Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 193,931	$ 152,593	$ 458,680	$ 403,761
Less: net income (loss) attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	448	(46)	1,166	2,321
Less: net income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	0	376	103	568
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	193,483	152,263	457,411	400,872
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	70,178	(69,819)	(2,453)	(74,112)
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	222	(1,261)	(7,130)	(9,648)
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on pension plans, net of tax	2,803	(2,353)	4,798	(2,134)
Other comprehensive (loss) income from unconsolidated subsidiaries	(3,162)	1,240	(4,052)	98
Other comprehensive income (loss)	70,041	(72,193)	(8,837)	(85,796)
Comprehensive income	263,972	80,400	449,843	317,965
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest	448	(46)	1,166	2,321
Less: comprehensive income attributable to discontinued noncontrolling interest	0	376	103	568
Comprehensive income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$ 263,524	$ 80,070	$ 448,574	$ 315,076