<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>313</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>407</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>107</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>103 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>104 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>105 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>106 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>107 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>108 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>109 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>110 - Disclosure - Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>111 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>112 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>113 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>114 - Disclosure - Litigation and Environmental</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLegalMattersAndContingenciesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation and Environmental</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>115 - Disclosure - Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEmployeeDeferredCompensationPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>116 - Disclosure - Major Customers and Export Sales</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMajorCustomersAndExportSalesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Major Customers and Export Sales</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>117 - Disclosure - Royalties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Royalties</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>118 - Disclosure - Product Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAcquisitionTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Product Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>119 - Disclosure - Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>120 - Disclosure - Research and Development</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsResearchAndDevelopmentDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Research and Development</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>121 - Disclosure - Equity Plan Awards</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Plan Awards</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>122 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>123 - Disclosure - Equity Method Investment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Method Investment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>124 - Disclosure - Quarterly Data-Unaudited</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Data-Unaudited</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>125 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event-Unaudited</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event-Unaudited</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>126 - Disclosure - Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>127 - Disclosure - Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>128 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>129 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>130 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>131 - Disclosure - Major Customers and Export Sales (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMajorCustomersAndExportSalesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Major Customers and Export Sales (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMajorCustomersAndExportSalesTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>132 - Disclosure - Product Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAcquisitionTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Product Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAcquisitionTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>133 - Disclosure - Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>134 - Disclosure - Equity Plan Awards (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Plan Awards (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>135 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>136 - Disclosure - Quarterly Data-Unaudited (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Data-Unaudited (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>137 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>138 - Disclosure - Summary of Business Sales Segmentation as per Product (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfBusinessSalesSegmentationAsPerProduct</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Business Sales Segmentation as per Product (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>139 - Disclosure - Summary of Operating Expense (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOperatingExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Operating Expense (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>140 - Disclosure - Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusinessBasisOfConsolidationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business, Basis of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>141 - Disclosure - Components of Inventories (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfInventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Inventories (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>142 - Disclosure - Summary of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Operations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEffectOfDerivativeInstrumentsOnStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Operations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>143 - Disclosure - Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>144 - Disclosure - Unamortized Stock-Based Compensation Expenses (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnamortizedStockBasedCompensationExpenses</Role>
      <ShortName>Unamortized Stock-Based Compensation Expenses (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>145 - Disclosure - Summary of Value Option Grants Using Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfValueOptionGrantsUsingWeightedAverageAssumptions</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Value Option Grants Using Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>146 - Disclosure - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>147 - Disclosure - Property, Plant And Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant And Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>148 - Disclosure - Summary of Long Term Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Long Term Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>149 - Disclosure - Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePrincipalPaymentsOnLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>150 - Disclosure - Summary of Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfLongTermDebtParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>151 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>152 - Disclosure - Amount of Outstanding Debt and Notional Amount on Interest Rate Swap Contract (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAmountOfOutstandingDebtAndNotionalAmountOnInterestRateSwapContract</Role>
      <ShortName>Amount of Outstanding Debt and Notional Amount on Interest Rate Swap Contract (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>153 - Disclosure - Summary Revolving Line of Credit And Various Notes Payable Constitute Short-Term and Long-Term Loan Balances Together (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryRevolvingLineOfCreditAndVariousNotesPayableConstituteShortTermAndLongTermLoanBalancesTogether</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary Revolving Line of Credit And Various Notes Payable Constitute Short-Term and Long-Term Loan Balances Together (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>154 - Disclosure - Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfIncomeTaxBenefitExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>155 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>156 - Disclosure - Total Income Tax Expense Applying U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTotalIncomeTaxExpenseApplyingUSFederalIncomeTaxRate</Role>
      <ShortName>Total Income Tax Expense Applying U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>157 - Disclosure - Income before provision for income taxes and losses on equity investment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeBeforeProvisionForIncomeTaxesAndLossesOnEquityInvestment</Role>
      <ShortName>Income before provision for income taxes and losses on equity investment (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>158 - Disclosure - Temporary Differences in Financial Statement Carrying Amounts and Tax Bases of Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTemporaryDifferencesInFinancialStatementCarryingAmountsAndTaxBasesOfAssetsAndLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Temporary Differences in Financial Statement Carrying Amounts and Tax Bases of Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>159 - Disclosure - Gross Unrecognized Tax Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGrossUnrecognizedTaxLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Gross Unrecognized Tax Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>160 - Disclosure - Litigation and Environmental - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLitigationAndEnvironmentalAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation and Environmental - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>161 - Disclosure - Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeDeferredCompensationPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlanAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>162 - Disclosure - Major Customers and Export Sales - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMajorCustomersAndExportSalesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Major Customers and Export Sales - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>163 - Disclosure - Summary of Worldwide Export Sales (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfWorldwideExportSales</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Worldwide Export Sales (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>164 - Disclosure - Royalties - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRoyaltiesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Royalties - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>165 - Disclosure - Product Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureProductAcquisitionsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Product Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>166 - Disclosure - Schedule of Intangible Assets Recognized in Connection with Product Acquisitions (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsRecognizedInConnectionWithProductAcquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Intangible Assets Recognized in Connection with Product Acquisitions (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>167 - Disclosure - Schedule of Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfGrossCarryingAmountAndAccumulatedAmortizationOfIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>168 - Disclosure - Schedule of Future Amortization Charges Related to Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfFutureAmortizationChargesRelatedToIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Future Amortization Charges Related to Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>169 - Disclosure - Schedule of Company's Obligations Under Product Acquisitions and Licensing Agreements (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfCompanysObligationsUnderProductAcquisitionsAndLicensingAgreements</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Company's Obligations Under Product Acquisitions and Licensing Agreements (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>170 - Disclosure - Commitments - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>171 - Disclosure - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Term Of Leases (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTermOfLeases</Role>
      <ShortName>Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Term Of Leases (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>172 - Disclosure - Research and Development - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureResearchAndDevelopmentAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Research and Development - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>173 - Disclosure - Equity Plan Awards - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityPlanAwardsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Plan Awards - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>174 - Disclosure - Summary of Option Activity (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfOptionActivity</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Option Activity (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>175 - Disclosure - Summary of Stock Options Summarized by Exercise Price (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionsSummarizedByExercisePrice</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Stock Options Summarized by Exercise Price (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>176 - Disclosure - Weighted Average Exercise Prices for Options Granted and Exercisable and Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Options Outstanding (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureWeightedAverageExercisePricesForOptionsGrantedAndExercisableAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeForOptionsOutstanding</Role>
      <ShortName>Weighted Average Exercise Prices for Options Granted and Exercisable and Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Options Outstanding (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>177 - Disclosure - Summary of Non-Vested Shares (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfNonVestedShares</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Non-Vested Shares (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>178 - Disclosure - Status Summary of Non-Vested Shares (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStatusSummaryOfNonVestedShares</Role>
      <ShortName>Status Summary of Non-Vested Shares (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>179 - Disclosure - Beginning Balance, Annual Activity and Ending Balance of each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBeginningBalanceAnnualActivityAndEndingBalanceOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Beginning Balance, Annual Activity and Ending Balance of each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>180 - Disclosure - Equity Method Investment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityMethodInvestmentAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Method Investment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>181 - Disclosure - Schedule of Quarterly Data (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfQuarterlyData</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Quarterly Data (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="avd-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>182 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-vanguard.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>avd-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>avd-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>avd-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>avd-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>avd-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>avd-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
