Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) of ASC		$ 83,019	$ 32,585	$ 52,812
Net income/(loss) of ASC available for common ownership		82,891	33,111	52,733
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		128	(526)	79
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year		3,247
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		128	(526)	79
Noncontrolling interest, end of year		3,031	3,247
Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Interest in subsidiary sold	10.00%
Cash contribution	$ 28,000
Albany's remaining interest	90.00%
Net income/(loss) of ASC		2,578	(4,224)
Less: Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding		1,299	1,032
Net income/(loss) of ASC available for common ownership		$ 1,279	$ (5,256)
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder		10.00%	10.00%
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		$ 128	$ (526)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year		3,247	3,767
ASC 606 transition effect		(327)
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		128	(526)
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(17)	6
Noncontrolling interest, end of year		$ 3,031	$ 3,247	$ 3,767