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Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (Currency Swap Member, USD $) | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2012
Currency Swap Member |  |
Net Investments in Foreign Operations [Line Items] |  |
Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI | $ 10,922,000 | $ (10,645,000)

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