v2.4.0.6

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (EUR €) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jul. 23, 2008
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

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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