Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ 899	$ 2,589	$ 1,383	$ 11,162
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	935	1,800	1,336	10,152
Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	(32)	558	51	779
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net	$ (4)	$ 231	(4)	231
Termination and other costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			1,356	11,162
Termination and other costs [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			1,309	10,152
Termination and other costs [Member] | Albany Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			51	779
Termination and other costs [Member] | Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			(4)	$ 231
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			27
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member] | Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net
Impairment of plant and equipment [Member] | Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring expenses, net			$ 27