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Employee Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
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)
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)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost |  | 10,319 |  | 9,222 |  | 8,121
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost |  | 4,790 |  | 5,035 |  | 4,972
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets |  | (5,138) |  | (4,897) |  | (4,471)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) |  | 4,323 |  | 3,429 |  | 1,755
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) |  | 294 |  | 309 |  | 333
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements |  | (1,026) |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total |  | 15,614 |  | 13,098 |  | 10,710
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax |  | 8,785 |  | 5,774 |  | 20,912
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax |  | (4,323) |  | (3,429) |  | (1,755)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax |  | (294) |  | (309) |  | (333)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax |  | (1,026) |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments | [1] | 0 | [2] | 0 | [2] | 0
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Foreign Exchange Translations And Other Adjustments |  | 707 |  | (1,797) |  | (578)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax |  | 3,849 |  | 239 |  | 18,246
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease |  | 19,463 |  | 13,337 |  | 28,956
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost |  | 2,883 |  | 4,062 |  | 2,354
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost |  | 2,259 |  | 2,572 |  | 1,962
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) |  | 1,827 |  | 2,465 |  | 1,060
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) |  | (622) |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total |  | 6,347 |  | 9,099 |  | 5,376
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax |  | 6,228 |  | (2,729) |  | 25,354
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax |  | (1,827) |  | (2,465) |  | (1,060)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax |  | 622 |  | 0 |  | 0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments | [1] | (13,743) | [2] | 0 | [2] | 0
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Foreign Exchange Translations And Other Adjustments |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax |  | (8,720) |  | (5,194) |  | 24,294
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Before Tax Period Increase Decrease |  | $ (2,373) |  | $ 3,905 |  | $ 29,670
[1] | Reflects effect of the amendment to RGA’s U.S. retiree health care benefit plan announced in 2016, effective January 1, 2017. The amount was recorded in AOCI and will be amortized through prior service cost.
[2] | Reflects effect of the amendment to RGA’s U.S. retiree health care benefit plan announced in 2016, effective January 1, 2017. The amount was recorded in AOCI and will be amortized through prior service cost.

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- Definition The total of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period and other chages in plan assets recognized in other comprehensive income for the period. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The change in other comprehensive income due to the foreiegn exchange effects on the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (but not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost). + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost. + 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 (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. + 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 (h)(1) -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 -Glossary Prior Service Cost -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177896 + Details
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- Definition An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. + 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 (h)(2) -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 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. + 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 (h) -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 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The amount of increase or decrease due to a change in the terms of an existing plan or the initiation of a new plan. A plan amendment may increase or decrease benefits, including those attributed to years of service already rendered. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Plan Amendment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49173939 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost as a result of an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Examples of transactions that constitute a settlement include, but are not limited to, lump-sum cash payments to plan participants in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts to cover vested benefits. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 15 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7577095&loc=d3e8001-114927 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- 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
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- Definition Amount before tax of gain (loss) adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from settlement or curtailment of defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined 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 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Plan Curtailment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6520938 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Settlement of a Pension or Postretirement Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6531942 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 6: 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
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- Definition Amount before tax, after reclassification adjustments, of (increase) decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to pension and other postretirement defined 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 10A -Subparagraph (i-k) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669646-108580 + Details
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- Definition Amount before tax of (increase) decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption and increase (decrease) in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit. + 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 10A -Subparagraph (i) -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 (a)(4) -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
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- 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
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