Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Estimated Aggregate Fair Value and Carrying Value of Debt Instruments Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Restricted Cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Notional Amount, Estimated Aggregate Fair Value and Related Balance Sheet Classification of Foreign Currency Derivative Contracts Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block] Pretax Amounts Recognized in and Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Net Gains (Losses) Expected to be Reclassified into Earnings 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] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, 2019 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) Balance at June 29, 2019 Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Seating Seating [Member] Seating [Member] E-Systems E-Systems Segment [Member] E-Systems Segment [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America North America [Member] Europe and Africa Europe and Africa [Member] Europe and Africa [Member] Asia Asia [Member] South America South America [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenues from external customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax 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] Credit agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Other Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Facility Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Agreement — Term Loan Facility Credit Agreement- Term Loan Facility [Member] Credit Agreement- Term Loan Facility [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Five [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Five [Member] 3.8% Senior Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Seven [Member] 4.25% Senior Notes due 2029 (the 2029 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Nine [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Nine [Member] 5.25% Senior Notes due 2049 (the 2049 Notes) Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Forty Nine [Member] Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Forty Nine [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Gross Other Finance Lease, Liability Other Capital Lease Obligations Long-Term Debt and Other Long-term Debt, Gross And Lease Obligation Long-term Debt, Gross And Lease Obligation Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Unamortized Original Issue Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Long-Term Debt, Net Long-term Debt Long-Term Debt and Other, Net Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Less — Current portion Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Restructuring charges and various other items Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items, Restructuring and Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items, Restructuring and Other Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Share-based compensation Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items, Share-based Compensation Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items, Share-based Compensation Increase in foreign withholding tax on certain undistributed foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Change in tax status of certain affiliates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Income tax benefits (expense) related to significant discrete items Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Discrete Items Balance sheet - cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash included in other current assets Restricted Cash, Current Restricted cash included in other long-term assets Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Statement of cash flows - cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Operating lease expense Operating Lease, Cost Short-term lease expense Short-term Lease, Cost Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost Total lease expense Lease, Cost Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast Forecast [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Number of lease contracts Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Lease Contracts Entered During Period Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Lease Contracts Entered During Period Lease term Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net 2029 Notes 2049 Notes 2024 Notes Aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated coupon rate Redemption price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Yield to maturity Proceeds from offering Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Long-term debt, gross Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Payments of related issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Swap [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] Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax (Gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, before Tax Provision for Income Taxes and Corresponding Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Tax Benefits (Expense) Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Pension Plan [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employer's contribution towards defined benefit plan Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Estimated employer's contribution towards defined benefit plan in current year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income attributable to Lear Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 Average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 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 Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Purchase Price and Preliminary Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Significant contract liabilities recorded Contract with Customer, Liability Significant contract liabilities recognized in revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Pre-production E&D costs for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer 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. Pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer 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 Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charge [Member] Asset Impairment Charge [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Employee termination benefits Employee Severance [Member] Contract termination costs Contract Termination [Member] Other related costs Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrual as of beginning of period Restructuring Reserve 2019 charges Utilization cash Payments for Restructuring Utilization, non-cash Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Accrual as of end of period Classification of Recoverable Customer E&D 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. Summary of Revenue by Reportable Segment and Geography Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimated aggregate fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Aggregate carrying value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Debt instruments Long-term Debt, Fair Value Gain related to gaining control of an affiliate Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Tax expense on gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Tax Expense On Remeasurement Gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Tax Expense On Remeasurement Gain U.S. federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, 2019 Goodwill Acquisition Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation and other Goodwill Translation Adjustments And Other Changes Goodwill Translation Adjustments and Other Changes Balance at June 29, 2019 Reserves for pending legal disputes, including commercial disputes and other matters Estimated Litigation Liability Environmental reserves Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Equity [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gains (losses) related to intercompany transactions, long-term gain (loss) Adjustment for Long-term Intercompany Transactions, Gross of Tax Aggregate purchases authorized under common stock share repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Aggregate repurchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Average price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as hedging instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not designated as hedging instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash flow hedge Cash Flow Hedging [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 Total fair value Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Outstanding maturities in months, not to exceed Derivative, Remaining Maturity Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other expense Other Expenses Other income Other Income 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. Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services 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 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 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders (Note 14) (in dollars per share) Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders (Note 14) (in dollars per share) Average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Consolidated comprehensive income (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity) 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 Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive Income and Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Reserves for Product Liability and Warranty Claims Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Summary of Information Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Legal and Other Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Obligations Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Maturity of Lease Obligations Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Cash Flow Information, Lease Expense, Weighted Average Lease Term and Discount Rate Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Provision for income taxes Pretax income before equity in net income of affiliates Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Net foreign currency transaction losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Summary of Other (Income) 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). Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Defined benefit plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Derivative instruments and hedging Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign currency translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Total accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Reclassification adjustments Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Balance at end of period Reclassification adjustments, tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Summary of Changes, Net of Tax, in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Common Stock Repurchase Program Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Dividends Declared and Paid Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] 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 convertible preferred stock Convertible 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, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Summary of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Ranges Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Instruments, Interest Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Instruments, Interest Rates [Table Text Block] Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Credit) Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Right-of-use assets under operating leases: Assets, Lessee [Abstract] Assets, Lessee [Abstract] Other long-term assets Lease obligations under operating leases: Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Accrued liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Other long-term liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Lease obligations under operating leases Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate Repurchases Cash paid for Repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Number of Shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Average Price per Share (in dollars per share) Remaining Purchase Authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Purchase prior to increased authorization Stock Repurchased During Period, Prior to Increased Authorization, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Prior to Increased Authorization, Value Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment earnings Operating Income (Loss) Net Income Per Share Attributable to Lear Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Summary of Revenues from External Customers and Other Financial Information by Reportable Operating Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Segment Earnings to Consolidated Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Equity Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventories Inventory, Net Pre-Production Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Agreements Preproduction Cost Related To Long Term Supply Agreements [Text Block] Entire disclosure for preproduction costs incurred related to long-term supply agreements. Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] 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] Xevo Xevo Inc. [Member] Xevo Inc. [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Licensing agreements Licensing Agreements [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Net purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Annual sales Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Estimated useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Non-cash activity: Lessee Disclosure [Abstract] Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Operating cash flows: Cash Flow, Operating Activities, Lessee [Abstract] Cash paid related to operating lease obligations Operating Lease, Payments Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Credit Agreement — Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurocurrency Rate Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate as of period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Consolidated net income 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 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 Loss on extinguishment of debt Net change in working capital items (see below) Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net 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, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition, net of acquired cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired 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, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Credit agreement repayments Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Repurchase of senior notes Repayments of Unsecured Debt Payment of debt issuance and other financing costs Repurchase of common stock Dividends paid to Lear Corporation stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock 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, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as of Beginning of Period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 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 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, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received Income Taxes Paid, Net Summary of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Long-Term Assets Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Inventories Other Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current LONG-TERM ASSETS: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Goodwill 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 Series A convertible preferred stock authorized); no shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 64,563,291 shares issued as of June 29, 2019 and December 31, 2018 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Common stock held in treasury, 3,326,172 and 1,623,678 shares as of June 29, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity 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] Current Other Current Assets [Member] Long-term 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 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization Capital expenditures Total assets Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] 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] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Lear Corporation Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] 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 Stock-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Net issuance 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 shares of common stock Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends declared to non-controlling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Adoption of ASU 2016-16 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Affiliate transaction Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Redeemable non-controlling interest adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Acquisition of outstanding noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests 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 Other 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 non-controlling interest holders Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value Balance at end of year Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Employee termination costs Fixed asset impairment charges Carrying values in excess of estimated fair values Amount Of Carrying Amount In Excess Of Fair Value Amount Of Carrying Amount In Excess Of Fair Value Expected restructuring costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total undiscounted cash flows Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lease obligations under operating leases Dividends declared Dividends paid Net purchase price Other assets purchased and liabilities assumed, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets And Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets And Liabilities, Net Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Preliminary purchase price allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Foreign currency contracts, net Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Asset (Liability) Marketable equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Summary of Restructuring Activity Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Other postretirement Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [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 Foreign Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Amortization of prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net periodic benefit (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Net issuances of shares held in treasury in settlement of stock-based compensation (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Number of shares repurchased (in shares) Other (Income) Expense, Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Marketable Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Current assets Marketable Securities, Current Other long-term assets Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, face amount Borrowings outstanding under Revolving Credit Facility Long-term Line of Credit Repayments of amounts outstanding Facility fee Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Reportable operating segments Number of Reportable Segments Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Other current liabilities Pretax gains (losses) related to derivative instruments and hedging activities in accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Derivative contracts classified within Level 3 of fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Derivative contracts transfers in to Level 3 fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Fair value estimates related to intangible assets Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Net gains related to foreign currency contracts Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Net losses related to interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Total Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Period Reporting Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restructuring Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, 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 Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Share Attributable to Lear Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Policy [Policy Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]