Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,263,433	$ 1,009,562	$ 1,029,304
Capital expenditures and purchased software	78,516	50,595	58,873
Cash	181,742	185,113	179,802	$ 222,666
Asset held for sale		4,988
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	454,010	494,347	565,853
Capital expenditures and purchased software	16,158	16,010	23,202
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	514,527	181,825	175,338
Capital expenditures and purchased software	59,195	30,378	32,141
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	3,163	4,207	3,530
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	181,742	185,113	179,802
Asset held for sale		4,988
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred	74,078	111,872	76,283
Other assets	$ 39,076	$ 31,417	$ 32,028