Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Reconciliation of NAIC SAP and Prescribed Practice) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory Basis [Abstract]
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note	$ 574,574	$ 639,515
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit	(615,100)	(570,100)
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP	$ (40,526)	$ 69,415

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.

No definition available.

Name:	rga_PrescribedPracticeSurplusNote
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant