v2.4.0.8

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |
Beginning balance | $ 1,937,444
Business acquisitions and adjustments to previously recorded goodwill | 261,316
Exchange rate effects | (1,505)
Ending balance | 2,197,255
North America |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |
Beginning balance | 1,358,937
Business acquisitions and adjustments to previously recorded goodwill | 25,272
Exchange rate effects | (4,494)
Ending balance | 1,379,715
Europe |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |
Beginning balance | 578,507
Business acquisitions and adjustments to previously recorded goodwill | (601)
Exchange rate effects | 2,987
Ending balance | 580,893
Specialty |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] |
Beginning balance | 0
Business acquisitions and adjustments to previously recorded goodwill | 236,645
Exchange rate effects | 2
Ending balance | $ 236,647

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and purchase price allocation adjustments for acquisitions made in prior periods. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | lkq_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) from foreign currency translation adjustments of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration