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Derivative Instruments (Details 4) (Currency Swap [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Currency Swap [Member] |  |  |
Net Investments in Foreign Operations [Line Items] |  |  |
Gains Losses Deferred In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss On Derivatives | $ (20,470,000) | $ 4,858,000 | $ (41,302,000)

X
- Definition The current period gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income related to the derivatives designated in cash flow hedges. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivatives
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