The Complete Idiot's Guides is a product line of how-to and other reference books published by Dorling Kindersley (DK) that each seek to provide a basic understanding of a complex and popular topic. The term "idiot" is used as hyperbole in claiming ensured comprehension. The approach relies on explaining a topic via very basic terminology. Definitions of words, profiles of people, and a synopsis of events for context are also provided in many cases.

Alpha Books, publisher of the Complete Idiot's Guides, is a member of Penguin Group. It began as a division of Macmillan. Pearson Education acquired Macmillan General Reference from Simon & Schuster in 1999. Alpha moved from Pearson Education to Penguin Group in 2003. Alpha became part of sister company DK in 2012.^[1]

The line parallels the For Dummies books. The editorial offices for the two competing series are both located partially in Indianapolis.