Results of Operations by Quarter Results of Operatings by Quarter (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	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, 2012 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Impact [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Out of Period Reclassification From Continuing Operations Impact [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 South Africa [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]	Jun. 30, 2012 Vendor Liabilities [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Poland Brochure [Member]
Release of provision in Venezuela	$ 23.8
Out Of Period Adjustment		13.0	23.0	9.0	25.0	11.0	10.0	1.0	14.0	14.0	13.0	3.0	(4.0)	14.0	(5.0)	4.0
Out of Period Adjustment After Tax		15.0			17.0	7.0	7.0	5.0		10.0				10.0	(3.0)	4.0
Additional provision for income taxes for no longer asserting indefinite reinvestment	$ 168.3