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Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Fair Value Assets Measured on Non-Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage Loans [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment | $ 9,620 | [1] | $ 24,295 | [1]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value | 10,330 | [1] | 20,480 | [1]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses | 710 | [1] | (3,815) | [1]
Limited Partnership Interest [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment | 11,615 | [2] | 25,191 | [2]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value | 8,952 | [2] | 16,944 | [2]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses | (2,663) | [2] | (8,247) | [2]
Real Estate Investments [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets Carrying Value Prior To Impairment | 12,672 | [3] | 6,593 | [3]
Fair Value Assets Estimate Of Fair Value | 10,508 | [3] | 4,500 | [3]
Fair Value Assets Gains Losses | $ (2,164) | [3] | $ (2,093) | [3]
[1] | Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
[2] | Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.
[3] | Real estate investments — The impaired real estate investments presented above were written down to their estimated fair value at the date of impairment and are reported as losses above. The impairments were based on third-party appraisal values obtained and reviewed by the Company.

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- Definition This element represents the carrying reported amount, before impairment, of an asset that is still held as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition This element represents the estimated fair value, after impairment, of an asset that is still held as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition This element represents the difference between the carrying value of the asset before being adjusted to fair value as of the reporting date and its reported estimated fair value as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
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