| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Ingevity Corp |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001653477 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37586 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-4027764 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4920 O’Hear Avenue Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | North Charleston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | SC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 29405 |
| City Area Code | 843 |
| Local Phone Number | 740-2300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock ($0.01 par value) |
| Trading Symbol | NGVT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
