XML 175 R158.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.6.0.2

Equity (Schedule of Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other investment related gains (losses), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 132,926 | $ (107,370) | $ 193,959
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (74) | 0 | 0
Investment income, net of related expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,911,886 | 1,734,495 | 1,713,691
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,541 | (17,510) | 4,480
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (444) | (337) | (485)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,427) | (4,618) | 43,025
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest |  | $ 295,543 | $ 287,600 | $ 353,223 | $ 107,580 | $ 206,743 | $ 140,137 | $ 213,790 | $ 184,125 | 1,043,946 | 744,795 | 1,008,533
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (342,503) | (242,629) | (324,486)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  | $ 190,149 | $ 198,719 | $ 236,103 | $ 76,472 | $ 163,127 | $ 83,534 | $ 130,391 | $ 125,114 | 701,443 | 502,166 | $ 684,047
Amortization Of Unrealized Pension And Postretirement Benefits [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 328 | 309 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,150) | (5,894) |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5,822) | (6,203) |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,038 | 2,171 |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,784) | (4,032) |
Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other investment related gains (losses), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 65,798 | (55,767) |
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 74 | 0 |
Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,541 | (17,510) |
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 69,622 | (72,795) |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (17,672) | 28,109 |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 51,950 | (44,686) |
Amounts Reclassified From AOCI [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 48,166 | (48,718) |
Currency Swap [Member] | Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member] | Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 510 | 569 |
Forward Contracts [Member] | Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member] | Unrealized Appreciation Depreciation Of Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (301) | $ (87) |
[1] | See Note 10 for information on employee benefit plans.
[2] | See Note 8 for information on deferred policy acquisition costs.
[3] | See Note 5 for information on cash flow hedges.

X
- Definition Amount of unrealized investment gain (loss) which decreases (increases) deferred policy acquisition cost. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177698&loc=d3e10138-158409 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35755530&loc=d3e11264-158415 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostUnrealizedInvestmentGainLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624171-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4D -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624177-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) included in earnings for investments classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit) and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and addition of income (loss) from equity method investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65882285&loc=d3e32639-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Net Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831255 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Other Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831270 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after investment expense, of income earned from investments in securities and real estate. Includes, but is not limited to, real estate investment, policy loans, dividends, and interest. Excludes realized gain (loss) on investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-16(Column G)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34713774&loc=d3e574960-122915 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss for prior service cost (credit) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e637-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for actuarial gain (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e689-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) on investment in available-for-sale debt security, recognized in other comprehensive loss. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 35 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27723805&loc=d3e25362-111560 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669646-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAvailableforsaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | rga_AociComponentsAxis=rga_AmortizationOfUnrealizedPensionAndPostretirementBenefitsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | rga_AociComponentsAxis=rga_UnrealizedAppreciationDepreciationOfInvestmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | rga_AociComponentsAxis=rga_AmountsReclassifiedFromAociMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | rga_UnrealizedGainLossReclassAxis=rga_UnrealizedGainsLossesOnAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |