| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMERICAN VANGUARD CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000005981 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-13795 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-2588080 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4695 MacArthur Court |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newport Beach |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92660 |
| City Area Code | (949) |
| Local Phone Number | 260-1200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AVD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
