Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Parent - Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ (3,083)	$ 214	$ 219	$ (142)	$ (375)	$ (251)	$ 137	$ 191	$ (2,792)	$ (298)	$ 538
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									810	496	(1,679)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									(2,182)	169	(1,271)
Parent Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									(2,992)	(327)	408
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									810	496	(1,679)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									$ (2,182)	$ 169	$ (1,271)