Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 213,000	$ 191,300	$ 203,200	$ 172,300	$ 177,500	$ 178,800	$ 172,300	$ 181,300	$ 191,600	$ 179,900	$ 193,500	$ 180,300	$ 779,839	$ 709,868	$ 745,345
Depreciation and amortization													67,461	60,114	64,292
Operating income (loss)													91,776	63,895	71,360
Interest income													(2,077)	(1,857)	(1,541)
Interest expense													15,541	11,841	12,254
Other expense/ (income), net													46	2,433	(6,853)
Income before income taxes													78,266	51,478	67,500
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													582,190	608,581	655,026
Depreciation and amortization													36,428	39,503	45,066
Operating income (loss)													152,529	141,311	136,450
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													197,649	101,287	90,319
Depreciation and amortization													24,211	12,140	10,880
Operating income (loss)													(15,363)	(28,478)	(10,483)
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization													6,822	8,471	8,346
Operating income (loss)													(45,390)	(48,938)	(54,607)
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income													(2,077)	(1,857)	(1,541)
Interest expense													15,541	11,841	12,254
Other expense/ (income), net													$ 46	$ 2,433	$ (6,853)