Reportable Segments and Revenue Recognition (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 234,519	$ 225,990	$ 456,880	$ 461,754
Operating income	49,966	52,727	91,785	92,321
Other expense/(income), net	862	1,091	1,462	16,660
Income before income taxes	44,886	47,813	82,536	67,861
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(13,100)	(12,115)	(24,581)	(27,319)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income	(401)	(348)	(930)	(795)
Interest expense	4,619	4,171	8,717	8,595
Other expense/(income), net	862	1,091	1,462	16,660
Machine Clothing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	159,921	153,433	308,127	290,035
Machine Clothing | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	159,921	153,433	308,127	290,035
Operating income	55,902	56,543	106,264	103,718
Albany Engineered Composites
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	74,598	72,557	148,753	171,719
Operating income	4,300	7,400	3,700	6,400
Albany Engineered Composites | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	74,598	72,557	148,753	171,719
Operating income	$ 7,164	$ 8,299	$ 10,102	$ 15,922