Schedule of Stockholders Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 661,548	$ 739,285
Net earnings (loss)	(6,643)	49,499
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,375)	32,332
Comprehensive income	(19,018)	81,831
Preferred stock dividends	(10,169)	(8,216)
Share transactions under employee related plans	88	491
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants	3,346	2,573
Ending Balance	635,619	815,964
Attributable to Office Depot, Inc.
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	661,441	739,071
Net earnings (loss)	(6,655)	49,503
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,371)	32,329
Comprehensive income	(19,026)	81,832
Preferred stock dividends	(10,169)	(8,216)
Share transactions under employee related plans	88	491
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants	3,346	2,573
Ending Balance	635,504	815,751
Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	107	214
Net earnings (loss)	12	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	3
Comprehensive income	8	(1)
Ending Balance	$ 115	$ 213