Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to American Vanguard	$ 1,805us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 732us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 145us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 2,159us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 278us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 8,870us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 8,386us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 16,915us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 4,841us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 34,449us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 36,867us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic									28,436	28,301	27,914
Dilutive effect of stock options and grants									476	598	842
Weighted average shares outstanding-assuming dilution									28,912	28,899	28,756