diff --git a/openerp/osv/fields.py b/openerp/osv/fields.py
index da09fe0e27e..9921e3f762d 100644
--- a/openerp/osv/fields.py
+++ b/openerp/osv/fields.py
@@ -204,7 +204,8 @@ class reference(_column):
             model_name, res_id = value.split(',')
             model = obj.pool.get(model_name)
             if model and res_id:
-                return model.name_get(cr, uid, [int(res_id)], context=context)[0][1]
+                names = model.name_get(cr, uid, [int(res_id)], context=context)
+                return names[0][1] if names else False
         return tools.ustr(value)
 
 # takes a string (encoded in utf8) and returns a string (encoded in utf8)