v2.4.0.8

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rent expense |  |  |  |  |  | $ 101.1 | $ 83.7 | $ 66.9
Guaranteed residual value of operating leases | 28.7 |  |  |  |  | 28.7 |  |
Gain on lawsuit settlements | $ 0.7 | $ 0.5 | $ 8.4 | $ 8.3 | $ 17.2 | $ 17.9 |  |
Number of defendants class action is pending against | 2 |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |

X
- Definition Amount of gain recognized in the period that had been disclosed in the prior periods as a contingent gain. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | lkq_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element relates to the disclosed gain contingency and represents the number of defendants against which the class action is still pending. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | lkq_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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- Definition Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248 + Details
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- Definition Rental expense for the reporting period incurred under operating leases, including minimum and any contingent rent expense, net of related sublease income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41499-112717 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration