Accounts Payable Reclassification Accounts Payable Reclassification Accounts payable reclassification Accounts Payable Trade Current Trade accounts payable Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. And obligations not otherwise itemized or previously categorized that are due within one year from the balance sheet date. Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Income Taxes Current Income taxes payable Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Acquisition And Dispositions [Line Items] Acquisition And Dispositions [Line Items] Acquisition And Dispositions [Line Items] Acquisition And Dispositions [Table] Acquisition And Dispositions [Table] Acquisition And Dispositions [Table] Additional Closure Costs And Accretion [Member] Additional Closure Costs And Accretion [Member] Additional Closure Costs And Accretion Additional Impairment Charges [Member] Additional Impairment Charges [Member] Additional impairment charges Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Amendment Flag Amendment Flag The compensation expense related to long term incentive stock options. Amortization Of Long Term Incentive Stock Grant Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants Amount of Decrease inTotal Asset Impairment Comparing to Sum of Independent Sales and Gross Margin Scenarios Amount Of Decrease In Total Asset Impairment Comparing To Sum Of Independent Sales And Gross Margin Scenarios Amount of decrease in asset impairment in scenario Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Options and non-vested shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment Asset impairment charge Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Measurement Category, Assets Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Basis Of Accounting Policy Policy [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value, Attrition Rate Business Acquisition Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Attrition Rate Anticipated customer attrition percentage per year Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Effective Date Of Acquisition 1 Acquisition date Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Amortizing intangible assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Non-deductible goodwill Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition Business Combination Integration Related Costs Expenses incurred in prior periods Business Combination Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items] Business Combination Separately Recognized Transactions [Table] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Value Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash Impact Of Recovery From Business Combination Cash Impact Of Recovery From Business Combination Recovery of purchase price Cash Management Policy [Line Items] Cash Management Policy [Line Items] Cash Management Policy [Line Items] Cash Management Policy [Table] Cash Management Policy [Table] Cash Management Policy [Table] Cash Management Policy Text Block Cash Management Policy [Text Block] Cash Management Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Closing store and distribution centers [Member] Closing Store And Distribution Centers [Member] Closing Stores And Distribution Centers Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contracts - Fuel Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, issued shares Common Stock Value Common stock - authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued shares - 291,146,086 in September 2012, 286,430,567 in December 2011 and 286,382,961 in September 2011 Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Consecutive Business Day Period Consecutive Business Day Period Distribution date, number of business days following commencement of tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group of affiliated and associated persons beneficially owning 15% or more of shares of Common Stock then outstanding Consecutive Business Days Following Public Announcement Consecutive Business Days Following Public Announcement Distribution date, number of business days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has become an "Acquiring Person," Cost Of Goods And Services Sold Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold And Occupancy Costs [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold and Occupancy Costs Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Cost & Store and Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold And Occupancy Cost Store And Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses [Member] Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs & Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Contracts [Member] Customer Contracts Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships Debt Current Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Date Of First Required Payment 1 Interest payment commencing date Debt Instrument Early Redemption Date Debt Instrument Early Redemption Date Senior notes, early redemption date Debt Instrument Face Amount Aggregate principal amount of senior notes Debt Instrument, Face Amount Per Note Debt Instrument Face Amount Per Note Face amount of each note Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Interest rate on senior notes Senior notes, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Senior notes, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity, Month and Year Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year Senior notes, maturity year Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt instrument, percentage of principal amount redeemable Debt Instrument Percentage Of Principal Amount Redeemable Percentage of aggregate principal amount redeemable Debt instrument, principal amount redemption rate Debt Instrument Principal Amount Redemption Rate Percentage of net proceeds from redemption Debt instrument principal amount redemption rate upon change in control Debt Instrument Principal Amount Redemption Rate Upon Change In Control Redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, Percentage Debt instrument, redemption date Debt Instrument Redemption Date Senior notes, redemption date Debt Instrument Repurchase, Consideration for Face Amount Repurchased Debt Instrument Repurchase Consideration For Face Amount Repurchased Total consideration for each $1,000 note surrendered Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Decreased Stock Price Scenario [Member] Decreased Stock Price Scenario [Member] Decreased Stock Price Scenario Decreased Stock Price Volatility Scenario [Member] Decreased Stock Price Volatility Scenario [Member] Decreased Stock Price Volatility Scenario Decrease In Gross Margin For Scenario Decrease In Gross Margin For Scenario Decrease in gross margin for scenario Decrease in Gross Margin Scenario [Member] Decrease In Gross Margin Scenario [Member] Decrease in Gross Margin Scenario Decrease in Sales and Decrease in Gross Margin Scenario [Member] Decrease In Sales And Decrease In Gross Margin Scenario [Member] Decrease in Sales and Decrease in Gross Margin Scenario Decrease In Sales For Scenario Decrease In Sales For Scenario Decrease in sales for scenario Decrease in Sales Scenario [Member] Decrease In Sales Scenario [Member] Decrease in Sales Scenario Deferred Finance Costs, Final Year Of Amortization Deferred Finance Costs Final Year Of Amortization Final year of deferred finance costs amortization Deferred Finance Costs Gross Capitalized debt issuance costs Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. And aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Deferred Income Tax And Other Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Net Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Defined Benefit Pension Plan Current And Noncurrent Liabilities Pension plan liability position Defined Benefit Plan Assets For Plan Benefits Current And Noncurrent Pension plan asset position Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Pension plan, unfunded liability position Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Pension plan, company contribution Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Funded Status Of Plan Pension plan, net asset position Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic pension cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Service cost Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Assets Fair value of derivative instruments, Total derivative assets Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Fair value of derivative instruments, Total derivative liabilities Derivative Instrument Deferred Gain Amortization Period Derivative Instrument Deferred Gain Amortization Period Deferred gain from hedge contract terminated in prior period amortization period Derivative Instrument Deferred Losses Recognition Period Derivative Instrument Deferred Losses Recognition Period Losses deferred in OCI, expected recognition period in earnings Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated O C I Into Income Effective Portion Net (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from OCI to Statement of operations Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in statement of operations Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI Derivative, Maturity Month and Year Derivative Maturity Month And Year Derivative maturity period Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Notional amount of hedge (in gallons of fuel) Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated cash flow hedges Disclosure - Acquisition - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisition Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisition - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Calculation of Net Earnings or Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Calculation Of Net Earnings Or Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Calculation of Net Earnings or Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] Disclosure Components Of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Employee Benefit Plans Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Exit Costs and Other Charges - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Exit Costs And Other Charges Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Exit Costs and Other Charges - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Investment In Unconsolidated Joint Venture Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Reconciliation Of Division Operating Profit To Consolidated Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Measure of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings or Loss Before Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure Reconciliation Of Measure Of Division Operating Profit To Consolidated Earnings Or Loss Before Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Measure of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings or Loss Before Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Disclosure Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Disclosure - Recovery of Purchase Price from Previous Acquisition - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Recovery Of Purchase Price From Previous Acquisition Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Recovery of Purchase Price from Previous Acquisition - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Derivative Instruments by Income Statement Location [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Derivative Instruments By Income Statement Location [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Derivative Instruments by Income Statement Location [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments By Balance Sheet Location [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments by Balance Sheet Location [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Fair Value of Senior Notes [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Fair Value of Senior Notes [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Information from Balance Sheets and Statements of Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Information From Balance Sheets And Statements Of Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Information from Balance Sheets and Statements of Earnings [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Event - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Event Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Event - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Exit Cost [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Exit Cost [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Exit Cost [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Discounted Cash Flow Analysis [Member] Discounted Cash Flow Analysis [Member] Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Percentage Used Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Percentage Used Percentage used for analysis Distributed [Member] Distributed [Member] Distributed Distribution Channel [Axis] Distribution Channel [Axis] Distribution Channel [Axis] Distribution Channel [Domain] Distribution Channel [Domain] Distribution Channel [Domain] Distribuitons Declared Per Unit Outstanding Distributions Declared Per Unit Outstanding Dividend declared, per share amount Dividends Paidinkind Paid-in-kind dividends Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Dividend declared, record date Dividends Preferred Stock Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Dividends Preferred Stock Cash Paid in cash dividend Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic EPS for common shares Basic Basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Basic Preferred Shares Earnings Per Share Basic Preferred Shares Basic EPS for redeemable preferred shares Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Undistributed Diluted earnings (loss) per share under two class method Diluted Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Effective tax rate Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Eligible Item Or Group For Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Information regarding periodic cost (benefit) related to defined benefit plan. Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Current Assets Current assets Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Current Liabilities Current liabilities Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Gross Profit Loss Gross profit Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Net Income Loss Net income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Noncurrent Assets Non-current assets Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Noncurrent Liabilities Non-current liabilities Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Revenue Sales Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Expected To Be Downsized To Mid Sized Format Stores [Member] Expected To Be Downsized To Mid Sized Format Stores [Member] Expected to be Downsized to Mid Sized Format Stores Expected to be Downsized To Small Format Stores [Member] Expected To Be Downsized To Small Format Stores [Member] Expected to be Downsized to Small Format Stores Expected To Close [Member] Expected To Close [Member] Expected To Close 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] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value Assumptions, Credit Spread Fair Value Assumptions Credit Spread Credit spread Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free rate Fair Value Assumptions Weighted Average Volatility Rate Stock price volatility rate Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Option Eligible Item Or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life Weighted average amortization intangible assets (in years) Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts Frans Svanstrms & Co AB [Member] Frans Svanstrms Co Ab [Member] Frans Svanstroms & Co AB Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt General And Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses General And Administrative Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expenses Goodwill Balance as of September 29, 2012 Balance as of December 31, 2011 Goodwill Goodwill Gross Goodwill Goodwill Impaired Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill Translation Adjustments Foreign currency exchange rate changes Gross Profit Gross profit Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Impairment In Value Of Asset [Axis] Impairment in Value of Asset [Axis] Impairment In Value Of Asset [Domain] Impairment in Value of Asset [Domain] Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest Earnings (loss) before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Examination Range Of Possible Losses IRS proposed foreign operations tax and penalty amount Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense (benefit) Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Release of restricted cash Increased Stock Price Scenario [Member] Increased Stock Price Scenario [Member] Increased Stock Price Scenario Increased Stock Price Volatility Scenario [Member] Increased Stock Price Volatility Scenario [Member] Increased Stock Price Volatility Scenario Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Call Options And Warrants Stock options and restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Conversion Of Preferred Stock Redeemable preferred stock Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Other intangible assets Interest Expense Interest expense International Division [Member] International Division [Member] International Division Inventory Net Inventories, net Investment Income Interest Interest income Lease, Contract Obligations And, Other Costs [Member] Lease Contract Obligations And Other Costs [Member] Lease, Contract Obligations And, Other Costs Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Measurement Category, Liabilities Long Term Debt Long term debt Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt, net of current maturities Long Term Debt Current Outstanding 6.25% senior notes classified as a current liability Longterm Debt Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Loss Contingency Settlement Agreement Date Settlement agreement date Maximum Future Capital Expenditures Maximum Future Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures per year Maximum Future Capital Expenditures Period Maximum Future Capital Expenditures Period Capital expenditure, years Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Minority Interest Noncontrolling interests Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests Miscellaneous income Net [Member] Miscellaneous Income Net [Member] Miscellaneous expense, net Net Cash Impact Of Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt Net Cash Impact Of Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income Loss Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders New Accounting Pronouncements Policy Policy [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements Nine Point Seven Five Senior Secured Notes [Member] Nine Point Seven Five Senior Secured Notes [Member] 9.75% Senior Secured Notes Nondesignated [Member] Non-designated hedging instruments Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense): North american business solutions division member North American Business Solutions Division [Member] North American Business Solutions Division North American retail and business solutions and International [Member] North American Retail And Business Solutions And International [Member] North American Retail And Business Solutions And International North American Retail Division [Member] North American Retail Division [Member] North American Retail Division Number Of Shares Right Holder Is Entitled To Purchase Number Of Shares Right Holder Is Entitled To Purchase Shares of preferred stock that each right entitles registered holder to purchase Number Of Stores Number of stores Number of stores impaired Number Of Stores Impaired Number of stores impaired Office Depot De