Reportable Segments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Write-off of intangible assets	$ 4,149						$ 4,149
Cost of goods sold	142,706			118,852			418,595	343,557
Net sales	222,141			191,272			636,989	566,793
Bear Claw [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Write-off of intangible assets	4,500
Write-off inventory cost	3,200
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	15,800
Write-off inventory cost	4,000
Reserve for future losses	11,800
Reserve for future loss	11,100						11,100		$ 100
Net sales	71,447			48,024			196,896	$ 129,348
Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	28,300	$ 30,100	$ 25,600	$ 17,400	$ 18,500	$ 17,100
Invoiced receivables, unbilled receivables and contract receivables	$ 57,000						$ 57,000		$ 37,100