Financial Condition and Net Income on a Statutory Basis - Significant Subsidiaries (Reconciliation of NAIC SAP and Prescribed Practice) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory Basis [Abstract]
Prescribed Practice Surplus Note	$ 343,780	$ 230,291
Prescribed Practice Letters Of Credit	(436,300)	(488,000)
Surplus Deficit NAIC SAP	$ (92,520)	$ (257,709)

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