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

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Fair value portion of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

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