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Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 25,480,972us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities	$ 21,474,136us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	22,094rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives	(176,270)rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	899,846us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure	371,345us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	45,190rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments	111,572rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	490,590us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure	628,992us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Total	26,946,419us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring	22,409,775us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,085,166rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives	868,725rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives
Total	1,127,720us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring	884,936us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	838,946us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	769,513us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	899,846us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	371,345us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	21,536rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	105,649rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	260,116us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	539,882us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Total	2,020,444us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	1,786,389us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Total	0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	22,392,896us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	18,509,504us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	23,654rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	5,923rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	222,570us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	84,148us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Total	22,639,120us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	18,599,575us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Total	41,757us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	16,211us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	2,249,130us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	2,195,119us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives	22,094rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	(176,270)rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,904us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	4,962us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Total	2,286,855us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	2,023,811us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives	1,085,166rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	868,725rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Total	1,085,963us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	868,725us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	99,363us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		81,854us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	91,450us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		74,220us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		2,672us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,904us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		4,962us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	27,497us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		323,877us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	27,497us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		323,877us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Equity Securities Other Than Non-redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Other [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	6,420us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember	9,142us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	6,420us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember	9,142us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	84,578us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember	9,904us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,957us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember	3,828us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	84,578us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	9,904us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,957us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	3,828us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Interest Rate Options [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember	2,554us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	2,554us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Interest Rate Options [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,011us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember	12,772us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,011us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	12,772us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	(561)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember	(309)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	(561)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	(309)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Consumer Price Index Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Credit Default Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,606us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember	7,926us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	419us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember	(356)us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,606us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	7,926us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	419us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	(356)us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Credit Default Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Equity Option [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	35,242us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember	33,869us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		(33)us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	35,242us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	33,869us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		(33)us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Equity Option [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Currency Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	70,906us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember	21,283us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	70,906us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	21,283us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Currency Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,370us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,370us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	140,344us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember	138,892us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	134,749us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	132,643us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	5,595us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	6,249us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Mortality Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Mortality Swap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	14,885,583us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember	12,110,755us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	115,822us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	68,934us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	13,459,334us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	10,696,532us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,310,427us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	1,345,289us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,865,265us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember	3,381,025us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	3,865,265us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	3,381,025us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,037,896us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember	989,643us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	849,802us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	836,138us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	188,094us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	153,505us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,069,586us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember	894,832us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	496,626us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	422,984us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	572,960us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	471,848us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,532,591us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember	1,388,946us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,445,845us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	1,287,161us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
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