| Document and Entity Information Document | Jul. 28, 2021 | Apr. 28, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 28, 2021 | |
| 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 | 4920 O'Hear Avenue 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 | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock ($0.01 par value) | |
| Trading Symbol | NGVT | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
