Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,009,562	$ 1,029,304	$ 1,126,157
Capital expenditures and purchased software	50,595	58,873	64,457
Cash	185,113	$ 179,802	222,666	$ 190,718
Asset held for sale	4,988
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	494,347	$ 565,853	624,388
Capital expenditures and purchased software	16,010	23,202	22,892
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	181,825	175,338	147,104
Capital expenditures and purchased software	30,378	32,141	36,928
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	185,113	$ 179,802	$ 222,666
Asset held for sale	4,988
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred	111,872	$ 76,283	$ 92,754
Other assets	31,417	32,028	39,245
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	$ 4,207	$ 3,530	$ 4,637