Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 6,648	$ 1,211	$ 7,327	$ 10,212
Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			6,801	10,212
Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			526
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	5,434	1,211	6,132	10,212
Machine Clothing [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			5,832	10,212
Machine Clothing [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			300
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	1,147		1,147
Albany Engineered Composites [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			921
Albany Engineered Composites [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			226
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 67		48
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			48	10,212
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net