Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income									$ 530,228	$ 463,975	$ 423,223
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ 3,516								3,516	0	0
Net income attributable to LKQ stockholders	$ 124,171	$ 122,381	$ 150,914	$ 136,278	$ 86,331	$ 122,688	$ 142,785	$ 112,171	533,744	463,975	423,223
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of tax									200,596	(175,639)	(69,817)
Net change in unrecognized gains/losses on derivative instruments, net of tax									3,447	9,023	2,469
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on pension plans, net of tax									6,035	(4,911)	(2,103)
Net change in other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated subsidiaries									(1,309)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)									196,699	(161,705)	(65,245)
Comprehensive income									726,927	302,270	357,978
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									(3,516)	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to LKQ stockholders									$ 730,443	$ 302,270	$ 357,978