Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 2,589	$ 2,036	$ 11,162	$ 4,717
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	1,800	805	10,152	916
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	558	1,231	779	3,801
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 231		231
Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			11,162	4,272
Termination and other costs [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			10,152	916
Termination and other costs [Member] | Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			779	3,356
Termination and other costs [Member] | Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			231
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net				445
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				445
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member] | Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net