Noncontrolling Interest - Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income	$ 97,243	$ 133,383	$ 83,019
Net income attributable to the Company	98,589	132,398	82,891
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)	985	128
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	4,006
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)	985	128
Noncontrolling interest, end of year	$ 3,799	4,006
Albany Safran Composites, LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder	10.00%
Albany Safran Composites, LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income	$ (12,261)	11,140
Less: Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding	1,202	1,291
Net income attributable to the Company	(13,463)	9,849
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)	985
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	4,006	3,031
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)	985
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,139	(10)
Noncontrolling interest, end of year	$ 3,799	$ 4,006	$ 3,031
Safran | Albany Safran Composites, LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder	10.00%	10.00%		10.00%