| Form 8-K Earnings Release Document | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | LKQ CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-50404 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-4215970 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 500 West Madison Street, |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 2800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60661 |
| City Area Code | 312 |
| Local Phone Number | 621-1950 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001065696 |
| Trading Symbol | LKQ |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
