Stockholder's Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 26, 2011
Beginning Balance	$ 739,285	$ 695,975
Net earnings (loss)	49,499	(5,390)
Other comprehensive income	32,332	41,989
Comprehensive income	81,831	36,599
Preferred stock dividends	(8,216)	(9,213)
Share transactions under employee related plans	491	(115)
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants	2,573	3,116
Ending Balance	815,964	726,362
Attributable To Office Depot, Inc. [Member]
Beginning Balance	739,071	695,496
Net earnings (loss)	49,503	(5,414)
Other comprehensive income	32,329	41,974
Comprehensive income	81,832	36,560
Preferred stock dividends	(8,216)	(9,213)
Share transactions under employee related plans	491	(115)
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants	2,573	3,116
Ending Balance	815,751	725,844
Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance	214	479
Net earnings (loss)	(4)	24
Other comprehensive income	3	15
Comprehensive income	(1)	39
Preferred stock dividends
Share transactions under employee related plans
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants
Ending Balance	$ 213	$ 518