obtained final approval for federal deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and for a bank charter from the Utah Department of Financial Institutions ("UDFI") in connection with the establishment of Nelnet Bank, and Nelnet Bank launched operations. Nelnet Bank operates as an internet Utah-chartered industrial bank franchise focused on the private education loan marketplace, with a home office in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nelnet Bank serves and plans to serve a niche market, with a concentration in the private education and unsecured consumer loan markets. 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 • The majority of the Company’s investment activities • Interest expense incurred on unsecured and certain other corporate related debt transactions • Other product and service offerings that are not considered reportable operating segments 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.

ALLO Recapitalization

ALLO Recapitalization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
ALLO Recapitalization	ALLO Recapitalization On October 1, 2020, the Company entered into various agreements with SDC, a third party global digital infrastructure investor, and ALLO, then a majority owned communications subsidiary of the Company, for various transactions contemplated by the parties in connection with a recapitalization and additional funding for ALLO. The agreements provided for a series of interrelated transactions, whereby on October 15, 2020, ALLO received proceeds of $197.0 million from SDC as the purchase price for the issuance of non-voting preferred membership units of ALLO, and redeemed $160.0 million of non-voting preferred membership units of ALLO held by the Company. On December 21, 2020, the non-voting preferred membership units of ALLO held by SDC automatically converted into voting membership units of ALLO pursuant to the terms of the agreements upon the receipt on December 21, 2020 of the required approvals from applicable regulatory authorities. As a result of such conversion, SDC, the Company, and members of ALLO’s management own approximately 48 percent, 45 percent, and 7 percent, respectively, of the outstanding voting membership interests of ALLO, and the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Upon the deconsolidation of ALLO, the Company recorded its 45 percent voting membership interests in ALLO at fair value, and accounts for such investment under the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (“HLBV”) method of accounting. In addition, the Company recorded its remaining non-voting preferred membership interests in ALLO at fair value, and accounts for such investment as a separate equity investment. The agreements between the Company, SDC, and ALLO provide that they will use commercially reasonable efforts (which expressly excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to cause ALLO to redeem, on or before April 2024, the remaining preferred membership units of ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such units. The preferred membership units earn a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent. The voting membership interests and non-voting preferred membership interests of ALLO are included on the consolidated balance sheet in “investments.” See note 7 for additional information. As a result of the deconsolidation of ALLO on December 21, 2020, the Company recognized a gain of $258.6 million as summarized below. As of Voting interest/equity method investment - recorded at fair value $ 132,960 Preferred membership interest investment - recorded at fair value 228,530 Less: ALLO assets deconsolidated: Cash and cash equivalents – not held at a related party (299) Cash and cash equivalents – held at a related party (28,692) Accounts receivable (4,138) Goodwill (21,112) Intangible assets (6,083) Property and equipment, net (245,295) Other assets (29,643) Other liabilities 24,185 Noncontrolling interests 208,175 Gain recognized upon deconsolidation of ALLO $ 258,588 The impact to the Company’s 2020 operating results as a result of the ALLO recapitalization is summarized below: Gain from deconsolidation $ 258,588 Compensation expense (note 1) (9,298) Obligation to SDC (note 2) (2,339) $ 246,951 Note 1: On October 1, 2020 (prior to the deconsolidation of ALLO), ALLO recognized compensation expense related to the modification of certain equity awards previously granted to members of ALLO’s management. Note 2: As part of the ALLO recapitalization transaction, the Company and SDC entered into an agreement, in which the Company has a contingent payment obligation to pay SDC a contingent payment amount of $25.0 million to $35.0 million in the event the Company disposes of its voting membership interests of ALLO that it holds and realizes from such disposition certain targeted return levels. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of the contingent payment as of December 31, 2020 to be $2.3 million, which is included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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. VIEs - Not consolidated The Company is not required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is not the primary beneficiary. In December of 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. The Company entered into a joint venture with other investors to acquire the loans. During 2021, the joint venture completed asset-backed securitization transactions to permanently finance a total of $8.7 billion of the private education loans purchased by the joint venture (which represented the total remaining loans originally purchased from Wells Fargo, factoring in borrower payments from the date of purchase). Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the Company is the servicer of the portfolio, owns an approximate 8 percent interest in residual interests in securitizations of the loans, and serves as the sponsor and administrator for the loan securitizations completed by the joint venture. See note 7, “Investments” for a description of, and the Company’s accounting for, these transactions, and disclosure of the Company’s maximum exposure. 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" on the consolidated balance sheets and accounted for under the HLBV method of accounting. 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, 2021 2020 Investment carrying amount $ (41,030) (26,006) Tax credits subject to recapture 111,289 101,943 Unfunded capital and other commitments 4,350 13,330 Company’s maximum exposure to loss 74,609 89,267 Exposure syndicated to third-party investors 71,511 15,562 Maximum exposure to loss $ 146,120 104,829 As of December 31, 2021, the Company owned 45 percent of the economic rights of ALLO Communications LLC and has a disproportional 43 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. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for disclosure of ALLO’s recapitalization and the Company’s initial recognition of its voting interest/equity method and non-voting preferred membership investments. See note 7, “Investments,” for the Company’s carrying value of its voting interest/equity method and non-voting preferred membership investments, which is the Company’s maximum exposure to loss. 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. In addition, the Company has established multiple 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, 2021 and 2020. 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 twelve 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 thirty 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 six years. Allowance for Loan Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology. The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. The Company adopted Topic 326 using the modified retrospective method. As such, the results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under Topic 326 (recognizing estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset's remaining life) while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (recognizing estimated credit losses using an incurred loss model); therefore, the comparative information for 2019 is not comparable to the information presented for 2020 and 2021. Adoption of the new guidance primarily impacted the allowance for loan losses related to the Company's loan portfolio. Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to the allowance for loan losses of $91.0 million and decreased retained earnings, net of tax, by $18.9 million. Allowance for Loan Losses - Accounting Policies Under Topic 326 The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans as of the balance sheet date. Such allowance is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the asset which includes consideration of prepayments. Loans are charged off when management determines the loan is uncollectible. Charge-offs are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Expected recoveries of amounts previously charged off, not to exceed the aggregate of the amount previously charged off, are included in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses at the balance sheet date. The Company aggregates loans with similar risk characteristics into pools to estimate its expected credit losses. The Company evaluates such pooling decisions each quarter and makes adjustments as risk characteristics change. The Company determines its estimated credit losses for the following financial assets as follows: Loans receivable Management has determined that the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios each 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 loan losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment disclosures are presented on this basis in note 4 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables. The Company utilizes an undiscounted cash flow methodology in determining its lifetime expected credit losses on its federally insured and private education loan portfolios and a remaining life methodology for its consumer loan portfolio. For the undiscounted cash flow models, the expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the Company’s estimates of probability of default and loss given default and the exposure of default over the expected life of the loans. For the remaining life method, the expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the Company’s estimated net loss rate by the exposure at default over the expected life of the loans. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company has determined that, for modeling current expected credit losses, the Company can reasonably estimate expected losses that incorporate current economic conditions and forecasted probability weighted economic scenarios up to a one-year period. Macroeconomic factors used in the models include such variables as unemployment rates, gross domestic product, and consumer price index. After the "reasonable and supportable" period, the Company reverts to its actual long-term historical loss experience in the historical observation period. The Company uses a straight line reversion method over two years. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. A portion of the allowance is comprised of qualitative adjustments to historical loss experience. Qualitative adjustments consider the following factors, as applicable, for each of the Company’s loan portfolios: student loans in repayment versus those in nonpaying status; delinquency status; type of private education or consumer loan program; trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data; past experience; trends in federally insured student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors; changes in federal student loan programs; 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. Federally insured student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured. Private education and consumer loans are unsecured, with neither a government nor a private insurance guarantee. Accordingly, the Company bears the full risk of loss on these loans if the borrower and co-borrower, if applicable, default. 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. Purchased Loans Receivable with Credit Deterioration (“PCD”) The Company has purchased federally insured rehabilitation loans that have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Rehabilitation loans are loans that have previously defaulted, but for which the borrower has made a specified number of on-time payments. Although rehabilitation loans benefit from the same guarantees as other federally insured loans, rehabilitation loans have generally experienced redefault rates that are higher than default rates for federally insured loans that have not previously defaulted. These PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for loan losses is determined using the same methodology as for other loans held for investment. The sum of the loans’ purchase price and allowance for loan losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense. Loan Accrued Interest Receivable Accrued interest receivable on loans is combined and presented with the loans receivable amortized cost balance on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. For the Company’s federally insured loan portfolio, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For federally insured loans, accrued interest receivable is typically charged-off when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become greater than 270 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. For the Company’s private education and consumer loan portfolios, the Company does not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For private education and consumer loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized by reversing interest income. Allowance for Loan Losses - Accounting Policies Prior to Adoption of Topic 326 Prior to the adoption of Topic 326 effective January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan losses represented management's estimate of probable losses on loans. The provision for loan losses for periods ended prior to January 1, 2020 reflected the activity for the applicable period and provided an allowance at a level that the Company's management believed was appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluated 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 were subject to numerous judgments and uncertainties including the selection of loss rates over time and determination of the loss emergence period. 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 $48.3 million, $92.3 million, and $112.9 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. 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 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. When an investment is sold, the cost basis is determined through specific identification of the security sold. For available-for-sale debt securities where fair value is less than amortized cost, credit-related impairment, if any, is recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk. The Company classifies its residual interest in federally insured, private education, and 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. If the present value of remaining cash flows is less than the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for the difference. Subsequent favorable changes, if any, decreases the allowance for credit losses. The Company reflects the changes in the allowance for credit losses in provision for beneficial interests on the consolidated statements of income. 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. The Company accounts for its solar investments, voting equity investment in ALLO, and certain real estate investments under the HLBV method of accounting. The HLBV method of accounting is used by the Company for equity method investments when the liquidation rights and priorities as defined by an equity investment agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership or voting interests. The Company applies the HLBV method using a balance sheet approach. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that the Company would receive if an equity investment entity were to liquidate its net assets and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is the amount the Company recognizes for its share of the earnings or losses from the equity investment for the period. 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 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 (as of November 30) 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, 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. For the 2021, 2020, and 2019 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. 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 The Company determines if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease at the inception of an arrangement 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 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 accounts for lease and non-lease components together as a single, combined lease component for its office and data center space. In addition, the Company identified itself as the lessor in its Communications operating segment for services provided to customers that include customer-premise equipment. The Company accounted 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, w

Loans and Accrued Interest Rece

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses	Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses Loans and accrued interest receivable consisted of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Non-Nelnet Bank: Federally insured student loans: Stafford and other $ 3,904,000 4,383,000 Consolidation 13,187,047 14,746,173 Total 17,091,047 19,129,173 Private education loans 299,442 320,589 Consumer loans 51,301 109,346 Non-Nelnet Bank loans 17,441,790 19,559,108 Nelnet Bank: Federally insured student loans 88,011 — Private education loans 169,890 17,543 Nelnet Bank loans 257,901 17,543 Accrued interest receivable 788,552 794,611 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (25,933) (9,908) Allowance for loan losses: Non-Nelnet Bank: Federally insured loans (103,381) (128,590) Private education loans (16,143) (19,529) Consumer loans (6,481) (27,256) Non-Nelnet Bank allowance for loan losses (126,005) (175,375) Nelnet Bank: Federally insured loans (268) — Private education loans (840) (323) Nelnet Bank allowance for loan losses (1,108) (323) $ 18,335,197 20,185,656 Loan Sales The Company has sold portfolios of consumer loans to an unrelated third party who securitized such loans. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received residual interest in the consumer loan securitizations that are included in "investments" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The following table provides a summary of the consumer loans sold and gains recognized by the Company during 2021, 2020, and 2019. Loans sold Gain Residual interest received in securitization 2021: May 14, 2021 $ 77,417 15,271 24.5 % September 29, 2021 18,390 3,249 6.9 $ 95,807 18,520 2020: January 30, 2020 $ 124,249 18,206 31.4 % July 29, 2020 60,779 14,817 25.4 $ 185,028 33,023 2019: May 1, 2019 $ 47,680 1,712 11.0 % October 17, 2019 179,301 15,549 28.7 $ 226,981 17,261 Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment. Balance at beginning of period Impact of Topic 326 adoption Provision (negative provision) for loan losses Charge-offs Recoveries Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration (a) Loan sales Balance at end of period Year ended December 31, 2021 Non-Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans $ 128,590 — (7,343) (21,139) — 3,273 — 103,381 Private education loans 19,529 — (1,333) (2,476) 721 — (298) 16,143 Consumer loans 27,256 — (4,544) (5,123) 824 — (11,932) 6,481 Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans — — 268 — — — — 268 Private education loans 323 — 526 (4) — — (5) 840 $ 175,698 — (12,426) (28,742) 1,545 3,273 (12,235) 127,113 Year ended December 31, 2020 Non-Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans $ 36,763 72,291 18,691 (14,955) — 15,800 — 128,590 Private education loans 9,597 4,797 6,156 (1,652) 631 — — 19,529 Consumer loans 15,554 13,926 38,183 (12,115) 1,132 — (29,424) 27,256 Nelnet Bank Private education loans — — 330 (7) — — — 323 $ 61,914 91,014 63,360 (28,729) 1,763 15,800 (29,424) 175,698 Year ended December 31, 2019 Non-Nelnet Bank 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 (a) During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $224.1 million (par value) and $835.0 million (par value), respectively, of federally insured rehabilitation loans that met the definition of PCD loans when they were purchased by the Company. Beginning in March 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic caused significant disruptions in the U.S. and world economies. Apart from the impact of the adoption of Topic 326 effective January 1, 2020, the Company’s allowance for loan losses increased in 2020 primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on economic conditions. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses due to (i) management's estimate of certain continued improved economic conditions as of December 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020; (ii) an increase in the constant prepayment rate on FFELP consolidation loans; and (iii) the amortization of the federally insured loan portfolio. These amounts were partially offset by the establishment of an initial allowance for loans originated and acquired during the period. Loan Status and Delinquencies The key credit quality indicators for the Company’s federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios are loan status, including delinquencies. The impact of changes in loan status is incorporated into the allowance for loan losses calculation. 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 status and delinquency amounts. As of December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 829,624 4.9 % $ 1,036,028 5.4 % $ 1,074,678 5.3 % Loans in forbearance (b) 1,118,667 6.5 1,973,175 10.3 1,339,821 6.6 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 12,847,685 84.9 % 13,683,054 84.9 % 15,410,993 86.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 895,656 5.9 633,411 3.9 650,796 3.6 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 352,449 2.3 307,936 1.9 428,879 2.4 Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) 251,075 1.7 800,257 5.0 310,851 1.7 Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 592,449 3.9 674,975 4.2 812,107 4.5 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c)(d) 203,442 1.3 20,337 0.1 300,418 1.8 Total loans in repayment 15,142,756 88.6 100.0 % 16,119,970 84.3 100.0 % 17,914,044 88.1 100.0 % Total federally insured loans 17,091,047 100.0 % 19,129,173 100.0 % 20,328,543 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 784,716 791,453 730,059 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs (28,309) (14,505) (35,822) Non-accretable discount (e) — — (28,036) Allowance for loan losses (103,381) (128,590) (36,763) Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 17,744,073 $ 19,777,531 $ 20,957,981 Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 9,661 3.2 % $ 5,049 1.6 % $ 4,493 1.8 % Loans in forbearance (b) 3,601 1.2 2,359 0.7 3,108 1.3 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 280,457 98.0 % 310,036 99.0 % 227,013 95.9 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,403 0.8 1,099 0.4 2,814 1.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 976 0.3 675 0.2 1,694 0.7 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 2,344 0.9 1,371 0.4 5,136 2.2 Total loans in repayment 286,180 95.6 100.0 % 313,181 97.7 100.0 % 236,657 96.9 100.0 % Total private education loans 299,442 100.0 % 320,589 100.0 % 244,258 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 1,960 2,131 1,558 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums (1,123) 2,691 46 Non-accretable discount (e) — — (4,362) Allowance for loan losses (16,143) (19,529) (9,597) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 284,136 $ 305,882 $ 231,903 Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in deferment (a) $ 43 0.1 % $ 829 0.8 % $ — Loans in repayment status: Loans current 49,697 97.0 % 105,650 97.4 % 220,404 97.5 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 414 0.8 954 0.9 2,046 0.9 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 322 0.6 804 0.7 1,545 0.7 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 825 1.6 1,109 1.0 1,923 0.9 Total loans in repayment 51,258 99.9 100.0 % 108,517 99.2 100.0 % 225,918 100.0 % Total consumer loans 51,301 100.0 % 109,346 100.0 % 225,918 Accrued interest receivable 396 1,001 1,880 Loan premium 913 1,640 740 Allowance for loan losses (6,481) (27,256) (15,554) Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 46,129 $ 84,731 $ 212,984 As of December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 330 0.4 % Loans in forbearance (b) 1,057 1.2 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 85,599 98.8 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 816 1.0 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) — — Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) — — Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 209 0.2 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c) — — Total loans in repayment 86,624 98.4 100.0 % Total federally insured loans 88,011 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 1,216 Loan premium 26 Allowance for loan losses (268) Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 88,985 Private education loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 150 0.1 % $ — — % Loans in forbearance (b) 460 0.3 29 0.2 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 169,157 99.9 % 17,514 100.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 51 — — — Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) — — — — Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 72 0.1 — — Total loans in repayment 169,280 99.6 100.0 % 17,514 99.8 100.0 % Total private education loans 169,890 100.0 % 17,543 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 264 26 Deferred origination costs 2,560 266 Allowance for loan losses (840) (323) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 171,874 $ 17,512 (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. (e) Upon adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Company reclassified the non-accretable discount balance related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration to allowance for loan losses. As a result of COVID-19, effective March 13, 2020 through June 30, 2020, the Company proactively applied a 90 day natural disaster forbearance to any loan that was 31-269 days past due (for federally insured loans) and 80 days past due (for private education loans), and to any current loan upon request. Beginning July 1, 2020, the Company discontinued proactively applying 90 day natural disaster forbearances on past due loans. However, the Company continued to apply a natural disaster forbearance in 90 day increments to any private education and federally insured loan upon request through July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively. As a result of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company continues to review whether additional and/or extended borrower relief policies and activities are needed. All relief provided to borrowers by the Company through December 31, 2021 have been delays in payment that the Company considers to be insignificant and have not been accounted for as troubled debt restructuring. Nonaccrual Status The Company does not place federally insured loans on nonaccrual status due to the government guaranty. The amortized cost of private and consumer loans on nonaccrual status, as well as the allowance for loan losses related to such loans, as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was not material. Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year The following table presents the amortized cost of the Company's private education and consumer loans by loan status and delinquency amount as of December 31, 2021 based on year of origination. Effective July 1, 2010, no new loan originations can be made under the FFEL Program and all new federal loan originations must be made under the Federal Direct Loan Program. As such, all the Company’s federally insured loans were originated prior to July 1, 2010. 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior years Total Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in school/grace/deferment $ 2,266 1,981 3,557 — — 1,857 9,661 Loans in forbearance — 267 960 47 — 2,327 3,601 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 2,768 68,754 50,348 492 — 158,095 280,457 Loans delinquent 31-60 days — 308 225 — — 1,870 2,403 Loans delinquent 61-90 days — 81 — — — 895 976 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater — — 4 — — 2,340 2,344 Total loans in repayment 2,768 69,143 50,577 492 — 163,200 286,180 Total private education loans $ 5,034 71,391 55,094 539 — 167,384 299,442 Accrued interest receivable 1,960 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums (1,123) Allowance for loan losses (16,143) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 284,136 Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in deferment $ 25 — — 18 — — 43 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 37,822 960 5,087 5,746 82 — 49,697 Loans delinquent 31-60 days 205 51 120 33 5 — 414 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 113 40 109 60 — — 322 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 133 43 261 388 — — 825 Total loans in repayment 38,273 1,094 5,577 6,227 87 — 51,258 Total consumer loans $ 38,298 1,094 5,577 6,245 87 — 51,301 Accrued interest receivable 396 Loan premium 913 Allowance for loan losses (6,481) Total consumer loans and accrued interest $ 46,129 Private education loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in school/grace/deferment $ 150 — — — — — 150 Loans in forbearance 445 15 — — — — 460 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 158,486 10,671 — — — — 169,157 Loans delinquent 31-60 days 51 — — — — — 51 Loans delinquent 61-90 days — — — — — — — Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 72 — — — — — 72 Total loans in repayment 158,609 10,671 — — — — 169,280 Total private education loans $ 159,204 10,686 — — — — 169,890 Accrued interest receivable 264 Deferred origination costs 2,560 Allowance for loan losses (840) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 171,874

Bonds and Notes Payable

Bonds and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 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 $ 15,887,295 0.23% - 2.10% 5/27/25 - 9/25/69 Bonds and notes based on auction 248,550 0.00% - 1.09% 3/22/32 - 8/27/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 16,135,845 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed 772,935 1.42% - 3.45% 10/25/67 - 8/27/68 FFELP loan warehouse facility 5,048 0.21% 5/22/23 Private education loan warehouse facility 107,011 0.24% 2/13/23 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 31,818 1.65% / 1.85% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 28,613 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit — — 9/22/26 Participation agreement 253,969 0.78% 5/4/22 Repurchase agreements 483,848 0.66% - 1.46% 5/27/22 - 12/20/23 Secured line of credit 5,000 1.91% 5/30/22 17,824,087 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (192,998) Total $ 17,631,089 As of December 31, 2020 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 $ 17,127,643 0.28% - 2.05% 5/27/25 - 10/25/68 Bonds and notes based on auction 749,925 1.12% - 2.14% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 17,877,568 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations 923,076 1.42% - 3.45% 10/25/67 - 8/27/68 FFELP loan warehouse facilities 252,165 0.27% / 0.31% 5/20/22 / 2/26/23 Private education loan warehouse facility 150,397 0.28% 2/13/22 Consumer loan warehouse facility 25,809 0.28% 4/23/22 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 49,025 1.65% / 1.90% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 37,251 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 120,000 1.65% 12/16/24 Participation agreement 118,558 0.84% 5/4/21 Secured line of credit 5,000 1.90% 5/30/22 19,558,849 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (238,123) Total $ 19,320,726 Warehouse Facilities The Company funds a portion of its loan acquisitions using warehouse facilities. Loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements. FFELP loan warehouse facility As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s FFELP warehouse facility had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $60.0 million, liquidity provisions through May 23, 2022, and a final maturity of May 22, 2023. As of December 31, 2021, $5.0 million was outstanding under this facility, $55.0 million was available for future funding, and the Company had $0.3 million advanced as equity support. In the event the Company is unable to renew the liquidity provisions by May 23, 2022, 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. Private Education loan warehouse facility During 2020, the Company obtained a private education loan warehouse facility. As of December 31, 2021, the facility has an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $175.0 million, an advance rate of 80 to 90 percent, liquidity provisions through February 13, 2022, and a final maturity date of February 13, 2023. As of December 31, 2021, $107.0 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility, $68.0 million was available for future funding, and the Company had $11.8 million advanced as equity support. Consumer loan warehouse facility The Company had a $100.0 million consumer loan warehouse facility. On March 31, 2021, the Company terminated this facility. Asset-backed securitizations The Company has historically relied upon asset-backed securitizations 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 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 financing agreements. The following tables summarize the asset-backed securitization transactions completed in 2021 and 2020. Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2021 2021-1 2021-2 Total Date securities issued 6/30/21 8/31/21 Total original principal amount $ 797,000 531,300 1,328,300 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 781,000 520,600 1,301,600 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% Final maturity date 7/25/69 9/25/69 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 16,000 10,700 26,700 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.25% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.20% Final maturity date 7/25/69 9/25/69 Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2020 2020-1 2020-2 2020-3 2020-4 (a) 2020-5 (a) Total Date securities issued 2/20/20 3/11/20 3/19/20 8/27/20 10/1/20 Total original principal amount $ 435,600 272,100 352,600 191,300 295,000 1,546,600 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 424,600 264,300 343,600 191,300 295,000 1,518,800 Bond discount — (44) (1,503) (19) — (1,566) Issue price $ 424,600 264,256 342,097 191,281 295,000 1,517,234 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.74% 1.83% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.92% 1.42% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.88% Final maturity date 3/26/68 4/25/68 3/26/68 8/27/68 10/25/68 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 11,000 7,800 9,000 27,800 Bond discount — (574) (284) (858) Issue price $ 11,000 7,226 8,716 26,942 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.75% 2.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.90% Final maturity date 3/26/68 4/25/68 3/26/68 (a) Total original principal amount excludes the Class B subordinated tranche for the 2020-4 and 2020-5 transactions, totaling $5.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively, that was retained by the Company at issuance. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total of $381.2 million (par value) of its own asset-backed securities that were retained upon initial issuance or repurchased in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are eliminated in consolidation and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, these securities remain legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated in the trust estate. Upon a sale of these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. Upon sale, these notes would be shown as "bonds and notes payable" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Unsecured Line of Credit The Company has a $495.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of September 22, 2026. 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 $737.5 million, subject to certain conditions. As of December 31, 2021, no amount was outstanding on the line of credit and $495.0 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, 2021, 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. Participation Agreement The Company has an agreement with Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank"), a related party, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in FFELP loan asset-backed securities. As of December 31, 2021, $254.0 million of FFELP loan asset-backed securities 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 See note 7 for additional information about the FFELP loan asset-backed securities investments serving as collateral under this participation agreement. Repurchase Agreements On May 3, 2021 and June 23, 2021, the Company entered into repurchase agreements with non-affiliated third parties, the proceeds of which are collateralized by certain private education and FFELP loan asset-backed securities. The first agreement has maturity dates of November 20, 2023 and December 20, 2023, or earlier if either party provides 180 days’ prior written notice, and the second agreement has a maturity date of May 27, 2022. The Company incurs interest on amounts outstanding under these agreements based on three-month LIBOR plus an applicable spread. Under the first agreement, the Company is subject to margin deficit payment requirements if the fair value of the securities subject to the agreement is less than the original purchase price of such securities on any scheduled reset date, and under the second agreement, the Company could be subject to margin deficit payment requirements if the fair value of the securities subject to the agreement is less than the original purchase price of such securities and the counter-party provides notice requiring such payment. Included in “bonds and notes payable” as of December 31, 2021 was $208.1 million subject to the first agreement and $275.8 million subject to the second agreement. See note 7 for additional information about the private education loan asset-backed securities investments serving as collateral for these repurchase agreements. 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, 2021. Maturity Schedule Bonds and notes outstanding as of December 31, 2021 are due in varying amounts as shown below. 2022 $ 439,328 2023 415,547 2024 — 2025 28,116 2026 — 2027 and thereafter 16,941,096 $ 17,824,087 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. Accrued Interest Liability During the first quarter of 2021, the Company reversed a historical accrued interest liability of $23.8 million on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined was no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and 2013. The reduction of this liability is reflected in (a reduction of) "interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits" in the consolidated statements of income. Debt Repurchases The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its own debt. Gains/losses recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in “other” in "other income/expense" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Purchase price $ (407,487) (25,643) (39,864) Par value 406,875 27,605 40,000 Remaining debt discount and unamortized cost of issuance (6,163) (38) — (Loss) gain $ (6,775) 1,924 136 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.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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. 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, 2021, the Company’s AGM operating segment had $15.9 billion, $0.6 billion, and $0.5 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 $5.4 billion of debt indexed to three-month LIBOR, the indices for which reset quarterly, and $10.5 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, 2021 2020 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2021 $ — 250,000 2022 2,000,000 2,000,000 2023 750,000 750,000 2024 1,750,000 1,750,000 2026 1,150,000 1,150,000 2027 250,000 250,000 $ 5,900,000 6,150,000 The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, was one-month LIBOR plus 9.1 basis points. 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, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $7.2 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively, of FFELP student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income. 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, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2021 $ — — % $ 600,000 2.15 % 2022 500,000 0.94 500,000 0.94 2023 900,000 0.62 900,000 0.62 2024 2,500,000 0.35 2,000,000 0.32 2025 500,000 0.35 500,000 0.35 2026 500,000 1.02 — — 2031 100,000 1.53 — — $ 5,000,000 0.55 % $ 4,500,000 0.70 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR. Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ (1,638) 10,378 5,214 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (19,729) (6,699) 40,192 Total settlements - (expense) income (21,367) 3,679 45,406 Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps 5,027 (7,462) 1,515 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 87,786 (20,682) (77,027) Other — — (683) Total change in fair value - income (expense) 92,813 (28,144) (76,195) Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense) $ 71,446 (24,465) (30,789) Derivative Instruments - Credit and Market Risk Interest rate movements have an impact on the amount of variation margin the Company may be required to pay 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 not currently anticipate any movement in interest rates having a material impact on its liquidity or capital resources, nor expects future movements in interest rates to have a material impact on its ability to meet variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. Due to the existing low interest rate environment, the Company's exposure to downward movements in interest rates on its interest rate swaps is limited. In addition, the historical high correlation between one-month and three-month LIBOR limits the Company's exposure to interest rate movements on the 1:3 Basis Swaps.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Private Education Loan Investment In December 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. The Company entered into a joint venture with other investors to acquire the loans. Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the Company is the servicer of the portfolio, owns an approximate 8 percent interest in residual interests in securitizations of the loans, and serves as the sponsor and administrator for the loan securitizations completed by the joint venture. The joint venture established a limited partnership that purchased the private education loans and funded such loans with a temporary warehouse facility. The Company’s initial contribution to the limited partnership was $71.1 million. In conjunction with the establishment of the limited partnership, the parties provided additional funding commitments to the partnership, in the event additional funding became necessary after the initial purchase of loans. In accordance with GAAP, the Company’s carrying value of its investment in the limited partnership is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, is reduced by cash distributions and the fair value of its portion of loans transferred into securitizations, and can be less than zero or negative because of the potential future contributions pursuant to the funding commitment. The carrying value of the investment in the limited partnership is also impacted by the amount of the Company’s proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of the partnership. During 2021, the joint venture completed asset-backed securitization transactions to permanently finance a total of $8.7 billion of the private education loans purchased by the joint venture. Cash distributions, the fair value of the Company’s portion of loans securitized as a result of these securitizations, and the Company’s proportionate share of losses of this partnership were $52.1 million, $51.9 million, and $5.0 million, respectively, and reduced the Company’s carrying value of its limited partnership investment to a credit (negative) balance of $37.9 million. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company’s financial commitment to the limited partnership was terminated by the partners of the joint venture, and the Company recognized income of $37.9 million (pre-tax) associated with the termination, which is included in “other” in “other income/expense” on the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s ownership in the residual interest of securitization transactions used to permanently finance the loans are reflected in the table below as “beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations.” As sponsor of the loan securitizations, the Company is required to provide a certain level of risk retention, and has purchased bonds issued in such securitizations to satisfy this requirement. The bonds purchased to satisfy the risk retention requirement are included in “private education loan asset-backed securities – available for sale” in the table below and as of December 31, 2021, the fair value of these bonds was $412.6 million. The Company must retain these investment securities until the latest of (i) two years from the closing date of the securitization, (ii) the date the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the loans in the securitization is 33% or less of the initial loan balance, and (iii) the date the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the bonds is 33% or less of the aggregate initial outstanding principal balance of the bonds, at which time the Company can sell its investment securities (bonds) to a third party. The Company entered into repurchase agreements with third-parties, the proceeds of which were used to purchase a portion of the asset-backed investments, and such investments serve as collateral on the repurchase obligations. A summary of the Company's investments follows: As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): FFELP loan asset-backed securities- available-for-sale (a) $ 480,691 14,710 (719) 494,682 338,475 8,040 (13) 346,502 Private education loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale (b) 414,286 507 (2,241) 412,552 — — — — Other debt securities - available-for-sale 22,435 — — 22,435 2,103 2 — 2,105 Equity securities 60,153 13,930 (2,097) 71,986 36,227 8,768 (2,954) 42,041 Total investments (at fair value) $ 977,565 29,147 (5,057) 1,001,655 376,805 16,810 (2,967) 390,648 Other Investments (not measured at fair value): Other debt securities - held-to-maturity (c) 8,200 — Venture capital and funds: Measurement alternative (d)(e) 157,609 144,795 Equity method 67,840 14,912 Total venture capital and funds 225,449 159,707 Real estate Equity method 47,226 50,291 Notes receivable — 847 Total real estate 47,226 51,138 Investment in ALLO: Voting interest/equity method (f) 87,247 129,396 Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (g) 137,342 228,916 Total investment in ALLO 224,589 358,312 Solar (h) (42,457) (30,373) Beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations (i) 66,008 — Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,449 as of December 31, 2020 (i) 28,366 27,954 Beneficial interest in federally insured student loan securitizations (i) 25,768 30,377 Tax liens, affordable housing, and other 4,115 5,177 Total investments (not measured at fair value) 587,264 602,292 Total investments $ 1,588,919 $ 992,940 (a) As of December 31, 2021, $254.0 million (par value) of FFELP loan asset-backed securities were subject to participation interests held by Union Bank, as discussed in note 5 under "Participation Agreement." As of December 31, 2021, the stated maturities of a majority of the Company’s FFELP student loan asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years; however, such securities with a fair value of $77.9 million as of December 31, 2021 are scheduled to mature within the next 10 years, including $25.2 million, $32.1 million, and $20.6 million due within the next one year, 1-5 years, and 6-10 years, respectively. (b) As of December 31, 2021, a total of $400.0 million (par value) of private education loan asset-backed securities were subject to repurchase agreements with third-parties, as discussed in note 5 under “Repurchase Agreements.” As of December 31, 2021, the stated maturities for all the Company’s private education loan asset-backed securities classified as available for sale were greater than 10 years. (c) As of December 31, 2021, securities classified as held-to-maturity of $3.5 million and $4.7 million were scheduled to mature within one year and 1-5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of these securities approximated their carrying value. (d) The Company has an investment in Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as “Hudl”) that is included in “venture capital and funds” in the above table. In May 2020, the Company made an additional equity investment of approximately $26 million in Hudl, as one of the participants in an equity raise completed by Hudl. Prior to the additional 2020 investment, the Company had direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl of less than 20%, which did not materially change as a result of this transaction. The Company accounts for its investment in Hudl using the measurement alternative method, which requires it to adjust its carrying value of the investment for changes resulting from observable market transactions. As a result of Hudl’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $51.0 million (pre-tax) gain during the second quarter of 2020 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the May 2020 transaction value. This gain is included in “other” in “other income/expense” on the consolidated statements of income. In May 2021, the Company made an additional $5 million investment in Hudl. For accounting purposes, the May 2021 equity raise transaction was not considered an observable market transaction (not orderly) because it was not subject to customary marketing activities and the price was contractually agreed to during Hudl's prior May 2020 equity raise. Accordingly, the Company did not adjust its carrying value of its Hudl investment to the May 2021 transaction value. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of the Company's investment in Hudl is $133.9 million. David S. Graff, who has served on the Company's Board of Directors since May 2014, is CEO, co-founder, and a director of Hudl. (e) In October 2021, CompanyCam Inc., an entity in which the Company has an equity investment, completed an additional equity raise. The Company accounts for its investment in this entity using the measurement alternative method, which requires it to adjust its carrying value of the investment for changes resulting from observable market transactions. As a result of this entity’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $10.3 million (pre-tax) gain during the fourth quarter of 2021 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the October 2021 transaction value. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of this investment is $11.5 million. (f) The Company accounts for its voting membership interests in ALLO Holdings LLC, a holding company for ALLO Communications LLC (collectively referred to as "ALLO") under the HLBV method of accounting. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 , the Company recognized pre-tax losses of $42.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively, under the HLBV method of accounting on its ALLO voting membership interests investment. Assuming ALLO continues its planned growth in existing and new communities, it will continue to invest substantial amounts in property and equipment to build the network and connect customers. The resulting recognition of depreciation and development costs could result in continuing net operating losses by ALLO under GAAP. Applying the HLBV method of accounting, the Company will continue to recognize a significant portion of ALLO’s anticipated losses over the next several years. Income and losses from the Company's investment in ALLO are included in "other" in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. (g) On January 19, 2021, ALLO obtained certain private debt financing facilities from unrelated third-party lenders. With proceeds from this transaction, ALLO redeemed a portion of its non-voting preferred membership interests held by the Company in exchange for an aggregate redemption price payment to the Company of $100.0 million. Under October 2020 recapitalization agreements for ALLO, the parties have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts (which expressly excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to cause ALLO to redeem, on or before April 2024, the remaining preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such interests. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company was $137.3 million, which includes accrued and unpaid preferred return of $7.7 million that was capitalized at December 31, 2021. The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company earn a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 , the Company recognized pre-tax income on its ALLO preferred membership interests of $8.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, that is included in "other" in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. (h) 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 which range from 5 to 6 years. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has funded a total of $227.9 million in solar investments, which includes $59.2 million funded by syndication partners. The carrying value of the Company’s solar investments are reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed in service. The solar investment balance at December 31, 2021 represents the sum of total tax credits earned on solar projects placed in service through December 31, 2021 and the calculated HLBV net losses being larger than total payments made by the Company on such projects. The Company is committed to fund an additional $22.3 million on these projects, of which $17.9 million will be provided by syndication partners. The Company accounts for its solar investments using the HLBV method of accounting. For the majority of the Company’s solar investments, the HLBV method of accounting results in accelerated losses in the initial years of investment. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized pre-tax losses of $10.1 million and $37.4 million, respectively, on its solar investments. These losses are included in “other” in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. Losses from solar investments in 2021 and 2020 include losses of $7.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, attributable to third-party minority interest investors that are included in “net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the consolidated statements of income. (i) The Company has partial ownership in certain private education, consumer, and federally insured student loan securitizations. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of December 31, 2021, the Company's ownership correlates to approximately $688 million, $195 million, and $445 million of private education, consumer, and federally insured student loans, respectively, included in these securitizations. Impairment Expense and Provision for Beneficial Interests During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $26.3 million provision charge related to the Company's beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations. As of March 31, 2020, the Company's estimate of future cash flows from the beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations was lower than previously anticipated due to the expectation of increased consumer loan defaults within such securitizations due to the distressed economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded an allowance for credit losses of $26.3 million. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $7.8 million impairment charge related to several of its venture capital investments. The Company identified several venture capital investments, a majority of which were accounted for under the measurement alternative, that were also negatively impacted by the distressed economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and estimated that the fair value of such investments was significantly reduced from their previous carrying value. During the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021, due to improved economic conditions, the Company reduced the allowance for credit losses related to the consumer loan beneficial interests by $9.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively. During 2021, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $4.6 million related to several of its venture capital investments accounted for under the measurement alternative method. The impairment expense and recovery activity described above is included in “impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net” on the consolidated statements of income.

Business Combination

Business Combination	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combination HigherSchool Publishing Company ("HigherSchool") On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of HigherSchool for total cash consideration of $24.7 million. HigherSchool provides supplemental instructional services and educational professional development for K-12 schools. The acquisition of HigherSchool has expanded the Company's professional development and educational instruction services. The operating results of HigherSchool 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 $ 7 Accounts receivable 5,711 Intangible assets 24,200 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 6,292 Other liabilities (11,510) Net assets acquired $ 24,700 The acquired intangible assets were customer relationships of $24.2 million (10-year useful life). The $6.3 million of goodwill was assigned to the Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing 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 basis of acquired identifiable intangible assets. The pro forma impacts of the HigherSchool acquisition on the Company's historical results prior to the acquisition were not material.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 (months) As of December 31, 2021 2020 Amortizable intangible assets, net: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $97,398 and $83,419, respectively) 103 $ 47,894 66,974 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $3,669 and $4,127, respectively) 24 4,135 6,430 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $3,455) — — 1,666 Total - amortizable intangible assets, net 96 $ 52,029 75,070 The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $23.0 million, $30.8 million, and $32.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of December 31, 2021, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2022 $ 9,939 2023 9,830 2024 7,457 2025 4,644 2026 4,517 2027 and thereafter 15,642 $ 52,029

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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) Nelnet Bank Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 23,639 70,278 21,112 41,883 — — 156,912 Goodwill acquired — 6,292 — — — — 6,292 Deconsolidation of ALLO — — (21,112) — — — (21,112) Balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 $ 23,639 76,570 — 41,883 — — 142,092 (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

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, Useful life 2021 2020 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 234,222 172,664 Building and building improvements 5-48 years 48,782 52,444 Office furniture and equipment 1-10 years 22,463 21,899 Leasehold improvements 1-15 years 10,537 9,168 Transportation equipment 5-10 years 4,857 4,857 Land — 3,266 3,642 Construction in progress — 2,392 18,478 326,519 283,152 Accumulated depreciation (207,106) (159,625) Total property and equipment, net $ 119,413 123,527 The Company recorded depreciation expense on its property and equipment of $50.7 million, $87.9 million, and $72.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Impairment charges During the third quarter of 2021, the Company evaluated the use of office space as a large number of employees continue to work from home due to COVID-19. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $14.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021. The impairment charge of $13.2 million within its Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment related primarily to building and building improvements. The impairment charge of $1.0 million within its Corporate and Other Activities operating segment related to operating lease assets associated with leased office space which the Company had fully ceased to use prior to the lease term end date. These impairment charges are included in "impairment expense and provision for beneficial interest, net" in the consolidated statements of income.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021, 2.6 million shares may still be purchased under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares repurchased by the Company during 2021, 2020, and 2019 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, 2021 713,274 $ 58,111 $ 81.47 Year ended December 31, 2020 1,594,394 73,358 46.01 Year ended December 31, 2019 726,273 40,411 55.64

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 2020 2019 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. $ 386,865 6,421 393,286 347,451 4,992 352,443 139,946 1,857 141,803 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 37,943,032 629,769 38,572,801 38,506,351 553,237 39,059,588 39,523,082 524,320 40,047,402 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 10.20 10.20 10.20 9.02 9.02 9.02 3.54 3.54 3.54 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, 2021, a cumulative amount of 221,996 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, 2021
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, 2021, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding the federal benefit received from state positions) was $19.7 million, which is included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Of this total, $15.6 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 $7.2 million prior to December 31, 2022 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 $7.2 million decrease, $5.7 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, 2021 2020 Gross balance - beginning of year $ 20,318 20,148 Additions based on tax positions of prior years 271 634 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,388 2,523 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,002) (69) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations (2,297) (2,918) Gross balance - end of year $ 19,678 20,318 All the reductions shown in the table above that are due to prior year tax positions 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, 2021 and 2020, $5.1 million and $5.4 million in accrued interest and penalties, respectively, were included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. The impact to the consolidated statements of income related to interest expense and penalties for uncertain tax positions was not significant for the years 2021, 2020, and 2019. 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 2018. 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, 2021, the Company has tax uncertainties that remain unsettled in the jurisdiction of California (2010 through 2017). The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Current: Federal $ 55,239 82,832 38,931 State 4,792 9,815 3,546 Foreign 169 239 239 Total current provision 60,200 92,886 42,716 Deferred: Federal 46,145 7,269 (4,280) State 9,647 718 (2,922) Foreign (170) (13) (63) Total deferred provision 55,622 7,974 (7,265) Provision for income tax expense $ 115,822 100,860 35,451 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, 2021 2020 2019 Tax expense at federal rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Increase (decrease) resulting from: State tax, net of federal income tax benefit 3.0 2.8 2.5 Tax credits (0.8) (1.1) (3.0) Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters (0.1) (0.2) (0.7) Other (0.3) (0.2) 0.2 Effective tax rate 22.8 % 22.3 % 20.0 % The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 21,593 18,081 Student loans 19,776 26,894 Accrued expenses 10,712 10,661 State tax credit carryforwards 8,546 5,987 Stock compensation 4,027 2,546 Lease liability 3,685 4,123 Net operating losses 2,410 647 Basis in certain derivative contracts — 5,061 Securitizations — 694 Total gross deferred tax assets 70,749 74,694 Less state tax valuation allowance (2,084) (569) Net deferred tax assets 68,665 74,125 Deferred tax liabilities: Partnership basis 100,428 64,023 Basis in certain derivative contracts 15,927 — Depreciation 15,264 14,092 Debt and equity investments 12,859 20,538 Loan origination services 4,930 5,040 Intangible assets 4,772 7,703 Lease right of use asset 3,317 4,037 Securitization 128 — Other 1,665 661 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 159,290 116,094 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (90,625) (41,969) 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, 2021 and 2020, the Company had a current income tax receivable of $8.1 million and $21.5 million, respectively, that is included in "other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Net deferred tax assets of $27.3 million and net deferred tax liabilities of $117.9 million are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities,” respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company's reportable operating segments include: • Loan Servicing and Systems • Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing • Communications • Asset Generation and Management • Nelnet Bank The Company earns fee-based revenue through its Loan Servicing and Systems and Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segments and earned revenue from its Communications operating segment prior to its deconsolidation on December 21, 2020. In addition, the Company earns interest income on its loan portfolio in its Asset Generation and Management operating segment. On November 2, 2020, the Company launched operations of Nelnet Bank. Nelnet bank operates as an internet bank franchise focused primarily on the private education loan marketplace. 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. Income taxes are allocated based on 24% of income before taxes for each individual operating segment, except for Nelnet Bank, which reflects Nelnet Bank’s actual tax expense/benefit as allocated and reflected in its Call Report filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 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: • The majority of the Company’s investment activities, including investments accounted for under the equity method. See note 7 for the amounts of investments in equity method investees. • Interest expense incurred on unsecured and certain other corporate related 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. Certain shared service costs incurred to support Nelnet Bank will not be allocated to Nelnet Bank until the end of the Bank’s de novo period (November 2023). 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, 2021 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications (a) Asset Nelnet Bank Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 137 1,075 — 506,901 7,721 9,801 (1,800) 523,835 Interest expense 94 — — 172,918 1,507 3,515 (1,800) 176,233 Net interest income (expense) 43 1,075 — 333,983 6,214 6,286 — 347,602 Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — (13,220) 794 — — (12,426) Net interest income after provision for loan losses 43 1,075 — 347,203 5,420 6,286 — 360,028 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 486,363 — — — — — — 486,363 Intersegment revenue 33,956 12 — — — — (33,968) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 338,234 — — — — — 338,234 Communications revenue — — — — — — — — Other 3,307 — — 34,306 713 40,356 — 78,681 Gain on sale of loans — — — 18,715 — — — 18,715 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — — — — Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net (13,243) — — 2,436 — (5,553) — (16,360) Derivative settlements, net — — — (21,367) — — — (21,367) Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — 92,813 — — — 92,813 Total other income/expense 510,383 338,246 — 126,903 713 34,803 (33,968) 977,079 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 108,660 — — — — — 108,660 Cost to provide communications services — — — — — — — — Total cost of services — 108,660 — — — — — 108,660 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 297,406 112,046 — 2,135 5,042 90,502 — 507,132 Depreciation and amortization 25,649 11,404 — — — 36,682 — 73,741 Other expenses 52,720 19,318 — 13,487 1,776 58,173 — 145,469 Intersegment expenses, net 72,206 15,180 — 34,868 107 (88,393) (33,968) — Total operating expenses 447,981 157,948 — 50,490 6,925 96,964 (33,968) 726,342 Income (loss) before income taxes 62,445 72,713 — 423,616 (792) (55,875) — 502,105 Income tax (expense) benefit (14,987) (17,451) — (101,668) 175 18,109 — (115,822) Net income (loss) 47,458 55,262 — 321,948 (617) (37,766) — 386,283 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 7,003 — 7,003 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 47,458 55,262 — 321,948 (617) (30,763) — 393,286 Total assets as of December 31, 2021 $ 296,618 443,788 — 18,965,371 535,948 1,963,032 (526,716) 21,678,041 (a) On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the (former) Communications operating segment in 2021. Year ended December 31, 2020 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications (a) Asset Nelnet Bank (b) Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 436 3,036 2 611,474 414 5,775 (1,480) 619,656 Interest expense 121 54 — 328,157 41 3,178 (1,480) 330,071 Net interest income (expense) 315 2,982 2 283,317 373 2,597 — 289,585 Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — 63,029 330 — — 63,360 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 315 2,982 2 220,288 43 2,597 — 226,225 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 451,561 — — — — — — 451,561 Intersegment revenue 36,520 20 — — — — (36,540) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 282,196 — — — — — 282,196 Communications revenue — — 76,643 — — — — 76,643 Other 9,421 373 1,561 7,189 48 38,969 — 57,561 Gain on sale of loans — — — 33,023 — — — 33,023 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — 258,588 — 258,588 Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net — — — (16,607) — (8,116) — (24,723) Derivative settlements, net — — — 3,679 — — — 3,679 Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — (28,144) — — — (28,144) Total other income/expense 497,502 282,589 78,204 (860) 48 289,441 (36,540) 1,110,384 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 82,206 — — — — — 82,206 Cost to provide communications services — — 22,812 — — — — 22,812 Total cost of services — 82,206 22,812 — — — — 105,018 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 285,526 98,847 30,935 1,747 36 84,741 — 501,832 Depreciation and amortization 37,610 9,459 42,588 — — 29,043 — 118,699 Other expenses 57,420 14,566 13,327 15,806 135 59,320 — 160,574 Intersegment expenses, net 63,886 14,293 1,732 39,172 — (82,543) (36,540) — Total operating expenses 444,442 137,165 88,582 56,725 171 90,561 (36,540) 781,105 Income (loss) before income taxes 53,375 66,200 (33,188) 162,703 (80) 201,477 — 450,486 Income tax (expense) benefit (12,810) (15,888) 7,965 (39,049) 20 (41,098) — (100,860) Net income (loss) 40,565 50,312 (25,223) 123,654 (60) 160,379 — 349,626 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 2,817 — 2,817 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 40,565 50,312 (25,223) 123,654 (60) 163,196 — 352,443 Total assets as of December 31, 2020 $ 190,297 436,702 — 20,773,968 216,937 1,225,790 (197,534) 22,646,160 (a) On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, the operating results for the Communications operating segment in the table above are for the period from January 1, 2020 through December 21, 2020. (b) Nelnet Bank launched operations on November 2, 2020. Accordingly, the operating results for the Nelnet Bank operating segment in the table above are for the period from November 2, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Year ended December 31, 2019 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Nelnet Bank (a) 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 (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — 39,000 — — — 39,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 1,916 9,198 3 199,588 — (355) — 210,350 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 455,255 — — — — — — 455,255 Intersegment revenue 46,751 — — — — — (46,751) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 277,331 — — — — — 277,331 Communications revenue — — 64,269 — — — — 64,269 Other 9,736 259 1,509 13,088 — 23,327 — 47,918 Gain on sale of loans — — — 17,261 — — — 17,261 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — — — — Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net — — — — — — — — Derivative settlements, net — — — 45,406 — — — 45,406 Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — (76,195) — — — (76,195) Total other income/expense 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 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

Disaggregated Revenue and Defer

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 performs 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, based on each loan or unique borrower, 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, 2021 2020 2019 Government servicing - Nelnet $ 167,579 146,798 157,991 Government servicing - Great Lakes 193,214 179,872 185,656 Private education and consumer loan servicing 47,302 32,492 36,788 FFELP servicing 18,281 20,183 25,043 Software services 34,600 41,999 41,077 Outsourced services and other 25,387 30,217 8,700 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 486,363 451,561 455,255 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 markets 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, 2021 2020 2019 Tuition payment plan services $ 103,970 100,674 106,682 Payment processing 127,080 114,304 110,848 Education technology and services 105,186 65,885 58,578 Other 1,998 1,333 1,223 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue $ 338,234 282,196 277,331 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. The amounts listed for 2020 reflect activity prior to ALLO’s deconsolidation on December 21, 2020: Period from January 1 2020 - December 21, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2019 Internet $ 48,362 38,239 Television 17,091 16,196 Telephone 11,037 9,705 Other 153 129 Communications revenue $ 76,643 64,269 Residential revenue $ 58,029 48,344 Business revenue 18,038 15,689 Other 576 236 Communications revenue $ 76,643 64,269 Cost to provide communications services is primarily associated with television programming costs. ALLO 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 ALLO 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" in “other income/expense” on the consolidated statements of income: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Income/gains from investments, net $ 91,593 56,402 8,356 ALLO preferred return 8,427 386 — Investment advisory services 7,773 10,875 2,941 Borrower late fee income 3,444 5,194 12,884 Management fee revenue 3,307 9,421 9,736 Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment (42,148) (3,565) — Loss from solar investments (10,132) (37,423) (2,220) (Loss) gain on debt repurchased (6,775) 1,924 136 Other 23,192 14,347 16,085 Other income $ 78,681 57,561 47,918 • 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. • 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, which primarily was to Great Lakes' former parent company under a contract that expired in January 2021. Revenue is allocated to the distinct service period, based on when each transaction is completed. 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, 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 Deferral of revenue 2,490 90,183 43,596 3,209 139,478 Recognition of revenue (3,824) (90,409) (42,903) (3,286) (140,422) Deconsolidation of ALLO — — (3,925) — (3,925) Business acquisition — 1,419 — — 1,419 Balance as of December 31, 2020 1,378 33,267 — 1,551 36,196 Deferral of revenue 5,882 109,278 — 5,775 120,935 Recognition of revenue (4,844) (105,801) — (5,316) (115,961) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 2,416 36,744 — 2,010 41,170

Major Customer

Major Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Major Customer	Major Customer Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes, subsidiaries of the Company, each earn loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Nelnet Servicing related to this contract was $167.6 million, $146.8 million, and $158.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Revenue earned by Great Lakes related to this contract was $193.2 million, $179.9 million, and $185.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Nelnet Servicing's and Great Lakes' student loan servicing contracts with the Department are scheduled to expire on December 14, 2023. In 2017, the Department initiated a contract procurement process referred to as the Next Generation Financial Services Environment ("NextGen") for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 contains provisions directing certain aspects of the NextGen process, including that any new federal student loan servicing environment is required to provide for the participation of multiple student loan servicers and the allocation of borrower accounts to eligible student loan servicers based on performance. The Company cannot predict the timing, nature, or ultimate outcome of NextGen or any other contract procurement process by the Department.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in " other assets consolidated balance sheet $ 14,314 18,301 Operating lease liabilities, which is included in " other liabilities consolidated balance sheet $ 15,899 18,733 The following table provides components of lease expense: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Rental expense, which is included in "other expenses" on the $ 9,386 11,885 11,171 Rental expense, which is included in "cost to provide communications — 1,997 1,609 Total operating rental expense $ 9,386 13,882 12,780 (a) Includes short-term and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate are shown below: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 5.15 5.65 Weighted average discount rate 3.23 % 2.43 % Maturity of lease liabilities are shown below: 2022 $ 5,816 2023 4,122 2024 1,757 2025 1,421 2026 731 2027 and thereafter 3,702 Total lease payments 17,549 Imputed interest (1,650) Total $ 15,899

Defined Contribution Benefit Pl

Defined Contribution Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 $11.2 million, $11.7 million, and $10.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.

Stock Based Compensation Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 2020 2019 Non-vested shares at beginning of year 552,456 549,845 532,336 Granted 249,096 151,639 186,281 Vested (116,842) (114,282) (109,651) Canceled (24,544) (34,746) (59,121) Non-vested shares at end of year 660,166 552,456 549,845 As of December 31, 2021, there was $23.5 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. 2022 $ 8,795 2023 5,563 2024 3,615 2025 2,267 2026 1,355 2027 and thereafter 1,907 $ 23,502 For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company recognized compensation expense of $10.4 million, $7.3 million, and $6.4 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, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company recognized compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in connection with issuing 24,205 shares, 36,687 shares, and 33,250 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, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company recognized $1.4 million, $1.2 million, and $1.2 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, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Shares issued - Shares issued- Total Year ended December 31, 2021 9,958 12,072 22,030 Year ended December 31, 2020 12,740 16,513 29,253 Year ended December 31, 2019 9,588 11,212 20,800 As of December 31, 2021, a cumulative amount of 221,996 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, 2021
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 $22.3 million (par value), $144.9 million (par value), and $67.7 million (par value) of private education loans from Union Bank in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. In addition, the Company purchased $32.6 million (par value) of consumer loans from Union Bank in 2019. There were no consumer loan purchases in 2021 or 2020. The net premiums paid by the Company on these loan acquisitions was $0.4 million, $2.6 million, and $1.2 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. 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 $0.1 million, $2.0 million, and $1.8 million in marketing fees to the Company in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, under this agreement. Loan Servicing The Company serviced $262.6 million, $331.3 million, and $395.5 million of FFELP and private education loans for Union Bank as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Servicing and origination fee revenue earned by the Company from servicing loans for Union Bank was $0.5 million, $0.7 million, and $0.6 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Funding - Participation Agreements 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, 2021 and 2020, $967.5 million and $874.2 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 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. 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 FFELP loan asset-backed securities. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $254.0 million and $118.6 million, respectively, of FFELP loan asset-backed securities were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The FFELP loan asset-backed securities under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing. See note 5 for additional information. Funding - Real Estate 401 Building, LLC (“401 Building”) is an entity that was established in 2015 for the sole purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a commercial real estate property in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Company owns 50% of 401 Building. On May 1, 2018, Union Bank, as lender, received a $1.5 million promissory note from 401 Building. The promissory note carries an interest rate of 6.00% and has a maturity date of December 1, 2032. 330-333, LLC (“330-333”) is an entity that was established in 2016 for the sole purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a commercial real estate property in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Company owns 50% of 330-333. On October 22, 2019, Union Bank, as lender, received a $162,000 promissory note from 330-333. The promissory note carries an interest rate of 6.00% and has a maturity date of December 1, 2032. 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 29, 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, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $380.2 million and $285.6 million, respectively, invested in the STFIT or deposited at Union Bank in operating accounts, of which $284.8 million and $197.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, represented cash collected for customers. Interest income earned by the Company on the amounts invested in the STFIT and in cash operating accounts in 2021, 2020, and 2019, was $0.2 million, $0.5 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. 529 Plan 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, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company has received fees of $3.5 million, $1.3 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, from Union Bank related to the administration services provided to the College Savings Plans. During 2021 and 2020, certain call center services were provided by the Company to Union Bank for College Savings Plan clients. For services provided in 2021, the Company received $0.4 million from Union Bank; fees received for services provided in 2020 were not significant. Additionally, Union Bank, as the program manager for the College Savings Plans, has agreed to allocate plan bank deposits to Nelnet Bank. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Nelnet Bank had $184.9 million and $48.4 million, respectively, in deposits from the funds offered under the College Savings Plans. Lease Arrangements Union Bank leases approximately 4,100 square feet in the Company's corporate headquarters building. Union Bank paid the Company approximately $81,000, $80,000, and $79,000 for commercial rent and storage income during 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The lease agreement expires on June 30, 2023. Other Fees Paid to Union Bank During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company paid Union Bank approximately $280,000, $279,000, and $213,000, respectively, in cash and flexible spending accounts management, trustee and health savings account maintenance fees, including investment custodial and correspondent services for Nelnet Bank. Other Fees Received from Union Bank During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $342,000, $317,000, and $317,000, respectively, under certain employee sharing arrangements. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $273,000, and $92,000, respectively, for communications services. 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 $766,000, $447,000, and $366,000 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, 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 10 basis points to 25 basis points on the outstanding balance of the investments in the trusts. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of investments in the trusts was $1.8 billion. In addition, Union Bank will pay additional fees to WRCM which equal a share 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, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company earned $6.3 million, $9.8 million, and $1.8 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 Ms. Muhleisen and her spouse. 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, 2021, WRCM was the investment advisor with respect to a total 428,414 shares and 4.7 million shares of the Company's Class A and Class B common stock, respectively, held directly by these trusts. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company earned approximately $213,000, $141,000, and $144,000, 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, 2021, the outstanding balance of investments in these funds was $138.0 million. The Company paid Union Bank $0.3 million in each of 2021, 2020, and 2019 as custodian of the funds. 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. On each of May 20, 2020 and May 27, 2021, the Company made additional equity investments in Hudl, as one of the participants in equity raises completed by Hudl. See Note 7, “Investments” for additional information on these transactions. The Company and Mr. Dunlap, along with his children, currently hold combined direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl of 19.3% and 3.8%, respectively, which did not materially change as a result of the May 2020 and May 2021 transactions. 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. 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 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, was President and Chief Executive Officer of Assurity during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, when Nelnet Business Services, a subsidiary of the Company, paid $2.1 million, $1.8 million, and $1.7 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 Services, Assurity entered into a reinsurance agreement with the Company's insurance subsidiary, under which Assurity paid the Company's insurance subsidiary reinsurance premiums of $1.8 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and the Company's insurance subsidiary paid claims on such reinsurance to Assurity of $1.5 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. In addition, Assurity pays Nelnet Business Services a partial refund annually based on claim experience, which was approximately $41,000, $64,000, and $56,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Mr. Henning retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Assurity effective January 1, 2022, and now serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of Assurity’s board of directors. Solar Transactions The Company has co-invested in Company-managed limited liability companies with related parties that invest in renewable energy (solar) (as summarized below). As part of these transactions, the Company receives management and performance fees under a management agreement. Entity/Relationship Investment amount Fees earned by the Company 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 F&M $ 7,913,000 4,600,000 2,068,868 29,491 46,154 68,869 Assurity (Board member Thomas Henning) 5,421,659 1,150,000 — 16,027 11,538 — Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Board member James Abel) 5,000,000 — — 9,615 — — North Central Bancorp, Inc. (directly and indirectly owned by F&M, Mr. Dunlap, and Ms. Muhleisen) 2,466,667 1,533,333 2,068,868 14,958 15,385 68,869 Infovisa, Inc. (directly and indirectly owned by F&M, 562,600 — — 1,923 — — Farm and Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (indirectly owned by Mr. Dunlap and Ms. Muhleisen) 116,667 383,333 — 962 3,846 —

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021. As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (a): FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale $ — 494,682 494,682 — 346,502 346,502 Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale — 412,552 412,552 — — — Other debt securities - available for sale 100 22,335 22,435 103 2,002 2,105 Equity securities 63,154 — 63,154 10,114 — 10,114 Equity securities measured at net asset value (b) 8,832 31,927 Total investments 63,254 929,569 1,001,655 10,217 348,504 390,648 Total assets $ 63,254 929,569 1,001,655 10,217 348,504 390,648 (a) Investments represent investments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 investments are measured based upon quoted prices and as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, include investments traded on an active exchange and a single U.S. Treasury security. Level 2 investments include student loan asset-backed, mortgage-backed, and collateralized loan obligation securities. The fair value for the Level 2 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. The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: As of December 31, 2021 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 18,576,272 17,546,645 — — 18,576,272 Accrued loan interest receivable 788,552 788,552 — 788,552 — Cash and cash equivalents 125,563 125,563 125,563 — — Investments (at fair value) 1,001,655 1,001,655 63,254 929,569 — Beneficial interest in loan securitizations 142,391 120,142 — — 142,391 Restricted cash 741,981 741,981 741,981 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 326,645 326,645 326,645 — — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 17,819,902 17,631,089 — 17,819,902 — Accrued interest payable 4,566 4,566 — 4,566 — Bank deposits 342,463 344,315 184,897 157,566 — Due to customers 366,002 366,002 366,002 — — As of December 31, 2020 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 20,454,132 19,391,045 — — 20,454,132 Accrued loan interest receivable 794,611 794,611 — 794,611 — Cash and cash equivalents 121,249 121,249 121,249 — — Investments (at fair value) 390,648 390,648 10,217 348,504 — Beneficial interest in loan securitizations 58,709 58,331 — — 58,709 Restricted cash 553,175 553,175 553,175 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 283,971 283,971 283,971 — — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 19,270,810 19,320,726 — 19,270,810 — Accrued interest payable 28,701 28,701 — 28,701 — Bank deposits 54,599 54,633 48,422 6,177 — Due to customers 301,471 301,471 301,471 — — 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 Loan Securitizations Fair values for beneficial interest in 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Restricted Cash – Due to Customers, Accrued Loan 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 student loan asset-backed securitizations and warehouse facilities 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. For all other bonds and notes payable, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the variable rate of interest and/or the short maturities of these instruments. Bank Deposits Some of the Company’s deposits are fixed-rate and the fair value for these deposits are estimated using discounted cash flows based on rates currently offered for deposits of similar maturities. These are level 2 valuations. The fair value of the remaining deposits equal the amounts payable on demand at the balance sheet date and are reported at their carrying value. These are level 1 valuations. 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, 2021
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 or demands from state or federal regulators concerning its business practices. The Company cooperates with these inquiries and responds to the requests or demands. 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.

Condensed Parent Company Financ

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 and 2020 and condensed statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021 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. Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 2021 2020 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 47,434 69,687 Investments 1,236,933 707,332 Investment in subsidiary debt 374,087 38,903 Restricted cash 107,103 93,271 Investment in subsidiaries 1,986,136 1,963,413 Notes receivable from subsidiaries 314 21,209 Other assets 123,716 115,631 Total assets $ 3,875,723 3,009,446 Liabilities: Notes payable, net of debt issuance costs $ 734,881 236,317 Other liabilities 189,317 140,710 Total liabilities 924,198 377,027 Equity: Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock 379 384 Additional paid-in capital 1,000 3,794 Retained earnings 2,940,523 2,621,762 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 9,304 6,102 Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity 2,951,206 2,632,042 Noncontrolling interest 319 377 Total equity 2,951,525 2,632,419 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 3,875,723 3,009,446 Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Investment interest income $ 12,455 4,110 4,925 Interest expense on bonds and notes payable 3,515 3,179 9,588 Net interest income (expense) 8,940 931 (4,663) Other income/expense: Other income 45,291 48,688 8,384 (Loss) gain from debt repurchases, net (6,530) 1,962 136 Equity in subsidiaries income 313,451 132,101 182,346 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — 258,588 — Impairment expense (4,637) (7,784) — Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net 71,446 (24,465) (30,789) Total other income/expense 419,021 409,090 160,077 Operating expenses 7,632 14,006 19,561 Income before income taxes 420,329 396,015 135,853 Income tax (expense) benefit (27,101) (43,577) 5,950 Net income 393,228 352,438 141,803 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 58 5 — Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 393,286 352,443 141,803 Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Net income $ 393,228 352,438 141,803 Other comprehensive income (loss): Net changes related to equity in subsidiaries other comprehensive income $ 6,692 — — Net changes related to available-for-sale securities: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net (4,220) 6,637 (1,199) Reclassification of gains recognized in net income, net of losses (372) (2,521) — Income tax effect 1,102 (3,490) (986) 3,130 288 (911) Other comprehensive income (loss) 3,202 3,130 (911) Comprehensive income 396,430 355,568 140,892 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 58 5 — Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 396,488 355,573 140,892 Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 393,286 352,443 141,803 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (58) (5) — Net income 393,228 352,438 141,803 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 591 534 467 Derivative market value adjustments (92,813) 28,144 76,195 Payments to terminate derivative instruments, net — — (12,530) Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net 91,294 (26,747) (70,685) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (313,451) (132,101) (182,346) Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO, including cash impact — (287,579) — Loss on (gain from) debt repurchases 6,530 (1,962) (136) Loss on (gain from) investments, net 721 (46,019) (3,969) Purchases of equity securities, net (42,916) — — Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 47,423 23,747 (19,183) Non-cash compensation expense 10,673 16,739 6,781 Impairment expense 4,637 7,784 — Other — (329) (481) Increase in other assets (9,108) (17,410) (10,672) Increase in other liabilities 1,784 26,009 29,384 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 98,593 (56,752) (45,372) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale securities (640,644) (342,563) — Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities 133,286 168,555 — Capital distributions/contributions from/to subsidiaries, net 294,578 99,830 449,602 Decrease in notes receivable from subsidiaries 20,895 21,343 14,421 Purchases of subsidiary debt, net (335,184) (25,085) — Purchases of other investments (110,184) (54,637) (47,106) Proceeds from other investments 129,899 8,564 27,926 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (507,354) (123,993) 444,843 Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable (126,530) (20,381) (361,272) Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 619,259 190,520 60,000 Payments of debt issuance costs (1,286) (49) (1,129) Dividends paid (34,457) (31,778) (29,485) Repurchases of common stock (58,111) (73,358) (40,411) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,465 1,653 1,552 Acquisition of noncontrolling interest — (600) — Issuance of noncontrolling interest — 194,985 878 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 400,340 260,992 (369,867) Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (8,421) 80,247 29,604 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 162,958 82,711 53,107 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 154,537 162,958 82,711 Cash disbursements made for: Interest $ 2,301 2,577 9,501 Income taxes, net of refunds and credits $ 18,659 29,685 17,672 Noncash investing activities: (Distribution from) contribution to subsidiary, net $ (835) 49,066 —

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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. VIEs - Not consolidated The Company is not required to consolidate VIEs in which it has determined it is not the primary beneficiary. In December of 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. The Company entered into a joint venture with other investors to acquire the loans. During 2021, the joint venture completed asset-backed securitization transactions to permanently finance a total of $8.7 billion of the private education loans purchased by the joint venture (which represented the total remaining loans originally purchased from Wells Fargo, factoring in borrower payments from the date of purchase). Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the Company is the servicer of the portfolio, owns an approximate 8 percent interest in residual interests in securitizations of the loans, and serves as the sponsor and administrator for the loan securitizations completed by the joint venture. See note 7, “Investments” for a description of, and the Company’s accounting for, these transactions, and disclosure of the Company’s maximum exposure. 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" on the consolidated balance sheets and accounted for under the HLBV method of accounting. 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.
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. In addition, the Company has established multiple 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 / Allowance for Loan Losses	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, 2021 and 2020. 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 twelve 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 thirty 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 six years. Allowance for Loan Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology. The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. The Company adopted Topic 326 using the modified retrospective method. As such, the results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under Topic 326 (recognizing estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset's remaining life) while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (recognizing estimated credit losses using an incurred loss model); therefore, the comparative information for 2019 is not comparable to the information presented for 2020 and 2021. Adoption of the new guidance primarily impacted the allowance for loan losses related to the Company's loan portfolio. Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to the allowance for loan losses of $91.0 million and decreased retained earnings, net of tax, by $18.9 million. Allowance for Loan Losses - Accounting Policies Under Topic 326 The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans as of the balance sheet date. Such allowance is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the asset which includes consideration of prepayments. Loans are charged off when management determines the loan is uncollectible. Charge-offs are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Expected recoveries of amounts previously charged off, not to exceed the aggregate of the amount previously charged off, are included in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses at the balance sheet date. The Company aggregates loans with similar risk characteristics into pools to estimate its expected credit losses. The Company evaluates such pooling decisions each quarter and makes adjustments as risk characteristics change. The Company determines its estimated credit losses for the following financial assets as follows: Loans receivable Management has determined that the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios each 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 loan losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment disclosures are presented on this basis in note 4 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables. The Company utilizes an undiscounted cash flow methodology in determining its lifetime expected credit losses on its federally insured and private education loan portfolios and a remaining life methodology for its consumer loan portfolio. For the undiscounted cash flow models, the expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the Company’s estimates of probability of default and loss given default and the exposure of default over the expected life of the loans. For the remaining life method, the expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the Company’s estimated net loss rate by the exposure at default over the expected life of the loans. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company has determined that, for modeling current expected credit losses, the Company can reasonably estimate expected losses that incorporate current economic conditions and forecasted probability weighted economic scenarios up to a one-year period. Macroeconomic factors used in the models include such variables as unemployment rates, gross domestic product, and consumer price index. After the "reasonable and supportable" period, the Company reverts to its actual long-term historical loss experience in the historical observation period. The Company uses a straight line reversion method over two years. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. A portion of the allowance is comprised of qualitative adjustments to historical loss experience. Qualitative adjustments consider the following factors, as applicable, for each of the Company’s loan portfolios: student loans in repayment versus those in nonpaying status; delinquency status; type of private education or consumer loan program; trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data; past experience; trends in federally insured student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors; changes in federal student loan programs; 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. Federally insured student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured. Private education and consumer loans are unsecured, with neither a government nor a private insurance guarantee. Accordingly, the Company bears the full risk of loss on these loans if the borrower and co-borrower, if applicable, default. 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. Purchased Loans Receivable with Credit Deterioration (“PCD”) The Company has purchased federally insured rehabilitation loans that have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Rehabilitation loans are loans that have previously defaulted, but for which the borrower has made a specified number of on-time payments. Although rehabilitation loans benefit from the same guarantees as other federally insured loans, rehabilitation loans have generally experienced redefault rates that are higher than default rates for federally insured loans that have not previously defaulted. These PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for loan losses is determined using the same methodology as for other loans held for investment. The sum of the loans’ purchase price and allowance for loan losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense. Loan Accrued Interest Receivable Accrued interest receivable on loans is combined and presented with the loans receivable amortized cost balance on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. For the Company’s federally insured loan portfolio, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For federally insured loans, accrued interest receivable is typically charged-off when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become greater than 270 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. For the Company’s private education and consumer loan portfolios, the Company does not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For private education and consumer loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized by reversing interest income. Allowance for Loan Losses - Accounting Policies Prior to Adoption of Topic 326 Prior to the adoption of Topic 326 effective January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan losses represented management's estimate of probable losses on loans. The provision for loan losses for periods ended prior to January 1, 2020 reflected the activity for
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements 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 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. When an investment is sold, the cost basis is determined through specific identification of the security sold. For available-for-sale debt securities where fair value is less than amortized cost, credit-related impairment, if any, is recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk. The Company classifies its residual interest in federally insured, private education, and 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. If the present value of remaining cash flows is less than the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, the Company records an allowance for credit losses for the difference. Subsequent favorable changes, if any, decreases the allowance for credit losses. The Company reflects the changes in the allowance for credit losses in provision for beneficial interests on the consolidated statements of income. 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. The Company accounts for its solar investments, voting equity investment in ALLO, and certain real estate investments under the HLBV method of accounting. The HLBV method of accounting is used by the Company for equity method investments when the liquidation rights and priorities as defined by an equity investment agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership or voting interests. The Company applies the HLBV method using a balance sheet approach. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that the Company would receive if an equity investment entity were to liquidate its net assets and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined
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 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 (as of November 30) 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, 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. For the 2021, 2020, and 2019 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. 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 The Company determines if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease at the inception of an arrangement 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 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 accounts for lease and non-lease components together as a single, combined lease component for its office and data center space. In addition, the Company identified itself as the lessor in its Communications operating segment for services provided to customers that include customer-premise equipment. The Company accounted 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. Certain leases include escalating rental payments or rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. None of the lease agreements include any residual value guarantees, a transfer of title, or a purchase option that is reasonably certain to be exercised.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, purchased intangibles subject to amortization, and ROU assets, 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 and Nelnet Bank operating segments, 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. 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 16, "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 currently used by the Company to amortize/accrete federally insured loan premiums/discounts is 5 percent for Stafford loans and 4 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. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company changed its estimate of the constant prepayment rate on its consolidation loans from 3 percent to 4 percent, which resulted in a $6.2 million increase to the Company’s net loan discount balance and a corresponding pre-tax decrease to interest income. 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 Liabilities The 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.
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. Substantially all of the Company’s outstanding derivatives are over-the-counter contracts. 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
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.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies The Company’s foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of the countries in which they are located as their functional currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars (the Company’s reporting currency) using the exchange rates in effect on the consolidated balance sheet dates. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates, except for the change in retained earnings during the year, which is the result of the income statement translation process. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The cumulative translation adjustments associated with the net assets of foreign subsidiaries are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive earnings in the accompanying consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.

ALLO Recapitalization (Tables)

ALLO Recapitalization (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Gain as a Result of Deconsolidation	As a result of the deconsolidation of ALLO on December 21, 2020, the Company recognized a gain of $258.6 million as summarized below. As of Voting interest/equity method investment - recorded at fair value $ 132,960 Preferred membership interest investment - recorded at fair value 228,530 Less: ALLO assets deconsolidated: Cash and cash equivalents – not held at a related party (299) Cash and cash equivalents – held at a related party (28,692) Accounts receivable (4,138) Goodwill (21,112) Intangible assets (6,083) Property and equipment, net (245,295) Other assets (29,643) Other liabilities 24,185 Noncontrolling interests 208,175 Gain recognized upon deconsolidation of ALLO $ 258,588
Impact to Operating Results as a Result of Deconsolidation	The impact to the Company’s 2020 operating results as a result of the ALLO recapitalization is summarized below: Gain from deconsolidation $ 258,588 Compensation expense (note 1) (9,298) Obligation to SDC (note 2) (2,339) $ 246,951 Note 1: On October 1, 2020 (prior to the deconsolidation of ALLO), ALLO recognized compensation expense related to the modification of certain equity awards previously granted to members of ALLO’s management. Note 2: As part of the ALLO recapitalization transaction, the Company and SDC entered into an agreement, in which the Company has a contingent payment obligation to pay SDC a contingent payment amount of $25.0 million to $35.0 million in the event the Company disposes of its voting membership interests of ALLO that it holds and realizes from such disposition certain targeted return levels. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of the contingent payment as of December 31, 2020 to be $2.3 million, which is included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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, 2021 2020 Investment carrying amount $ (41,030) (26,006) Tax credits subject to recapture 111,289 101,943 Unfunded capital and other commitments 4,350 13,330 Company’s maximum exposure to loss 74,609 89,267 Exposure syndicated to third-party investors 71,511 15,562 Maximum exposure to loss $ 146,120 104,829

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_2

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Receivable and Accrued Interest Receivable	Loans and accrued interest receivable consisted of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Non-Nelnet Bank: Federally insured student loans: Stafford and other $ 3,904,000 4,383,000 Consolidation 13,187,047 14,746,173 Total 17,091,047 19,129,173 Private education loans 299,442 320,589 Consumer loans 51,301 109,346 Non-Nelnet Bank loans 17,441,790 19,559,108 Nelnet Bank: Federally insured student loans 88,011 — Private education loans 169,890 17,543 Nelnet Bank loans 257,901 17,543 Accrued interest receivable 788,552 794,611 Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (25,933) (9,908) Allowance for loan losses: Non-Nelnet Bank: Federally insured loans (103,381) (128,590) Private education loans (16,143) (19,529) Consumer loans (6,481) (27,256) Non-Nelnet Bank allowance for loan losses (126,005) (175,375) Nelnet Bank: Federally insured loans (268) — Private education loans (840) (323) Nelnet Bank allowance for loan losses (1,108) (323) $ 18,335,197 20,185,656
Loans Sold and Gains Recognized	The following table provides a summary of the consumer loans sold and gains recognized by the Company during 2021, 2020, and 2019. Loans sold Gain Residual interest received in securitization 2021: May 14, 2021 $ 77,417 15,271 24.5 % September 29, 2021 18,390 3,249 6.9 $ 95,807 18,520 2020: January 30, 2020 $ 124,249 18,206 31.4 % July 29, 2020 60,779 14,817 25.4 $ 185,028 33,023 2019: May 1, 2019 $ 47,680 1,712 11.0 % October 17, 2019 179,301 15,549 28.7 $ 226,981 17,261
Allowance for Loan Losses	The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment. Balance at beginning of period Impact of Topic 326 adoption Provision (negative provision) for loan losses Charge-offs Recoveries Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration (a) Loan sales Balance at end of period Year ended December 31, 2021 Non-Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans $ 128,590 — (7,343) (21,139) — 3,273 — 103,381 Private education loans 19,529 — (1,333) (2,476) 721 — (298) 16,143 Consumer loans 27,256 — (4,544) (5,123) 824 — (11,932) 6,481 Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans — — 268 — — — — 268 Private education loans 323 — 526 (4) — — (5) 840 $ 175,698 — (12,426) (28,742) 1,545 3,273 (12,235) 127,113 Year ended December 31, 2020 Non-Nelnet Bank Federally insured loans $ 36,763 72,291 18,691 (14,955) — 15,800 — 128,590 Private education loans 9,597 4,797 6,156 (1,652) 631 — — 19,529 Consumer loans 15,554 13,926 38,183 (12,115) 1,132 — (29,424) 27,256 Nelnet Bank Private education loans — — 330 (7) — — — 323 $ 61,914 91,014 63,360 (28,729) 1,763 15,800 (29,424) 175,698 Year ended December 31, 2019 Non-Nelnet Bank 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 (a) During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $224.1 million (par value) and $835.0 million (par value), respectively, of federally insured rehabilitation loans that met the definition of PCD loans when they were purchased by the Company.
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 status and delinquency amounts. As of December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 829,624 4.9 % $ 1,036,028 5.4 % $ 1,074,678 5.3 % Loans in forbearance (b) 1,118,667 6.5 1,973,175 10.3 1,339,821 6.6 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 12,847,685 84.9 % 13,683,054 84.9 % 15,410,993 86.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 895,656 5.9 633,411 3.9 650,796 3.6 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 352,449 2.3 307,936 1.9 428,879 2.4 Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) 251,075 1.7 800,257 5.0 310,851 1.7 Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 592,449 3.9 674,975 4.2 812,107 4.5 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c)(d) 203,442 1.3 20,337 0.1 300,418 1.8 Total loans in repayment 15,142,756 88.6 100.0 % 16,119,970 84.3 100.0 % 17,914,044 88.1 100.0 % Total federally insured loans 17,091,047 100.0 % 19,129,173 100.0 % 20,328,543 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 784,716 791,453 730,059 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs (28,309) (14,505) (35,822) Non-accretable discount (e) — — (28,036) Allowance for loan losses (103,381) (128,590) (36,763) Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 17,744,073 $ 19,777,531 $ 20,957,981 Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 9,661 3.2 % $ 5,049 1.6 % $ 4,493 1.8 % Loans in forbearance (b) 3,601 1.2 2,359 0.7 3,108 1.3 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 280,457 98.0 % 310,036 99.0 % 227,013 95.9 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 2,403 0.8 1,099 0.4 2,814 1.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 976 0.3 675 0.2 1,694 0.7 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 2,344 0.9 1,371 0.4 5,136 2.2 Total loans in repayment 286,180 95.6 100.0 % 313,181 97.7 100.0 % 236,657 96.9 100.0 % Total private education loans 299,442 100.0 % 320,589 100.0 % 244,258 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 1,960 2,131 1,558 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums (1,123) 2,691 46 Non-accretable discount (e) — — (4,362) Allowance for loan losses (16,143) (19,529) (9,597) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 284,136 $ 305,882 $ 231,903 Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in deferment (a) $ 43 0.1 % $ 829 0.8 % $ — Loans in repayment status: Loans current 49,697 97.0 % 105,650 97.4 % 220,404 97.5 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 414 0.8 954 0.9 2,046 0.9 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) 322 0.6 804 0.7 1,545 0.7 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 825 1.6 1,109 1.0 1,923 0.9 Total loans in repayment 51,258 99.9 100.0 % 108,517 99.2 100.0 % 225,918 100.0 % Total consumer loans 51,301 100.0 % 109,346 100.0 % 225,918 Accrued interest receivable 396 1,001 1,880 Loan premium 913 1,640 740 Allowance for loan losses (6,481) (27,256) (15,554) Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 46,129 $ 84,731 $ 212,984 As of December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 330 0.4 % Loans in forbearance (b) 1,057 1.2 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 85,599 98.8 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 816 1.0 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) — — Loans delinquent 91-120 days (c) — — Loans delinquent 121-270 days (c) 209 0.2 Loans delinquent 271 days or greater (c) — — Total loans in repayment 86,624 98.4 100.0 % Total federally insured loans 88,011 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 1,216 Loan premium 26 Allowance for loan losses (268) Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 88,985 Private education loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in-school/grace/deferment (a) $ 150 0.1 % $ — — % Loans in forbearance (b) 460 0.3 29 0.2 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 169,157 99.9 % 17,514 100.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (c) 51 — — — Loans delinquent 61-90 days (c) — — — — Loans delinquent 91 days or greater (c) 72 0.1 — — Total loans in repayment 169,280 99.6 100.0 % 17,514 99.8 100.0 % Total private education loans 169,890 100.0 % 17,543 100.0 % Accrued interest receivable 264 26 Deferred origination costs 2,560 266 Allowance for loan losses (840) (323) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 171,874 $ 17,512 (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. (e) Upon adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Company reclassified the non-accretable discount balance related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration to allowance for loan losses.
Loans by Year of Origination	The following table presents the amortized cost of the Company's private education and consumer loans by loan status and delinquency amount as of December 31, 2021 based on year of origination. Effective July 1, 2010, no new loan originations can be made under the FFEL Program and all new federal loan originations must be made under the Federal Direct Loan Program. As such, all the Company’s federally insured loans were originated prior to July 1, 2010. 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior years Total Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in school/grace/deferment $ 2,266 1,981 3,557 — — 1,857 9,661 Loans in forbearance — 267 960 47 — 2,327 3,601 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 2,768 68,754 50,348 492 — 158,095 280,457 Loans delinquent 31-60 days — 308 225 — — 1,870 2,403 Loans delinquent 61-90 days — 81 — — — 895 976 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater — — 4 — — 2,340 2,344 Total loans in repayment 2,768 69,143 50,577 492 — 163,200 286,180 Total private education loans $ 5,034 71,391 55,094 539 — 167,384 299,442 Accrued interest receivable 1,960 Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums (1,123) Allowance for loan losses (16,143) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 284,136 Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank: Loans in deferment $ 25 — — 18 — — 43 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 37,822 960 5,087 5,746 82 — 49,697 Loans delinquent 31-60 days 205 51 120 33 5 — 414 Loans delinquent 61-90 days 113 40 109 60 — — 322 Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 133 43 261 388 — — 825 Total loans in repayment 38,273 1,094 5,577 6,227 87 — 51,258 Total consumer loans $ 38,298 1,094 5,577 6,245 87 — 51,301 Accrued interest receivable 396 Loan premium 913 Allowance for loan losses (6,481) Total consumer loans and accrued interest $ 46,129 Private education loans - Nelnet Bank: Loans in school/grace/deferment $ 150 — — — — — 150 Loans in forbearance 445 15 — — — — 460 Loans in repayment status: Loans current 158,486 10,671 — — — — 169,157 Loans delinquent 31-60 days 51 — — — — — 51 Loans delinquent 61-90 days — — — — — — — Loans delinquent 91 days or greater 72 — — — — — 72 Total loans in repayment 158,609 10,671 — — — — 169,280 Total private education loans $ 159,204 10,686 — — — — 169,890 Accrued interest receivable 264 Deferred origination costs 2,560 Allowance for loan losses (840) Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $ 171,874

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables

Bonds and Notes payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Debt Obligations	The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument: As of December 31, 2021 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 $ 15,887,295 0.23% - 2.10% 5/27/25 - 9/25/69 Bonds and notes based on auction 248,550 0.00% - 1.09% 3/22/32 - 8/27/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 16,135,845 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed 772,935 1.42% - 3.45% 10/25/67 - 8/27/68 FFELP loan warehouse facility 5,048 0.21% 5/22/23 Private education loan warehouse facility 107,011 0.24% 2/13/23 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 31,818 1.65% / 1.85% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 28,613 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit — — 9/22/26 Participation agreement 253,969 0.78% 5/4/22 Repurchase agreements 483,848 0.66% - 1.46% 5/27/22 - 12/20/23 Secured line of credit 5,000 1.91% 5/30/22 17,824,087 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (192,998) Total $ 17,631,089 As of December 31, 2020 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 $ 17,127,643 0.28% - 2.05% 5/27/25 - 10/25/68 Bonds and notes based on auction 749,925 1.12% - 2.14% 3/22/32 - 11/26/46 Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes 17,877,568 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations 923,076 1.42% - 3.45% 10/25/67 - 8/27/68 FFELP loan warehouse facilities 252,165 0.27% / 0.31% 5/20/22 / 2/26/23 Private education loan warehouse facility 150,397 0.28% 2/13/22 Consumer loan warehouse facility 25,809 0.28% 4/23/22 Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations 49,025 1.65% / 1.90% 12/26/40 / 6/25/49 Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization 37,251 3.60% / 5.35% 12/26/40 / 12/28/43 Unsecured line of credit 120,000 1.65% 12/16/24 Participation agreement 118,558 0.84% 5/4/21 Secured line of credit 5,000 1.90% 5/30/22 19,558,849 Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs (238,123) Total $ 19,320,726
Asset Backed Securitization Transitions	The following tables summarize the asset-backed securitization transactions completed in 2021 and 2020. Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2021 2021-1 2021-2 Total Date securities issued 6/30/21 8/31/21 Total original principal amount $ 797,000 531,300 1,328,300 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 781,000 520,600 1,301,600 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50% Final maturity date 7/25/69 9/25/69 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 16,000 10,700 26,700 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.25% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.20% Final maturity date 7/25/69 9/25/69 Securitizations completed during the year ended December 31, 2020 2020-1 2020-2 2020-3 2020-4 (a) 2020-5 (a) Total Date securities issued 2/20/20 3/11/20 3/19/20 8/27/20 10/1/20 Total original principal amount $ 435,600 272,100 352,600 191,300 295,000 1,546,600 Class A senior notes: Total principal amount $ 424,600 264,300 343,600 191,300 295,000 1,518,800 Bond discount — (44) (1,503) (19) — (1,566) Issue price $ 424,600 264,256 342,097 191,281 295,000 1,517,234 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 0.74% 1.83% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.92% 1.42% 1-month LIBOR plus 0.88% Final maturity date 3/26/68 4/25/68 3/26/68 8/27/68 10/25/68 Class B subordinated notes: Total principal amount $ 11,000 7,800 9,000 27,800 Bond discount — (574) (284) (858) Issue price $ 11,000 7,226 8,716 26,942 Cost of funds 1-month LIBOR plus 1.75% 2.50% 1-month LIBOR plus 1.90% Final maturity date 3/26/68 4/25/68 3/26/68 (a) Total original principal amount excludes the Class B subordinated tranche for the 2020-4 and 2020-5 transactions, totaling $5.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively, that was retained by the Company at issuance. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total of $381.2 million (par value) of its own asset-backed securities that were retained upon initial issuance or repurchased in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are eliminated in consolidation and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, these securities remain legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated in the trust estate. Upon a sale of these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. Upon sale, these notes would be shown as "bonds and notes payable" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Long-term Debt Maturities	Bonds and notes outstanding as of December 31, 2021 are due in varying amounts as shown below. 2022 $ 439,328 2023 415,547 2024 — 2025 28,116 2026 — 2027 and thereafter 16,941,096 $ 17,824,087
Debt Repurchased	The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its own debt. Gains/losses recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in “other” in "other income/expense" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Purchase price $ (407,487) (25,643) (39,864) Par value 406,875 27,605 40,000 Remaining debt discount and unamortized cost of issuance (6,163) (38) — (Loss) gain $ (6,775) 1,924 136

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Basis Swap	The following table summarizes the Company’s 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Maturity Notional amount Notional amount 2021 $ — 250,000 2022 2,000,000 2,000,000 2023 750,000 750,000 2024 1,750,000 1,750,000 2026 1,150,000 1,150,000 2027 250,000 250,000 $ 5,900,000 6,150,000
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, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Maturity Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) Notional amount Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a) 2021 $ — — % $ 600,000 2.15 % 2022 500,000 0.94 500,000 0.94 2023 900,000 0.62 900,000 0.62 2024 2,500,000 0.35 2,000,000 0.32 2025 500,000 0.35 500,000 0.35 2026 500,000 1.02 — — 2031 100,000 1.53 — — $ 5,000,000 0.55 % $ 4,500,000 0.70 % (a) For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
Derivative Impact on Statement of Income	The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income. Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Settlements: 1:3 basis swaps $ (1,638) 10,378 5,214 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (19,729) (6,699) 40,192 Total settlements - (expense) income (21,367) 3,679 45,406 Change in fair value: 1:3 basis swaps 5,027 (7,462) 1,515 Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges 87,786 (20,682) (77,027) Other — — (683) Total change in fair value - income (expense) 92,813 (28,144) (76,195) Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense) $ 71,446 (24,465) (30,789)

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	A summary of the Company's investments follows: As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Investments (at fair value): FFELP loan asset-backed securities- available-for-sale (a) $ 480,691 14,710 (719) 494,682 338,475 8,040 (13) 346,502 Private education loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale (b) 414,286 507 (2,241) 412,552 — — — — Other debt securities - available-for-sale 22,435 — — 22,435 2,103 2 — 2,105 Equity securities 60,153 13,930 (2,097) 71,986 36,227 8,768 (2,954) 42,041 Total investments (at fair value) $ 977,565 29,147 (5,057) 1,001,655 376,805 16,810 (2,967) 390,648 Other Investments (not measured at fair value): Other debt securities - held-to-maturity (c) 8,200 — Venture capital and funds: Measurement alternative (d)(e) 157,609 144,795 Equity method 67,840 14,912 Total venture capital and funds 225,449 159,707 Real estate Equity method 47,226 50,291 Notes receivable — 847 Total real estate 47,226 51,138 Investment in ALLO: Voting interest/equity method (f) 87,247 129,396 Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (g) 137,342 228,916 Total investment in ALLO 224,589 358,312 Solar (h) (42,457) (30,373) Beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations (i) 66,008 — Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,449 as of December 31, 2020 (i) 28,366 27,954 Beneficial interest in federally insured student loan securitizations (i) 25,768 30,377 Tax liens, affordable housing, and other 4,115 5,177 Total investments (not measured at fair value) 587,264 602,292 Total investments $ 1,588,919 $ 992,940 (a) As of December 31, 2021, $254.0 million (par value) of FFELP loan asset-backed securities were subject to participation interests held by Union Bank, as discussed in note 5 under "Participation Agreement." As of December 31, 2021, the stated maturities of a majority of the Company’s FFELP student loan asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years; however, such securities with a fair value of $77.9 million as of December 31, 2021 are scheduled to mature within the next 10 years, including $25.2 million, $32.1 million, and $20.6 million due within the next one year, 1-5 years, and 6-10 years, respectively. (b) As of December 31, 2021, a total of $400.0 million (par value) of private education loan asset-backed securities were subject to repurchase agreements with third-parties, as discussed in note 5 under “Repurchase Agreements.” As of December 31, 2021, the stated maturities for all the Company’s private education loan asset-backed securities classified as available for sale were greater than 10 years. (c) As of December 31, 2021, securities classified as held-to-maturity of $3.5 million and $4.7 million were scheduled to mature within one year and 1-5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of these securities approximated their carrying value. (d) The Company has an investment in Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as “Hudl”) that is included in “venture capital and funds” in the above table. In May 2020, the Company made an additional equity investment of approximately $26 million in Hudl, as one of the participants in an equity raise completed by Hudl. Prior to the additional 2020 investment, the Company had direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl of less than 20%, which did not materially change as a result of this transaction. The Company accounts for its investment in Hudl using the measurement alternative method, which requires it to adjust its carrying value of the investment for changes resulting from observable market transactions. As a result of Hudl’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $51.0 million (pre-tax) gain during the second quarter of 2020 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the May 2020 transaction value. This gain is included in “other” in “other income/expense” on the consolidated statements of income. In May 2021, the Company made an additional $5 million investment in Hudl. For accounting purposes, the May 2021 equity raise transaction was not considered an observable market transaction (not orderly) because it was not subject to customary marketing activities and the price was contractually agreed to during Hudl's prior May 2020 equity raise. Accordingly, the Company did not adjust its carrying value of its Hudl investment to the May 2021 transaction value. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of the Company's investment in Hudl is $133.9 million. David S. Graff, who has served on the Company's Board of Directors since May 2014, is CEO, co-founder, and a director of Hudl. (e) In October 2021, CompanyCam Inc., an entity in which the Company has an equity investment, completed an additional equity raise. The Company accounts for its investment in this entity using the measurement alternative method, which requires it to adjust its carrying value of the investment for changes resulting from observable market transactions. As a result of this entity’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $10.3 million (pre-tax) gain during the fourth quarter of 2021 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the October 2021 transaction value. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of this investment is $11.5 million. (f) The Company accounts for its voting membership interests in ALLO Holdings LLC, a holding company for ALLO Communications LLC (collectively referred to as "ALLO") under the HLBV method of accounting. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 , the Company recognized pre-tax losses of $42.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively, under the HLBV method of accounting on its ALLO voting membership interests investment. Assuming ALLO continues its planned growth in existing and new communities, it will continue to invest substantial amounts in property and equipment to build the network and connect customers. The resulting recognition of depreciation and development costs could result in continuing net operating losses by ALLO under GAAP. Applying the HLBV method of accounting, the Company will continue to recognize a significant portion of ALLO’s anticipated losses over the next several years. Income and losses from the Company's investment in ALLO are included in "other" in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. (g) On January 19, 2021, ALLO obtained certain private debt financing facilities from unrelated third-party lenders. With proceeds from this transaction, ALLO redeemed a portion of its non-voting preferred membership interests held by the Company in exchange for an aggregate redemption price payment to the Company of $100.0 million. Under October 2020 recapitalization agreements for ALLO, the parties have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts (which expressly excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to cause ALLO to redeem, on or before April 2024, the remaining preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such interests. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company was $137.3 million, which includes accrued and unpaid preferred return of $7.7 million that was capitalized at December 31, 2021. The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company earn a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 , the Company recognized pre-tax income on its ALLO preferred membership interests of $8.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, that is included in "other" in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. (h) 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 which range from 5 to 6 years. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has funded a total of $227.9 million in solar investments, which includes $59.2 million funded by syndication partners. The carrying value of the Company’s solar investments are reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed in service. The solar investment balance at December 31, 2021 represents the sum of total tax credits earned on solar projects placed in service through December 31, 2021 and the calculated HLBV net losses being larger than total payments made by the Company on such projects. The Company is committed to fund an additional $22.3 million on these projects, of which $17.9 million will be provided by syndication partners. The Company accounts for its solar investments using the HLBV method of accounting. For the majority of the Company’s solar investments, the HLBV method of accounting results in accelerated losses in the initial years of investment. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized pre-tax losses of $10.1 million and $37.4 million, respectively, on its solar investments. These losses are included in “other” in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income. Losses from solar investments in 2021 and 2020 include losses of $7.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, attributable to third-party minority interest investors that are included in “net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the consolidated statements of income. (i) The Company has partial ownership in certain private education, consumer, and federally insured student loan securitizations. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of December 31, 2021, the Company's ownership correlates to approximately $688 million, $195 million, and $445 million of private education, consumer, and federally insured student loans, respectively, included in these securitizations.

Business Combination (Tables)

Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Cash and cash equivalents $ 7 Accounts receivable 5,711 Intangible assets 24,200 Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) 6,292 Other liabilities (11,510) Net assets acquired $ 24,700

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consist of the following: Weighted average remaining useful life as of December 31, 2021 (months) As of December 31, 2021 2020 Amortizable intangible assets, net: Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $97,398 and $83,419, respectively) 103 $ 47,894 66,974 Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $3,669 and $4,127, respectively) 24 4,135 6,430 Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $3,455) — — 1,666 Total - amortizable intangible assets, net 96 $ 52,029 75,070
Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	As of December 31, 2021, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows: 2022 $ 9,939 2023 9,830 2024 7,457 2025 4,644 2026 4,517 2027 and thereafter 15,642 $ 52,029

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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) Nelnet Bank Corporate and Other Activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 23,639 70,278 21,112 41,883 — — 156,912 Goodwill acquired — 6,292 — — — — 6,292 Deconsolidation of ALLO — — (21,112) — — — (21,112) Balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 $ 23,639 76,570 — 41,883 — — 142,092 (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, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: As of December 31, Useful life 2021 2020 Computer equipment and software 1-5 years $ 234,222 172,664 Building and building improvements 5-48 years 48,782 52,444 Office furniture and equipment 1-10 years 22,463 21,899 Leasehold improvements 1-15 years 10,537 9,168 Transportation equipment 5-10 years 4,857 4,857 Land — 3,266 3,642 Construction in progress — 2,392 18,478 326,519 283,152 Accumulated depreciation (207,106) (159,625) Total property and equipment, net $ 119,413 123,527

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Repurchases	Shares repurchased by the Company during 2021, 2020, and 2019 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, 2021 713,274 $ 58,111 $ 81.47 Year ended December 31, 2020 1,594,394 73,358 46.01 Year ended December 31, 2019 726,273 40,411 55.64

Earnings per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 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. $ 386,865 6,421 393,286 347,451 4,992 352,443 139,946 1,857 141,803 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 37,943,032 629,769 38,572,801 38,506,351 553,237 39,059,588 39,523,082 524,320 40,047,402 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 10.20 10.20 10.20 9.02 9.02 9.02 3.54 3.54 3.54

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 Gross balance - beginning of year $ 20,318 20,148 Additions based on tax positions of prior years 271 634 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,388 2,523 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,002) (69) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations (2,297) (2,918) Gross balance - end of year $ 19,678 20,318
Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Current: Federal $ 55,239 82,832 38,931 State 4,792 9,815 3,546 Foreign 169 239 239 Total current provision 60,200 92,886 42,716 Deferred: Federal 46,145 7,269 (4,280) State 9,647 718 (2,922) Foreign (170) (13) (63) Total deferred provision 55,622 7,974 (7,265) Provision for income tax expense $ 115,822 100,860 35,451
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, 2021 2020 2019 Tax expense at federal rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Increase (decrease) resulting from: State tax, net of federal income tax benefit 3.0 2.8 2.5 Tax credits (0.8) (1.1) (3.0) Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters (0.1) (0.2) (0.7) Other (0.3) (0.2) 0.2 Effective tax rate 22.8 % 22.3 % 20.0 %
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, 2021 2020 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 21,593 18,081 Student loans 19,776 26,894 Accrued expenses 10,712 10,661 State tax credit carryforwards 8,546 5,987 Stock compensation 4,027 2,546 Lease liability 3,685 4,123 Net operating losses 2,410 647 Basis in certain derivative contracts — 5,061 Securitizations — 694 Total gross deferred tax assets 70,749 74,694 Less state tax valuation allowance (2,084) (569) Net deferred tax assets 68,665 74,125 Deferred tax liabilities: Partnership basis 100,428 64,023 Basis in certain derivative contracts 15,927 — Depreciation 15,264 14,092 Debt and equity investments 12,859 20,538 Loan origination services 4,930 5,040 Intangible assets 4,772 7,703 Lease right of use asset 3,317 4,037 Securitization 128 — Other 1,665 661 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 159,290 116,094 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (90,625) (41,969)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Operating Segments Reconciled to Consolidated Financial Statements	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, 2021 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications (a) Asset Nelnet Bank Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 137 1,075 — 506,901 7,721 9,801 (1,800) 523,835 Interest expense 94 — — 172,918 1,507 3,515 (1,800) 176,233 Net interest income (expense) 43 1,075 — 333,983 6,214 6,286 — 347,602 Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — (13,220) 794 — — (12,426) Net interest income after provision for loan losses 43 1,075 — 347,203 5,420 6,286 — 360,028 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 486,363 — — — — — — 486,363 Intersegment revenue 33,956 12 — — — — (33,968) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 338,234 — — — — — 338,234 Communications revenue — — — — — — — — Other 3,307 — — 34,306 713 40,356 — 78,681 Gain on sale of loans — — — 18,715 — — — 18,715 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — — — — Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net (13,243) — — 2,436 — (5,553) — (16,360) Derivative settlements, net — — — (21,367) — — — (21,367) Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — 92,813 — — — 92,813 Total other income/expense 510,383 338,246 — 126,903 713 34,803 (33,968) 977,079 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 108,660 — — — — — 108,660 Cost to provide communications services — — — — — — — — Total cost of services — 108,660 — — — — — 108,660 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 297,406 112,046 — 2,135 5,042 90,502 — 507,132 Depreciation and amortization 25,649 11,404 — — — 36,682 — 73,741 Other expenses 52,720 19,318 — 13,487 1,776 58,173 — 145,469 Intersegment expenses, net 72,206 15,180 — 34,868 107 (88,393) (33,968) — Total operating expenses 447,981 157,948 — 50,490 6,925 96,964 (33,968) 726,342 Income (loss) before income taxes 62,445 72,713 — 423,616 (792) (55,875) — 502,105 Income tax (expense) benefit (14,987) (17,451) — (101,668) 175 18,109 — (115,822) Net income (loss) 47,458 55,262 — 321,948 (617) (37,766) — 386,283 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 7,003 — 7,003 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 47,458 55,262 — 321,948 (617) (30,763) — 393,286 Total assets as of December 31, 2021 $ 296,618 443,788 — 18,965,371 535,948 1,963,032 (526,716) 21,678,041 (a) On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the (former) Communications operating segment in 2021. Year ended December 31, 2020 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications (a) Asset Nelnet Bank (b) Corporate and Other Activities Eliminations Total Total interest income $ 436 3,036 2 611,474 414 5,775 (1,480) 619,656 Interest expense 121 54 — 328,157 41 3,178 (1,480) 330,071 Net interest income (expense) 315 2,982 2 283,317 373 2,597 — 289,585 Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — 63,029 330 — — 63,360 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 315 2,982 2 220,288 43 2,597 — 226,225 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 451,561 — — — — — — 451,561 Intersegment revenue 36,520 20 — — — — (36,540) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 282,196 — — — — — 282,196 Communications revenue — — 76,643 — — — — 76,643 Other 9,421 373 1,561 7,189 48 38,969 — 57,561 Gain on sale of loans — — — 33,023 — — — 33,023 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — 258,588 — 258,588 Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net — — — (16,607) — (8,116) — (24,723) Derivative settlements, net — — — 3,679 — — — 3,679 Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — (28,144) — — — (28,144) Total other income/expense 497,502 282,589 78,204 (860) 48 289,441 (36,540) 1,110,384 Cost of services: Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services — 82,206 — — — — — 82,206 Cost to provide communications services — — 22,812 — — — — 22,812 Total cost of services — 82,206 22,812 — — — — 105,018 Operating expenses: Salaries and benefits 285,526 98,847 30,935 1,747 36 84,741 — 501,832 Depreciation and amortization 37,610 9,459 42,588 — — 29,043 — 118,699 Other expenses 57,420 14,566 13,327 15,806 135 59,320 — 160,574 Intersegment expenses, net 63,886 14,293 1,732 39,172 — (82,543) (36,540) — Total operating expenses 444,442 137,165 88,582 56,725 171 90,561 (36,540) 781,105 Income (loss) before income taxes 53,375 66,200 (33,188) 162,703 (80) 201,477 — 450,486 Income tax (expense) benefit (12,810) (15,888) 7,965 (39,049) 20 (41,098) — (100,860) Net income (loss) 40,565 50,312 (25,223) 123,654 (60) 160,379 — 349,626 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — 2,817 — 2,817 Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 40,565 50,312 (25,223) 123,654 (60) 163,196 — 352,443 Total assets as of December 31, 2020 $ 190,297 436,702 — 20,773,968 216,937 1,225,790 (197,534) 22,646,160 (a) On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2, “ALLO Recapitalization,” for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, the operating results for the Communications operating segment in the table above are for the period from January 1, 2020 through December 21, 2020. (b) Nelnet Bank launched operations on November 2, 2020. Accordingly, the operating results for the Nelnet Bank operating segment in the table above are for the period from November 2, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Year ended December 31, 2019 Loan Servicing and Systems Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing Communications Asset Nelnet Bank (a) 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 (negative provision) provision for loan losses — — — 39,000 — — — 39,000 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 1,916 9,198 3 199,588 — (355) — 210,350 Other income/expense: Loan servicing and systems revenue 455,255 — — — — — — 455,255 Intersegment revenue 46,751 — — — — — (46,751) — Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue — 277,331 — — — — — 277,331 Communications revenue — — 64,269 — — — — 64,269 Other 9,736 259 1,509 13,088 — 23,327 — 47,918 Gain on sale of loans — — — 17,261 — — — 17,261 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — — — — — — — — Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net — — — — — — — — Derivative settlements, net — — — 45,406 — — — 45,406 Derivative market value adjustments, net — — — (76,195) — — — (76,195) Total other income/expense 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 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 (a) Nelnet Bank launched operations on November 2, 2020. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the Nelnet Bank operating segment in the year ended December 31, 2019.

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_2

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregated Revenue	The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Government servicing - Nelnet $ 167,579 146,798 157,991 Government servicing - Great Lakes 193,214 179,872 185,656 Private education and consumer loan servicing 47,302 32,492 36,788 FFELP servicing 18,281 20,183 25,043 Software services 34,600 41,999 41,077 Outsourced services and other 25,387 30,217 8,700 Loan servicing and systems revenue $ 486,363 451,561 455,255 The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Tuition payment plan services $ 103,970 100,674 106,682 Payment processing 127,080 114,304 110,848 Education technology and services 105,186 65,885 58,578 Other 1,998 1,333 1,223 Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue $ 338,234 282,196 277,331 The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering and customer type. The amounts listed for 2020 reflect activity prior to ALLO’s deconsolidation on December 21, 2020: Period from January 1 2020 - December 21, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2019 Internet $ 48,362 38,239 Television 17,091 16,196 Telephone 11,037 9,705 Other 153 129 Communications revenue $ 76,643 64,269 Residential revenue $ 58,029 48,344 Business revenue 18,038 15,689 Other 576 236 Communications revenue $ 76,643 64,269
Components of Other Income	The following table provides the components of "other" in “other income/expense” on the consolidated statements of income: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Income/gains from investments, net $ 91,593 56,402 8,356 ALLO preferred return 8,427 386 — Investment advisory services 7,773 10,875 2,941 Borrower late fee income 3,444 5,194 12,884 Management fee revenue 3,307 9,421 9,736 Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment (42,148) (3,565) — Loss from solar investments (10,132) (37,423) (2,220) (Loss) gain on debt repurchased (6,775) 1,924 136 Other 23,192 14,347 16,085 Other income $ 78,681 57,561 47,918
Deferred Revenue Reconciliation	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, 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 Deferral of revenue 2,490 90,183 43,596 3,209 139,478 Recognition of revenue (3,824) (90,409) (42,903) (3,286) (140,422) Deconsolidation of ALLO — — (3,925) — (3,925) Business acquisition — 1,419 — — 1,419 Balance as of December 31, 2020 1,378 33,267 — 1,551 36,196 Deferral of revenue 5,882 109,278 — 5,775 120,935 Recognition of revenue (4,844) (105,801) — (5,316) (115,961) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 2,416 36,744 — 2,010 41,170

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in " other assets consolidated balance sheet $ 14,314 18,301 Operating lease liabilities, which is included in " other liabilities consolidated balance sheet $ 15,899 18,733
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, 2021 2020 2019 Rental expense, which is included in "other expenses" on the $ 9,386 11,885 11,171 Rental expense, which is included in "cost to provide communications — 1,997 1,609 Total operating rental expense $ 9,386 13,882 12,780 (a) Includes short-term and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate are shown below: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 5.15 5.65 Weighted average discount rate 3.23 % 2.43 %
Maturity of Lease Liabilities	Maturity of lease liabilities are shown below: 2022 $ 5,816 2023 4,122 2024 1,757 2025 1,421 2026 731 2027 and thereafter 3,702 Total lease payments 17,549 Imputed interest (1,650) Total $ 15,899

Stock Based Compensation Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity: Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Non-vested shares at beginning of year 552,456 549,845 532,336 Granted 249,096 151,639 186,281 Vested (116,842) (114,282) (109,651) Canceled (24,544) (34,746) (59,121) Non-vested shares at end of year 660,166 552,456 549,845
Unrecognized Compensation Costs	As of December 31, 2021, there was $23.5 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. 2022 $ 8,795 2023 5,563 2024 3,615 2025 2,267 2026 1,355 2027 and thereafter 1,907 $ 23,502
Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan	The following table provides the number of shares awarded under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Shares issued - Shares issued- Total Year ended December 31, 2021 9,958 12,072 22,030 Year ended December 31, 2020 12,740 16,513 29,253 Year ended December 31, 2019 9,588 11,212 20,800

Related Parties (Tables)

Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	The Company has co-invested in Company-managed limited liability companies with related parties that invest in renewable energy (solar) (as summarized below). As part of these transactions, the Company receives management and performance fees under a management agreement. Entity/Relationship Investment amount Fees earned by the Company 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 F&M $ 7,913,000 4,600,000 2,068,868 29,491 46,154 68,869 Assurity (Board member Thomas Henning) 5,421,659 1,150,000 — 16,027 11,538 — Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Board member James Abel) 5,000,000 — — 9,615 — — North Central Bancorp, Inc. (directly and indirectly owned by F&M, Mr. Dunlap, and Ms. Muhleisen) 2,466,667 1,533,333 2,068,868 14,958 15,385 68,869 Infovisa, Inc. (directly and indirectly owned by F&M, 562,600 — — 1,923 — — Farm and Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (indirectly owned by Mr. Dunlap and Ms. Muhleisen) 116,667 383,333 — 962 3,846 —

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
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, 2021. As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets: Investments (a): FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale $ — 494,682 494,682 — 346,502 346,502 Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale — 412,552 412,552 — — — Other debt securities - available for sale 100 22,335 22,435 103 2,002 2,105 Equity securities 63,154 — 63,154 10,114 — 10,114 Equity securities measured at net asset value (b) 8,832 31,927 Total investments 63,254 929,569 1,001,655 10,217 348,504 390,648 Total assets $ 63,254 929,569 1,001,655 10,217 348,504 390,648 (a) Investments represent investments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 investments are measured based upon quoted prices and as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, include investments traded on an active exchange and a single U.S. Treasury security. Level 2 investments include student loan asset-backed, mortgage-backed, and collateralized loan obligation securities. The fair value for the Level 2 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.
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, 2021 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 18,576,272 17,546,645 — — 18,576,272 Accrued loan interest receivable 788,552 788,552 — 788,552 — Cash and cash equivalents 125,563 125,563 125,563 — — Investments (at fair value) 1,001,655 1,001,655 63,254 929,569 — Beneficial interest in loan securitizations 142,391 120,142 — — 142,391 Restricted cash 741,981 741,981 741,981 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 326,645 326,645 326,645 — — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 17,819,902 17,631,089 — 17,819,902 — Accrued interest payable 4,566 4,566 — 4,566 — Bank deposits 342,463 344,315 184,897 157,566 — Due to customers 366,002 366,002 366,002 — — As of December 31, 2020 Fair value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Loans receivable $ 20,454,132 19,391,045 — — 20,454,132 Accrued loan interest receivable 794,611 794,611 — 794,611 — Cash and cash equivalents 121,249 121,249 121,249 — — Investments (at fair value) 390,648 390,648 10,217 348,504 — Beneficial interest in loan securitizations 58,709 58,331 — — 58,709 Restricted cash 553,175 553,175 553,175 — — Restricted cash – due to customers 283,971 283,971 283,971 — — Financial liabilities: Bonds and notes payable 19,270,810 19,320,726 — 19,270,810 — Accrued interest payable 28,701 28,701 — 28,701 — Bank deposits 54,599 54,633 48,422 6,177 — Due to customers 301,471 301,471 301,471 — —

Condensed Parent Company Fina_2

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Parent Balance Sheets	Balance Sheets (Parent Company Only) As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 2021 2020 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 47,434 69,687 Investments 1,236,933 707,332 Investment in subsidiary debt 374,087 38,903 Restricted cash 107,103 93,271 Investment in subsidiaries 1,986,136 1,963,413 Notes receivable from subsidiaries 314 21,209 Other assets 123,716 115,631 Total assets $ 3,875,723 3,009,446 Liabilities: Notes payable, net of debt issuance costs $ 734,881 236,317 Other liabilities 189,317 140,710 Total liabilities 924,198 377,027 Equity: Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock 379 384 Additional paid-in capital 1,000 3,794 Retained earnings 2,940,523 2,621,762 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 9,304 6,102 Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity 2,951,206 2,632,042 Noncontrolling interest 319 377 Total equity 2,951,525 2,632,419 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 3,875,723 3,009,446
Condensed Parent Statements of Income	Statements of Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Investment interest income $ 12,455 4,110 4,925 Interest expense on bonds and notes payable 3,515 3,179 9,588 Net interest income (expense) 8,940 931 (4,663) Other income/expense: Other income 45,291 48,688 8,384 (Loss) gain from debt repurchases, net (6,530) 1,962 136 Equity in subsidiaries income 313,451 132,101 182,346 Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO — 258,588 — Impairment expense (4,637) (7,784) — Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net 71,446 (24,465) (30,789) Total other income/expense 419,021 409,090 160,077 Operating expenses 7,632 14,006 19,561 Income before income taxes 420,329 396,015 135,853 Income tax (expense) benefit (27,101) (43,577) 5,950 Net income 393,228 352,438 141,803 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 58 5 — Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 393,286 352,443 141,803
Condensed Parent Statement of Comprehensive Income	Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Net income $ 393,228 352,438 141,803 Other comprehensive income (loss): Net changes related to equity in subsidiaries other comprehensive income $ 6,692 — — Net changes related to available-for-sale securities: Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net (4,220) 6,637 (1,199) Reclassification of gains recognized in net income, net of losses (372) (2,521) — Income tax effect 1,102 (3,490) (986) 3,130 288 (911) Other comprehensive income (loss) 3,202 3,130 (911) Comprehensive income 396,430 355,568 140,892 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 58 5 — Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 396,488 355,573 140,892
Condensed Parent Statements of Cash Flows	Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company Only) Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 2021 2020 2019 Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. $ 393,286 352,443 141,803 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (58) (5) — Net income 393,228 352,438 141,803 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 591 534 467 Derivative market value adjustments (92,813) 28,144 76,195 Payments to terminate derivative instruments, net — — (12,530) Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net 91,294 (26,747) (70,685) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries (313,451) (132,101) (182,346) Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO, including cash impact — (287,579) — Loss on (gain from) debt repurchases 6,530 (1,962) (136) Loss on (gain from) investments, net 721 (46,019) (3,969) Purchases of equity securities, net (42,916) — — Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 47,423 23,747 (19,183) Non-cash compensation expense 10,673 16,739 6,781 Impairment expense 4,637 7,784 — Other — (329) (481) Increase in other assets (9,108) (17,410) (10,672) Increase in other liabilities 1,784 26,009 29,384 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 98,593 (56,752) (45,372) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale securities (640,644) (342,563) — Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities 133,286 168,555 — Capital distributions/contributions from/to subsidiaries, net 294,578 99,830 449,602 Decrease in notes receivable from subsidiaries 20,895 21,343 14,421 Purchases of subsidiary debt, net (335,184) (25,085) — Purchases of other investments (110,184) (54,637) (47,106) Proceeds from other investments 129,899 8,564 27,926 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (507,354) (123,993) 444,843 Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable (126,530) (20,381) (361,272) Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 619,259 190,520 60,000 Payments of debt issuance costs (1,286) (49) (1,129) Dividends paid (34,457) (31,778) (29,485) Repurchases of common stock (58,111) (73,358) (40,411) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,465 1,653 1,552 Acquisition of noncontrolling interest — (600) — Issuance of noncontrolling interest — 194,985 878 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 400,340 260,992 (369,867) Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (8,421) 80,247 29,604 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 162,958 82,711 53,107 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 154,537 162,958 82,711 Cash disbursements made for: Interest $ 2,301 2,577 9,501 Income taxes, net of refunds and credits $ 18,659 29,685 17,672 Noncash investing activities: (Distribution from) contribution to subsidiary, net $ (835) 49,066 —

ALLO Recapitalization - Narrati

ALLO Recapitalization - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 21, 2020	Oct. 15, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests			$ 50,716	$ 205,768	$ 4,650
Other Investments | Preferred Partnership Interest
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Equity method investment, preferred annual return			6.25%
ALLO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		$ 160,000
Sale of stock, percentage ownership after transaction	45.00%
ALLO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sale of stock, consideration received on transaction		$ 197,000
SDC ALLO Holdings, LLC | ALLO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sale of stock, percentage ownership after transaction	48.00%
Members Of ALLO Management | ALLO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sale of stock, percentage ownership after transaction	7.00%

ALLO Recapitalization - Summary

ALLO Recapitalization - Summary of Gain as a Result of Deconsolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 21, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		$ 258,600	$ 0	$ 258,588	$ 0
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | ALLO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Voting interest/equity method investment - recorded at fair value	$ 132,960
Preferred membership interest investment - recorded at fair value	228,530
Cash and cash equivalents – not held at a related party	(299)
Cash and cash equivalents – held at a related party	(28,692)
Accounts receivable	(4,138)
Goodwill	(21,112)
Intangible assets	(6,083)
Property and equipment, net	(245,295)
Other assets	(29,643)
Other liabilities	24,185
Noncontrolling interests	208,175
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO	$ 258,588

ALLO Recapitalization - Impact

ALLO Recapitalization - Impact to Operating Results as a Result of Recapitalization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Gain from deconsolidation	$ 258,600	$ 0	$ 258,588	$ 0
Compensation expense			(9,298)
Obligation to SDC			(2,339)
Total impact to operating results, deconsolidation			246,951
Contingent consideration, liability, lower estimate			25,000
Contingent consideration, liability, higher estimate			35,000
Contingent consideration, liability	$ 2,300		$ 2,300

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Narrative (Details) borrower in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)borrower	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	$ 18,335,197,000	$ 18,335,197,000	$ 20,185,656,000
Allowance for loan losses	(127,113,000)	(127,113,000)	(175,698,000)	$ (61,914,000)			$ (60,388,000)
Retained earnings	2,940,523,000	$ 2,940,523,000	2,621,762,000
Straight line reversion method period		2 years
Purchased accrued interest	48,300,000	$ 48,300,000	92,300,000	112,900,000
Goodwill impairment		$ 0	0	0
Rebate fee on consolidation loans		1.05%
Pre tax decrease to interest income		$ (523,835,000)	$ (619,656,000)	(948,677,000)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses				(91,014,000)			0
Retained earnings						$ (18,900,000)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained earnings
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses						$ (91,000,000)
Private Education Loan Investment
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			8.00%
Restricted Stock
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Vesting period (up to)		10 years
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	284,136,000	$ 284,136,000	$ 305,882,000	231,903,000
Allowance for loan losses	$ (16,143,000)	$ (16,143,000)	(19,529,000)	(9,597,000)			(10,838,000)
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses				$ (4,797,000)			$ 0
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Non-federally insured student loans | Wells Fargo
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable			$ 10,000,000,000
Number of borrowers | borrower			445,000
Stafford Loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period		5 years
Stafford Loan | Federally insured loans
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Constant prepayment rate	5.00%	5.00%
Student Loans, PLUS
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period		10 years
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Guaranteed Loans | Minimum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period		12 years
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Guaranteed Loans | Maximum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period		30 years
Private Education Loans
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Uninsured loans, repayment period		30 years
Consumer Loans
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Uninsured loans, repayment period		6 years
Consolidation loans | Federally insured loans
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Constant prepayment rate	4.00%	4.00%			3.00%
Increase to net loan discount	$ 6,200,000
Pre tax decrease to interest income	6,200,000
Held for sale
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans classified as held for sale	0	$ 0	$ 0
Beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations | Other Investments
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Beneficial interest in securitization, interest, percent			8.00%
Amount of loans securitized		8,700,000,000
Whitetail Rock
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage								10.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	$ 17,981,414,000	$ 17,981,414,000	$ 20,132,996,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | ALLO Communications
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent	45.00%	45.00%
Percent of operating decision voting power		43.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
Exposure syndicated to third-party investors	$ 71,511	$ 15,562
Maximum exposure to loss	146,120	104,829
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Disclosures [Abstract]
Investment carrying amount	(41,030)	(26,006)
Tax credits subject to recapture	111,289	101,943
Unfunded capital and other commitments	4,350	13,330
Company’s maximum exposure to loss	$ 74,609	$ 89,267
ALLO Communications | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent	45.00%
Percent of operating decision voting power	43.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Loans Receivable (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Stafford Loan
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period	5 years
Student Loans, PLUS
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period	10 years
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Guaranteed Loans | Minimum
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period	12 years
Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Guaranteed Loans | Maximum
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Federally insured loans repayment period	30 years
Private Education Loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Uninsured loans, repayment period	30 years
Consumer Loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Uninsured loans, repayment period	6 years

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_3

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Receivable and Accrued Interest Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accrued interest receivable	$ 788,552	$ 794,611
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	(25,933)	(9,908)
Allowance for loan losses	(127,113)	(175,698)	$ (61,914)	$ (60,388)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	18,335,197	20,185,656
Non-Nelnet Bank loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	17,441,790	19,559,108
Allowance for loan losses	(126,005)	(175,375)
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	17,091,047	19,129,173	20,328,543
Accrued interest receivable	784,716	791,453	730,059
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	(28,309)	(14,505)	(35,822)
Allowance for loan losses	(103,381)	(128,590)	(36,763)	(42,310)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	17,744,073	19,777,531	20,957,981
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Stafford and other loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	3,904,000	4,383,000
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Consolidation loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	13,187,047	14,746,173
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	299,442	320,589	244,258
Accrued interest receivable	1,960	2,131	1,558
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	(1,123)	2,691	46
Allowance for loan losses	(16,143)	(19,529)	(9,597)	(10,838)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	284,136	305,882	231,903
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	51,301	109,346	225,918
Accrued interest receivable	396	1,001	1,880
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	913	1,640	740
Allowance for loan losses	(6,481)	(27,256)	(15,554)	$ (7,240)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	46,129	84,731	212,984
Nelnet Bank loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	257,901	17,543
Allowance for loan losses	(1,108)	(323)
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	88,011	0
Accrued interest receivable	1,216
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	26
Allowance for loan losses	(268)	0
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	88,985
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans receivable, gross	169,890	17,543
Accrued interest receivable	264	26
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs	2,560	266
Allowance for loan losses	(840)	(323)	$ 0
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	$ 171,874	$ 17,512

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_4

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Sold and Gains Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2021	May 14, 2021	Jul. 29, 2020	Jan. 30, 2020	Oct. 17, 2019	May 01, 2019	Sep. 29, 2021	Jul. 29, 2020	Oct. 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans sold (par value)	$ 18,390	$ 77,417	$ 60,779	$ 124,249	$ 179,301	$ 47,680	$ 95,807	$ 185,028	$ 226,981
Gain	$ 3,249	$ 15,271	$ 14,817	$ 18,206	$ 15,549	$ 1,712	$ 18,520	$ 33,023	$ 17,261	$ 18,715	$ 33,023	$ 17,261
Residual interest received in securitization	6.90%	24.50%	25.40%	31.40%	28.70%	11.00%

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_5

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 175,698	$ 61,914	$ 60,388
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	(12,426)	63,360	39,000
Charge-offs	(28,742)	(28,729)	(28,010)
Recoveries	1,545	1,763	1,536
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	3,273	15,800	0
Loan sales	(12,235)	(29,424)	(11,000)
Balance at end of period	127,113	175,698	61,914
Par value of loans purchased with deteriorated credit quality	224,100	835,000
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		91,014	0
Balance at end of period			91,014
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	128,590	36,763	42,310
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	(7,343)	18,691	8,000
Charge-offs	(21,139)	(14,955)	(13,547)
Recoveries	0	0	0
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	3,273	15,800	0
Loan sales	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	103,381	128,590	36,763
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		72,291	0
Balance at end of period			72,291
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	19,529	9,597	10,838
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	(1,333)	6,156	0
Charge-offs	(2,476)	(1,652)	(1,965)
Recoveries	721	631	724
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	0	0	0
Loan sales	(298)	0	0
Balance at end of period	16,143	19,529	9,597
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		4,797	0
Balance at end of period			4,797
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	27,256	15,554	7,240
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	(4,544)	38,183	31,000
Charge-offs	(5,123)	(12,115)	(12,498)
Recoveries	824	1,132	812
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	0	0	0
Loan sales	(11,932)	(29,424)	(11,000)
Balance at end of period	6,481	27,256	15,554
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		13,926	0
Balance at end of period			13,926
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	0
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	268
Charge-offs	0
Recoveries	0
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	0
Loan sales	0
Balance at end of period	268	0
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	323	0
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses	526	330
Charge-offs	(4)	(7)
Recoveries	0	0
Initial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration	0	0
Loan sales	(5)	0
Balance at end of period	$ 840	$ 323	$ 0

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_6

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loan Status and Delinquencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans in repayment status:
Accrued interest receivable	$ 788,552	$ 794,611
Loan premium (discount)	(25,933)	(9,908)
Allowance for loan losses	(127,113)	(175,698)	$ (61,914)	$ (60,388)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	18,335,197	20,185,656
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 829,624	$ 1,036,028	$ 1,074,678
Loans in grace and deferment, percent	4.90%	5.40%	5.30%
Loans in forbearance	$ 1,118,667	$ 1,973,175	$ 1,339,821
Loans in forbearance, percent	6.50%	10.30%	6.60%
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 17,091,047	$ 19,129,173	$ 20,328,543
Total loans in repayment	$ 15,142,756	$ 16,119,970	$ 17,914,044
Loans in repayment, percent	88.60%	84.30%	88.10%
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans, percent	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Accrued interest receivable	$ 784,716	$ 791,453	$ 730,059
Loan premium (discount)	(28,309)	(14,505)	(35,822)
Non-accretable discount	0	0	(28,036)
Allowance for loan losses	(103,381)	(128,590)	(36,763)	(42,310)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	17,744,073	19,777,531	20,957,981
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 12,847,685	$ 13,683,054	$ 15,410,993
Loans current, percentage	84.90%	84.90%	86.00%
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 895,656	$ 633,411	$ 650,796
Loans past due, percentage	5.90%	3.90%	3.60%
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 352,449	$ 307,936	$ 428,879
Loans past due, percentage	2.30%	1.90%	2.40%
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91-120 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 251,075	$ 800,257	$ 310,851
Loans past due, percentage	1.70%	5.00%	1.70%
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 121-270 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 592,449	$ 674,975	$ 812,107
Loans past due, percentage	3.90%	4.20%	4.50%
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 271 days or greater
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 203,442	$ 20,337	$ 300,418
Loans past due, percentage	1.30%	0.10%	1.80%
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 9,661	$ 5,049	$ 4,493
Loans in grace and deferment, percent	3.20%	1.60%	1.80%
Loans in forbearance	$ 3,601	$ 2,359	$ 3,108
Loans in forbearance, percent	1.20%	0.70%	1.30%
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 299,442	$ 320,589	$ 244,258
Total loans in repayment	$ 286,180	$ 313,181	$ 236,657
Loans in repayment, percent	95.60%	97.70%	96.90%
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans, percent	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Accrued interest receivable	$ 1,960	$ 2,131	$ 1,558
Loan premium (discount)	(1,123)	2,691	46
Non-accretable discount	0	0	(4,362)
Allowance for loan losses	(16,143)	(19,529)	(9,597)	(10,838)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	284,136	305,882	231,903
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 280,457	$ 310,036	$ 227,013
Loans current, percentage	98.00%	99.00%	95.90%
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 2,403	$ 1,099	$ 2,814
Loans past due, percentage	0.80%	0.40%	1.20%
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 976	$ 675	$ 1,694
Loans past due, percentage	0.30%	0.20%	0.70%
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 2,344	$ 1,371	$ 5,136
Loans past due, percentage	0.90%	0.40%	2.20%
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 43	$ 829	$ 0
Loans in grace and deferment, percent	0.10%	0.80%
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 51,301	$ 109,346	225,918
Total loans in repayment	$ 51,258	$ 108,517	$ 225,918
Loans in repayment, percent	99.90%	99.20%
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Accrued interest receivable	$ 396	$ 1,001	$ 1,880
Loan premium (discount)	913	1,640	740
Allowance for loan losses	(6,481)	(27,256)	(15,554)	$ (7,240)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	46,129	84,731	212,984
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 49,697	$ 105,650	$ 220,404
Loans current, percentage	97.00%	97.40%	97.50%
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 414	$ 954	$ 2,046
Loans past due, percentage	0.80%	0.90%	0.90%
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 322	$ 804	$ 1,545
Loans past due, percentage	0.60%	0.70%	0.70%
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 825	$ 1,109	$ 1,923
Loans past due, percentage	1.60%	1.00%	0.90%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 330
Loans in grace and deferment, percent	0.40%
Loans in forbearance	$ 1,057
Loans in forbearance, percent	1.20%
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 88,011	$ 0
Total loans in repayment	$ 86,624
Loans in repayment, percent	98.40%
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%
Total loans, percent	100.00%
Accrued interest receivable	$ 1,216
Loan premium (discount)	26
Allowance for loan losses	(268)	0
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	88,985
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 85,599
Loans current, percentage	98.80%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 816
Loans past due, percentage	1.00%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.00%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91-120 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.00%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 121-270 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 209
Loans past due, percentage	0.20%
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 271 days or greater
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.00%
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans in-school/grace/deferment	$ 150	$ 0
Loans in grace and deferment, percent	0.10%	0.00%
Loans in forbearance	$ 460	$ 29
Loans in forbearance, percent	0.30%	0.20%
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 169,890	$ 17,543
Total loans in repayment	$ 169,280	$ 17,514
Loans in repayment, percent	99.60%	99.80%
Total loans in repayment, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Total loans, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Accrued interest receivable	$ 264	$ 26
Loan premium (discount)	2,560	266
Allowance for loan losses	(840)	(323)	$ 0
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	171,874	17,512
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 169,157	$ 17,514
Loans current, percentage	99.90%	100.00%
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 51	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 0	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Loans in repayment status:
Loans receivable, gross	$ 72	$ 0
Loans past due, percentage	0.10%	0.00%

Loans and Accrued Interest Re_7

Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans by Year of Origination (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accrued interest receivable	$ 788,552	$ 794,611
Loan premium (discount)	(25,933)	(9,908)
Allowance for loan losses	(127,113)	(175,698)	$ (61,914)	$ (60,388)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	18,335,197	20,185,656
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	5,034
2020	71,391
2019	55,094
2018	539
2017	0
Prior years	167,384
Total loans	299,442	320,589	244,258
Accrued interest receivable	1,960	2,131	1,558
Loan premium (discount)	(1,123)	2,691	46
Allowance for loan losses	(16,143)	(19,529)	(9,597)	(10,838)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	284,136	305,882	231,903
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	280,457	310,036	227,013
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	2,403	1,099	2,814
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	976	675	1,694
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	2,344	1,371	5,136
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in school/grace/deferment
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	2,266
2020	1,981
2019	3,557
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	1,857
Total loans	9,661
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in forbearance
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	0
2020	267
2019	960
2018	47
2017	0
Prior years	2,327
Total loans	3,601
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	2,768
2020	69,143
2019	50,577
2018	492
2017	0
Prior years	163,200
Total loans	286,180
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	2,768
2020	68,754
2019	50,348
2018	492
2017	0
Prior years	158,095
Total loans	280,457
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	0
2020	308
2019	225
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	1,870
Total loans	2,403
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	0
2020	81
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	895
Total loans	976
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	0
2020	0
2019	4
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	2,340
Total loans	2,344
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	38,298
2020	1,094
2019	5,577
2018	6,245
2017	87
Prior years	0
Total loans	51,301	109,346	225,918
Accrued interest receivable	396	1,001	1,880
Loan premium (discount)	913	1,640	740
Allowance for loan losses	(6,481)	(27,256)	(15,554)	$ (7,240)
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	46,129	84,731	212,984
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	49,697	105,650	220,404
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	414	954	2,046
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	322	804	1,545
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	825	1,109	1,923
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in school/grace/deferment
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	25
2020	0
2019	0
2018	18
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	43
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	38,273
2020	1,094
2019	5,577
2018	6,227
2017	87
Prior years	0
Total loans	51,258
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	37,822
2020	960
2019	5,087
2018	5,746
2017	82
Prior years	0
Total loans	49,697
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	205
2020	51
2019	120
2018	33
2017	5
Prior years	0
Total loans	414
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	113
2020	40
2019	109
2018	60
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	322
Consumer loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	133
2020	43
2019	261
2018	388
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	825
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	159,204
2020	10,686
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	169,890	17,543
Accrued interest receivable	264	26
Loan premium (discount)	2,560	266
Deferred origination costs	2,560
Allowance for loan losses	(840)	(323)	$ 0
Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss	171,874	17,512
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	169,157	17,514
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	51	0
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	0	0
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Total loans	72	$ 0
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in school/grace/deferment
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	150
2020	0
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	150
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in forbearance
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	445
2020	15
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	460
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status:
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	158,609
2020	10,671
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	169,280
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	158,486
2020	10,671
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	169,157
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	51
2020	0
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	51
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	0
2020	0
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	0
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank | Loans in repayment status: | Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
2021	72
2020	0
2019	0
2018	0
2017	0
Prior years	0
Total loans	$ 72

Bonds and Notes Payable - Outst

Bonds and Notes Payable - Outstanding Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 17,824,087	$ 19,558,849
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs	(192,998)	(238,123)
Issue price	17,631,089	19,320,726
Unsecured line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 0	$ 120,000
Interest rate	0.00%	1.65%
Participation agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 253,969	$ 118,558
Interest rate	0.78%	0.84%
Repurchase agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 483,848
Secured line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 5,000	$ 5,000
Interest rate	1.91%	1.90%
Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on indices
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 15,887,295	$ 17,127,643
Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on auction
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	248,550	749,925
Federally insured | Variable-rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	16,135,845	17,877,568
Federally insured | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	772,935	923,076
Federally insured | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	5,048	252,165
Private education | Variable-rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	31,818	49,025
Private education | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	28,613	37,251
Private education | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross	$ 107,011	$ 150,397
Interest rate	0.24%	0.28%
Consumer Loan | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable, gross		$ 25,809
Interest rate		0.28%
Minimum | Repurchase agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.66%
Minimum | Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on indices
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.23%	0.28%
Minimum | Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on auction
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.00%	1.12%
Minimum | Federally insured | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.42%	1.42%
Minimum | Federally insured | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.21%	0.27%
Minimum | Private education | Variable-rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.65%	1.65%
Minimum | Private education | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.60%	3.60%
Maximum | Repurchase agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.46%
Maximum | Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on indices
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.10%	2.05%
Maximum | Federally insured | Bonds and notes based on auction
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.09%	2.14%
Maximum | Federally insured | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.45%	3.45%
Maximum | Federally insured | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		0.31%
Maximum | Private education | Variable-rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.85%	1.90%
Maximum | Private education | Fixed rate bonds and notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.35%	5.35%

Bonds and Notes Payable - Narra

Bonds and Notes Payable - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	May 03, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowing agreement, termination notice period			5 days
Other borrowings, maximum			$ 400,000,000
Repurchase agreements, contractual maturity adjustment, written notice period	180 days
Repurchase agreements, amount collateralized by private education loan asset-backed securities			208,100,000
Additional repurchase agreement, amount collateralized by private education loan asset-backed securities			275,800,000
Decrease in interest on bonds, notes payable, and bank deposits		$ 23,800,000
Payments to extinguish debt			0	$ 0	$ 14,030,000
Union Bank and Trust Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of participation, student loan asset-backed securities			254,000,000	$ 118,600,000
Asset backed securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt extinguished					1,050,000,000
Payments to extinguish debt					14,000,000
Write off of debt issuance costs					2,700,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt					$ 16,700,000
Warehouse facilities | Federally insured student loans | NFSLW-I Warehouse
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			60,000,000
Amount outstanding			5,000,000
Amount available			55,000,000
Advanced as equity support			$ 300,000
Warehouse facilities | Minimum | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			0.21%	0.27%
Warehouse facilities | Maximum | Federally insured student loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				0.31%
Private Loan Warehouse Facility | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			$ 175,000,000
Amount outstanding			107,000,000
Amount available			68,000,000
Advanced as equity support			$ 11,800,000
Private Loan Warehouse Facility | Warehouse facilities | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advance rate			80.00%
Private Loan Warehouse Facility | Warehouse facilities | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advance rate			90.00%
Consumer loan warehouse facility | Warehouse facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount				$ 100,000,000
Unsecured Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			1.50%
Unsecured Line of Credit | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding			$ 0
Amount available			$ 495,000,000
Unsecured Line of Credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds			1.00%
Unsecured Line of Credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds			2.00%
Unsecured Line of Credit | Unsecured line of credit | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount			$ 495,000,000
Higher borrowing capacity option			$ 737,500,000

Bonds and Notes Payable - Asset

Bonds and Notes Payable - Asset-Backed Securitizations Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue price	$ 17,631,089,000	$ 19,320,726,000
Asset-Backed Securities Underlying Class B 2020-4 Subordinated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loans classified as held for sale	5,000,000
Asset-Backed Securities Underlying Class B 2020-5 Subordinated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loans classified as held for sale	7,500,000
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loans classified as held for sale	381,200,000
Secured line of credit | 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		1,546,600,000
Secured line of credit | Notes 2020-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	797,000,000	435,600,000
Secured line of credit | 2020-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		272,100,000
Secured line of credit | 2020-3 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		352,600,000
Secured line of credit | 2020-4 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		191,300,000
Secured line of credit | 2020-5 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		295,000,000
Secured line of credit | NSLT 2021-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	531,300,000
Secured line of credit | 2021 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	1,328,300,000
Senior notes | Class A 2021-1 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 781,000,000
Senior notes | Class A 2021-1 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds	0.50%
Senior notes | Class A Senior Notes NSLT 2021-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 520,600,000
Senior notes | Class A Senior Notes NSLT 2021-2 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds	0.50%
Senior notes | Class A Notes 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 1,301,600,000
Senior notes | 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		1,518,800,000
Bond discount		(1,566,000)
Issue price		1,517,234,000
Senior notes | Class A 2020-1 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		424,600,000
Bond discount		0
Issue price		$ 424,600,000
Senior notes | Class A 2020-1 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		0.74%
Senior notes | Class A 2020-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 264,300,000
Bond discount		(44,000)
Issue price		$ 264,256,000
Cost of funds		1.83%
Senior notes | Class A 2020-3 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 343,600,000
Bond discount		(1,503,000)
Issue price		$ 342,097,000
Senior notes | Class A 2020-3 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		0.92%
Senior notes | Class A 2020-4 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 191,300,000
Bond discount		(19,000)
Issue price		$ 191,281,000
Cost of funds		1.42%
Senior notes | Class A Notes 2020-5
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 295,000,000
Bond discount		0
Issue price		$ 295,000,000
Senior notes | Class A Notes 2020-5 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		0.88%
Subordinated notes | Class B 2021-1 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 16,000,000
Subordinated notes | Class B 2021-1 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds	1.25%
Subordinated notes | Class B Subordinated NSLT 2021-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 10,700,000
Subordinated notes | Class B Subordinated NSLT 2021-2 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		1.20%
Subordinated notes | Class B Notes 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount	$ 26,700,000
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 27,800,000
Bond discount		(858,000)
Issue price		26,942,000
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020-1 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		11,000,000
Bond discount		0
Issue price		$ 11,000,000
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020-1 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		1.75%
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 7,800,000
Bond discount		(574,000)
Issue price		$ 7,226,000
Cost of funds		2.50%
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020-3 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal amount		$ 9,000,000
Bond discount		(284,000)
Issue price		$ 8,716,000
Subordinated notes | Class B 2020-3 Notes | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cost of funds		1.90%

Bonds and Notes Payable - Long-

Bonds and Notes Payable - Long-term Debt Maturities (Details) - Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2022	$ 439,328
2023	415,547
2024	0
2025	28,116
2026	0
2027 and thereafter	16,941,096
Bonds and notes payable	$ 17,824,087

Bonds and Notes Payable - Debt

Bonds and Notes Payable - Debt Repurchased (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase price	$ (407,487)	$ (25,643)	$ (39,864)
Par value	406,875	27,605	40,000
Remaining debt discount and unamortized cost of issuance	(6,163)	(38)	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net	$ (6,775)	$ 1,924	$ 136

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	$ 18,335,197	$ 20,185,656
1:3 basis swaps | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Variable interest rate spread	0.091%	0.091%
Interest Rate Swap | Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Student loan assets, fixed floor income	$ 7,200,000	$ 8,400,000
One-month LIBOR, Daily reset | 1:3 basis swaps | Asset Generation and Management
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	15,900,000
Three-month commercial paper rate | 1:3 basis swaps | Asset Generation and Management
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	600,000
Three-month treasury bill, Daily reset | 1:3 basis swaps | Asset Generation and Management
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Loans and accrued interest receivable	500,000
Three-month LIBOR, Quarterly reset | 1:3 basis swaps | Asset Generation and Management
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	5,400,000
One-month LIBOR, Monthly reset | 1:3 basis swaps | Asset Generation and Management
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Bonds and notes payable	$ 10,500,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Outstanding Basis Swap (Details) - 1:3 basis swaps - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 5,900,000,000	$ 6,150,000,000
2021
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	0	250,000,000
2022
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
2023
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	750,000,000	750,000,000
2024
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,750,000,000	1,750,000,000
2026
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,150,000,000	1,150,000,000
2027
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest Rate Swaps, Floor Income Hedge (Details) - Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 5,000,000,000	$ 4,500,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.55%	0.70%
Maturity 2021
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 0	$ 600,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.00%	2.15%
Maturity 2022
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.94%	0.94%
Maturity 2023
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 900,000,000	$ 900,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.62%	0.62%
Maturity 2024
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 2,500,000,000	$ 2,000,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.35%	0.32%
Maturity 2025
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	0.35%	0.35%
Maturity 2026
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 500,000,000	$ 0
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	1.02%	0.00%
Maturity 2031
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 100,000,000	$ 0
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company	1.53%	0.00%

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Derivative Impact on Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	$ (21,367)	$ 3,679	$ 45,406
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(21,367)	3,679	45,406
Change in fair value	92,813	(28,144)	(76,195)
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)	71,446	(24,465)	(30,789)
1:3 basis swaps | Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(1,638)	10,378	5,214
Change in fair value	5,027	(7,462)	1,515
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges | Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative settlements, net	(19,729)	(6,699)	40,192
Change in fair value	87,786	(20,682)	(77,027)
Other | Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value	$ 0	$ 0	$ (683)

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) borrower in Thousands, $ in Thousands	May 20, 2020USD ($)	May 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)borrower	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)borrower	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Loans receivable			$ 18,335,197		$ 20,185,656		$ 18,335,197	$ 20,185,656
Cash distributions from portion of loans securitized							191,821	$ 13,011	$ 63,879
Bonds issued to cover risk retention policy on loans with beneficial securitization			412,600				$ 412,600
Retention period after investment securitization							2 years
Debt covenant, percent of principle balance debt issue required before liquidation							0.33
Impairment loss equity security							$ 4,600
Private Education Loan Investment
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage					8.00%			8.00%
Equity method investments							71,100
Pre-tax income (loss) from equity investments			37,900				(5,000)
Cash distributions from portion of loans securitized							52,100
Equity method investments, securitized							51,900
Equity method investments			37,900				37,900
Hudl
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 26,000	$ 5,000
Consumer loans
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Impairment charges on investments						$ 26,300
Allowance for credit losses, decrease during period				$ 2,400	$ 9,700
Venture capital and funds:
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Impairment charges on investments						$ 7,800
Other Investments | Beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Beneficial interest in securitization, interest, percent					8.00%			8.00%
Amount of loans securitized							8,700,000
Other Investments | Venture capital and funds:
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity method investments			(67,840)		$ (14,912)		(67,840)	$ (14,912)
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Loans receivable			$ 284,136		305,882		$ 284,136	305,882	$ 231,903
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank | Non-federally insured student loans | Wells Fargo
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Loans receivable					$ 10,000,000			$ 10,000,000
Number of borrowers | borrower					445,000			445,000

Investments - Schedule of Inves

Investments - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 20, 2020	May 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 26, 2021	Jan. 19, 2021
Equity securities
Amortized cost			$ 60,153		$ 60,153	$ 36,227
Gross unrealized gains			13,930		13,930	8,768
Gross unrealized losses			(2,097)		(2,097)	(2,954)
Equity securities			71,986		71,986	42,041
Total investments (at fair value)
Amortized cost			977,565		977,565	376,805
Gross unrealized gains			29,147		29,147	16,810
Gross unrealized losses			(5,057)		(5,057)	(2,967)
Fair value			1,001,655		1,001,655	390,648
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Other debt securities - held-to-maturity			8,200		8,200	0
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, allowance for credit losses			4,449		4,449
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			587,264		587,264	602,292
Total investments			1,588,919		1,588,919	992,940
Debt securities, held-to-maturity, maturing in the next year			3,500		3,500
Debt securities, held-to-maturity, maturing in one to five years			4,700		4,700
Private education loan asset-backed securities subject to repurchase agreements with third-parties			400,000		400,000
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment					(42,148)	(3,565)	$ 0
Equity securities, realized gain					8,427	386	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests					7,003	2,817	$ 509
FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale
Investments (at fair value):
Amortized cost			480,691		480,691	338,475
Gross unrealized gains			14,710		14,710	8,040
Gross unrealized losses			(719)		(719)	(13)
Fair value			494,682		$ 494,682	346,502
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Debt securities, available-for-sale, stated maturity period (greater than)					10 years
Debt securities, available-for-sale, maturing in the next 10 years			77,900		$ 77,900
Debt securities, available-for-sale, maturing in the next year			25,200		25,200
Debt securities, available-for-sale, maturing in one to five years			32,100		32,100
Debt securities, available-for-sale, maturing in six to ten years			20,600		20,600
Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale
Investments (at fair value):
Amortized cost			414,286		414,286	0
Gross unrealized gains			507		507	0
Gross unrealized losses			(2,241)		(2,241)	0
Fair value			412,552		$ 412,552	0
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Debt securities, available-for-sale, stated maturity period (greater than)					10 years
Other debt securities - available for sale
Investments (at fair value):
Amortized cost			22,435		$ 22,435	2,103
Gross unrealized gains			0		0	2
Gross unrealized losses			0		0	0
Fair value			22,435		22,435	2,105
Hudl
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Additional equity investment	$ 26,000	$ 5,000
Hudl
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Ownership percentage								20.00%
ALLO
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Redemption price payment if debt financing obtained									$ 100,000
Union Bank and Trust Company
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Amount of participation, student loan asset-backed securities			254,000		254,000	118,600
Minimum
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Gain on equity investment			10,300
Venture capital and funds: | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Measurement alternative			157,609		157,609	144,795
Equity method			67,840		67,840	14,912
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			225,449		225,449	159,707
Venture capital and funds: | Other Investments | Hudl
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Measurement alternative			133,900		133,900
Gain (loss) on equity security				$ 51,000
Venture capital and funds: | Other Investments | CompanyCam Inc.
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Measurement alternative			11,500		11,500
Real estate | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Equity method			47,226		47,226	50,291
Notes receivable			0		0	847
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			47,226		47,226	51,138
Partnership Interest | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Equity method			87,247		87,247	129,396
Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return			137,342		137,342	228,916
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			224,589		224,589	358,312
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment					(42,100)	(3,600)
Partnership Interest | Other Investments | ALLO
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return			137,300		137,300
Equity method investment, accrued and unpaid preferred return			7,700		7,700
Solar
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Amount funded or committed to fund			227,900		227,900
Amount funded or committed to fund by partners			59,200		59,200
Equity method investment, amount committed to fund			22,300		22,300
Equity method investment, amount committed to fund by partners			17,900		17,900
Pre-tax loss from equity investment					10,100	37,400
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests					$ 7,100	3,800
Solar | Minimum
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Unrecognized tax benefits, resulting from prior period tax positions, period					5 years
Solar | Maximum
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Unrecognized tax benefits, resulting from prior period tax positions, period					6 years
Solar | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			(42,457)		$ (42,457)	(30,373)
Beneficial interest in private education loan securitizations | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Beneficial interest in securitizations			66,008		66,008	0
Loans corresponding to beneficial interest			688,000		688,000
Consumer loans | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Beneficial interest in securitizations			28,366		28,366	27,954
Loans corresponding to beneficial interest			195,000		195,000
Beneficial interest in federally insured loan securitizations | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Beneficial interest in securitizations			25,768		25,768	30,377
Loans corresponding to beneficial interest			445,000		445,000
Tax liens and affordable housing | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Total investments (not measured at fair value)			$ 4,115		$ 4,115	5,177
Preferred Partnership Interest | Other Investments
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Equity method investment, preferred annual return			6.25%		6.25%
Equity securities, realized gain					$ 8,400	$ 400

Business Combination - Narrativ

Business Combination - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 142,092	$ 142,092	$ 156,912
HigherSchool Publishing Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	100.00%
Payment to acquire business	$ 24,700
Acquired intangible assets	24,200
Goodwill	6,292
Customer Relationships | HigherSchool Publishing Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets	$ 24,200
Acquired intangible asset useful life	10 years

Business Combination - Estimate

Business Combination - Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill)	$ 142,092	$ 142,092	$ 156,912
HigherSchool Publishing Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		7
Accounts receivable		5,711
Intangible assets		24,200
Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill)		6,292
Other liabilities		(11,510)
Net assets acquired		$ 24,700

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	96 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 52,029	$ 75,070
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	103 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 47,894	66,974
Accumulated amortization	$ 97,398	83,419
Computer Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	24 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 4,135	6,430
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,669	4,127
Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	0 months
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 0	1,666
Accumulated amortization		$ 3,455

Intangible Assets - Narrative (

Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 23	$ 30.8	$ 32.8

Intangible Assets - Future Amor

Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
2022	$ 9,939
2023	9,830
2024	7,457
2025	4,644
2026	4,517
2027 and thereafter	15,642
Finite lived intangible assets, net	$ 52,029	$ 75,070

Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill

Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 156,912
Goodwill acquired	6,292
Deconsolidation of ALLO	(21,112)
Goodwill, ending balance	142,092
Corporate and Other Activities
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	0
Goodwill acquired	0
Deconsolidation of ALLO	0
Goodwill, ending balance	0
Loan Servicing and Systems | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	23,639
Goodwill acquired	0
Deconsolidation of ALLO	0
Goodwill, ending balance	23,639
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	70,278
Goodwill acquired	6,292
Deconsolidation of ALLO	0
Goodwill, ending balance	76,570
Communications | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	21,112
Goodwill acquired	0
Deconsolidation of ALLO	(21,112)
Goodwill, ending balance	0
Asset Generation and Management | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	41,883
Goodwill acquired	0
Deconsolidation of ALLO	0
Goodwill, ending balance	41,883
Nelnet Bank | Operating Segments
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	0
Goodwill acquired	0
Deconsolidation of ALLO	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 0

Property and Equipment - Schedu

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 326,519	$ 283,152
Accumulated depreciation	(207,106)	(159,625)
Property and equipment, net	119,413	123,527
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 234,222	172,664
Computer equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Computer equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 48,782	52,444
Building and building improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Building and building improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	48 years
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 22,463	21,899
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 10,537	9,168
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 4,857	4,857
Transportation equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Transportation equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 3,266	3,642
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and plant gross	$ 2,392	$ 18,478

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$ 50.7	$ 87.9	$ 72.3
Impairment charge	$ 14.2
Corporate and Other Activities
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charge	1
Loan Servicing and Systems
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$ 13.2

Shareholders' Equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021voteshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase shares authorized (in shares) | shares	5,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) | shares	2,600,000
Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Votes per common share (in votes) | vote	10
Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Votes per common share (in votes) | vote	1

Shareholders' Equity - Stock Re

Shareholders' Equity - Stock Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Total shares repurchased (in shares)	713,274	1,594,394	726,273
Purchase price	$ 58,111	$ 73,358	$ 40,411
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)	$ 81.47	$ 46.01	$ 55.64

Earnings per Common Share - Bas

Earnings per Common Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., basic	$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., diluted	$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,572,801	39,059,588	40,047,402
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	38,572,801	39,059,588	40,047,402
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Common shareholders
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., basic	$ 386,865	$ 347,451	$ 139,946
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., diluted	$ 386,865	$ 347,451	$ 139,946
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	37,943,032	38,506,351	39,523,082
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	37,943,032	38,506,351	39,523,082
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., basic	$ 6,421	$ 4,992	$ 1,857
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., diluted	$ 6,421	$ 4,992	$ 1,857
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	629,769	553,237	524,320
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	629,769	553,237	524,320
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02	$ 3.54
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.20	$ 9.02

Earnings per Common Share - Nar

Earnings per Common Share - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021shares
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)	221,996

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 19,678	$ 20,318	$ 20,148
Tax benefits which would favorable affect effective tax rate	15,600
Anticipated uncertain tax position adjustment	7,200
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	5,100	5,400
Income taxes receivable	8,100	$ 21,500
Other Assets
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	27,300
Other Liabilities
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liabilities	117,900
Favorably affect the effective tax rate
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Anticipated uncertain tax position adjustment	$ 5,700

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross balance - beginning of year	$ 20,318	$ 20,148
Additions based on tax positions of prior years	271	634
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,388	2,523
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1,002)	(69)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(2,297)	(2,918)
Gross balance - end of year	$ 19,678	$ 20,318

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current:
Federal	$ 55,239	$ 82,832	$ 38,931
State	4,792	9,815	3,546
Foreign	169	239	239
Total current provision	60,200	92,886	42,716
Deferred:
Federal	46,145	7,269	(4,280)
State	9,647	718	(2,922)
Foreign	(170)	(13)	(63)
Total deferred provision	55,622	7,974	(7,265)
Provision for income tax expense	$ 115,822	$ 100,860	$ 35,451

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax expense at federal rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State tax, net of federal income tax benefit	3.00%	2.80%	2.50%
Tax credits	(0.80%)	(1.10%)	(3.00%)
Provision for uncertain federal and state tax matters	(0.10%)	(0.20%)	(0.70%)
Other	(0.30%)	(0.20%)	0.20%
Effective tax rate	22.80%	22.30%	20.00%

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 21,593	$ 18,081
Student loans	19,776	26,894
Accrued expenses	10,712	10,661
State tax credit carryforwards	8,546	5,987
Stock compensation	4,027	2,546
Lease liability	3,685	4,123
Net operating losses	2,410	647
Basis in certain derivative contracts	0	5,061
Securitizations	0	694
Total gross deferred tax assets	70,749	74,694
Less state tax valuation allowance	(2,084)	(569)
Net deferred tax assets	68,665	74,125
Deferred tax liabilities:
Partnership basis	100,428	64,023
Basis in certain derivative contracts	15,927	0
Depreciation	15,264	14,092
Debt and equity investments	12,859	20,538
Loan origination services	4,930	5,040
Intangible assets	4,772	7,703
Lease right of use asset	3,317	4,037
Securitization	128	0
Other	1,665	661
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	159,290	116,094
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (90,625)	$ (41,969)

Segment Reporting - Narrative (

Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Income tax allocation to segments, percent	24.00%

Segment Reporting - Reportable

Segment Reporting - Reportable Operating Segments Reconciled to Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		$ 523,835	$ 619,656	$ 948,677
Interest expense		176,233	330,071	699,327
Net interest income		347,602	289,585	249,350
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		(12,426)	63,360	39,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		360,028	226,225	210,350
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		0	0	0
Other		78,681	57,561	47,918
Gain on sale of loans		18,715	33,023	17,261
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO	$ 258,600	0	258,588	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		(16,360)	(24,723)	0
Derivative settlements, net		(21,367)	3,679	45,406
Derivative market value adjustments, net		92,813	(28,144)	(76,195)
Total other income/expense		977,079	1,110,384	831,245
Cost of services:
Cost of services		108,660	105,018	102,026
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		507,132	501,832	463,503
Depreciation and amortization		73,741	118,699	105,049
Other expenses		145,469	160,574	194,272
Intersegment expenses, net		0	0	0
Total operating expenses		726,342	781,105	762,824
Income before income taxes		502,105	450,486	176,745
Income tax benefit (expense)		(115,822)	(100,860)	(35,451)
Net income		386,283	349,626	141,294
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,003	2,817	509
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		393,286	352,443	141,803
Total assets	22,646,160	21,678,041	22,646,160	23,708,970
Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		137	436	2,031
Interest expense		94	121	115
Net interest income		43	315	1,916
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		43	315	1,916
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		33,956	36,520	46,751
Other		3,307	9,421	9,736
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		(13,243)	0	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		510,383	497,502	511,742
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		297,406	285,526	276,136
Depreciation and amortization		25,649	37,610	34,755
Other expenses		52,720	57,420	71,064
Intersegment expenses, net		72,206	63,886	54,325
Total operating expenses		447,981	444,442	436,280
Income before income taxes		62,445	53,375	77,378
Income tax benefit (expense)		(14,987)	(12,810)	(18,571)
Net income		47,458	40,565	58,807
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		47,458	40,565	58,807
Total assets	190,297	296,618	190,297	290,311
Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		1,075	3,036	9,244
Interest expense		0	54	46
Net interest income		1,075	2,982	9,198
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		1,075	2,982	9,198
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		12	20	0
Other		0	373	259
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		0	0	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		338,246	282,589	277,590
Cost of services:
Cost of services		108,660	82,206	81,603
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		112,046	98,847	94,666
Depreciation and amortization		11,404	9,459	12,820
Other expenses		19,318	14,566	22,027
Intersegment expenses, net		15,180	14,293	13,405
Total operating expenses		157,948	137,165	142,918
Income before income taxes		72,713	66,200	62,267
Income tax benefit (expense)		(17,451)	(15,888)	(14,944)
Net income		55,262	50,312	47,323
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		55,262	50,312	47,323
Total assets	436,702	443,788	436,702	506,382
Operating Segments | Communications
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		0	2	3
Interest expense		0	0	0
Net interest income		0	2	3
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		0	2	3
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		0	0	0
Other		0	1,561
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		0	0	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		0	78,204	65,778
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	22,812	20,423
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		0	30,935	21,004
Depreciation and amortization		0	42,588	37,173
Other expenses		0	13,327	15,165
Intersegment expenses, net		0	1,732	2,962
Total operating expenses		0	88,582	76,304
Income before income taxes		0	(33,188)	(30,946)
Income tax benefit (expense)		0	7,965	7,427
Net income		0	(25,223)	(23,519)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		0	(25,223)	(23,519)
Total assets	0	0	0	303,347
Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		506,901	611,474	931,963
Interest expense		172,918	328,157	693,375
Net interest income		333,983	283,317	238,588
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		(13,220)	63,029	39,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		347,203	220,288	199,588
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		0	0	0
Other		34,306	7,189	13,088
Gain on sale of loans		18,715	33,023	17,261
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		2,436	(16,607)	0
Derivative settlements, net		(21,367)	3,679	45,406
Derivative market value adjustments, net		92,813	(28,144)	(76,195)
Total other income/expense		126,903	(860)	(440)
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		2,135	1,747	1,545
Depreciation and amortization		0	0	0
Other expenses		13,487	15,806	34,445
Intersegment expenses, net		34,868	39,172	47,362
Total operating expenses		50,490	56,725	83,352
Income before income taxes		423,616	162,703	115,796
Income tax benefit (expense)		(101,668)	(39,049)	(27,792)
Net income		321,948	123,654	88,004
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		321,948	123,654	88,004
Total assets	20,773,968	18,965,371	20,773,968	22,128,917
Operating Segments | Nelnet Bank
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		7,721	414	0
Interest expense		1,507	41	0
Net interest income		6,214	373	0
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		794	330	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		5,420	43	0
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		0	0	0
Other		713	48	0
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		0	0	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		713	48	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		5,042	36	0
Depreciation and amortization		0	0	0
Other expenses		1,776	135	0
Intersegment expenses, net		107	0	0
Total operating expenses		6,925	171	0
Income before income taxes		(792)	(80)	0
Income tax benefit (expense)		175	20	0
Net income		(617)	(60)	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		(617)	(60)	0
Total assets	216,937	535,948	216,937	0
Corporate and Other Activities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		9,801	5,775	9,232
Interest expense		3,515	3,178	9,587
Net interest income		6,286	2,597	(355)
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		6,286	2,597	(355)
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		0	0	0
Other		40,356	38,969	23,327
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	258,588	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		(5,553)	(8,116)	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		34,803	289,441	23,327
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits		90,502	84,741	70,152
Depreciation and amortization		36,682	29,043	20,300
Other expenses		58,173	59,320	51,571
Intersegment expenses, net		(88,393)	(82,543)	(71,303)
Total operating expenses		96,964	90,561	70,720
Income before income taxes		(55,875)	201,477	(47,748)
Income tax benefit (expense)		18,109	(41,098)	18,428
Net income		(37,766)	160,379	(29,320)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,003	2,817	509
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		(30,763)	163,196	(28,811)
Total assets	1,225,790	1,963,032	1,225,790	627,897
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income		(1,800)	(1,480)	(3,796)
Interest expense		(1,800)	(1,480)	(3,796)
Net interest income		0	0	0
Less (negative provision) provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		0	0	0
Other income/expense:
Intersegment revenue		(33,968)	(36,540)	(46,751)
Other		0	0	0
Gain on sale of loans		0	0	0
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	0	0
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net		0	0	0
Derivative settlements, net		0	0	0
Derivative market value adjustments, net		0	0	0
Total other income/expense		(33,968)	(36,540)	(46,751)
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		(33,968)	(36,540)	(46,751)
Total operating expenses		(33,968)	(36,540)	(46,751)
Income before income taxes		0	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)		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	$ (197,534)	(526,716)	(197,534)	(147,884)
Loan servicing and systems
Other income/expense:
Revenue		486,363	451,561	455,255
Loan servicing and systems | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income/expense:
Revenue		486,363	451,561	455,255
Loan servicing and systems | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems | Operating Segments | Nelnet Bank
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Loan servicing and systems | Eliminations
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue
Other income/expense:
Revenue		338,234	282,196	277,331
Cost of services:
Cost of services		108,660	82,206	81,603
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income/expense:
Revenue		338,234	282,196	277,331
Cost of services:
Cost of services		108,660	82,206	81,603
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Operating Segments | Nelnet Bank
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue | Eliminations
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	76,643	64,269
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	22,812	20,423
Communications services | Operating Segments | Loan Servicing and Systems
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services | Operating Segments | Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services | Operating Segments | Communications
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	76,643	64,269
Other				1,509
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	22,812	20,423
Communications services | Operating Segments | Asset Generation and Management
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services | Operating Segments | Nelnet Bank
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services | Corporate and Other Activities
Other income/expense:
Revenue		0	0	0
Cost of services:
Cost of services		0	0	0
Communications services | Eliminations
Other income/expense:
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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Communications revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 76,643	$ 64,269
Residential revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		58,029	48,344
Business revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		18,038	15,689
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		576	236
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 486,363	451,561	455,255
Government servicing - Nelnet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	167,579	146,798	157,991
Government servicing - Great Lakes
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	193,214	179,872	185,656
Private education and consumer loan servicing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	47,302	32,492	36,788
FFELP servicing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	18,281	20,183	25,043
Software services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	34,600	41,999	41,077
Outsourced services and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	25,387	30,217	8,700
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	338,234	282,196	277,331
Tuition payment plan services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	103,970	100,674	106,682
Payment processing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	127,080	114,304	110,848
Education technology and services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	105,186	65,885	58,578
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,998	1,333	1,223
Communications revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		76,643	64,269
Internet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		48,362	38,239
Television
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		17,091	16,196
Telephone
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		11,037	9,705
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 153	$ 129

