Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Shanghai Lear STEC Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. (China) Shanghai Lear Stec Automotive Parts Co Limited [Member] Shanghai Lear STEC Automotive Parts Co, Ltd [Member] Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other assets and liabilities assumed, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets And Other Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets And Other Liabilities, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Purchase price allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] U.S. Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Pension Plan [Member] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Consolidation of affiliate, revaluation gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Net tax benefits Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount U.S. corporate tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Pension settlement gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2025 Notes Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Five [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Five [Member] Credit Agreement — Term Loan Facility Credit Agreement- Term Loan Facility [Member] Credit Agreement- Term Loan Facility [Member] 2020 Notes Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Eagle Ottawa Eagle Ottawa [Member] Eagle Ottawa [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Facility Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Prior to January 15, 2020 Prior To January Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Prior To January Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Cash restricted for use - repurchase of senior notes Restricted Cash Disbursements for Repayments of Senior Debt Restricted Cash Disbursements for Repayments of Senior Debt Aggregate principal amount of debt redeemed Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Restricted cash used to finance the acquisition Restricted Cash Disbursements to Acquire Businesses, Gross Restricted Cash Disbursements to Acquire Businesses, Gross Term loan facility borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Debt Percentage of debt redemption Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Repayments of senior debt Repayments of Senior Debt Percentage of debt redemption price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Interest expense Interest Expense Other (income) expense, net Other Income (Expense), Net The sum of all other income and expenses (both operating and nonoperating) recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement. Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Equity in net income of affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Lear Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Accounting Policies [Abstract] Other expense Other Expenses Other income Other Income Other (income) expense, net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock held in treasury (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Period Reporting Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pre-Production Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Agreements Property, Plant and Equipment, Preproduction Design and Development Costs [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Investments in Affiliates Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Sales Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restructuring Costs Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activity or Restructuring [Policy Text Block] Engineering and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Expense, Net Other Expense Net [Policy Text Block] Other Expense Net Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Share Attributable to Lear Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Product Warranty Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 4.75% Senior Notes due 2023 (2023 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due 2024 (2024 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 (2025 Notes) 3.8% Senior Notes due 2027 Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Other Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount before debt issuance costs Long-term Debt, Net of Unamortized Discount before Debt Issuance Costs Long-term Debt, Net of Unamortized Discount before Debt Issuance Costs Other Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and other, gross Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Gross Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt and capital lease obligations. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt. Debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt Long-term debt and other, net Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Less — Current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] United States Foreign Foreign Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Five years thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Change in benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Lump sum payout Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Payment for Settlement Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits Translation adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefit obligation at end of period Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Lump sum payout Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Translation adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Fair value of plan assets at end of period Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Other long-term assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Accrued liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Other long-term liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Other Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Long-Term Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total long-term assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Accounts payable and drafts Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized (including 10,896,250 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock authorized); no shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 72,563,291 and 80,563,291 shares issued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Common stock held in treasury, 5,689,527 and 11,131,648 shares as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Lear Corporation stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for deferred tax assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance as of Beginning of Period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Additions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Retirements Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Other Changes Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Adjustments Balance as of End of Period Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Debt securities, mutual funds Debt Securities [Member] Alternative investments Alternative Investment [Member] Alternative Investment [Member] Cash and other Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] April 24, 2020 Multiemployer Plan, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date One [Member] Multiemployer Plan, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date One [Member] July 3, 2020 Multiemployer Plan, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date Two [Member] Multiemployer Plan, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date Two [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Unionized employees Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Multi-employer plan total contributions Multiemployer Plans, Plan Contributions [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Plan Contributions [Member] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Defined contribution retirement program Defined Contribution Retirement Plan [Member] Defined Contribution Retirement Plan [Member] Services completed by employees for eligibility, retiring age Employees Retirement Age The minimum age for an employee to retire to be covered by the continuation of medical benefits under the postretirement benefit plan. Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Lump-Sum Payout settlement payments Lump-Sum Payout settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements, Lump-Sum Payout Offer Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements, Lump-Sum Payout Offer Tax benefit (expense) related to defined benefit plans recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Period for amortizing actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Actuarial Losses, Amortization Period Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Actuarial Losses, Amortization Period Pension settlement and curtailment loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment Curtailment gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Target percentage of asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Estimated minimum required contributions to pension plans in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Number of multi-employer pension plans Multiemployer Plans, Number of Plans Multiemployer Plans, Number of Plans Number of collective bargaining agreements Multiemployer Plans Collective Bargaining Arrangement Number Of Agreements Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Number of Agreements Concentration risk percentage (more than) Concentration Risk, Percentage Defined contribution expense Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Summary of Long-Term Debt and Related Weighted Average Interest Rates Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Redemption Rates Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Long-term deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Long-term deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Net deferred income tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Mexico MEXICO China CHINA Germany GERMANY Other countries Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from external customers Tangible long-lived assets Equity [Abstract] Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement — Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Prior Revolving Credit Facility Prior Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Prior Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Prior Term Loan Facility Prior Term Loan Facility [Member] Prior Term Loan Facility [Member] Line of credit facility, facility fee Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Credit agreement borrowings Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Credit agreement repayments Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Borrowings from lines of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of lines of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Borrowings outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Estimated aggregate fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Aggregate carrying value Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Unionized workforce subject to labor agreement expiring in 2014 Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member] Region Reporting Information, by Region Region Reporting Information By Region [Axis] Disclosure of profit or loss, total assets for each reportable region, and a description of the types of products and services for each reportable region. Revenues from external customers: Reporting Region [Domain] A regional component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. United States and Canada United States And Canada [Member] United States And Canada [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Reserves for pending legal disputes, including commercial disputes and other matters Estimated Litigation Liability Environmental reserves Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Percentage employees that are members of collective bargaining agreements Percentage Of Employees Employed Under Collective Bargaining Agreements The percentage of the Company's employees that are members of industrial trade unions and are employed under the terms of collective bargaining agreements. Number of employees Number Of Employees Employed Under Collective Bargaining Agreements The number of the Company's employees that are members of industrial trade unions and are employed under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire in 2012. Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Table] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, period of recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average grant date fair value of performance shares granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Balance sheet data: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Abstract] Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Non-current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Non-current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Income statement data: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Gross profit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Income before provision for income taxes Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Income Loss Before Income Taxes The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax provision reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Net income attributable to affiliates Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Estimated Aggregate Fair Value of Debt Instruments Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Notional Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Foreign Currency Derivative Contracts and Related Classification Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Pretax Amounts Related to Foreign Currency Derivative Contracts Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements and Related Valuation Techniques and Fair Value Hierarchy Level Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates multiplied by the United States federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Differences in income taxes on foreign earnings, losses and remittances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Valuation allowance adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Repatriation of certain foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount U.S. tax rate change and other tax reform items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Tax audits and assessments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Provision for income taxes Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Antolin Seating Antolin Seating [Domain] Antolin Seating [Domain] AccuMED AccuMED [Member] AccuMED [Member] AccuMED Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Net purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Number of countries in which entity operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Annual sales Cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Intangible assets acquired, weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Percentage of outstanding equity interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Other Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Business Segments Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Seating Seating [Member] Seating [Member] E-Systems E-Systems Segment [Member] E-Systems Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Redeemable Non- controlling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Common Stock Held in Treasury Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Cumulative Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Lear Corporation Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Portion Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Portion Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Holders Affiliate transaction Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value Balance at end of year Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adoption of ASU 2016-09 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Net issuances of shares held in treasury in settlement of stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period From Treasury Stock Value Share Based Compensation Value of stock issued during the period from treasury stock as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of stock value of such awards forfeited. Stock issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. Repurchase of common stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Retirement of shares held in treasury Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Affiliate transaction Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Additions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Acquisition of outstanding noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Other Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Noncontrolling interests — other Noncontrolling Interest, Other Increase (Decrease) Noncontrolling Interest, Other Increase (Decrease) Balance at end of year Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Technology Patented Technology [Member] Customer-based Customer Relationships [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Weighted Average Useful Life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign exchange contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as hedging instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash flow hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net sales Sales [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax (Gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Statute expirations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Foreign currency translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Balance at end of period Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value, measurements, recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Foreign currency derivative contracts, net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Equity Securities, Current Gross profit Gross Profit Consolidated net income Net income attributable to Lear Basic net income per share attributable to Lear (in dollars per share) Diluted net income per share attributable to Lear (in dollars per share) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate [Abstract] 100 bp increase in healthcare cost trend rates, postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation 100 bp increase in healthcare cost trend rates, net periodic postretirement cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components 100 bp decrease in healthcare cost trend rates, postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation 100 bp decrease in healthcare cost trend rates, net periodic postretirement cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Initial healthcare cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee termination benefits Employee Severance [Member] Asset impairments Asset Impairment Charge [Member] Asset Impairment Charge [Member] Contract termination costs Contract Termination [Member] Other related costs Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrual as of beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Charges Utilization, Cash Payments for Restructuring Utilization, Non-cash Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Accrual as of end of period Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Common stock Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Treasury stock Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock holders voting right, vote per outstanding share Common Stock, Number Of Votes For Each Outstanding Share Of Common Stock Common Stock, Number Of Votes For Each Outstanding Share Of Common Stock Common stock, aggregate authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock, average price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchased during period, amount Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Remaining repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Retirement of shares held in treasury (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Increase (reduction) for retirement of shares held in treasury Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders Dividends paid to Lear Corporation stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Pretax income (loss) related to intercompany transactions for which settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future Adjustment for Long-term Intercompany Transactions, Gross of Tax Purchase of remaining noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Percentage ownership of affiliate after transaction Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventories Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Share Transactions Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Defined benefit plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Derivative instruments and hedging Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign currency translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Reclassification adjustments, tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Tax loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Net of Stock-Based Compensation Adjustment Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Net of Stock-Based Compensation Adjustment Retirement benefit plans Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Self-insurance reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance Current asset basis differences Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current Long-term asset basis differences Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-Term Asset Basis Difference Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-Term Asset Basis Difference Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Other Recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling Deferred Tax Assets, in Process Research and Development Recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Research and Development Costs Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Derivative instruments and hedging activities Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred tax assets, gross, total Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Capital Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 2027 Notes 2023 Notes Prior to June 15, 2027 Prior to June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Prior to June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] On or After June 15, 2027 On or After June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] On