Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010	Dec. 26, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Sales	$ 11,489,533	$ 11,633,094	$ 12,144,467
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	8,063,087	8,275,957	8,752,283
Gross profit	3,426,446	3,357,137	3,392,184
Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses	2,704,073	2,684,301	2,907,900
Other asset impairments		51,295	26,175
General and administrative expenses	688,619	658,832	723,114
Operating income (loss)	33,754	(37,291)	(265,005)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1,231	4,663	2,396
Interest expense	(33,223)	(58,498)	(65,628)
Miscellaneous income, net	30,857	34,451	17,085
Income (loss) before income taxes	32,619	(56,675)	(311,152)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(63,072)	(10,470)	287,572
Net earnings (loss)	95,691	(46,205)	(598,724)
Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(3)	(1,582)	(2,259)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.	95,694	(44,623)	(596,465)
Preferred stock dividends	35,705	37,113	30,506
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 59,989	$ (81,736)	$ (626,971)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 0.22	$ (0.30)	$ (2.30)
Diluted	$ 0.22	$ (0.30)	$ (2.30)