Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,361,198	$ 1,263,433	$ 1,009,562
Capital expenditures and purchased software	87,637	73,492	50,595
Cash	183,727	181,742	185,113	$ 179,802
Asset held for sale			4,988
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	464,468	454,010	494,347
Capital expenditures and purchased software	20,522	15,651	16,010
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	584,076	514,527	181,825
Capital expenditures and purchased software	63,865	54,678	30,378
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	3,250	3,163	4,207
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash	183,727	181,742	185,113
Asset held for sale			4,988
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred	74,914	74,078	111,872
Other assets	$ 54,013	$ 39,076	$ 31,417