Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 172,331	$ 181,324
Operating income/(loss)	22,269	20,149
Interest income	(1,857)
Interest expense	2,238	2,676
Other income, net	(328)	(3,285)
Income before income taxes	20,359	20,758
Capital expenditures including amounts that were included in accounts payable	10,900
Adjustment to capital expenditures and accounts payable amounts in cash flows to reflect non-cash amount	2,900
Acquisition related costs	1,600
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)	(11,164)	(11,729)
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income	(126)	(340)
Interest expense	2,364	3,016
Other income, net	(328)	(3,285)
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	145,264	158,494
Operating income/(loss)	37,139	35,689
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	27,067	22,830
Operating income/(loss)	$ (3,706)	$ (3,811)