Income Taxes - Net operating loss carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Operating loss carryforwards
Reduction of federal net operating loss from CODI	$ 147,100
Federal
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	459,189
Federal | 2022 - 2026
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	118,277
Federal | 2027 - 2031
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	134,410
Federal | 2032 - 2041
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	206,502
State
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	377,221
State | 2022 - 2026
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	68,462
State | 2027 - 2031
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	100,595
State | 2032 - 2041
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	208,164
Foreign.
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	76,600
Foreign. | 2024 | Exela Poland
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	600
Foreign. | 2026 | Hungary and Serbia
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	700
Foreign. | 2027 | Netherland
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,300
Foreign. | 2031 | Finland
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,000