1.0.0.3 false 5. CONTINGENCIES false 1 $ false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDperShareItemType Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares 0 2 Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] 0 avp_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract avp false na duration string Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] false 3 5. CONTINGENCIES 1 us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 <div> 5. CONTINGENCIES In 2002, 2003 and 2004, our Brazilian subsidiary received a series of excise tax assessments from the Brazilian tax authorities for alleged tax deficiencies during the years 1997-2001 asserting that the establishment in 1995 of separate manufacturing and distribution companies in that country was done without a valid business purpose and that Avon Brazil did not observe transfer pricing rules to define the taxable basis of excise tax, based on purported market sales data. The structure adopted in 1995 is comparable to that used by other companies in Brazil. We believe that our Brazilian corporate structure is appropriate, both operationally and legally, and that the assessments are unfounded. This matter is being vigorously contested and in the opinion of our outside counsel, the likelihood that the assessments ultimately will be upheld is remote. Management believes that the likelihood that the assessments will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows is correspondingly remote. As of September 30, 2009, the total assessments related to these remote contingencies, including penalties and accruing interest, amounted to approximately $600 at the exchange rate on September 30, 2009. In the event that assessments are upheld in the earlier stages of review, it may be necessary for us to provide security to pursue further appeals, which, depending on the circumstances, may result in a charge to income. We are currently awaiting decisions at the first administrative level for the 2002 assessment and at the second administrative level for the 2003 and 2004 assessments. It is not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of expense that could result from an unfavorable outcome in respect of these or any additional assessments that may be issued for subsequent periods. We are conducting an internal investigation under the oversight of the Audit Committee and with the assistance of outside independent counsel into compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related U.S. and foreign laws. The initial focus of the internal investigation has been on certain expenses incurred in connection with our China operations. In order to evaluate our compliance efforts, we are also reviewing our practices relating to FCPA and related U.S. and foreign laws in additional countries. We have voluntarily advised the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Department of Justice of the internal investigation. Because the internal investigation is ongoing, we cannot predict how the results of the investigation may impact our internal controls, business, and results of operations or financial condition. Various other lawsuits and claims, arising in the ordinary course of business or related to businesses previously sold, are pending or threatened against Avon. In management’s opinion, based on its review of the information available at this time, the total cost of resolving such other contingencies at September 30, 2009, should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. </div> 5. CONTINGENCIES In 2002, 2003 and 2004, our Brazilian subsidiary received a series of excise tax assessments from the Brazilian tax authorities for alleged false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false false 1 2 false UnKnown UnKnown UnKnown false true