Reportable Segments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 256,225	$ 215,571	$ 486,206	$ 414,848
Cost of goods sold	164,047	152,393	312,377	275,642
Write-off inventory costs		4,000
Reserve for future losses		11,800
AEC contracts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold		15,800
Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			88,400	56,800
Invoiced receivables, unbilled receivables and contract receivables	96,800		96,800		$ 58,600
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 162,635	$ 146,572	$ 310,786	$ 289,399
Increase decrease in assets					22,000
AEC assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Increase decrease in assets					$ (13,000)