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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

Name:	rga_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion
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