Calculation of Net Earnings or Loss Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (16,824)	$ 41,287
Assumed distribution to participating securities		(2,331)
Assumed undistributed earnings (loss) attributable to common stock	(16,824)	38,956
Weighted-average shares outstanding	281,579	278,552
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.	$ (6,655)	$ 49,503
Weighted-average shares outstanding	281,579	278,552
Stock options and restricted stock	6,298	4,765
Redeemable preferred stock	81,355	75,546
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	369,232	358,863
Diluted earnings per common share		$ 0.14

Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period).

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Earnings allocated (not distributed) to participating securities under the two-class method to the extent that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed.

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The earnings that is allocated to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Includes the adjustments resulting from the assumption that dilutive securities were converted, options or warrants were exercised, or that other shares were issued upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.

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The sum of dilutive potential common shares or units used in the calculation of the diluted per-share or per-unit computation.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

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