Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - 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
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (3,083)	$ 214	$ 219	$ (142)	$ (375)	$ (251)	$ 137	$ 191	$ (2,792)	$ (298)	$ 538
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities									1,191	749	(2,581)
Other-than-temporary impairments									(2)	24	19
Pension and other postretirement benefits liability									(15)	(10)	(14)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									1,174	763	(2,576)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									364	267	(897)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax									810	496	(1,679)
Comprehensive income (loss)									(1,982)	198	(1,141)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									200	29	130
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Voya Financial, Inc.'s common shareholders									$ (2,182)	$ 169	$ (1,271)