Reconciliation Of Segment EBITDA To Net Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Reconciliation of Segment Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation And Amortization to Net Income Table [Line Items]
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
Net income from discontinued operations	(277)	(398)	638	(398)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	118,515	150,355	264,669	248,403
Depreciation and amortization	65,747	70,834	131,242	141,836
Cost, Depreciation	4,010	5,320	9,095	10,525
Depreciation and Amortization - Restructuring Expenses	3,173	0	3,972	0
Interest expense, net of interest income	25,616	35,884	51,547	71,973
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	12,751	0
Provision for income taxes	41,869	55,825	102,280	107,375
EBITDA	258,930	318,218	575,556	580,112
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(2,649)	1,572	(2,133)	(37,977)
Restructuring Charges And Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs net of Restructuring Depreciation	21,777	8,377	27,948	11,684
CostofGoodsSoldRestructuringCharges	5,665	0	5,661	0
Loss on disposal of businesses and impairment of net assets held for sale	2,485	33,497	2,236	48,520
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	(332)	176	(428)	296
Segment EBITDA	$ 291,174	$ 358,696	$ 613,106	$ 678,589