Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 118,770	$ 152,105	$ 264,749	$ 251,168
Less: net (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(22)	1,352	718	2,367
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	0	192	103	192
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	118,792	150,561	263,928	248,609
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	31,334	5,602	(72,631)	(4,293)
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(31)	(5,650)	(7,352)	(8,387)
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on pension plans, net of tax	1,875	28	1,995	219
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries	962	2,321	(890)	(1,142)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	34,140	2,301	(78,878)	(13,603)
Comprehensive income	152,910	154,406	185,871	237,565
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	(22)	1,352	718	2,367
Less: comprehensive income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	0	192	103	192
Comprehensive income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$ 152,932	$ 152,862	$ 185,050	$ 235,006