or After June Fifteen Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Long-term debt, aggregate principal amount Debt interest rate, effective percentage Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Make-whole premium Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Summary of Consolidated Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates and Components of Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Summary of Difference Between Provision for Income Taxes Calculated at United States Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Classification of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset Classification Of Net Deferred Taxes [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the current or long-term nature of net deferred tax assets or liabilities recognized in the statement financial position. Summary of Changes in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurocurrency Rate Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Margin on variable interest rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Major Customers Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Ford Ford Motor Company [Member] Ford Motor Company [Member] General Motors General Motors [Member] General Motors [Member] BMW Bmw [Member] Bmw [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Concentration risk percentage Summary of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Classification of Recoverable Customer Engineering, Development and Tooling Costs Related to Long-term Supply Agreements Schedule Of Preproduction Costs Related To Long Term Supply Arrangements [Table Text Block] Balance sheet classification of recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling balances. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Annual Intangible Asset Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Expense, Net Schedule Of Other Income Expense Net [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amounts recorded as other income or other expense items (both operating and nonoperating). Summary of Information Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement loss Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special and Contractual Termination Benefits Net periodic benefit cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Other acquisitions Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Acquisition Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation and other Goodwill Translation Adjustments And Other Changes Goodwill Translation Adjustments and Other Changes Ending balance Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Not designated as hedging instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Other current assets Derivative Asset, Current Other long-term assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Other long-term liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Derivative, fair value, net Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Outstanding maturities in months, not to exceed Derivative, Remaining Maturity Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Land Land Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less – accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Summary of Segment Financial Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Segment Earnings to Consolidated Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Revenues From External Customers and Tangible Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of Percentage of Revenues from Major Customers Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Pre Production Costs Related to Long Term Supply Arrangements [Table] Pre Production Costs Related To Long Term Supply Arrangements [Table] Pre Production Costs Related to Long Term Supply Arrangements [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other long-term assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Pre Production Costs Related to Long Term Supply Arrangements [Line Items] Pre Production Costs Related To Long Term Supply Arrangements [Line Items] Pre Production Costs Related to Long Term Supply Arrangements [Line Items] Recoverable customer E&D and tooling Preproduction Costs Related to Long-term Supply Arrangements, Costs Capitalized Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Consolidated income before interest, other expense, provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates Operating Income (Loss) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Use of restricted cash - acquisition of Eagle Ottawa Restricted Cash Disbursements to Acquire Business Restricted Cash Disbursements to Acquire Business Use of restricted cash - repurchase of senior notes Cash paid in conjunction with acquisition of Eagle Ottawa to settle pre-existing accounts payable Cash Paid to Settle Existing Accounts Payable from Business Combination, Included in Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Cash Paid to Settle Existing Accounts Payable from Business Combination, Included in Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income tax refunds received Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment Net income available to Lear common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Multiemployer Plan Name Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] 516099782-001 Group One [Member] Group One [Member] 13-6130178 Group Two [Member] Group Two [Member] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Contributions to multiemployer pension plan Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate investment in affiliates Equity Method Investments Receivables due from affiliates (including notes and advances) Due from Affiliates Payables due to affiliates Due to Affiliate Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Standard Product Warranty Accrual Expense, net, including changes in estimates Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued and Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to standard product warranties issued during the reporting period and the aggregate Increase or Decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates). Does not include any increase or decrease in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Settlements Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Foreign currency translation and other Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance Summary of Restructuring Activity Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] 2024 Notes Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt instrument redemption period one Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt instrument redemption period two Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt instrument redemption period three Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt instrument redemption period four and thereafter Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Changchun Lear Faw Sihuan Automotive Electrical And Electronics Co Limited Changchun Lear Faw Sihuan Automotive Electrical And Electronics Co Limited [Member] Changchun Lear FAW Sihuan Automotive Electrical and Electronics Co, Ltd [Member] Subsequent Event Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Fair value of previously held equity interest in acquiree Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value Noncontrolling interests, fair value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling interest, change in redemption value Equity method investment ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity interest acquired Actuarial gains (losses) recognized Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract] Reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Effect of curtailment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax Effect of settlement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement, before Tax Prior service credit recognized Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract] Reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes The amount of increase or decrease in other defined benefit plan other comprehensive income attributed to foreign currency changes. Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, before tax, total Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Purchase Price and Related Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Total amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be recognized in the subsequent year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year New Credit Agreement New Credit Agreement [Member] New Credit Agreement [Member] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities – Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Fixed asset impairment charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Deferred tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Net change in recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling Increase (Decrease) in Recoverable Customer Engineering Development and Tooling Increase (Decrease) in Recoverable Customer Engineering Development and Tooling Net change in working capital items (see below) Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Changes in other long-term assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of cash acquired and use of $350 million restricted cash in 2015 (see non-cash investing activities below) (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired and Restricted Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired and Restricted Cash Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Short-term borrowings (repayments), net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repurchase of senior notes Repayments of Unsecured Debt Repurchase of senior notes, net of use of $250 million restricted cash in 2015 (see non-cash financing activities below) (Note 6) Early Repayment of Senior Debt, Net of Restricted Cash Disbursement Early Repayment of Senior Debt, Net of Restricted Cash Disbursement Payment of debt issuance and other financing costs Repurchase of common stock Dividends paid to Lear Corporation stockholders Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of foreign currency translation Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents as of Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents as of End of Period Changes in Working Capital Items: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable (including $45.7 million of cash paid in 2015 in conjunction with the acquisition of Eagle Ottawa to settle pre-existing accounts payable) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued liabilities and other Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Net change in working capital items Supplementary Disclosure: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received of $35.5 million in 2017, $16.4 million in 2016 and $11.9 million in 2015 Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash Investing Activities: Noncash Investing Items [Abstract] Noncash Investing Items [Abstract] Cash restricted for use - acquisition of Eagle Ottawa Non-cash Financing Activities: Noncash Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash Financing Items [Abstract] Cash restricted for use - repurchase of senior notes Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Issuance of common stock related to share based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Retirement of shares held in treasury, average price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Retired Average Cost Per Share Treasury Stock Retired, Average Cost Per Share Beneficial Ownership, Summarized Financial Information, and Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheet for Affiliates Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Summary of Transaction with Affiliates and Other Related Parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Equity Method Investee, Name Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] Dong Kwang Lear Yuhan Hoesa (Korea) Dong Kwang Lear Yuhan Hoesa [Member] Dong Kwang Lear Yuhan Hoesa [Member] Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co., Ltd. (China) Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co Ltd [Member] Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co, Ltd [Member] Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co Ltd [Member] Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co, Ltd [Member] Industrias Cousin Freres, S.L. (Spain) Industrias Cousin Freres Sociedad Limitada [Member] Industrias Cousin Freres, S L [Member] Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Electrical and Electronics Co., Ltd. (China) Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Seat Systems Co., Ltd. (China) Changchun Lear Faw Sihuan Automotive Seat Systems Co Ltd [Member] Changchun Lear Faw Sihuan Automotive Seat Systems Co, Ltd [Member] Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems S. de R.L. de C.V. (Honduras) Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada De Capital Variable [Member] Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems S de RL de C V [Member] Kyungshin-Lear Sales and Engineering LLC Kyungshin Lear Sales And Engineering Limited Liability Company [Member] Kyungshin-Lear Sales and Engineering LLC [Member] eLumigen, LLC Elumigen Limited Liability Company [Member] Elumigen Limited Liability Company [Member] Beijing Lear Dymos Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) Beijing Lear Dymos Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] Beijing Lear Dymos Automotive Systems Co, Ltd [Member] Dymos Lear Automotive India Private Limited (India) Dymos Lear Automotive India Private Limited [Member] Dymos Lear Automotive India Private Limited [Member] RevoLaze, LLC Revolaze Limited Liability Company [Member] Revolaze Limited Liability Company [Member] HB Polymer Company, LLC Hb Polymer Limited Liability Company [Member] Hb Polymer Limited Liability Company [Member] Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Ownership percentage of affiliates 2018 Notes Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Eighteen Prior to March 15, 2019 Prior To March Fifteen Two Thousand Nineteen [Member] Prior To March Fifteen Two Thousand Nineteen [Member] Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Inventory reserves Capitalized pre-production E&D costs Preproduction Engineering And Development Costs Related To Long Term Supply Arrangements Costs Capitalized Amount of recoverable preproduction engineering and design costs related to long term supply agreements capitalized during the reporting period. Capitalized pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools Preproduction Tooling Costs Related To Long Term Supply Arrangements Costs Capitalized Amount of recoverable preproduction tooling costs related to long term supply agreements capitalized during the reporting period. Cash collected related to E&D and tooling costs Recoveries Of Preproduction Costs Related To Long Term Supply Agreements Cash recoveries of preproduction engineering, design and tooling costs incurred on behalf of a customer. Depreciation expense