Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		62,610,856
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MO
Entity Tax Identification Number	43-1627032
Entity File Number	1-11848
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Type	10-Q
Entity Central Index Key	0000898174
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED