Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 8,573	$ 2,681
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	8,352	110
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	221	2,571
Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	8,573	2,566
Termination and other costs [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	8,352	110
Termination and other costs [Member] | Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	221	2,456
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net		115
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member] | Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net		$ 115