Financing Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Financing Activities And Stock Transactions [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

13.Stock Transactions

On January 24, 2013, RGA's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of RGA's outstanding common stock. This authorization was effective January 24, 2013 and does not have an expiration date. During the first quarter of 2013, RGA repurchased 815,011 shares of common stock under this program for $47.6 million. During April 2013, the Company repurchased an additional 892,047 shares of common stock under the program for $52.4 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes.

On April 18, 2013, RGA's board of directors authorized an increase of $100.0 million to the share repurchase program previously authorized on January 24, 2013. With this authorization, the total amount of the Company's outstanding common stock authorized for repurchase is $300.0 million.