Cover Page	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-5690
Entity Registrant Name	GENUINE PARTS CO
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	GA
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-0254510
Entity Address, Address Line One	2999 WILDWOOD PARKWAY,
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30339
Entity Address, City or Town	ATLANTA,
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
City Area Code	678
Local Phone Number	934-5000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GPC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	144,264,189
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000040987
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31