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Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Reconciliation of NAIC SAP and Prescribed Practice) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | ---
Statutory Basis [Abstract] |  |
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note | $ 343,780 | $ 230,291
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit | (436,300) | (488,000)
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP | $ (92,520) | $ (257,709)

X
- Definition Represents letters of credit issued on behalf of the reporting company that are allowed as admitted assets under prescribed practices but not under NAIC SAP. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_PrescribedPracticeLettersOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents surplus of the reporting company, including accrued surplus note interest that is reported as a reduction in surplus under prescribed practices but not under NAIC SAP. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_PrescribedPracticeSurplusNote
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Represents the amount of surplus or surplus deficit under NAIC SAP of certain subsidiaries with a state of domicile that follows prescribed practices. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_SurplusDeficitNaicSap
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant