| Document and Entity Information Document | Jun. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 2, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Ingevity Corp |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001653477 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37586 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-4027764 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5255 Virginia Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | North Charleston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | SC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 29406 |
| 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 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock ($0.01 par value) |
| Trading Symbol | NGVT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