Mexico [Member] Office Depot De Mexico [Member] Office Depot De Mexico One Time Termination Benefits [Member] Termination Benefits Operating Income Loss Operating profit Operating profit (loss) Other Assets Noncurrent Other assets Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Change in deferred cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, where applicable Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Change in deferred pension Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge Other Current Assets [Member] Other current assets Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other current liabilities Other Nonoperating Income Expense Miscellaneous income, net Other Payments To Acquire Businesses Acquisition, net of cash acquired Outside The United States [Member] Outside United States [Member] Outside The United States Parent Company [Member] Attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Payments Of Debt Extinguishment Costs Loss on extinguishment of debt Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Debt related fees Payments Of Dividends Preferred Stock And Preference Stock Preferred stock dividends Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Capital expenditures Payments To Minority Shareholders Payment for noncontrolling interests Pension Contributions Pension plan funding Percentage of derivative loss recognized in earnings broken out between cost of goods sold and occupancy costs and store and warehouse operating and selling expenses. Percentage Of Derivative Loss Recognized In Earnings Percentage of derivative loss recognized in earnings Percentage of Net Proceed From Sale of Notes Percentage Of Net Proceed From Sale Of Notes Minimum percentage of net proceed that company required to offer to repurchase an aggregate amount of Notes Percentage of Sales Declines Percentage Of Sales Declines Percentage decline in sales Percentage of Store Leases at Optional Renewal Period Percentage Of Store Leases At Optional Renewal Period Percentage of store leases at the optional renewal period Percentage Of Voting Power Acquired By Other To Represent A Change Of Control Percentage Of Voting Power Acquired By Other To Represent Change Of Control Percentage of voting power acquired by other to represent a change of control Period 1 [Member] Period One [Member] At end of lease term over next three years Period 2 [Member] Period Two [Member] The following two years Period Type [Axis] Period Type [Axis] Period Type [Axis] Period Type [Domain] Period Type [Domain] Period Type [Domain] Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, par value Preferred Stock per Share, Value Preferred Stock Per Share Value Basic EPS for redeemable preferred shares Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds From Equity Method Investment Dividends Or Distributions Return Of Capital Cash dividend received from joint venture Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt Debt issuance Proceeds From Legal Settlements Proceeds from legal settlement Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Share transactions under employee related plans Proceeds from recovery of business combination Proceeds From Recovery Of Business Combination Recovery of purchase price Proceeds From Repayments Of Debt Net payments on other long- and short-term borrowings Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Other Investing Activities Proceeds From Sale Of Assets And Other Investing Activities Proceeds from assets sold and other Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Profit Loss Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Fair Value Disclosure Property and equipment, fair value Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Salvage Value Property and equipment, salvage value Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Amount of the current period expense charged against operations, with the offset to the allowance for doubtful accounts for the purpose of reducing receivables to its net realizable amount, and shrink for the purpose of reducing inventory. Provision For Doubtful Accounts And Provision For Inventory Reserves Charges for losses on inventories and receivables Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Range Of Credit Risk Derivatives Maturity, Maximum Range Of Credit Risk Derivatives Maturity Maximum Derivative maturities, maximum Receivables Net Current Receivables, net Reconciliation of measure of division operating profit to consolidated earnings loss before income taxes [Table TextBlock] Reconciliation Of Measure Of Division Operating Profit To Consolidated Earnings Loss Before Income Taxes Table Textblock Reconciliation of Measure of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings Loss Before Income Taxes Reconciliation Of Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Text Block] Reconciliation of Division Operating Profit to Consolidated Earnings Reconciliation Of Revenue From Segments To Consolidated [Text Block] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated Recovery From Business Combination Recovery From Business Combination Recovery of purchase price Recovery of purchase price Recovery From Business Combination, Net Amount Recovery From Business Combination Net Amount Recovery of purchase price, net amount Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Redeemable Preferred Stock Redeemed at March Fifteen Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Redeemed At March Fifteen Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Redeemed at March 15, 2018 Redeemed On Or After March Fifteenth Two Thousand Sixteenth [Member] Redeemed On Or After March Fifteenth Two Thousand Sixteenth [Member] Redeemed On March 15, 2016 Redeemed On or Prior To March Fifteenth Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Redeemed On Or Prior To March Fifteenth Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Redeemed On or Prior To March 15, 2015 Repayments Of Debt Debt retirement Reporting Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Axis] Reporting Segments [Domain] Reporting Segments [Domain] Reporting Segments [Domain] Resolution of prior business combination [Text Block] Resolution Of Prior Business Combination [Text Block] Recovery of Purchase Price from Previous Acquisition Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Exit Costs and Other Charges Restructuring And Related Cost [Line Items] Restructuring and Related Cost [Abstract] Restructuring Charges Charges Incurred Exit related charges Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve Balance at september 29, 2012 Balance at December 31, 2011 Accrued balance Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash Settled with cash Cash Payments Restructuring Reserve Settled Without Cash Non-Cash Settlements and Accretion Restructuring Reserve Translation And Other Adjustment Currency and Other Adjustments Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated deficit Reversal of Accrued Interest Associated with Reversed Uncertain Tax Position Reversal Of Accrued Interest Associated With Reversed Uncertain Tax Position Reversal of previously accrued interest expense Sales Revenue Net Sales Scenario 1 [Member] Scenario One [Member] Future dividends paid in cash scenario Scenario 2 [Member] Scenario Two [Member] Should the company sell its ownership in Office Depot de Mexico, S.A. Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments by Income Statement Location Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments by Balance Sheet Location Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Calculation of Net Earnings Loss Per Common Share Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic By Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule Of Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investee Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Schedule of Fair Value of the Senior Notes Schedule Of Fair Value Of Senior Notes [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Senior Notes Schedule Of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule Of Investment Income Reported Amounts By Category [Line Items] Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items] Schedule Of Investment Income Reported Amounts By Category [Table] Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Table] Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Text Block] Summary of Exit Cost Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Stockholders Equity Table [Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule Of Unaudited Financial Information From Investment In Joint Venture [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Unaudited Financial Information From Investment In Joint Venture Table [Text Block] Schedule of Information from Balance Sheets and Statements of Earnings Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Division Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information, Net Operating Income (Loss) Segment Reporting Information Net Operating Income Loss Total Division operating profit Senior Debt Obligations [Member] Senior Secured Notes Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Shareholder Rights Plan [Member] Shareholder Rights Plan [Member] Shareholder Rights Plan Share Price Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, purchase price per one five-thousandth of a share Stock price Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Lower Bound Decrease to liability for uncertain tax positions Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Upper Bound Potential increase to liability for uncertain tax positions Six Point Two Five Senior Notes [Member] Six Point Two Five Senior Notes [Member] 6.25% Senior Notes Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Operations, Allocated Items [Axis] Statement Of Operations Allocated Items [Axis] Statement of Operations, Allocated Items [Axis] Statement of Operations, Allocated Items [Domain] Statement Of Operations Allocated Items [Domain] Statement of Operations, Allocated Items [Domain] Statement Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total Office Depot, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Office Depot, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity [Table] Stockholders Equity [Table] Stockholders' Equity [Table] Stock Issued During Period Value Employee Stock Purchase Plan Share transactions under employee related plans The aggregate costs of selling products and services, including purchasing, handling, and outbound delivery costs. Store And Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses Store And Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses [Member] Store And Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses [Member] Store and Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses Stores Reduced to Estimated Salvage Value [Member] Stores Reduced To Estimated Salvage Value [Member] Stores Reduced to Estimated Salvage Value Store, Warehouse, Operating and Selling Expenses [Member] Store Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses [Member] Store And Warehouse Operating And Selling Expenses Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Tax Adjustments Settlements And Unusual Provisions Accrued benefit based on a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Temporary Equity Carrying Amount Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable preferred stock, net (liquidation preference - $406,773 in September 2012, $377,729 in December 2011, and $368,516 in September 2011) Temporary Equity Liquidation Preference Redeemable preferred stock, liquidation preference Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Time Limit Given To Plaintiffs For Filling Amended Complaint Time Limit Given To Plaintiffs For Filling Amended Complaint Number of days to file amended complaint Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock, at cost - 5,915,268 shares in September 2012 and December and September 2011 Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Unallocated Charges Unallocated Charges Unallocated charges Unallocated Operating Expenses Unallocated Operating Expenses Unallocated operating expenses UncertainTax Position Reduction Resulting From Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations and Tax Audits Closure Uncertain Tax Position Reduction Resulting From Lapse Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations And Tax Audits Closure Reversal of uncertain tax accruals Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities Assumed distribution to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Diluted Assumed undistributed earnings available to common stock Undistributed [Member] Undistributed [Member] Undistributed Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted-average shares outstanding Within Next Five Years Period [Member] Within Next Five Years Period [Member] Within Next Five Years Period Within Next Three Years Period [Member] Within Next Three Years Period [Member] Within Next Three Years Period The net change during the reporting period of all current assets and liabilities used in operating activities as well as other items which do not qualify for separate disclosure on the statement of cash flows under materiality guidelines. Working Capital Changes And Other Changes in working capital and other Year One [Member] Year One [Member] First Year