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Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Information for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Securities Classified As Level 3	8.80%rga_PercentageOfFixedMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAsLevel3	8.80%rga_PercentageOfFixedMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAsLevel3
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	(221,072)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	(205,392)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	2.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	(8,602)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	(7,727)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	10.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	10.00%rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Longevity Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Mortality Improvement	(10.00%)rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	(10.00%)rga_FairValueInputsMortalityImprovement / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_LongevitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	19,769us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	22,094us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	5.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	5.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Funds Withheld At Interest Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Fair Value Inputs Credit Rate	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsCreditRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_FundsWithheldAtInterestEmbeddedDerivativesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	(27,985)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	(28,530)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	(5,038)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	(4,994)us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	947,857us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	925,887us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	7.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	35.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	5.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	4.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Indexed Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%rga_FairValueInputsOptionBudgetProjection / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInIndexedAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,413us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	159,279us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, Low End	9.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	8.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	2.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	3.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Lapse Rate, High End	25.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	25.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	7.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	7.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Inputs Withdrawal	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%rga_FairValueInputsWithdrawal / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	10.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	11.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	27.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	27.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,276us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	797us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	1.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	1.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, High End	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	100.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateHighEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember
Mortality Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee, Mortality Rate, Low End	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember	0.00%us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRateLowEnd / us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis = rga_MortalitySwapMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis = us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember

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Fair Value Inputs Option Budget Projection percentage

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

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

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

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

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- Definition

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

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Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations.

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

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

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