Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Restructuring Costs by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension settlement expense
Pension settlement expense			$ 8,190
Restructuring expenses, net
Charges/ (reversals)	8,376	23,846	5,759
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring expenses, net
Charges/ (reversals)	6,069	22,211	4,828
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring expenses, net
Charges/ (reversals)	2,314		931
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring expenses, net
Charges/ (reversals)	$ (7)	$ 1,635