Income Taxes - Net operating loss carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Operating loss carryforwards
Tax deductible goodwill	$ 41,400
Trans Centra Inc
Operating loss carryforwards
Tax deductible goodwill	17,000
Novitex Business Combination
Operating loss carryforwards
Tax deductible goodwill	3,500
Reorganization 2014
Operating loss carryforwards
Tax deductible goodwill	20,900
Federal
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	573,791
Federal | 2020 - 2024
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	86,371
Federal | 2025 - 2029
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	134,448
Federal | 2030 - 2039
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	352,972
State
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	421,487
State | 2020 - 2024
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	60,478
State | 2025 - 2029
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	94,661
State | 2030 - 2039
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	266,348
Foreign.
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	37,300
Foreign. | 2024 | Exela Poland
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,200