Calculation of Net Earnings or Loss Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (69,566)	$ 91,659	$ (92,560)	$ 47,705
Assumed distribution to participating securities		(11,892)
Assumed undistributed earnings available to common stock	(69,566)	79,767	(92,560)	47,705
Weighted-average shares outstanding	280,238	278,559	279,438	277,627
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.25)	$ 0.29	$ (0.33)	$ 0.17
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.	$ (61,916)	$ 100,872	$ (69,795)	$ 75,344
Weighted-average shares outstanding	280,238	278,559	279,438	277,627
Stock options and restricted stock	3,480	4,774	4,186	5,583
Redeemable preferred stock	79,371	73,703	77,450	73,703
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	363,089	357,036	361,074	356,913
Diluted earnings (loss) per share under two class method		$ 0.28