Reportable Segments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 253,253	$ 222,141		$ 739,459	$ 636,989
Cost of goods sold	160,227	142,582		472,604	418,224
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
Salt Lake City, Utah [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-cash increase of lease modification	$ 12,700
Lease expiration date	Dec. 31, 2029
Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales				136,900	84,100
Invoiced receivables, unbilled receivables and contract receivables	$ 99,000			99,000		$ 58,600
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 158,971	$ 150,694		$ 469,758	$ 440,093
Increase decrease in assets						22,000
AEC assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Increase decrease in assets						$ (13,000)