XML 127 R90.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Information for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,994us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	29,024us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	205,392us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	312,887us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	2.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	28,530us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	37,539us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	(22,094)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	176,270us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,727us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	(10.00%)rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	10.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	925,887us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	838,670us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	159,279us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	30,055us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	7.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	7.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	25.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	25.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	8.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	6.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	797us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	1.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	27.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	27.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	11.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	10.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember

X

- Definition

Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal percentage measurement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Measure of dispersion, in percentage terms (for instance, the standard deviation or variance), for a given stock price.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Adjustment to the discount rate used to measure fair value for lack of ability to convert business interests into cash quickly.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (bbb)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Risk associated with risk of default, credit spread risk and downgrade risk, expressed as a percentage, used as an input to measure fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (bbb)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Anticipated rate of future terminations of contracts in force as of the balance sheet date at the high end of the range of reasonable estimates, which is included in determining the amount of the specified guaranteed benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482852&loc=d3e14931-158439



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6484115&loc=d3e19393-158473



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6588021&loc=d3e7104-158389

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Anticipated rate of future terminations of contracts in force as of the balance sheet date at the low end of the range of reasonable estimates, which is included in determining the amount of the specified guaranteed benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482852&loc=d3e14931-158439



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6484115&loc=d3e19393-158473



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6588021&loc=d3e7104-158389

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Actuarially determined death rate of policyholders at the high end of the range of reasonable estimates, which is included in determining the amount of the specified guaranteed benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482852&loc=d3e14931-158439



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6484115&loc=d3e19393-158473



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6588021&loc=d3e7104-158389

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Actuarially determined death rate of policyholders at the low end of the range of reasonable estimates, which is included in determining the amount of the specified guaranteed benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482852&loc=d3e14931-158439



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6484115&loc=d3e19393-158473



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6588021&loc=d3e7104-158389

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=rga_LongevitySwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis=rga_MortalitySwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: