Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 134,480	$ 122,381	$ 445,109	$ 409,573
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	378		1,040
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	134,102	122,381	444,069	409,573
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(20,951)	59,618	(77,630)	174,794
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	304	(1,776)	5,964	457
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on pension plans, net of tax	(1,274)	(150)	154	4,053
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries	643	(1,034)	2,160	(1,635)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(18,730)	56,658	(69,660)	169,563
Comprehensive income	115,750	179,039	375,449	579,136
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	378		1,040
Comprehensive income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$ 115,372	$ 179,039	$ 374,409	$ 579,136