Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 1,556,064	$ 1,549,936	$ 1,474,368
Cash	302,036	241,316
Capital expenditures and purchased software	53,699	42,390	67,955
Reconciling items:
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	302,036	241,316	195,540
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred	28,334	44,697	57,783
Prepaid and Other assets	113,810	106,492	86,174
Corporate expenses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	2,510	2,880	2,495
Machine Clothing | Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	459,182	443,476	441,072
Capital expenditures and purchased software	20,177	15,792	16,707
Albany Engineered Composites | Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets	652,702	713,955	693,799
Capital expenditures and purchased software	$ 31,012	$ 23,718	$ 48,753