Depreciation Capital expenditures recorded in accounts payable Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Intangible assets fully amortized Intangible Assets, Fully Amortized Intangible Assets, Fully Amortized Fixed asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Engineering and development costs Research and Development Expense Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Number of reportable operating segments Number of Reportable Segments Schedule of Recent Accounting Standards Updates Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] AccuMed and Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. AccuMed and Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] AccuMed and Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Uncommitted factoring agreement, aggregate purchase of customer accounts Uncommitted Factoring Agreement, Aggregate Purchase of Customer Accounts Uncommitted Factoring Agreement, Aggregate Purchase of Customer Accounts Factored receivables outstanding Financing Receivable, Net Pretax net losses related to derivative instruments and hedging activities in accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Expected amount to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Tax (benefits) expense related to derivative instruments and hedging activities recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Property, plant and equipment, fair value Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Intangible assets, fair value Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Domestic (benefit) provision for income taxes Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current provision Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred (benefit) provision Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total domestic (benefit) provision Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Foreign provision for income taxes Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current provision Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred (benefit) provision Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total foreign provision Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Pension benefit plan curtailment charges Pension Benefit Plan Curtailment Losses [Member] Pension Benefit Plan Curtailment Losses [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Other income and expense, net Other Income And Expense [Member] Other Income and Expense. Restructuring charges, including curtailment and settlement losses Restructuring Charges, Including Curtailment and Settlement Losses Restructuring Charges, Including Curtailment Loss Assets, amount of carrying amount in excess of fair value Assets, Amount of Carrying Amount in Excess of Fair value Assets, Amount of Carrying Amount in Excess of Fair value Restructuring, expected cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Change in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Not Yet Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block] Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Are Expected To Be Recognized As Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in Next Fiscal Year Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Weighted Average Actuarial Assumptions Used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Sensitivity to Change in the Health Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Pension Plan Assets By Asset Category and Fair Value Hierarchy Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Information Related to Multi-Employer Pension Plans Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Sales to affiliates Revenue from Related Parties Purchases from affiliates Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Management and other fees for services provided to affiliates Management And Other Fees For Services Provided To Affiliates The amount of management fee revenue generated for the services provided to affiliates. Dividends received from affiliates Proceeds From Dividends Received From Affiliates Proceeds from the dividends received from affiliates. Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Segment earnings Capital expenditures Total assets Mutual funds/Equity funds Equity Funds [Member] Common stock Mutual funds/Fixed income funds Fixed Income Securities [Member] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Government obligations US Treasury and Government [Member] Preferred stock Cash and short-term investments Cash And Cash Equivalents And Short-Term Investments [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Member] Assets at fair value, excluding alternative investments Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Excluding Net Asset Value Investments Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Excluding Net Asset Value Investments Alternative investments Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value of Plan Assets Assets at fair value Net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, total Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Summary of Changes in Reserves for Product Liability and Warranty Claims Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Summary of Leases Commitments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] International jurisdictions Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards, foreign Unrecognized Tax Benefits Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign The Component of income tax benefit representing unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards, foreign. U.S. federal statutory income tax rate Foreign jurisdictions income with tax holidays Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Holiday, Amount Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets Net increase (decrease) in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Tax loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax loss carryforwards with no expiration date Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration Tax loss carryforwards with expiration date Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Tax benefits related to share-based payment awards, increase in long-term deferred tax assets Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-09 Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, reasonably possible during the next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restricted Stock Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Distributed (vested) (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Vested or expected to vest (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Number Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected to Vest Outstanding Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Defined benefit plan adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Derivative instruments and hedging activities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Consolidated comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Lear Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Purchase price paid, net of cash acquired Net purchase price Other assets purchased and liabilities assumed, net Goodwill Intangible assets Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, incomplete accounting, provisional income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, deferred tax asset, provisional income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, incomplete accounting, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, provisional income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)