Consolidated Balance Sheets Supplemental Information (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:
FFELP Loans, net	$ 142,634,378	$ 148,649,400
Private Education Loans, net	35,753,327	35,655,724
Restricted cash and investments	6,074,901	6,254,493
Other assets	10,129,933	8,970,272
Short-term borrowings	30,765,693	33,615,856
Long-term borrowings	160,765,277	163,543,504
Assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:
FFELP Loans, net	140,338,134	145,750,016
Private Education Loans, net	25,084,114	24,355,683
Restricted cash and investments	5,846,002	5,983,080
Other assets	4,122,981	3,705,716
Short-term borrowings	23,069,956	24,484,353
Long-term borrowings	139,877,694	142,243,771
Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities	$ 12,443,581	$ 13,066,371