Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: Office Depot, Inc., including consolidated subsidiaries, ("Office Depot") is a global supplier of office products and services. Fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal year 2011 was a 53-week year. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements as of March 31, 2012 (also referred to as "the first quarter of 2012") and March 26, 2011 (also referred to as "the first quarter of 2011") are unaudited. However, in our opinion, these financial statements reflect adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring items) necessary to provide a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. We have included the balance sheet from March 26, 2011 to assist in analyzing our company.

These interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for the full year. For a better understanding of Office Depot and its condensed consolidated financial statements, we recommend reading these condensed interim financial statements in conjunction with the audited financial statements which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on February 28, 2012 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Cash Management: Our cash management process generally utilizes zero balance accounts which provide for the settlement of the related disbursement accounts and cash concentration on a daily basis. Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 26, 2011 included $57 million, $50 million and $54 million, respectively, of amounts not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of disbursement account book balances, after considering offset provisions. We may borrow to meet working capital and other needs throughout any given quarter, which may result in higher levels of borrowings and invested cash within the period. At the end of the quarter, excess cash may be used to minimize borrowings outstanding at the balance sheet date. Approximately $132 million of cash and cash equivalents was held outside the U.S. at March 31, 2012.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

There are no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.