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Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities 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 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
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Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | $ 25,801,223 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities | $ 25,480,972 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives | 19,769 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives | 22,094 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives
Cash and cash equivalents | 376,508 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure | 899,846 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Short-term investments | 59,931 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments | 45,190 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 548,716 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure | 490,590 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 8,602 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure | 7,727 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 26,814,749 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring | 26,946,419 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 1,132,270 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives | 1,085,166 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities |  | 1,127,720 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 1,168,009 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring |
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 94,374 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember | 99,363 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Other equity securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 40,245 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember | 27,497 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Other |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 12,480 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember | 6,420 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Interest Rate Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 100,290 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 84,578 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 17,784 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 12,957 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Interest Rate Options |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure |  | 18,195 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember
Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 10,514 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember | 15,011 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember
Currency Swap [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 116,588 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember | 70,906 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 32 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember |
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 136,597 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember | 140,344 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember
Consumer Price Index Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | (386)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember | (561)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember
Credit Default Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 9,781 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember | 8,606 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 384 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember | 419 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
Equity Option [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 38,747 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember | 35,242 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember
Mortality Swap [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 1,276 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember | 797 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember
Purchase Commitment [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 5,749 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember | 13,370 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 15,179,135 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember | 14,885,583 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 3,893,739 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember | 3,865,265 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember
Residential mortgage-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 1,127,674 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember | 1,037,896 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Asset-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 1,098,112 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember | 1,069,586 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 1,534,274 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember | 1,532,591 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
US Treasury And Government Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 473,408 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember | 525,851 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 429,771 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember | 426,076 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 2,065,110 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember | 2,138,124 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 801,096 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 838,946 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Cash and cash equivalents | 376,508 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 899,846 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Short-term investments | 36,465 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 21,536 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 271,039 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 260,116 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 1,485,108 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 2,020,444 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities |  | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 0 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 86,382 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember | 91,450 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Other equity securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 40,245 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember | 27,497 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Other |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 12,480 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember | 6,420 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Interest Rate Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Interest Rate Options |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure |  | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Currency Swap [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 131,932 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 134,749 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Credit Default Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Equity Option [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Mortality Swap [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Purchase Commitment [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 141,501 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 115,822 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Canadian and Canadian provincial governments |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Residential mortgage-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Asset-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | US Treasury And Government Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 385,705 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 437,129 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Member | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 273,890 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 285,995 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 22,732,431 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 22,392,896 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Cash and cash equivalents | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Short-term investments | 23,466 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 23,654 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 269,685 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 222,570 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 23,025,582 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 22,639,120 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities |  | 41,757 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 34,463 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember | 9 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Other equity securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Other |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Interest Rate Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 100,290 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 84,578 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 17,784 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 12,957 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Interest Rate Options |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure |  | 18,195 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 10,514 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 15,011 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Currency Swap [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 116,588 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 70,906 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 32 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 4,665 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 5,595 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | (386)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | (561)us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Credit Default Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 9,781 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 8,606 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 384 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 419 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Equity Option [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 38,747 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 35,242 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_StockOptionMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Mortality Swap [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Purchase Commitment [Member] |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 5,749 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 13,370 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 13,750,655 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 13,459,334 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Canadian and Canadian provincial governments |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 3,893,739 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 3,865,265 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Residential mortgage-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 935,095 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 849,802 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Asset-backed securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 488,676 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 496,626 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 1,440,405 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 1,445,845 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | US Treasury And Government Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 59,947 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 60,193 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 387,896 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 383,365 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Member | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 1,776,018 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 1,832,466 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 2,267,696 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 2,249,130 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Funds withheld at interest embedded derivatives | 19,769 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 22,094 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Cash and cash equivalents | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Short-term investments | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 7,992 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 7,904 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 8,602 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 7,727 us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 2,304,059 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 2,286,855 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 1,132,270 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 1,085,166 rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities |  | 1,085,963 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring | 1,133,546 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 7,992 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember | 7,904 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Other equity securities |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = rga_EquitySecuritiesOtherThanNonRedeemablePreferredStockMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Other |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / rga_OtherInvestedAssetsAxis = us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Interest Rate Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Interest Rate Options |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure |  | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_InterestRateOptionsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Foreign Currency Forwards |  |
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Currency Swap [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Other liabilities | 0 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Consumer Price Index Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = rga_ConsumerPriceIndexSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 Member | Credit Default Swaps |  |
Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
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Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
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Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure |  |
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Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
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Assets Fair Value Disclosure |  |
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- Definition Embedded derivatives related to funds held by the ceding insurer on behalf the reinsurer, including funds held in trust, under reinsurance treaties or contracts with the assuming insurer as security for the payment of the obligations thereunder, which represent an asset for the reinsurer. There is another concept for the corresponding liability of the ceding insurer. + References No definition available. + Details
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