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_4

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue - Components of Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on investments	$ 91,593	$ 56,402	$ 8,356
ALLO preferred return	8,427	386	0
Borrower late fee income	3,444	5,194	12,884
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment	(42,148)	(3,565)	0
(Loss) gain on debt repurchased	(6,775)	1,924	136
Other	23,192	14,347	16,085
Other income	78,681	57,561	47,918
Solar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on investments	(10,132)	(37,423)	(2,220)
Investment Advice
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,773	10,875	2,941
Administrative Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,307	$ 9,421	$ 9,736

Disaggregated Revenue and Def_5

Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue - Deferred Revenue Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 36,196	$ 39,646	$ 39,122
Deferral of revenue	120,935	139,478	136,487
Recognition of revenue	(115,961)	(140,422)	(135,963)
Deconsolidation of ALLO		(3,925)
Business acquisition		1,419
Ending balance	41,170	36,196	39,646
Corporate and Other Activities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,551	1,628	1,602
Deferral of revenue	5,775	3,209	3,505
Recognition of revenue	(5,316)	(3,286)	(3,479)
Deconsolidation of ALLO		0
Business acquisition		0
Ending balance	2,010	1,551	1,628
Loan Servicing and Systems | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,378	2,712	4,413
Deferral of revenue	5,882	2,490	3,585
Recognition of revenue	(4,844)	(3,824)	(5,286)
Deconsolidation of ALLO		0
Business acquisition		0
Ending balance	2,416	1,378	2,712
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	33,267	32,074	30,556
Deferral of revenue	109,278	90,183	93,373
Recognition of revenue	(105,801)	(90,409)	(91,855)
Deconsolidation of ALLO		0
Business acquisition		1,419
Ending balance	36,744	33,267	32,074
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0	3,232	2,551
Deferral of revenue	0	43,596	36,024
Recognition of revenue	0	(42,903)	(35,343)
Deconsolidation of ALLO		(3,925)
Business acquisition		0
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,232

Major Customer (Details)

Major Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Customer Concentration Risk | Department Of Education | Great Lakes Educational Loan Services
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Acquiree revenue since acquisition	$ 193,200	$ 179,900	$ 185,700
Government servicing - Nelnet
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	167,579	146,798	157,991
Government servicing - Nelnet | Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 167,600	$ 146,800	$ 158,000

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets, which is included in "other assets" on the consolidated balance sheet	$ 14,314	$ 18,301
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Assets	Other Assets
Operating lease liabilities, which is included in "other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet	$ 15,899	$ 18,733
Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other liabilities	Other liabilities

Leases - Lease Expense, Cash Fl

Leases - Lease Expense, Cash Flow Information, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, and Discount Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 9,386	$ 13,882	$ 12,780
Weighted average remaining lease term	5 years 1 month 24 days	5 years 7 months 24 days
Weighted average discount rate	3.23%	2.43%
Other expenses
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 9,386	$ 11,885	11,171
Communications services
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating rental expense	$ 0	$ 1,997	$ 1,609

Leases - Lease Liability Maturi

Leases - Lease Liability Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2022	$ 5,816
2023	4,122
2024	1,757
2025	1,421
2026	731
2027 and thereafter	3,702
Total lease payments	17,549
Imputed interest	(1,650)
Total	$ 15,899	$ 18,733

Defined Contribution Benefit _2

Defined Contribution Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Line Items]
Maximum annual employee contribution percentage	100.00%
Defined contribution plan cost	$ 11.2	$ 11.7	$ 10.8
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 Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restricted Stock Activity
Non-vested shares at beginning of year (in shares)	552,456	549,845	532,336
Granted (in shares)	249,096	151,639	186,281
Vested (in shares)	(116,842)	(114,282)	(109,651)
Canceled (in shares)	(24,544)	(34,746)	(59,121)
Non-vested shares at end of year (in shares)	660,166	552,456	549,845

Stock Based Compensation Plan_3

Stock Based Compensation Plans - Unrecognized Compensation Costs (Details) - Restricted Stock $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 23,502
2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	8,795
2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	5,563
2024
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	3,615
2025
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	2,267
2026
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,355
2027 and thereafter
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 1,907

Stock Based Compensation Plan_4

Stock Based Compensation Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Discount from market price as of purchase date	15.00%
Non-employee director stock at lower cost	85.00%
Non-employee share based compensation expense	$ 1.4	$ 1.2	$ 1.2
Shares Issued - Deferred
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non employee director stock, cumulative deferred shares (in shares)	221,996
Restricted Stock | Salaries and Benefits
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 10.4	7.3	6.4
Employee Share Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0.2	$ 0.4	$ 0.3
Shares issued (in shares)	24,205	36,687	33,250

Stock Based Compensation Plan_5

Stock Based Compensation Plans - Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan (Details) - Nonemployee - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	22,030	29,253	20,800
Shares issued - not deferred
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	9,958	12,740	9,588
Shares issued- deferred
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued under non-employee director plan (in shares)	12,072	16,513	11,212

Related Parties - Narrative (De

Related Parties - Narrative (Details)	Jul. 26, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)ft²shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	May 01, 2018USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased, net premium paid			$ 2,600,000	$ 2,600,000	$ 1,200,000
Loans and accrued interest receivable			18,335,197,000	20,185,656,000
Restricted cash - due to customers			326,645,000	283,971,000	437,756,000		$ 369,678,000
Total interest income			523,835,000	619,656,000	948,677,000
Bank deposits			344,315,000	54,633,000
Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payment for insurance claims			1,500,000	1,000,000	900,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, Union Bank established trusts
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount invested in funds			1,800,000,000
Revenue from related party			$ 6,300,000	9,800,000	1,800,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, Union Bank established trusts | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis points earned			0.10%
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, Union Bank established trusts | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis points earned			0.25%
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%
Revenue from related party			$ 213,000	141,000	144,000
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts | Class A
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares for which related party is investment advisor | shares			428,414
Union Bank and Whitetail Rock Capital Management (WRCM) - management agreement, other related party established trusts | Class B
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares for which related party is investment advisor | shares			4,700,000
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%
Amount invested in funds			$ 138,000,000
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
401 Building | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable								$ 1,500,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate								6.00%
330-333 | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable						$ 162,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate						6.00%
West Center | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable						$ 2,900,000
Related party note receivable, interest rate						3.85%
401 Building
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			50.00%
330-333
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			50.00%
West Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			33.33%
Loan servicing and systems
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 486,363,000	451,561,000	455,255,000
Communications services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			0	76,643,000	64,269,000
Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased, net premium paid			400,000
Loans and accrued interest receivable			262,600,000	331,300,000	395,500,000
Amount of participation, FFELP student loans			967,500,000	874,200,000
Maximum participation to Union Bank FFELP loans			900,000,000
Amount of participation, student loan asset-backed securities			254,000,000	118,600,000
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party			380,200,000	285,600,000
Restricted cash - due to customers			284,800,000	197,600,000
Total interest income			$ 200,000	500,000	1,600,000
Square footage leased to related party (in square feet) | ft²			4,100
Bank deposits			$ 184,900,000	48,400,000
Lease income			81,000	80,000	79,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Cash Management | Paid to Union Bank
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party selling, general and administrative expense			280,000	279,000	213,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | 401K Plan Administrative Fees | Paid to Union Bank
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party selling, general and administrative expense			766,000	447,000	366,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Loan servicing and systems
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			500,000	700,000	600,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Administration service fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue			3,500,000	1,300,000	3,700,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Communications services | Received from Union Bank
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue				273,000	92,000
Union Bank and Trust Company | Employee Sharing Arrangement | Received from Union Bank
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other revenue from related party			342,000	317,000	317,000
Affiliated Entity | Loan Origination Purchase Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Marketing, origination and servicing fees			$ 100,000	2,000,000	1,800,000
Affiliated Entity | FFELP Participation Agreement, Termination Notice Period | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction period			5 years
Affiliated Entity | Call Center Services Provided
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction			$ 400,000	0
Director
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes 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			19.30%
Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. | Mr. Dunlap
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage, related party			3.80%
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Payment For Insurance Premiums
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction			$ 2,100,000	1,800,000	1,700,000
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Reinsurance Premiums Paid For By Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction			1,800,000	1,400,000	1,300,000
Assurity Life Insurance Company | Annual Insurance Claim Refund
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction			41,000	64,000	56,000
Private Education Loans | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased			$ 22,300,000	144,900,000	67,700,000
Consumer loans | Union Bank and Trust Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans purchased				$ 0	$ 32,600,000

Related Parties - Related Party

Related Parties - Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Affiliated Entity | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	$ 7,913,000	$ 4,600,000	$ 2,068,868
Affiliated Entity | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | North Central Bancorp, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	2,466,667	1,533,333	2,068,868
Affiliated Entity | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | Infovisa, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	562,600	0	0
Affiliated Entity | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | Farm and Home Insurance Agency Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	116,667	383,333	0
Affiliated Entity | Earned Management and Performance Fees | Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	29,491	46,154	68,869
Affiliated Entity | Earned Management and Performance Fees | North Central Bancorp, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	14,958	15,385	68,869
Affiliated Entity | Earned Management and Performance Fees | Infovisa, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	1,923	0	0
Affiliated Entity | Earned Management and Performance Fees | Farm and Home Insurance Agency Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	962	3,846	0
Director | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | Assurity Life Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	5,421,659	1,150,000	0
Director | Investment in Limited Liability Companies Investing in Renewable Energy | Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment amount	5,000,000	0	0
Director | Earned Management and Performance Fees | Assurity Life Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	16,027	11,538	0
Director | Earned Management and Performance Fees | Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction	$ 9,615	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value - Fair Value, Assets

Fair Value - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial assets:
Fair value	$ 1,001,655	$ 390,648
Total assets	1,001,655	390,648
FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	494,682	346,502
Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	412,552	0
Other debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	22,435	2,105
Equity securities
Financial assets:
Fair value	63,154	10,114
Equity securities measured at net asset value
Financial assets:
Fair value	8,832	31,927
Level 1
Financial assets:
Fair value	63,254	10,217
Total assets	63,254	10,217
Level 1 | FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Other debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	100	103
Level 1 | Equity securities
Financial assets:
Fair value	63,154	10,114
Level 2
Financial assets:
Fair value	929,569	348,504
Total assets	929,569	348,504
Level 2 | FFELP loan asset-backed securities - available-for-sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	494,682	346,502
Level 2 | Private education loan asset-backed debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	412,552	0
Level 2 | Other debt securities - available for sale
Financial assets:
Fair value	22,335	2,002
Level 2 | Equity securities
Financial assets:
Fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value - Fair Value of Fina

Fair Value - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	$ 18,335,197	$ 20,185,656
Accrued loan interest receivable	788,552	794,611
Cash and cash equivalents	125,563	121,249	$ 133,906	$ 121,347
Investments (at fair value)	1,588,919	992,940
Restricted cash - due to customers	326,645	283,971	$ 437,756	$ 369,678
Financial liabilities:
Accrued interest payable	4,566	28,701
Bank deposits	344,315	54,633
Due to customers	366,002	301,471
Fair value
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	18,576,272	20,454,132
Accrued loan interest receivable	788,552	794,611
Cash and cash equivalents	125,563	121,249
Investments (at fair value)	1,001,655	390,648
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations	142,391	58,709
Restricted cash	741,981	553,175
Restricted cash - due to customers	326,645	283,971
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	17,819,902	19,270,810
Accrued interest payable	4,566	28,701
Bank deposits	342,463	54,599
Due to customers	366,002	301,471
Fair value | Level 1
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	0	0
Accrued loan interest receivable	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	125,563	121,249
Investments (at fair value)	63,254	10,217
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations	0	0
Restricted cash	741,981	553,175
Restricted cash - due to customers	326,645	283,971
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Bank deposits	184,897	48,422
Due to customers	366,002	301,471
Fair value | Level 2
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	0	0
Accrued loan interest receivable	788,552	794,611
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (at fair value)	929,569	348,504
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	17,819,902	19,270,810
Accrued interest payable	4,566	28,701
Bank deposits	157,566	6,177
Due to customers	0	0
Fair value | Level 3
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	18,576,272	20,454,132
Accrued loan interest receivable	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (at fair value)	0	0
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations	142,391	58,709
Restricted cash	0	0
Restricted cash - due to customers	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Bank deposits	0	0
Due to customers	0	0
Carrying value
Financial assets:
Loans receivable	17,546,645	19,391,045
Accrued loan interest receivable	788,552	794,611
Cash and cash equivalents	125,563	121,249
Investments (at fair value)	1,001,655	390,648
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations	120,142	58,331
Restricted cash	741,981	553,175
Restricted cash - due to customers	326,645	283,971
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable	17,631,089	19,320,726
Accrued interest payable	4,566	28,701
Bank deposits	344,315	54,633
Due to customers	$ 366,002	$ 301,471

Condensed Parent Company Fina_3

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 125,563	$ 121,249	$ 133,906	$ 121,347
Investments	1,588,919	992,940
Restricted cash	741,981	553,175	650,939	701,366
Other assets	82,887	92,020
Total assets	21,678,041	22,646,160	23,708,970
Liabilities:
Other liabilities	379,231	312,280
Total liabilities	18,725,203	20,017,811
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	1,000	3,794
Retained earnings	2,940,523	2,621,762
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net	9,304	6,102
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,951,206	2,632,042
Noncontrolling interests	1,632	(3,693)
Total equity	2,952,838	2,628,349	$ 2,391,094	$ 2,314,779
Total liabilities and equity	21,678,041	22,646,160
Parent Company
Assets:
Total cash and cash equivalents	47,434	69,687
Investments	1,236,933	707,332
Investment in subsidiary debt	374,087	38,903
Restricted cash	107,103	93,271
Investment in subsidiaries	1,986,136	1,963,413
Notes receivable from subsidiaries	314	21,209
Other assets	123,716	115,631
Total assets	3,875,723	3,009,446
Liabilities:
Notes payable, net of debt issuance costs	734,881	236,317
Other liabilities	189,317	140,710
Total liabilities	924,198	377,027
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock	379	384
Additional paid-in capital	1,000	3,794
Retained earnings	2,940,523	2,621,762
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net	9,304	6,102
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,951,206	2,632,042
Noncontrolling interests	319	377
Total equity	2,951,525	2,632,419
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,875,723	$ 3,009,446

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investment interest		$ 41,498	$ 24,543	$ 34,421
Interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits		176,233	330,071	699,327
Net interest income		347,602	289,585	249,350
Other income/expense:
Other		78,681	57,561	47,918
(Loss) gain from debt repurchases, net		18,715	33,023	17,261
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO	$ 258,600	0	258,588	0
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net		71,446	(24,465)	(30,789)
Total other income/expense		977,079	1,110,384	831,245
Operating expenses		726,342	781,105	762,824
Income before income taxes		502,105	450,486	176,745
Income tax (expense) benefit		(115,822)	(100,860)	(35,451)
Net income		386,283	349,626	141,294
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests		7,003	2,817	509
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		393,286	352,443	141,803
Parent Company
Investment interest		12,455	4,110	4,925
Interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits		3,515	3,179	9,588
Net interest income		8,940	931	(4,663)
Other income/expense:
Other		45,291	48,688	8,384
(Loss) gain from debt repurchases, net		(6,530)	1,962	136
Equity in subsidiaries income		313,451	132,101	182,346
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO		0	258,588	0
Impairment expense		(4,637)	(7,784)	0
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net		71,446	(24,465)	(30,789)
Total other income/expense		419,021	409,090	160,077
Operating expenses		7,632	14,006	19,561
Income before income taxes		420,329	396,015	135,853
Income tax (expense) benefit		(27,101)	(43,577)	5,950
Net income		393,228	352,438	141,803
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests		58	5	0
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803

Condensed Parent Company Fina_5

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net income	$ 386,283	$ 349,626	$ 141,294
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net	6,921	6,637	(1,199)
Reclassification of gains recognized in net income, net of losses	(2,695)	(2,521)	0
Income tax effect	(1,014)	(986)	288
Unrealized gains (losses) during period after reclassifications and tax	3,212	3,130	(911)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,202	3,130	(911)
Comprehensive income	389,485	352,756	140,383
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,003	2,817	509
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	396,488	355,573	140,892
Parent Company
Net income	393,228	352,438	141,803
Net changes related to equity in subsidiaries other comprehensive income	6,692	0	0
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net	(4,220)	6,637	(1,199)
Reclassification of gains recognized in net income, net of losses	(372)	(2,521)	0
Income tax effect	1,102	(986)	288
Unrealized gains (losses) during period after reclassifications and tax	(3,490)	3,130	(911)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,202	3,130	(911)
Comprehensive income	396,430	355,568	140,892
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	58	5	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.	$ 396,488	$ 355,573	$ 140,892

Condensed Parent Company Fina_6

Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements - Condensed Parent Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		$ 393,286	$ 352,443	$ 141,803
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7,003)	(2,817)	(509)
Net income		386,283	349,626	141,294
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		132,325	198,473	192,662
Derivative market value adjustments		92,813	(28,144)	(76,195)
Payments to terminate derivative instruments, net		0	0	(12,530)
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net		91,294	(26,747)	(70,685)
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO, including cash impact		0	(287,579)	0
Gain from investments, net		(3,811)	(14,055)	(3,095)
Purchases of equity securities, net		(42,916)	0	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		55,622	7,974	(7,265)
Non-cash compensation expense		10,673	16,739	6,781
Other		0	186	584
Increase in other assets		39,439	59,182	(19,858)
Increase in other liabilities, net		29,775	35,907	49,100
Net cash provided by operating activities		544,867	212,815	298,915
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(734,817)	(471,510)	(1,010)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		160,976	173,784	105
Purchases of other investments		(253,894)	(168,216)	(103,250)
Proceeds from other investments		191,821	13,011	63,879
Net cash provided by investing activities		1,185,935	621,219	1,524,566
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable		(3,683,770)	(3,129,485)	(4,698,878)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable		1,947,559	1,884,689	2,997,972
Payments of debt issuance costs		(7,093)	(8,674)	(14,406)
Dividends paid		(34,457)	(31,778)	(29,485)
Repurchases of common stock		(58,111)	(73,358)	(40,411)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,465	1,653	1,552
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		0	(600)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		50,716	205,768	4,650
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,494,887)	(1,098,240)	(1,793,271)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		235,794	(264,206)	30,210
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period		958,395	1,222,601	1,192,391
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period		1,194,189	958,395	1,222,601
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest		152,173	301,570	657,436
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received	[1]	18,659	29,685	17,672
Parent Company
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.		393,286	352,443	141,803
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(58)	(5)	0
Net income		393,228	352,438	141,803
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		591	534	467
Derivative market value adjustments		(92,813)	28,144	76,195
Payments to terminate derivative instruments, net		0	0	(12,530)
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net		91,294	(26,747)	(70,685)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(313,451)	(132,101)	(182,346)
Gain from deconsolidation of ALLO, including cash impact		0	(287,579)	0
Loss on (gain from) debt repurchases		6,530	(1,962)	(136)
Gain from investments, net		721	(46,019)	(3,969)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		47,423	23,747	(19,183)
Non-cash compensation expense		10,673	16,739	6,781
Impairment expense		4,637	7,784	0
Other		0	(329)	(481)
Increase in other assets		(9,108)	(17,410)	(10,672)
Increase in other liabilities, net		1,784	26,009	29,384
Net cash provided by operating activities		98,593	(56,752)	(45,372)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(640,644)	(342,563)	0
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		133,286	168,555	0
Capital distributions/contributions from/to subsidiaries, net		294,578	99,830	449,602
Decrease in notes receivable from subsidiaries		20,895	21,343	14,421
Purchases of subsidiary debt, net		(335,184)	(25,085)	0
Purchases of other investments		(110,184)	(54,637)	(47,106)
Proceeds from other investments		129,899	8,564	27,926
Net cash provided by investing activities		(507,354)	(123,993)	444,843
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable		(126,530)	(20,381)	(361,272)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable		619,259	190,520	60,000
Payments of debt issuance costs		(1,286)	(49)	(1,129)
Dividends paid		(34,457)	(31,778)	(29,485)
Repurchases of common stock		(58,111)	(73,358)	(40,411)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,465	1,653	1,552
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		0	(600)	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests		0	194,985	878
Net cash used in financing activities		400,340	260,992	(369,867)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(8,421)	80,247	29,604
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period		162,958	82,711	53,107
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period		154,537	162,958	82,711
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest		2,301	2,577	9,501
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received		18,659	29,685	17,672
Noncash operating, investing, and financing activity:
Contributions of investments to subsidiaries, net		$ (835)	$ 49,066	$ 0
[1]	For 2021, 2020, and 2019 the Company utilized $34.1 million, $53.9 million, and $31.8 million of federal and state tax credits, respectively, related primarily to renewable energy.

Uncategorized Items - nni-20211

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Operating Segments [Member] | Nelnet Bank [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 0
Operating Segments [Member] | Communications Segment [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Asset Generation And Management Segment [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	41,883,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Education Technology Services And Payment Processing Services Segment [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	76,570,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Loan Servicing And Systems Segment [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	23,639,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Goodwill	us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 0