Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Receivables, Net, Current Receivables, net of allowances of $19,671 in 2011 and $28,047 in 2010 Receivables, Net, Current, Total Receivables, net Inventories Inventory, Net, Total Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current, Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Total Property and Equipment Goodwill Ending balance Beginning balance Goodwill, net Goodwill, net Goodwill balance Other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Deferred income taxes Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets bs Total assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: 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 Income taxes payable Debt, Current Less current portion Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Less current portion Total current liabilities Total current liabilities 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 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt, net of current maturities Total long-term debt Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance Redeemable preferred stock, net (liquidation preference - $377,729 in 2011 and $368,516 in 2010) Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Total Redeemable preferred stock, carrying value Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Office Depot, Inc. stockholders' equity: Common stock - authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares - 283,059,236 in 2010 and 280,652,278 in 2009 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock - authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares - 286,430,567 in 2011 and 283,059,236 in 2010 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock - authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares - 286,382,961 in 2011, 283,059,236 in December 2010 and 282,982,123 in September 2010 Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Treasury stock, at cost - 5,915,268 shares in 2010, December 2009, and June 2009 Treasury stock, at cost - 5,915,268 shares in 2011 and 2010 2010, December 2009, and September 2009 Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Total Office Depot, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Office Depot, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Receivables, allowances Allowance for doubtful accounts Specific information regarding priority of claim to net assets and rights upon liquidation of entity. Includes liquidation preference value. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Liquidation Value Redeemable preferred stock, liquidation preference Common stock, authorized shares Common stock, par value Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, remaining shares Treasury stock shares held Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenue, Net Sales Sales Revenue, Net, Total Net sales Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit 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 Other Asset Impairment Charges Other asset impairments General and administrative expenses Unallocated general, administrative and corporate expenses (excluding Charges) Unallocated general, administrative and corporate expenses (excluding Charges) General and Administrative Expense, Total (excluding Charges) Operating profit (loss) Division operating profit (loss) Operating income (loss) Division operating profit Other income (expense): Interest income Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Interest expense Miscellaneous income, net Miscellaneous income, net Miscellaneous income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Miscellaneous income, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Total income tax expense (benefit) Income tax benefit Net loss Net earnings Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net Income Loss Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Dividends, preferred stock Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total Non-cash paid-in-kind dividends Income (loss) available to common shareholders Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net earnings (loss) per share: Earnings per share: Earnings per share, basic Basic Earnings per share, basic Basic earnings (loss) per share Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Diluted Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in deferred pension Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Change in deferred cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Other component of other comprehensive income or loss not disclosed elsewhere in a more specific and appropriate element. Other Component Of Other Comprehensive Losses Other Other Other Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Other Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive loss, net of tax Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Less: comprehensive income loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc. Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Shares, Issued Ending Balance, shares Beginning Balance, shares Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Disposition of majority-owned subsidiaries Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest Capital transactions with noncontrolling interests Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Grant of long-term incentive stock Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Grant of long-term incentive stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Forfeiture of restricted stock Forfeiture of restricted stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Forfeiture of restricted stock, shares Forfeiture of restricted stock, shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based payments (including income tax benefits and withholding) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options (including income tax benefits and withholding) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised, Shares Exercised, Shares Exercise of stock options (including income tax benefits and withholding), shares Direct stock purchase plans Direct Stock Purchase Plans Direct stock purchase plans Direct stock purchase plans The compensation expense related to long term incentive stock options. Amortization Of Long Term Incentive Stock Grant Amortization of long-term incentive stock grant Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total 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 Charges for losses on receivables and inventories Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net earnings from equity method investments Net earnings from equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Proceeds from Dividends Received Dividends received from joint venture Dividends received Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation Compensation expense for share-based payments Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation, Total Deferred income taxes expense benefit and allowances on deferred tax assets Deferred Income Taxes Expense Benefit And Allowances On Deferred Tax Assets Deferred income taxes and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets Deferred income taxes and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets Loss (gain) on disposition of assets Loss (gain) on disposition of assets Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other operating activities Other operating activities Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Decrease (increase) in receivables Decrease (increase) in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables, Total Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Decrease (increase) in inventories Decrease (increase) in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Total adjustments Total adjustments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Acquisition related payments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and related payments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and related payments Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposition of assets and other Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Restricted cash for pending transaction Restricted Cash For Pending Transaction Restricted cash Restricted cash Release of restricted cash Release of restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of stock options and sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans Net proceeds from employee share-based transactions Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options, Total Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Deposits Advance received Advance received Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Deposits, Total Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Payment for non-controlling interests Payment for non-controlling interests Debt related fees Debt issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Redeemable Preferred Stock Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock, net Payments of Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends on redeemable preferred stock Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of borrowings Repayments of Unsecured Debt Payments on long- and short-term borrowings Payments on long- and short-term borrowings Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Text Block Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Asset Impairments, Exit Costs and Other Charges [Abstract] Asset Impairments, Exit Costs And Other Charges [Abstract] Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure Text Block Asset Impairments, Exit Costs And Other Charges Property And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property And Equipment Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Text Block Debt Amended And Restated Agreements Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Description containing information on employee benefit plans including the entire pension and other postretirement benefits disclosure as a single block of text. Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure Text Block Employee Benefit Plans Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments And Hedging [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activity Redeemable Preferred Stock [Abstract] Preferred Stock [Text Block] Redeemable Preferred Stock Capital Stock [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text Block Capital Stock Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings Per Share Supplemental Information On Operating, Investing And Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Information On Operating, Investing And Financing Activities Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Acquisition and dispositions [abstract]. Acquisition And Dispositions [Abstract] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisition And Dispositions Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature Of Business Basis of Presentation Policy Text Block Basis of Presentation Policy Text Block Basis Of Presentation Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Year Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimates And Assumptions Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash Management Policy Text Block Cash Management Policy Text Block Cash Management Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property And Equipment Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets