Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - 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
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 177	$ 165	$ 224	$ 446	$ (3,083)	$ 214	$ 219	$ (142)	$ 1,012	$ (2,792)	$ (298)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities									(2,810)	1,191	749
Other-than-temporary impairments									32	(2)	24
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability									(11)	(15)	(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									(2,789)	1,174	763
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									(693)	364	267
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									(2,096)	810	496
Comprehensive income (loss)									(1,084)	(1,982)	198
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									137	200	29
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									$ (1,221)	$ (2,182)	$ 169