Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Allowance for FFELP Loans, net	$ 189,024	$ 188,858
Allowance for private education loans losses	2,042,603	2,021,580
Preferred stock, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized:
Preferred stock, stated value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	1,125,000	1,125,000
Common stock, shares issued	528,623	595,263
Tax effect for accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 17,079	$ 25,758
Common stock held in treasury	10,474	68,320
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized:
Preferred stock, stated value	$ 50	$ 50
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,300	3,300
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized:
Preferred stock, stated value	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares issued	4,000	4,000