Earnings per Share and Share Repurchases (Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedByCommonClass [Line Items]
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	$ 26.5	$ 152.2
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	(0.8)	(1.3)
Income from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	25.7	150.9
Loss from discontinued operations plus/less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(8.6)
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	0	0
Loss allocated to common shareholders	0	(8.6)
Income attributable to Avon less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	26.5	143.6
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	(0.8)	(1.3)
Income allocated to common shareholders	$ 25.7	$ 142.3
Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding	431.3	429.8
Diluted effect of assumed conversion of stock options	0.8	2.2
Diluted EPS adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	432.1	432.0
Earnings Per Common Share from continuing operations, Basic	$ 0.06	$ 0.35
Earnings Per Common Share from continuing operations, Diluted	$ 0.06	$ 0.35
Loss per Common Share from discontinued operations, Basic	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)
Loss Per Common Share from discontinued operations, Diluted	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)
Earnings per Common Share attributable to Avon, Basic	$ 0.06	$ 0.33
Earnings per Common Share attributable to Avon, Diluted	$ 0.06	$ 0.33