Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 226,700	$ 222,100	$ 215,600	$ 199,300	$ 213,000	$ 191,300	$ 203,200	$ 172,300	$ 177,500	$ 178,800	$ 172,300	$ 181,300	$ 863,717	$ 779,839	$ 709,868
Depreciation and amortization													71,956	67,461	60,114
Operating income (loss)													76,151	91,776	63,895
Interest income													(1,511)	(2,077)	(1,857)
Interest expense													18,602	15,541	11,841
Other expense/ (income), net													4,352	46	2,433
Income before income taxes													54,708	78,266	51,478
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													590,357	582,190	608,581
Depreciation and amortization													33,527	36,428	39,503
Operating income (loss)													153,936	152,529	141,311
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales													273,360	197,649	101,287
Depreciation and amortization													33,533	24,211	12,140
Operating income (loss)													(31,657)	(15,363)	(28,478)
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization													4,896	6,822	8,471
Operating income (loss)													(46,128)	(45,390)	(48,938)
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income													(1,511)	(2,077)	(1,857)
Interest expense													18,602	15,541	11,841
Other expense/ (income), net													$ 4,352	$ 46	$ 2,433