Restructuring (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) positionEliminated	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 5,736	$ 2,905	$ 15,570
Restructuring reserve, current	1,908	1,342
Restructuring reserve, noncurrent	287	700
Machinery and equipment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss (gain) on write-down		1,200
Impairment of assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	0	1,636	2,150
Albany Engineered Composites | Operating segments | Special Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	2,800
Machine Clothing | Impairment of assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	1,200	900	$ 10,700	$ 1,100
Restructuring and related cost, number of positions eliminated | positionEliminated			50
Restructuring charges accrued	13,900
Machine Clothing | Operating segments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	2,746	1,129	$ 12,278
Machine Clothing | Operating segments | Impairment of assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net	0	$ 462	388
AEC facility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses, net			1,900
Non-cash restructuring charge			1,700
Severance costs			$ 200
AEC facility | Machinery and equipment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges accrued	$ 3,100