Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 5,736	$ 2,905	$ 15,570
Termination and other costs
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	5,736	1,269	13,420
Impairment of assets
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	0	1,636	2,150
Impairment of assets | Machine Clothing
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	1,200	900	10,700	$ 1,100
Operating segments | Machine Clothing
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,746	1,129	12,278
Operating segments | Albany Engineered Composites
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,821	1,833	3,048
Operating segments | Termination and other costs | Machine Clothing
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,746	667	11,890
Operating segments | Termination and other costs | Albany Engineered Composites
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,821	659	1,286
Operating segments | Impairment of assets | Machine Clothing
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	0	462	388
Operating segments | Impairment of assets | Albany Engineered Composites
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	0	1,174	1,762
Corporate expenses
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	169	(57)	244
Corporate expenses | Termination and other costs
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	169	(57)	244
Corporate expenses | Impairment of assets
Restructuring expenses, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0