Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Parent - Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 177	$ 165	$ 224	$ 446	$ (3,083)	$ 214	$ 219	$ (142)	$ 1,012	$ (2,792)	$ (298)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									(2,096)	810	496
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									(1,221)	(2,182)	169
Parent Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									875	(2,992)	(327)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									(2,096)	810	496
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									$ (1,221)	$ (2,182)	$ 169