v2.4.0.6

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (EUR €) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Apr. 28, 2012 | Jul. 23, 2008
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Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |  |
Payment upon Termination of Acquisition Agreement |  | € 30
Additional Payment Sought for the Termination of Acquisition Agreement | € 12.0 |

X
- Definition Additional payment sought for the Termination of Acquisition Agreement between Corporate Express and Corely/Lyreco that occured due to the Staples' acquisition of Corporate Express to cover Corporate Income Taxes incurred, not including interst and legal fees. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | spls_AdditionalPaymentSoughtForTerminationOfAcquisitionAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Payment upon Termination of Acquisition Agreement between Corporate Express and Corely/Lyreco that occured due to the Staples' acquisition of Corporate Express + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | spls_PaymentUponTerminationOfAcquisitionAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration