Reportable Segments (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 251,373	$ 223,603
Operating income/(loss)	40,093	17,004
Interest income	(599)	(382)
Interest expense	5,016	4,670
Other (income)/expense, net	(1,208)	1,452
Income before income taxes	36,884	11,264
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	144,334	141,773
Operating income/(loss)	44,243	26,942
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	107,039	81,830
Operating income/(loss)	9,522	2,275
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)	$ (13,672)	$ (12,213)