Allowance for Loan Losses - Accrued Interest Receivable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accrued Interest Receivable On Private Education Loans	$ 542,919	$ 445,710
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	791	443
Allowance For Uncollectible Accrued Interest	$ 3,332	$ 3,517

Greater than ninety days past due accrued interest receivable.

No definition available.

Name:	slm_GreaterThanNinetyDaysPastDueAccruedInterestReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	slm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant