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Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables (Narrative) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Retrocession Arrangements And Reinsurance Ceded Receivables [Abstract]
Retrocession Pool Participants Minimum AM Best Rating	A- (excellent)	A- (excellent)
Reinsurance Claims Recoverables	$ 176,500,000	$ 151,900,000
Claims Recoverable From Retrocessionaires Past Due	$ 3,300,000	$ 11,400,000

X

- Definition

Represents the amount of claims paid by the company and recoverable from retrocessionaires which is contractually past due in excess of 90 days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	rga_
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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from reinsurers for claims paid or incurred by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for claims incurred but not reported, and policy benefits, net of any related valuation allowance.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_ReinsuranceClaimsRecoverables
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Minimum A.M. Best rating for retrocession pool participants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_RetrocessionPoolParticipantsMinimumAmBestRating
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration