Summary of Net Operating Income (Loss) for Segments and Corporate and Other Activities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	$ 158	$ 133	$ 352	$ 284
Net investment gains (losses), net	20	15	10	(13)
Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt, net	(2)	0	(2)	0
Expenses related to restructuring, net	0	(13)	0	(13)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	6	0	(14)
Net income available to Genworth Financial, Inc.'s common stockholders	176	141	360	244
Add: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	52	39	87	77
Net income	228	180	447	321
Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	39	27	60	63
Long-term Care Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	6	26	52	46
Fixed Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	24	26	51	55
U.S. Life Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	69	79	163	164
Canada Mortgage Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	47	43	88	85
Australia Mortgage Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	57	55	119	101
Other Countries Mortgage Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	(7)	(9)	(11)	(16)
International Mortgage Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	97	89	196	170
U.S. Mortgage Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	39	13	72	34
International Protection
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	2	1	9	7
Runoff
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	15	6	27	22
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income (loss)	$ (64)	$ (55)	$ (115)	$ (113)