Schedule of Stockholders Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 661,548	$ 739,285
Net earnings (loss)	160,900	(61,925)	100,051	(69,813)
Other comprehensive income	65,188	19,072	46,896	19,369
Comprehensive income (loss)	226,088	(42,853)	146,947	(50,444)
Preferred stock dividends	(28,039)	(7,650)	(48,378)	(22,765)
Share transactions under employee related plans			4,306	1,128
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests			(597)	(551)
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants			13,407	10,380
Ending Balance	777,233	677,033	777,233	677,033
Attributable to Office Depot, Inc
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			661,441	739,071
Net earnings (loss)			100,039	(69,795)
Other comprehensive income			46,900	19,363
Comprehensive income (loss)			146,939	(50,432)
Preferred stock dividends			(48,378)	(22,765)
Share transactions under employee related plans			4,306	1,128
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests			(482)	(444)
Amortization of long-term incentive stock grants			13,407	10,380
Ending Balance	777,233	676,938	777,233	676,938
Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			107	214
Net earnings (loss)			12	(18)
Other comprehensive income			(4)	6
Comprehensive income (loss)			8	(12)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests			(115)	(107)
Ending Balance		$ 95		$ 95