Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 177,500	$ 178,800	$ 172,300	$ 181,300	$ 191,600	$ 179,900	$ 193,500	$ 180,300	$ 189,600	$ 183,100	$ 198,000	$ 186,700	$ 709,868	$ 745,345	$ 757,414
Depreciation and amortization													60,114	64,292	63,789
Operating income													63,895	71,360	52,091
Interest income													(1,857)	(1,541)	(1,468)
Interest expense													11,841	12,254	15,227
Other expense/ (income), net													2,433	(6,853)	7,256
Income before income taxes													51,478	67,500	31,076
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													608,581	655,026	674,747
Depreciation and amortization													39,503	45,066	46,521
Operating income													141,311	136,450	114,370
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													101,287	90,319	82,667
Depreciation and amortization													12,140	10,880	8,460
Operating income													(28,478)	(10,483)	(14,404)
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization													8,471	8,346	8,808
Operating income													(48,938)	(54,607)	(47,875)
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income													(1,857)	(1,541)	(1,468)
Interest expense													11,841	12,254	15,227
Other expense/ (income), net													$ 2,433	$ (6,853)	$ 7,256