Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

For each of the three years ended December 31, the components of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:

(Shares in millions)	2012			2011			2010
Numerator from continuing operations
(Loss) income from continuing operations less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(42.5	)	$	522.2		$	590.9
Less: Loss (earnings) allocated to participating securities	.3			(4.6		)	(4.8		)
(Loss) income from continuing operations allocated to common shareholders	(42.2		)	517.6			586.1
Numerator from discontinued operations
(Loss) income from discontinued operations plus/less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	(8.6	)	$	15.4
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	—			(.9		)	(.4		)
(Loss) income allocated to common shareholders	—			(9.5		)	15.0
Numerator attributable to Avon
(Loss) income attributable to Avon less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(42.5	)	$	513.6		$	606.3
Less: Loss (earnings) allocated to participating securities	.3			(5.5		)	(5.2		)
(Loss) income allocated to common shareholders	(42.2		)	508.1			601.1
Denominator:
Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding	431.9			430.5			428.8
Diluted effect of assumed conversion of stock options	—			1.6			2.6
Diluted EPS adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	431.9			432.1			431.4
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	(.10	)	$	1.20		$	1.37
Diluted	$	(.10	)	$	1.20		$	1.36
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share from discontinued operations:
Basic	$	—		$	(.02	)	$	.04
Diluted	$	—		$	(.02	)	$	.03
(Loss) Earnings per Common Share attributable to Avon:
Basic	$	(.10	)	$	1.18		$	1.40
Diluted	$	(.10	)	$	1.18		$	1.39