Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 South Africa [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Items [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 Prior [Member] Health Care Business [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Out-of-Period Reclassification From Discontinued Operations Adjusted [Member]
Out-of-Period Adjustment	$ 17	$ 14	$ 3	$ 3	$ 4	$ 9
Out of Period Adjustment After Tax	$ 13	$ 10	$ 3