Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 152,593	$ 134,480	$ 403,761	$ 445,109
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(46)	378	2,321	1,040
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	376	0	568	0
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	152,263	134,102	400,872	444,069
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(69,819)	(20,951)	(74,112)	(77,630)
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(1,261)	304	(9,648)	5,964
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on pension plans, net of tax	(2,353)	1,274	(2,134)	(154)
Net change in other comprehensive income from unconsolidated subsidiaries	1,240	643	98	2,160
Other comprehensive loss	(72,193)	(18,730)	(85,796)	(69,660)
Comprehensive income	80,400	115,750	317,965	375,449
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(46)	378	2,321	1,040
Less: comprehensive income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	376	0	568	0
Comprehensive income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$ 80,070	$ 115,372	$ 315,076	$ 374,409