Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract] Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table] Reinsurance Retention Policy [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Property and Casualty Group Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Exchange Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Erie Insurance Company (EIC) Erie Insurance Company [Member] Represents Erie Insurance Company ("EIC"), a property and casualty insurance subsidiary wholly owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange after December 31, 2010, and wholly owned by Erie Indemnity Company prior to December 31,2010.EIC's underwriting results are pooled under an intercompany pooling agreement.Under the pooling agreement,the Exchange retains a 94.5% interest in the net underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group, while EIC retains a 5.0% interest and ENY retains a 0.5% interest. Erie Insurance Company of New York (ENY) Erie Insurance Company of New York [Member] Represents Erie Insurance Company of New York ("ENY"), a property and casualty insurance subsidiary wholly owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange after December 31, 2010, and wholly owned by Erie Indemnity Company prior to December 31,2010.ENY's underwriting results are pooled under an intercompany pooling agreement.Under the pooling agreement, the Exchange retains a 94.5% interest in the net underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group, while EIC retains a 5.0% interest and ENY retains a 0.5% interest. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Effective for the next fiscal year Scenario, Forecast [Member] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy, Type [Axis] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] Reinsurance Policy [Domain] First property catastrophe reinsurance treaty First Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty [Member] The company’s first property catastrophe reinsurance treaty is triggered upon reaching the amount of risk reinsured under the first treaty in excess of the company’s stated retention per occurrence under the first treaty. Second property catastrophe reinsurance treaty Second Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty [Member] The company’s second property catastrophe reinsurance treaty is triggered upon reaching the amount of risk reinsured under the second treaty in excess of the company’s first property catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Third property catastrophe reinsurance treaty Third Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty [Member] The company’s third property catastrophe reinsurance treaty is triggered upon reaching the amount of risk reinsured under the third treaty in excess of the company’s second property catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Fourth property catastrophe reinsurance treaty Fourth Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty [Member] The company’s fourth property catastrophe reinsurance treaty is triggered upon reaching the amount of risk reinsured under the fourth treaty in excess of the company’s third property catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Reinsurance Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items] Reinsurance pooling agreement, participation (as a percent) Reinsurance Pooling Agreement Participation Percentage Represents the percentage of participation in a reinsurance pooling agreement. Reinsurance pooling agreement, termination notice period (in days) Reinsurance Pooling Agreement Termination Notice Period Represents the minimum period of notice required for termination of a reinsurance pooling agreement. Reinsurance pooling agreement, intercompany cash settlement period (in days) Reinsurance Pooling Agreement, Intercompany Cash Settlement Period Represents the period following the end of each quarterly accounting period within which intercompany accounts are settled under the terms of the reinsurance pooling agreement. Percentage of loss coverage amount in excess of the Property & Casualty Group's loss retention per occurrence (as a percent) Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Loss coverage amount in excess of the Property & Casualty Group's loss retention per occurrence Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Amount Reinsured Property & Casualty Group's retention amount per occurrence Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained Insurance losses and loss expenses Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Schedule of changes in Indemnity's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component attributable to the Indemnity shareholder interest Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related affected line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations where net income is presented Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract] Life Policy and Deposit Contract Reserves Liability for Future Policy Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy and balances for the various components of the reserve for future policy benefits and guaranteed minimum benefits. Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 years from pension and other postretirement plans: Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2019-2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Indemnity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Investments [Abstract] Investments Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of roll forward of Level 3 consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of quantitative and qualitative disclosures about unobservable inputs Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by pricing source Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Change in unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Reclassification adjustment for gross losses (gains) included in net income, tax (benefit) expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Postretirement plans, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Unrealized gains transferred to noncontrolling interest on sale of life affiliate, tax expense Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Not Included in Net Income Tax The income tax benefit (expense) related to the reclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities not included in net income transferred to the noncontrolling interest. Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of quarterly results of operations (unaudited) Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of components of the Property and Casualty Group's and EFL's deferred policy acquisition costs assets Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax [Table] Income Tax [Table] Schedule of information pertaining to income taxes. Indemnity Parent Company [Member] Income taxes Income Tax [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Deferred tax asset valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Class A [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Stock repurchase program Share Repurchase Program 2004 [Member] A stock repurchase program was authorized by the company's board of directors for the purchase of its outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock beginning January 1, 2004. These shares are recorded as Treasury shares in the company's consolidated statements of financial position at total cost based upon trade date. Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Long-term incentive plan Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Represents the entity's long-term incentive plan, which is a performance based incentive plan designed to reward the entity's executive and senior vice presidents who can have a significant impact on the entity's long-term performance and to further align the interests of such employees with those of the entity's shareholders. The long-term incentive plan permits grants of performance shares or units, to be satisfied with shares of the entity's Class A common stock or cash payment as determined by the compensation committee. Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance shares Performance Shares [Member] Stock repurchases Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Shares repurchased under stock repurchase program (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Total cost of shares repurchased under stock repurchase program Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Amount of authorized stock repurchase approved for continuation Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Approximate amount of repurchase authority remaining under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Shares repurchased outside of stock repurchase program Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Shares repurchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program for share-based compensation awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Purchased for Award Total plan awards paid, share-based Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share-based Liabilities Paid Average price per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Number of retired senior vice presidents Number of Senior Vice Presidents Number of Senior Vice Presidents Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Table] Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Table] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Insurance Product Line [Axis] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Insurance Product Line [Domain] Life insurance operations Life Insurance Product Line [Member] Property and casualty insurance operations REINSURANCE Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items] Life insurance in force, Gross amount (direct) Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force Premiums for the year, Gross amount (direct) Direct Premiums Earned Life insurance in force, Ceded to other companies Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force Premiums for the year, Ceded to other companies Ceded Premiums Earned Premiums for the year, Assumed from other companies Assumed Premiums Earned Life insurance in force, Net amount Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force Premiums earned, Net amount Premiums Earned, Net Life insurance in force, Percentage of amount assumed to net Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net Premiums for the year, Percentage of amount assumed to net Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Ceded Credit Risk [Table] Equipment breakdown, employment practices liability, and identity recovery lines of business Equipment Breakdown, Employment Practices Liability, and Identity Recovery Product Lines [Member] Product lines consisting of insurance against equipment breakdown, employment practices liability, and identity recovery. Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL) Erie Family Life Insurance Company [Member] Represents Erie Family Life Insurance Company ("EFL"), an affiliated life insurance company that underwrites and sells individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities, wholly owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange after March 31, 2011. Prior to and through March 31, 2011, Erie Indemnity Company retained a 21.6% ownership interest in EFL, and the Erie Insurance Exchange retained a 78.4% ownership interest in EFL. Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Axis] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Ceded Credit Risk, Reinsurer [Domain] Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, an unaffiliated reinsurer Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection And Insurance Company [Member] Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, an unaffiliated reinsurer. Credit Rating, AM Best [Axis] Credit Rating, AM Best [Axis] Credit Rating, AM Best [Domain] Credit Rating, AM Best [Domain] A.M. Best, A Plus Plus rated AM Best, A++ Rating [Member] Reinsurance Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items] Percentage of ceded covered insurance risk relating to reinsured portions of certain lines of business through quota share reinsurance agreements (as a percent) Reinsurance Quota Share Agreement Ceded Insurance Risk Coverage Percentage Represents the percentage of the ceded insurance coverage risk related to the reinsured portion of a line of business in a quota share reinsurance agreement. Ceded premiums written Ceded Premiums Written Direct life insurance in force Ceded life insurance in force Largest amount of in force life insurance ceded to a single reinsurer Life Insurance in Force Large Amount Ceded to Single Reinsurer Represents the largest amount of life insurance in force ceded to a single reinsurer. Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Total fixed maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Estimated fair value, fixed maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class B Common Class B [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Investments Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Fixed maturities Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Trading securities, at fair value Trading Securities, Equity Limited partnerships Equity Method Investments Other invested assets Other Investments Total investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents (Exchange portion of $403 and $388, respectively) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Premiums receivable from policyholders Premiums Receivable, Net Reinsurance recoverable Reinsurance Recoverables Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other assets (Exchange portion of $337 and $339, respectively) Other Assets Total assets Assets Liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Losses and loss expense reserves Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Property Casualty Liability Life policy and deposit contract reserves Liability for Future Policy Benefits Unearned premiums Unearned Premiums Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Indemnity's shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total contributed capital and retained earnings Stockholders' Equity before Treasury Stock Treasury stock, at cost; 21,838,075 and 21,406,519 shares held, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity, and noncontrolling interest Liabilities and Equity Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Total capitalized software development costs subject to amortization and the related amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Estimated future amortization expense related to capitalized software development costs Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Common stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Minimum multiplier for dividend payable on Class A common stock per dividend declared on Class B common stock (as a percent) Dividends Common Stock Percentage Multiplier Minimum Represents the minimum multiplier applied to a percentage of the dividend declared on Class B common stock to determine the required dividend on Class A common stock. Percentage of dividend declared on Class B common stock used to determine dividend payable on Class A common stock (as a percent) Dividends Common Stock Percentage Represents the percentage of the dividend declared on Class B common stock to which a multiplier is applied to determine the required dividend on Class A common stock. Ratio for converting shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (as a percent) Common Stock Conversion Ratio The ratio applied to Class B common stock shares for purposes of determining the number of Class A common stock shares into which the stock will be converted (the number of Class A common stock shares into which one Class B common stock share may be converted). Class B common stock shares converted into Class A common stock shares (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Class A common stock shares issued upon conversion of Class B common stock shares (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Premiums written: Premiums Written, Net [Abstract] Direct Direct Premiums Written Assumed Assumed Premiums Written Ceded Premiums written, net Premiums Written, Net Premiums earned: Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract] Direct Assumed Ceded Premiums earned, net Insurance losses and loss expenses: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net [Abstract] Direct Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct Assumed Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed Ceded Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded Insurance losses and loss expenses, net Reinsurance Reinsurance [Text Block] Projected benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation, beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost for benefits earned Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation, end of year Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fixed maturities, amortized cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Equity securities, cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Trading securities, cost Trading Securities, Equity, Cost Limited partnerships, cost Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Cash and cash equivalents Other assets Ratio for converting shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (as a percent) Common stock, stated value per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measurements on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Total Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments [Domain] Fixed maturities Debt Securities [Member] U.S. government & agencies US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] States & political subdivisions US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Residential mortgage-backed securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial mortgage-backed securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized debt obligations Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Nonredeemable preferred stock Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Real estate Real Estate Funds [Member] Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Trading securities Trading Securities [Member] Limited partnerships Partnership Interest [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Net realized investment gains (losses) Net Realized Investment Gains Losses [Member] Primary financial statement caption in which reported facts about net realized investment gains (losses) have been included. Equity in earnings of limited partnerships Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Location [Member] Primary financial statement caption in which reported facts about equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships have been included. Level 3 changes Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Roll forward of Level 3 consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Included in other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Transfers in and (out) of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Ending balance Fair value transfers due to changes in available market observable inputs Fair Value Transfers Due to Changes in Available Market Observable Inputs [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Transfers from level 1 to level 2 Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount During Period Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 2 which have taken place during the period. Transfers from level 2 to level 1 Fair Value, Assets Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount During Period Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 1 which have taken place during the period. Transfers from level 2 to level 3 Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 3 Transfers, Amount During Period Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 3 which have taken place during the period. Transfers from level 3 to level 2 Fair Value, Assets, Level 3 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount During Period Amount of transfers of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 2 which have taken place during the period. No. of securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 Number of Securities Transferred, Fair Value Assets, Between Level 1 and Level 2 Represents the number of securities in the entity's investment portfolio that necessitated reclassification between Level 1 and Level 2 due to trading activity levels. No. of securities transferred between Level 2 and Level 1 Number of Securities Transferred, Fair Value Assets, Between Level 2 and Level 1 Number of Securities Transferred, Fair Value Assets, Between Level 2 and Level 1 No. of securities transferred between Level 2 and Level 3 Number of Securities Transferred, Fair Value Assets, Between Level 2 and Level 3 Represents the number of securities in the entity's investment portfolio that necessitated reclassification between Level 2 and Level 3 due to trading activity levels. No. of securities transferred between Level 3 and Level 2 Number of Securities Transferred, Fair Value Assets, Between Level 3 and Level 2 Represents the number of securities in the entity's investment portfolio that necessitated reclassification between Level 3 and Level 2 due to trading activity levels. Compensation Related Costs [Abstract] Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plans Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs, Cash Based Incentive And Share Based Payments And Deferred Compensation [Text Block] The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for cash-based incentive and share/equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of compensation, incentive distributions, compensation arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details, employee stock purchase plan details, and income statement compensation items. Deferred compensation arrangements may include a description of an arrangement with an individual employee, which is generally an employment contract between the entity and a selected officer or key employee containing a promise by the employer to pay certain amounts at designated future dates, usually including a period after retirement, upon compliance with stipulated requirements. This type of arrangement is distinguished from broader based employee benefit plans as it is usually tailored to the employee. Disclosure also typically includes the amount of related compensation expense recognized during the reporting period, the number of shares (units) issued during the period under such arrangements, and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the related liability. Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Loss reserve discount Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Loss Reserves Liability for future life and annuity policy benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Policyholder Liabilities Unearned premiums Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Unearned Premiums Reserve Write-downs of impaired securities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses Net allowance for service fees and premium cancellations Deferred Tax Assets, Net Allowance for Service Fees and Premium Cancellations The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the methods used to account for the allowance for service fees and premiums cancellations for tax purposes and under generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis of such prepaid expenses will reduce future taxable income when such basis difference reverses. Other employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Other Pension and other postretirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense Compensation and Benefits Pensions and Postretirement Benefits The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from pension costs and postretirement benefits, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual costs are incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Unrealized gains on investments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Limited partnerships Deferred Tax Liabilities, Equity Method Investments The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis and the generally accepted accounting principles basis of a company's equity method investment which will increase future taxable income when such basis difference reverses. Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Prepaid expenses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Capitalized internally developed software Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Software Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred income tax asset Net deferred income tax liability Net deferred income tax asset (liability) - consolidated Net Deferred Tax Assets or Net Deferred Tax Liabilities Consolidating Presentation Represents the net balance of all deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities reported for consolidating disclosure purposes, which could result in a net deferred tax asset or a net deferred tax liability balance as of the balance sheet date, resulting from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods. Current income tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax (benefit) expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with amounts determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to pre-tax income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Income tax at statutory rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Tax-exempt interest Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount Dividends received deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividends, Amount Erie Family Life losses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Amount Return to provision adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adopted accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments - Available-for-sale securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments - Trading securities Marketable Securities, Trading Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments - Limited partnerships Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments - Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and casualty unpaid losses and loss expenses Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Life insurance reserves Future Policy Benefits Liability, Policy [Policy Text Block] Agent bonus estimates Commissions Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recognition of premium revenues and losses Revenue Recognition, Premiums Earned, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reinsurance Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] Recognition of management fee revenue Revenue Recognition, Services, Management Fees [Policy Text Block] Recognition of service agreement revenue Revenue Recognition, Services, Refundable Fees for Services [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation of variable interest entity Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments, transfers between levels Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized software development costs for internal use Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Foreign government securities Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] Investment grade External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] Non-investment grade External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] Fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value 12 months or longer Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments. 12 months or longer Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer impacting investments. Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale impacting investments. No. of holdings Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Schedule of components of life policy and deposit contract liability balances Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, by Product Segment [Table Text Block] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplementary Data on Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of cost to fair value of available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities by remaining contractual term to maturity Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of investment income, net of expenses, from portfolios Investment Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized gains and losses on sales of securities recognized in income based upon the specific identification method Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of other-than-temporary impairments on investments Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule of limited partnership results Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Private passenger automobile Private Passenger Automobile [Member] Represents private passenger automobile lines of insurance included in property and casualty insurance products. Homeowners Homeowners [Member] Represents homeowners lines of insurance included in property and casualty insurance products. Commercial multi-peril Commercial Multiperil [Member] Represents commercial multi-peril lines of insurance included in property and casualty insurance products. Commercial automobile Commercial Automobile [Member] Represents commercial automobile lines of insurance included in property and casualty insurance products. Workers compensation Workers Compensation [Member] Represents workers compensation lines of insurance included in property and casualty insurance products. Product information Product Information [Line Items] Number of states in which the Property and Casualty Group operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Percentage of property and casualty direct written premiums Percentage of Direct Written Premiums Property and Casualty Represents direct written premiums for a product as a percentage of total property and casualty direct written premiums. Schedule of reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reclassifications and eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidating Statement of Financial Position Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Deferred income tax asset Receivables from the Exchange and other affiliates Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Note receivable from EFL Notes Receivable, Related Parties Deferred income tax liability Other liabilities, adjusted for consolidation presentation Other Liabilities Adjusted for Consolidating Presentation The aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of other liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet, adjusted for consolidating presentation. Shareholders' equity and noncontrolling interest Receivables from the Exchange Accounts Receivable Variable Interest Entity Amount of receivables arising from transactions with variable interest entity. Note receivable from EFL, annual interest rate (as a percent) Notes Receivable Related Parties Annual Interest Rate Represents the annual interest rate on a note receivable from a party associated with the reporting entity. Note receivable from EFL, interest income recognized by Indemnity Interest Income, Related Party Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract] SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS Schedule of Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Text Block] Schedule of awards, employer match, and hypothetical earnings by incentive and deferred compensation plans Schedule Of Compensation Cost For Cash Based Incentive And Share Based Payments And Deferred Compensation, Allocation Of Costs By Plan [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the amount of total cash-based incentive plan compensation cost, share/equity-based compensation cost, and deferred compensation arrangements, including the amounts related to awards, payments, deferrals, liabilities, and any tax benefits attributable to each plan. Erie Liability For Future Policy Benefits [Table] Erie Liability For Future Policy Benefits [Table] Schedule of the balances for the various components of the reserve for future policy benefits and guaranteed minimum benefits for the period. Ordinary/traditional Life Traditional Life [Member] Life insurance contracts including whole and term life products. Whole life insurance typically offers level premiums to be paid annually where protection is for as long as the insured lives and provides for the accumulation of cash value on a tax deferred basis where the insured can take a loan against the policy, which accrues interest and reduces the death benefit and cash value of the policy. Term life insurance typically offers a fixed premium to be paid monthly or annually where protection is for the term of the policy and, after the term expires, the insured must either forgo coverage or obtain further coverage with different payments or conditions. Universal Life Universal Life [Member] Components of life policy and deposit contract liability balances Erie Liability For Future Policy Benefits [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Deferred annuities Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Individual and Group Annuities and Supplementary Contracts Life Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Life Other Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Other Contracts Life policy and deposit contract reserves Reinsurance credit related to life policy and deposit contract reserves Reinsurance Credit Life Policy and Deposit Contract Reserves The known and estimated amount recoverable from reinsurers as of the balance sheet date related to life policy and deposit contract reserves, net of any related valuation allowance. Schedule of summary of direct insurance and reinsurance for property and casualty and life insurance activities Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block] Schedule of cost of pension plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to measure the year-end benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the subsequent year Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of funded status of pension plans and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Schedule of Net Funded Status And Amounts Recognized In Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of net funded status of pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans and tabular disclosure of the amounts that are recognized in the balance sheet (or statement of financial position) for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans, showing separately the assets and current and noncurrent liabilities (if applicable) recognized. Schedule of change in projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of defined benefit pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in fair value of plan assets Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts included in shareholders' equity (unamortized) Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts recognized in other comprehensive income for pension plans Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of target and actual asset allocations for the portfolio Schedule of Target and Actual Allocations of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the target and actual allocations of the major categories of plan assets of pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans. Schedule of fair value measurements of pension plan assets by major category and level of input Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 years from pension and other postretirement plans Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts Accounting Standards Update 2010-26 [Member] Adopted accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Acquisition costs capitalized Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions Acquisition costs that would have been capitalized using the previous method Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions, Using Previous Capitalization Policy Total amount of policy acquisition costs that would have been capitalized during the income statement period using the policy previous to the issuance of FASB ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Employee pension plan Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Total Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Total equity securities Equity Securities [Member] U.S. equity securities Us Equity Securities [Member] Ownership interest or right to acquire or dispose of ownership interest in corporations and other legal entities in the United States for which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock, convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. U.S. small capitalization core equity Us Small Capitalization Core Equity [Member] This category includes U.S. equity securities that seek to achieve excess returns relative to the Russell 2000 Index while maintaining portfolio risk characteristics similar to the index. U.S. large capitalization core equity Us Large Capitalization Core Equity [Member] This category includes U.S. equity securities that seek to achieve excess returns relative to the S&P 500 while maintaining portfolio risk characteristics similar to the index. U.S. equity index Us Equity Index [Member] This category comprises U.S. equity index funds not actively managed that track the S&P 500. Non-U.S. equity securities Foreign Equity Securities [Member] Ownership interest or right to acquire or dispose of ownership interest in foreign corporations and other foreign legal entities for which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock, convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. International small capitalization risk controlled equity International Small Capitalization Risk Controlled Equity [Member] This category seeks to provide excess returns relative to an international small cap index, while maintaining regional weights similar to the index. International emerging markets equity Emerging Markets Equity [Member] This category seeks long-term capital growth in securities of companies that have their principal business activities in countries in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Free Index. International risk controlled equity International Risk Controlled Equity [Member] This category seeks long-term capital growth with an emphasis on controlling return volatility relative to an international market index. Debt securities U.S. Treasury Strips US Treasury Securities [Member] U.S. corporate bonds with an emphasis on long duration bonds rated A or better Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Floating rate high income leverage loans Other Money Market Funds [Member] Postretirement Benefits Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Target asset allocation for the portfolio: Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] Total plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Actual asset allocation for the portfolio: Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Total plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Capitalized Software Development Costs Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Table] Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Table] Affiliation with Entity [Axis] Affiliation with Entity [Axis] Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Affiliation with Registrant [Domain] Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Affiliation with Registrant [Domain] Consolidated P&C Entities Consolidated Property and Casualty Insurance Entity [Member] SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items] Deferred