Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Out of Period (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2011 Avon Japan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Out Of Period Reclassification From Sale Maturity and Collections of Investment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Adjusted [Member] Avon Japan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Impact [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Out Of Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Impact [Member] Health Care Business [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]
Revisions and Out-of-Period Items
Out Of Period Adjustment	$ 23.0	$ 30.7	$ 13.0	$ 5.5	$ 3.0	$ 9.0	$ (4.0)	$ 11.0	$ 10.0	$ 14.0