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Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Reconciliation of NAIC SAP and Prescribed Practice) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
--- | --- | ---
Statutory Basis [Abstract] |  |
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note | $ 639,515 | $ 515,399
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit | (570,100) | (642,200)
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP | $ 69,415 | $ (126,801)

X
- Definition Represents letters of credit issued on behalf of the reporting company that are allowed as admitted assets under prescribed practices but not under NAIC SAP. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_PrescribedPracticeLettersOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents surplus of the reporting company, including accrued surplus note interest that is reported as a reduction in surplus under prescribed practices but not under NAIC SAP. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_PrescribedPracticeSurplusNote
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_StatutoryBasisAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the amount of surplus or surplus deficit under NAIC SAP of certain subsidiaries with a state of domicile that follows prescribed practices. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_SurplusDeficitNaicSap
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant