Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,029,304	$ 1,126,157	$ 1,117,691
Capital expenditures and purchased software	58,873	64,457	37,207
Cash	179,802	222,666	190,718	118,909
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	565,853	624,388	660,595
Capital expenditures and purchased software	23,202	22,892	16,210
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	175,338	147,104	109,717
Capital expenditures and purchased software	32,141	36,928	18,979
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	179,802	222,666	190,718
Income taxes receivable and deferred	76,283	92,754	105,474
Other assets	32,028	39,245	51,187
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	$ 3,530	$ 4,637	$ 2,018