Results of Operations by Quarter Results of Operatings by Quarter (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2011 Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Impact [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Within Year Impact [Member] [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Impact [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Impact [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Impact [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Avon Japan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Avon Japan [Member] Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Adjusted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Health Care Business [Member] Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Impact [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Brazil [Member] Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Within Year Impact [Member] [Member]
Out Of Period Adjustment	$ 23.0	$ 30.7	$ 9.0	$ 25.0	$ 11.0	$ 10.0	$ 14.0	$ 13.0	$ 3.0	$ (4.0)	$ 14.0
Out of Period Adjustment After Tax				$ 17	$ 7	$ 7					$ 10