Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 1,549,936	$ 1,474,368	$ 1,417,992
Cash	241,316	195,540
Capital expenditures and purchased software	42,390	67,955	82,886
Reconciling items:
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	241,316	195,540	197,755
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred	44,697	57,783	70,095
Prepaid and Other assets	106,492	86,174	62,912
Corporate expenses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	2,880	2,495	2,535
Machine Clothing | Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	443,476	441,072	453,836
Capital expenditures and purchased software	15,792	16,707	20,230
Albany Engineered Composites | Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	713,955	693,799	633,394
Capital expenditures and purchased software	$ 23,718	$ 48,753	$ 60,121