Reportable Segments (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 222,141	$ 191,272	$ 636,989	$ 566,793
Operating income/(loss)	22,303	24,820	53,587	64,946
Interest income	(355)	(675)	(801)	(1,347)
Interest expense	4,784	4,356	13,843	10,957
Other expense/(income), net	(1,155)	242	980	(2,103)
Income before income taxes	19,029	20,897	39,565	57,439
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	150,694	143,248	440,093	437,445
Operating income/(loss)	42,674	40,039	119,352	112,583
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	71,447	48,024	196,896	129,348
Operating income/(loss)	(9,301)	(4,529)	(32,242)	(14,083)
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)	$ (11,070)	$ (10,690)	$ (33,523)	$ (33,554)