Schedule of Changes in Shareholders Equity and Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	$ 57,652	$ 6,914
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,266	14,744
Amortization of unrecognized retirement and benefit costs, net of tax	2,739	2,261
Comprehensive income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	61,657	23,835
Preferred stock dividends	(507)	(530)
Stockholders' Equity
Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Balance at December 29, 2012	1,034,373
Net income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	56,842
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(322)
Amortization of unrecognized retirement and benefit costs, net of tax	2,739
Comprehensive income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	59,259
Preferred stock dividends	(1,012)
Stock-based compensation activity	2,986
Non-controlling interest fair value adjustment	(2,157)
Other	(1)
Balance at March 30, 2013	1,093,448
Noncontrolling Interest
Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Balance at December 29, 2012	44,617
Net income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	810
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,588
Comprehensive income attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest	2,398
Non-controlling interest fair value adjustment	2,157
Other	(12)
Balance at March 30, 2013	$ 49,160