XML 78 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.7.0.1

Derivative Instruments (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2016
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gain Loss On Investments Related To Change In Fair Value Of Derivatives Excluding Embedded Derivatives | $ 3,684 | $ 40,733 | $ (19,164) | $ 94,835
Embedded Derivatives In Modified Coinsurance Or Funds Withheld Arrangements |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax | 15,108 | 76,966 | 83,810 | (15,283)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net | 2,941 | 18,807 | 28,785 | (7,970)
Embedded Derivatives In Equity Indexed Annuities [Member] |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax | (5,955) | (2,019) | (22,357) | (626)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net | (6,925) | (7,816) | (28,322) | 3,418
Embedded Derivatives In Variable Annuity Contracts [Member] |  |  |  |
Changes In Estimated Fair Value Related To Embedded Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax | 360 | (28,137) | 22,723 | (91,077)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net | $ 3,023 | $ (40,167) | $ 31,859 | $ (66,010)

X
- Definition Changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives Abstract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_ChangesInEstimatedFairValueRelatedToEmbeddedDerivativesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the amount recognized in investment related gains (losses) related to the change in the fair value of derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_GainLossOnInvestmentsRelatedToChangeInFairValueOfDerivativesExcludingEmbeddedDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5618551-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate net gain (loss) on all derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5618551-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | rga_TypesOfEmbeddedDerivativesAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInModifiedCoinsuranceOrFundsWithheldArrangementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | rga_TypesOfEmbeddedDerivativesAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInEquityIndexedAnnuitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | rga_TypesOfEmbeddedDerivativesAxis=rga_EmbeddedDerivativesInVariableAnnuityContractsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |