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Derivative Instruments (Details 4) (Currency Swap Member, USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011
Currency Swap Member |  |  |  |
Net Investments in Foreign Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI | $ (19,454,000) | $ 50,974,000 | $ (23,457,000) | $ 25,954,000

X
- Definition The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | rga_NetInvestmentsInForeignOperationsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration