diff --git a/openerp/osv/fields.py b/openerp/osv/fields.py
index 4fe3ab8fad7..fb13707d13d 100644
--- a/openerp/osv/fields.py
+++ b/openerp/osv/fields.py
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ 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, [res_id], context=context)[0][1]
+                return model.name_get(cr, uid, [int(res_id)], context=context)[0][1]
         return tools.ustr(value)
 
 class char(_column):