Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 900,610	$ 1,054,132	$ 982,479
Depreciation and amortization	72,705	70,795	79,036
Operating income/(loss)	166,080	193,576	137,408
Interest income	(2,748)	(2,729)	(2,118)
Interest expense	16,332	19,650	20,242
Other expense, net	13,422	(1,557)	4,037
Income before income taxes	139,074	178,212	115,247
Corporate expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	3,905	4,250	5,018
Operating income/(loss)	(56,261)	(53,909)	(49,075)
Reconciling items:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income	(2,748)	(2,729)	(2,118)
Interest expense	16,332	19,650	20,242
Other expense, net	13,422	(1,557)	4,037
Machine Clothing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	572,955	601,254	611,858
Machine Clothing | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	572,955	601,254	611,858
Depreciation and amortization	20,304	21,875	30,813
Operating income/(loss)	190,805	191,965	169,836
Albany Engineered Composites
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	327,655	452,878	370,621
Albany Engineered Composites | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	327,655	452,878	370,621
Depreciation and amortization	48,496	44,670	43,205
Operating income/(loss)	$ 31,536	$ 55,520	$ 16,647