Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (Currency Swap Member, USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Currency Swap Member
Net Investments in Foreign Operations
Net Derivatives Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	$ (9,916)	$ 16,846	$ (25,020)	$ 8,766

Name:

rga_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion

Namespace Prefix:

rga

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

duration