v2.4.0.8

Restructuring and Acquisition Related Expenses - Additional Information (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve |  |
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses | $ 3,321,000 | $ 1,505,000
Restructuring expenses |  |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve |  |
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses | 3,100,000 | 400,000
Acquisition-related expenses |  |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve |  |
Restructuring and acquisition related expenses | 200,000 | 1,100,000
Maximum | Keystone Specialty |  |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve |  |
Expected additional charges | (5,000,000) |
Maximum | All 2013 Acquisitions |  |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve |  |
Expected additional charges | $ (1,000,000) |

X
- Definition Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations. Additionally, this element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lkq_RestructuringChargesAndBusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix: | lkq_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The quantified amount of the future effect on earnings. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EffectOnFutureEarningsAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration