Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Amounts Reclassified by Segment and Financial Statement) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by segment operating expenses [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	$ (1,249)
Other expense, net	1,249
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by segment operating expenses [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	(9)
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by segment operating expenses [Member] | Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by segment operating expenses [Member] | Corporate Expenses [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	(1,240)
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by Statement of Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	(1,249)
Other expense, net	1,249
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by Statement of Income [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	(247)
Increase/(decrease) in expense Effect by Statement of Income [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	$ (1,002)