XML 148 R131.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.24.0.1

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022
--- | --- | ---
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | $ 60,467 | [1] | $ 52,901 | [2]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 139 | [1] | 134 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives | (377) | [1] | (371) | [2]
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements, Asset Fair Value Disclosure | 54 | [1] | 54 | [2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,335 | [1] | 1,535 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments | 187 | [1] | 121 | [2]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net | 97 | [1] | 170 | [2]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 119 | [1] | 193 | [2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 61,924 | [1] | 54,567 | [2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 415 |  | 530 |
Derivative Liability | (206) |  | (363) |
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability | (4,483) |  | (1,486) |
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 197 |  | 183 |
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure | 406 |  | 350 |
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability) | 856 |  | 683 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 2,426 | [1] | 1,388 | [2]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 69 | [1] | 68 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives | 0 |  | 0 | [2]
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements, Asset Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,322 | [1] | 1,535 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments | 90 | [1] | 54 | [2]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 3,907 | [1] | 3,045 | [2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 0 |  | 0 |
Derivative Liability | 0 |  | 0 |
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 |  | 0 |
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure | 0 |  | 0 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 51,622 | [1] | 45,791 | [2]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives | 0 |  | 0 | [2]
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements, Asset Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | 13 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments | 95 | [1] | 54 | [2]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net | 97 | [1] | 170 | [2]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 119 | [1] | 193 | [2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 51,849 | [1] | 46,038 | [2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 0 |  | 0 |
Derivative Liability | 0 |  | 0 |
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 197 |  | 183 |
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure | 197 |  | 183 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 6,419 | [1] | 5,722 | [2]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 70 | [1] | 66 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Embedded Derivatives | (377) |  | (371) | [2]
Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements, Asset Fair Value Disclosure | 54 | [1] | 54 | [2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Short Term Investments | 2 | [1] | 13 | [2]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 6,168 | [1] | 5,484 | [2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Guaranteed Interest Contracts Embedded Derivatives | 415 |  | 530 |
Derivative Liability | (206) |  | (363) |
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 |  | 0 |
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure | 209 |  | 167 |
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 22 | [1] | 23 | [2]
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 22 | [1] | 23 | [2]
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 38,755 | [1] | 33,969 | [2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 33,822 | [1] | 29,670 | [2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 4,933 | [1] | 4,299 | [2]
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,917 | [1] | 3,626 | [2]
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,917 | [1] | 3,626 | [2]
Canadian Provincial Governments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,079 | [1] | 941 | [2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,078 | [1] | 931 | [2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1 | [1] | 10 | [2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 4,429 | [1] | 3,878 | [2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure | 268 |  | 274 |
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,064 | [1] | 2,603 | [2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,365 | [1] | 1,275 | [2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,773 | [1] | 1,623 | [2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,714 | [1] | 1,555 | [2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 59 | [1] | 68 | [2]
US Treasury and Government [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 2,520 | [1] | 1,482 | [2]
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 2,426 | [1] | 1,388 | [2]
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 87 | [1] | 85 | [2]
US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 7 | [1] | 9 | [2]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,114 | [1] | 1,119 | [2]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 1,095 | [1] | 1,093 | [2]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 19 | [1] | 26 | [2]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,749 | [1] | 3,704 | [2]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,714 | [1] | 3,669 | [2]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 35 | [1] | 35 | [2]
Japanese Government Debt Securities Member |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,131 |  | 2,559 |
Japanese Government Debt Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 0 |  | 0 |
Japanese Government Debt Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 3,131 |  | 2,559 |
Japanese Government Debt Securities Member | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | $ 0 |  | $ 0 |
[1] | Excludes limited partnerships that are measured at estimated fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of such investments was $856 million
[2] | Excludes limited partnerships that are measured at estimated fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of such investments was $683 million.

X
- Definition Embedded derivatives related to funds held by the ceding insurer on behalf the reinsurer, including funds held in trust, under reinsurance treaties or contracts with the assuming insurer as security for the payment of the obligations thereunder, which represent an asset for the reinsurer. There is another concept for the corresponding liability of the ceding insurer. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetEmbeddedDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Interest-sensitive contract liabilities - embedded derivatives. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGuaranteedInterestContractsEmbeddedDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Short Term Investments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisShortTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements, Asset Fair Value Disclosure + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rga_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | rga_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount of investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (aa) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481800/320-10-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481830/320-10-45-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(6)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 30 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479130/326-30-45-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair values as of the balance sheet date of the net amount of all assets and liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -SubTopic 10 -Topic 815 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480463/815-10-45-5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (e) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(4) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-1 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-1 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480524/946-210-50-6 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(9)(e)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13C(Column H)(Footnote 7)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5C Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(9)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(9)(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13(Column G)(Footnote 8)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13C(Column H)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5C Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13(Column G)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5A -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13A(Column E)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5A Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13B(Column E)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5B Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13B(Column E)(Footnote 4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-5B Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483466/210-20-50-3 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-22 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-10 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-10 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of investments accounted under the equity method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2E -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2E Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(12)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of asset after deduction of liability. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueNetAssetLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of financial obligations, including, but not limited to, debt instruments, derivative liabilities, federal funds purchased and sold under agreements to repurchase, securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, financial instruments sold not yet purchased, guarantees, line of credit, loans and notes payable, servicing liability, and trading liabilities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of funds held as security for payments to be received under reinsurance contracts. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of investment securities, including, but not limited to, marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Fair value portion of other liabilities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=rga_FairValueOptionContractholderDirectedUnitLinkedInvestmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=rga_CanadianProvincialGovernmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=rga_JapaneseGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |