Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Pension and Postretirement Liability Adjustments [Member] Derivative Valuation Adjustment [Member] Beginning balance Ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Translation Adjustments [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Postretirement plan change in benefits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Net current period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Operations, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Operations, net of tax Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Postretirement plan remeasurement Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total pretax amount reclassified Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax effect Swap interest expense Interest Expense Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition Asset (Obligation), before Tax Amortization of transition obligation Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Reclassified to Statement of Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Total Accounts receivable, net Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Less: allowance for doubtful accounts Other Receivables, Gross, Current Receivables related to the sale of discontinued businesses Receivables, Long-term Contracts or Programs Revenue in excess of progress billings Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Receivable Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Contingencies [Abstract] Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Contingencies Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts receivable, net Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Derivative valuation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Pension and postretirement liability adjustments Translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated items of other comprehensive income: Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current Total current assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock Deferred taxes and other credits Deferred Income Taxes and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Income taxes receivable and deferred Deferred Income Taxes and Other Tax Receivable, Current Deferred Income Taxes And Other Tax Receivable Noncurrent Deferred taxes Deferred Income Taxes And OtherT ax Receivable, Noncurrent. Goodwill Goodwill Income Taxes Payable And Deferred Income Taxes Payable And Deferred, Current. Income taxes payable and deferred Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangibles Inventories Inventory, Net Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Notes and Loans Payable, Current Notes and loans payable Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share; authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Class of Stock [Axis] Statement [Line Items] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract] Statement [Table] Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Treasury stock (Class A), at cost 8,463,635 shares in 2013 and 8,467,873 in 2012 Treasury Stock, Value Common Stock, par value per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred Stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity in Shareholders' Equity Asbestos Litigation [Member] Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member]. Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member] Cancelled Litigation [Member] Cancelled Litigation [Member] Entity [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Amount Of Estimated Recovery From Third Party Loss Contingency, Amount Of Estimated Recovery From Third Party . Confirmed insurance coverage Loss Contingency Claims Settled And Dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed. Total resolved claims, by means of settlement or dismissal Loss Contingency Cost Of Resolution Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution. Total cost of resolution Loss Contingency Cost Of Resolution Paid By Insurer Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution Paid By Insurer. Resolution costs paid by insurance carrier Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency Percent Of Resolution Costs Paid By Entity Loss Contingency, Percent Of Resolution Costs Paid By Entity. Percent of resolution costs paid by entity Loss Contingency Percent Of Total Claims Loss Contingency, Percent Of Total Claims. Percent of total claims Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] NAFTA Audits [Member] NAFTA Audits [Member]. Number Of Audits Number of audits. Number of audits Pending Litigation [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Threatened Litigation [Member] Amortization Amortization Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Noncash interest expense Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Change in cash balances of discontinued operations Depreciation Depreciation Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Excess tax benefit of options exercised Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit of options exercised Loss/(gain) on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Provision for write-off of property, plant and equipment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes prepaid and receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Write-off of pension liability adjustment due to settlement Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Debt acquisition costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Payments of Dividends Dividends paid Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Software Purchased software Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of expenses Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Cash received from life insurance policy terminations Proceeds from Life Insurance Policies Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Provision For Deferred Income Taxes Other Credits And Longterm Liabilities Provision For Deferred Income Taxes Other Credits And Longterm Liabilities. Change in long-term liabilities, deferred taxes and other credits Principal payments on debt Repayments of Debt Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Postretirement plan amendment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Amortization of pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Tax Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Derivative valuation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Derivative valuation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Tax Pension settlement Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Prior service (credit)/cost Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, before Tax Pension settlement Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax Postretirement plan amendment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement Net actuarial loss Transition obligation Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Amortization of pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract] Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve ($) Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number New Claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Opening Number of Claims Closing Number of Claims Interest expense, net Dividends per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Pension settlement expense Gain/(loss) on sale of discontinued business Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax (Loss)/income from operations of discontinued business Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax (benefit)/expense on discontinued operations Net income Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share - Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Shares used in computing earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Net income Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings per share - Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Income/(loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income/(loss) before income taxes Income/(loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income/(loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (Loss)/income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract] Income tax expense/(benefit) Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Net income Operating Income (Loss) Operating income/(loss) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other expense/(income), net Restructuring and other, net Restructuring Charges Net sales Revenues Selling, general, and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Technical Product Engineering And Research Expenses Technical, product engineering, and research expenses. Technical, product engineering, and research expenses Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Claims Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document and Entity Information [Abstract]. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Table]. Document and Entity Information [Table] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Pre-tax gain receivable Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Albany Door Systems [Member] Albany Door Systems [Member]. Adjustments to the sale transaction Discontinued Operation, Amount of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal Adjustment to tax expense allocated to discontinued operations Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Consideration Amount of consideration received or receivable for the disposal of long-lived assets, including discontinued operation. Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Financing Receivable, Gross Noncurrent portion of purchase price Financing Receivable, Net Noncurrent portion of purchase price, at present value Other Accrued Liabilities, Current PrimaLoft Products [Member] Prima Loft Products [Member]. Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of business Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Cash held in escrow Sales price operations Other accruals Gain on disposition of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Income tax (benefit)/expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) (Loss)/Income from operations of discontinued business before tax Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Net sales Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financial Results of Discontinued Operations Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Effect of stock-based compensation plans that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive Average market price of common stock used for calculation of dilutive shares. Average market price of common stock used for calculation of dilutive shares Average Market Price Of Common Stock Used For Calculation Of Dilutive Shares Basic Diluted Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Long Term Incentive Plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Long Term Incentive Plans. Long-term incentive plan Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Stock Options Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Stock Options. Stock options Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income available to common shareholders Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income/(loss) per share Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic net income/(loss) per share Class of Stock [Line Items] Net shares Outstanding Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Less: Treasury Shares Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule Computing Earnings Per Share Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Shares Issued and Outstanding Financial Instruments [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Financial Instruments Final expiration date Additional amount that can be borrowed on facility Date warrants can be exercised Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights Exercisable Strike price of warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Class Of Warrant Or Rights, Date Warrants Expire. Convertible Notes [Member] Covenant Maximum Leverage Ratio Covenant, Maximum Leverage Ratio. Maximum leverage ratio allowed Covenant Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. Minimum interest coverage ratio required Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate LIBOR spread Earliest redemption date Debt Instrument, Call Date, Earliest Principal amount outstanding Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Instrument Convertible Price For Redemption Debt Instrument, Convertible, Price For Redemption. Repemption price, percent of principal Debt Instrument Date Of Maturity Debt Instrument, Date Of Maturity. Year of maturity Debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Effective annual rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument [Line Items] Maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument Payment Required On Eighth Anniversary Debt Instrument, Payment Required On Eighth Anniversary. Payment required on October 25, 2013 Debt Instrument Payment Required On Tenth Anniversary Debt Instrument Payment Required On Tenth Anniversary. Payment required on October 25, 2015 Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Percentage of principal redeemed Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Cost of Hedge Notes hedge and warrant transactions, net cost Fixed interest rate in swap Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Name [Domain] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Cash paid to redeem convertible senior notes Early Repayment of Senior Debt Interest Coverage Ratio Interest Coverage Ratio. Interest coverage ratio Interest Rate Swap [Member] Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Leverage Ratio Leverage Ratio. Leverage ratio Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Amount of credit facility outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Borrowings, revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Credit Agreement [Member] Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Number Of Warrants Sold Number Of Warrants Sold. Number of warrants sold Private Placement, Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Warrant [Member] Interest rate at end of period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Maturity date range, end Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Maturity date range, start Long-term Debt Long-term debt Less: current portion Long-term debt, net of current portion Various Notes and Mortgages [Member] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Fair-Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair-Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments Hedge Effectiveness Percent Derivative Instruments, Hedge Effectiveness Percent. Hedge effectiveness, percent Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Table] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Options [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Interest expense Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit spread Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign Currency Instruments [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Available-for-sale Securities Common stock of foreign public company Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability for fixed rate leg Derivative Asset Interest rate swap Derivative Asset [Abstract] Derivative asset: Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Receivable for floating rate leg Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability for fixed rate leg Derivative Liability Interest rate swap Derivative Liability [Abstract] Derivative liability: Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Receivable for floating rate leg Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities: Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net (Losses)/gains recognized in income, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] (Losses)/gains recognized in other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Expense, Net [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of (Losses)/Gains on Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization AEC Customer Contracts [Member] AEC Technology [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Beginning balance Ending balance Finite Lived Intangible Assets Other Changes Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Other Changes. Other changes Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Amortized intangible assets: Currency Translation Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments Beginning balance Ending balance Goodwill Abstract Goodwill Other changes Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill Amortization Goodwill Amortization. Amortization Goodwill [Abstract]. Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Currency translation Intangible Assets [Line Items]. Intangible Assets [Line Items] Machine Clothing [Member] Machine Clothing [Member] Paper Machine Clothing [Member]. PMC Technology Rights [Member] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Segment [Domain] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] AEC Trade Names [Member] Segment [Domain] 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Raw material and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventories Canadian Revenue Agency [Member] Canadian Revenue Agency [Member]. Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Unrepatriated foreign earnings Non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Earnings Expected To Be Distributed Foreign Earnings Expected To Be Distributed. German Tax Authority [Member] German Tax Authority [Member]. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]. Income Tax Disclosure [Table] Income Tax Disclosure [Table]. Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss Income Tax Examination Estimate Of Possible Loss Income Tax Examination Payment For Litigation Income Tax Examination Payment For Litigation. Payment to taxing authority to pursue litigation Years examined Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Expense Benefit Estimated Tax Rate Income Tax Expense Benefit, Estimated Tax Rate. Estimated tax rate U.S. [Member] Open Tax Year Open tax years Estimated range of change, lower bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound Estimated range of change, upper bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Non-U.S. earnings that have been targeted for future repatriation Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Amounts of tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate if recognized Income Tax Benefit From Continuing Operations Before Discrete Items Income tax before discrete items Income tax/(benefit) from continuing operations before discrete items. Total income tax expense/(benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Provision for change in estimated tax rates Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 41.0% and 35.4%, respectively Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Enacted legislation change Income Tax Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities Income Tax Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings Repatriation of non-U.S. prior year earnings Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Pension plan settlement Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Other Expense/(Income), net [Abstract] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other Expense/(Income), net Amortization Of Debt Issuance Costs And Loan Origination Fees Amortization of debt issuance costs and loan origination fees. Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs Other Income (Expense), Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss). Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount Letter of credit fees Other Income Expense Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Currency transactions Other Nonoperating Income Other Total Pre-Opening Costs Organizational costs related to Albany Safran Composites Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Other (Income)/Expense, Net Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Settlement Combined pension liability Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Actuarial assumptions, discount rate Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost Plan modification, effect on expense Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on assets Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Sweden Pension Plans [Member] US and Canada Pension Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Pension Plans [Member] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Plan Cost Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Reportable Segments [Abstract] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Benefit Plan Curtailment/ Settlement [Member] Benefit Plan Curtailment Settlement [Member]. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Unallocated Expenses [Member] Engineered Composites [Member] Engineered Composites [Member]. Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring and other, net Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Termination and Other Costs [Member] Termination And Other Costs [Member]. Type of Restructuring [Domain] Termination Costs [Member] Payments for Restructuring Payments Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring charges accrued Beginning balance Ending balance Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Currency translation/other (Loss)/income before income taxes Interest income Investment Income, Interest Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Operating income/(loss) Other expense/ (income), net Research Expense [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Retirement and Postretirement Plans [Abstract] Pension settlement Restructuring expense Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Restructuring expense Schedule Of Restructuring Charges By Segment Table Text Block Schedule of Restructuring Costs by Reporting Segment Schedule Of Restructuring Charges, By Segment [Table Text Block]. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Charges Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Liability Changes in Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Changes in Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Items of Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Stock option expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Common Stock [Member] Dividends Dividends declared Net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in derivative valuation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Retained Earnings [Member] Balance Balance Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services Shares issued to Directors Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock Long-term incentive plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Options exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Treasury Stock [Member] Cumulative translation adjustment Effect on Future Earnings, Amount Effect of cost savings Effects on Future Earnings and Cash Flows, by Type of Effect [Domain] Effects on Future Earnings and Cash Flows Resulting from Exit Plan [Axis] Reduced Employee Expenses [Member] Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Expected costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Reduction in employees Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Severance Costs Severance and social costs Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Plan modification, effect on liabilities Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Postretirement Life Insurance [Member] Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income resulting from plan modification and remeasurement Plan remeasurement, effect on liabilities Subsequent Event [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member] Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member] Subsidiary Or Equity Method Investee, Percentage Of Ownership Sold. Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Albany's remaining interest Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Proceeds Received on All Transactions Cash contribution Subsidiary Or Equity Method Investee Percentage Of Ownership Sold Interest in subsidiary sold