Derivative Instruments (Details 7) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Credit Exposure of Derivative Contracts
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset (liability) position	$ 136,100	$ 227,399
Cash provided as collateral	0	0
Securities provided as collateral	(35,623)	(27,052)
Cash received as collateral	(140,915)	(241,480)
Securities received as collateral	(30,146)	(997)
Net credit exposure	662	11,974
Margin account related to exchange-traded futures	$ 15,742	$ 18,153

Name:	rga_CreditExposureOfDerivativeContractsAbstract
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The aggregate estimated fair value asset (liability) of derivative instruments that are subject to or not subject to credit-contingent provisions at the end of the reporting period.

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No definition available.

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Name:	rga_DerivativesInNetAssetLiabilityPositionEstimatedFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate cash amounts of collateral provided for derivative instruments that are subject to or not subject to credit-contingent provisions that are in a net liability position at the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value amounts are included in cash.

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No definition available.

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

- Definition

The aggregate estimated fair value amounts of collateral provided for derivative instruments that are subject to or not subject to credit-contingent provisions that are in a net liability position at the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value amounts are included in other invested assets.

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No definition available.

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

- Definition

The aggregate cash amounts of collateral provided for derivative instruments that are subject to or not subject to credit-contingent provisions that are in a net asset position at the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value amounts are included in cash.

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_EstimatedFairValueOfCollateralReceivedIncludedInCash
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate estimated fair value amounts of collateral provided for derivative instruments that are subject to or not subject to credit-contingent provisions that are in a net asset position at the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value amounts are included in fixed maturity securities.

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_EstimatedFairValueOfCollateralReceivedIncludedInDebtSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the entity's margin account related to exchange-traded futures.

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No definition available.

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Name:	rga_MarginAccountForExchangeTradedFutures
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the entity's net credit exposure related to derivative contracts.

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rga_NetCreditExposureOnDerivativeContracts
Namespace Prefix:	rga_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant