Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 2,681	$ 679
Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,566	679
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	115
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	110	698
Machine Clothing [Member] | Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	110	698
Machine Clothing [Member] | Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,571
Albany Engineered Composites [Member] | Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	2,456
Albany Engineered Composites [Member] | Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	115
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net		(19)
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net		(19)
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net