| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | OHIO VALLEY BANC CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | OH |
| Entity File Number | 000-20914 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 31-1359191 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 420 THIRD AVENUE |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | PO BOX 240 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | GALLIPOLIS |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 45631 |
| City Area Code | 740 |
| Local Phone Number | 446-2631 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000894671 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares, without par value |
| Trading Symbol | OVBC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