policy acquisition costs Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Discount, if any, deducted from reserves Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Discount Deducted from Reserves Unearned premiums Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Unearned Premiums Earned premiums Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Earned Premiums Net investment income Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Net Investment Income Losses and loss expenses incurred related to: Current year Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Losses and loss expenses incurred related to: Prior years Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Net losses and loss expenses paid Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Net premiums written Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Premiums Written Discount rate for workers compensation case and incurred but not reported loss reserves (as a percent) Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Interest Rate at which Discount Computed Variable Interest Entity [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Variable Interest Entity Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Method Of Accounting [Axis] Method Of Accounting [Axis] Information by method of accounting. Method Of Accounting [Domain] Method Of Accounting [Domain] Various methods of accounting under generally accepted accounting practices. Equity method of accounting Equity Method Of Accounting [Member] An accounting method used by entities to assess the profits earned by investments in other companies. The entity reports the income earned on the investment on its income statement and the reported value is based on the entity's share of the company assets. The reported profit is proportional to the size of the equity investment. This is the standard method used when one company has significant influence over another. Fair value option Fair Value Option [Member] The fair vale option permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”), the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings (or another performance indicator if the business entity does not report earnings) at each subsequent reporting date. Upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred. Investment in limited partnerships Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity in earnings of limited partnerships Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Equity securities Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities: Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments [Abstract] Gross realized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross realized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Net realized gains (losses) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Trading securities: Trading Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Gross realized gains Trading Securities, Realized Gain Gross realized losses Trading Securities, Realized Loss Increases (decreases) in fair value Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net realized gains (losses) Trading Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Realized gains (losses) on investments Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract] Net realized investment gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Other-than-temporary impairments on investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Other -than-temporary impairments on investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities Portion recognized in other comprehensive income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities Net impairment losses recognized in earnings Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] Cash equivalents and other Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Investment income from portfolios Net Investment Income [Line Items] Total investment income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Less: investment expenses Investment Income, Investment Expense Investment income, net of expenses Net Investment Income Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Fair Value Pricing Sources [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Fair Value Pricing Sources [Axis] Fair value information by pricing source. Fair Value Measurements, Fair Value Pricing Sources [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Fair Value Pricing Sources [Domain] Provides the categories of pricing sources used to value financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Priced via pricing services Pricing Services [Member] Represents the source of fair value estimates as a nationally recognized pricing service. Priced via market comparables/broker quotes MarketComparablesBrokerQuote [Member] Represents the source of fair value estimates as broker quotes and/or market comparables which are generally used when a price from the pricing service is not available. Priced via internal modeling Internal Modeling [Member] Represents the source of fair value estimates as internal modeling, which is an internally-developed risk-adjusted discounted cash flow model generally used when no prices are available from a pricing service and no comparable market quotes are available. Priced via unobservable inputs Unobservable Inputs [Member] Represents the source of fair value estimates as unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair value by pricing source Fair Value by Pricing Source [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities Trading and available-for-sale securities Trading And Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale and Trading Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale and Trading. Other investments Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Postretirement annual benefit expense reimbursed to Indemnity from the Exchange and EFL (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Postretirement Benefit (Expenses) Reimbursement Percentage Represents the percentage at which postretirement benefit expenses are reimbursed to the parent company. Contingent liability for amount of nonparticipating annuity contracts the employee pension plan purchased from EFL Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Amount of Plan Participants' Future Benefits Covered by Insurance Contracts Issued by Employer or Related Parties Cost of pension plans: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Prior service cost amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net actuarial loss amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Pension plan cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed financial statements Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Financial Position Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income attributable to Indemnity shareholder interest Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indemnity's components of direct cash flows as included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Erie Family Life Insurance Company transaction Indemnity's ownership interest in EFL sold to the Exchange (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in an investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting that was sold. Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of statutory net income and capital and surplus of the Exchange and its subsidiaries as determined in accordance with SAP prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $125, $(121), and $(12), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for gross losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(3), $23 and $27, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Postretirement plans, net of tax expense (benefit) of $44, $(17) and $(22), respectively Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Unrealized gains transferred to noncontrolling interest on sale of life affiliate, net of tax expense of $0, $0, and $4, respectively Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Not Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities not included in net income transferred to the noncontrolling interest, net of income taxes. Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income – Indemnity Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Indemnity's components of direct cash flows as included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Management fee received Proceeds from Insurance Agency Management Fees Received Cash received for management fees during the current period. Service agreement fee received Proceeds from Fees Received Net investment income received Proceeds from Interest and Dividends Received Limited partnership distributions Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Increase (decrease) in reimbursements collected from affiliates Increase (Decrease) Due from Affiliates Commissions and bonuses paid to agents Payments for Commissions Salaries and wages paid Payments to Employees Pension contribution and employee benefits paid Payments for Other Labor Related Expenses Payments of cash for payroll tax expense, postemployment and benefit-related expenses not elsewhere specified in the taxonomy (such as health plan, profit sharing, incentives, tuition reimbursement, other fringe benefits and perquisites) during the current period. General operating expenses paid Payments for Other Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table] Disclosure of an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, including a reconciliation of numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per-share computations for income from continuing operations. Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Income available to stockholders (Basic EPS:) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Per-share amount (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Dilutive effect of stock-based awards Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars) Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Assumed conversion of Class B shares Dilutive Securities Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share Assumed Conversion [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars) Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Dilutive Convertible Securities Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Convertible Common Stock Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of convertible common stock using the if-converted method. Income available to stockholders on equivalent shares (Diluted EPS:) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted [Abstract] Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Per-share amount (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Indemnity Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of provision for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with amounts determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to pre-tax income Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of temporary differences and carry-forwards, which give rise to consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Life policy loans Policy Loans [Member] Real estate mortgage loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] Amortized cost Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Cost Estimated fair value Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Management operations Insurance Agency Management Segment [Member] Segment in which the financial information pertaining to management services is reflected. Investment operations Insurance Investments Segment [Member] Segment in which the financial information pertaining to the investment of premiums to cover losses related to future policy benefits is reflected. Income attributable to Indemnity shareholder interest Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Management fee revenue, net Insurance Agency Management Fee Service agreement revenue Contractually Specified Servicing Fees, Late Fees, and Ancillary Fees Earned in Exchange for Servicing Financial Assets Total revenues Revenues Cost of management operations Service Management Costs Total benefits and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Net investment income Net realized gains (losses) on investment Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes, adjusted for consolidation presentation Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Adjusted For Consolidating Presentation Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations, adjusted for consolidating presentation. Net income (loss) attributable to Indemnity Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Percent income attributable to Indemnity shareholder interest Percentage of Income Accruing to Parent The parent entity's interest in income expressed as a percentage. Indemnity's ownership interest in EFL prior to and through March 31, 2011 (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Exchange's ownership interest in EFL prior to and through March 31, 2011 (as a percent) Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Ownership Interest by Noncontrolling Interest The percentage of ownership of common stock in a less than wholly owned subsidiary by the noncontrolling interest. Exchange's ownership interest in EFL after March 31, 2011 (as a percent) Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Ownership Interest by Noncontrolling Interest The percentage of ownership of common stock in a wholly owned subsidiary by the noncontrolling interest. Cash settlements for payments on the account of the Exchange Reimbursements Received from Variable Interest Entity Represents reimbursements for employee costs received from variable interest entities. Cash settlements for payments on the account of EFL Reimbursements Received from Related Party Represents reimbursements for employee costs received from a related party. Number of field office facilities leased from the Exchange (in number of facilities) Number of Field Office, Facilities Leased from Variable Interest Entity Represents the number of field office facilities lease from variable interest entities. Rent expense on office space leased from Exchange Lease and Rental Expense, Variable Interest Entity Rental expense incurred for assets leased from variable interest entities which has not been recognized in costs and expenses applicable to sales and revenues; for example, cost of goods sold or other operating costs and expenses. Annual rentals paid to EFL Payments for Rent Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract] SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION Supplementary Insurance Information, for Insurance Companies Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Market approach Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Income approach Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] Fair value inputs assets quantitative information Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair value (in dollars) No. of holdings Number of Investment Holdings Unobservable Inputs Represents the number of securities in the entity's investment portfolio where the determination of fair value utilizes unobservable inputs. Unobservable input Fair Value Inputs [Abstract] Non-binding broker quote (in dollars per share) Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Comparable transaction EBITDA multiples (as a multiple) Fair Value Inputs, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization Multiple Repayment at maturity (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs Repayment Rate Rate at which loans or a loan portfolio are expected to repay principal balances on maturity, used as an input to measure fair value. Discount rate (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Comparable security yield (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs Comparable Security Yield The observable yield of another security with similar characteristics to the security being valued, used as an input to measure fair value. Discount for lack of marketability (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability Securities priced via unobservable inputs as a percentage of total portfolio measured at fair value on a recurring basis (as a percent) Percentage of Securities Using Unobservable Inputs to Total Portfolio Represents the percentage of securities using unobservable inputs as compared to the total portfolio. Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Amortization of postretirement plan items Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related affected line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations where net income is presented Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Provision for income taxes Net income (loss) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity – Exchange Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Incentive Plans and Deferred Compensation [Table] Schedule of Incentive Plans and Deferred Compensation [Table] Schedule of awards, payments, deferrals and liabilities under the entity's incentive and deferred compensation plans. Total incentive and deferred compensation plans Total Cash Based Incentive And Share Based Payment And Deferred Compensation Plans [Member] Represents the entity's total cash-based incentive plans, share/equity-based compensation plans, and deferred compensation plans. Annual incentive plan Annual Incentive Plan [Member] Represents the entity's annual incentive plan, which is a bonus plan that pays cash to the entity's executive and senior vice presidents annually based upon attainment of corporate and individual performance measures, which can include various financial measures. Deferred compensation plans and Stock compensation plan for outside directors Deferred Compensation Plan And Stock Compensation Plan Outside Directors [Member] Represents the entity's combined deferred compensation plans and stock compensation plan for outside directors. The entity's deferred compensation plans, which are arrangements for the entity's executive and senior vice presidents and outside directors that allows participants to elect to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation until a later date. The deferred compensation plan for the entity's outside directors allows participants to defer receipt of a portion of their director and meeting fees until a later date. The entity's stock compensation plan for outside directors, which is a plan to further align the interests of the directors with those of the entity's shareholders that provides for a portion of the directors' annual compensation in shares of the entity's Class A common stock. Upon ending board service, directors are paid shares of our Class A common stock equal to the number of share credits in their deferred stock account. Incentive and deferred compensation plans Incentive Plans and Deferred Compensation [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Awards, employer match, and hypothetical earnings by plan: Incentive Plans And Deferred Compensation [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Annual incentive plan awards Other Labor-related Expenses Long-term incentive plan awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Deferred compensation plans, employer match, and hypothetical earnings Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Total plan awards and earnings Incentive Plans and Deferred Compensation Total Awards and Earnings The amount of expense recognized in income during the period arising from cash-based incentives, share/equity-based compensation plans, and deferred compensation arrangements, with employees, directors and potentially certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Total plan awards paid Incentive Plan Compensation Total Liabilities Paid The liabilities paid during the accounting period for cash-based incentive and share/equity-based compensation plans, with employees, directors, and potentially certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Compensation deferred under the plans Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual Liability Incurred During Period The liability incurred during the period to an individual under a deferred compensation arrangement. This amount may be the result of periodic accruals made over the period of active employment, or reflect termination benefits resulting contractual terms or a death benefit. Distributions from the deferred compensation plans Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid Gross incentive plan and deferred compensation liabilities at end of period Accrued Bonuses And Deferred Compensation Liability, Current And Noncurrent The carrying amount of the liability as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements, and to an individual under a deferred compensation arrangement. This amount may be the result of periodic accruals made over the period of active employment, or reflect termination benefits resulting contractual terms or a death benefit. Fair value measurements of pension plan assets: Total Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and earnings per share data. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Revenues Benefits and expenses Net income (loss) Earnings Per Share Net income attributable to Indemnity per share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Common stock - basic (in dollars per share) Common stock - diluted (in dollars per share) Statutory Information Statutory Accounting Practices Non Tabular Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of how the entity's reporting under GAAP as of the balance sheet date differs from the results based on prescribed and permitted accounting practices of the state or country of domicile in which a relevant statutory filing is made, or differences in results based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) prescribed practices, or a combination thereof. Describes the accounting practices used and the related monetary effect on statutory surplus, net income, and risk-based capital. If an insurance enterprise's risk-based capital would have triggered a regulatory event had it not used a permitted practice, that fact is disclosed in the financial statements. Permitted statutory accounting practices include practices not prescribed but allowed by the domiciliary state insurance department regulatory authority. Schedule of components of the Consolidated Statements of Operations by reportable business segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Consolidated fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Trading securities Trading Securities Total Other investments: Other Investments [Abstract] Number of real estate funds reported under fair value option Number of Real Estate Funds Reported Under Fair Value Option Number of Real Estate Funds Reported Under Fair Value Option Underlying assets, liquidation period from inception of fund Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Liquidating Investment, Remaining Period Contributions made to the funds Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Distributions received from the funds Proceeds from Limited Partnership Investments Unfunded commitments Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (EPC) Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company [Member] Represents Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company ("EPC"), a property and casualty insurance subsidiary wholly owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange after December 31, 2010, and wholly owned by Erie Indemnity Company prior to December 31, 2010. Flagship City Insurance Company (Flagship) Flagship City Insurance Company [Member] Represents Flagship City Insurance Company ("Flagship"), a property and casualty insurance subsidiary wholly owned by the Erie Insurance Exchange. Jurisdiction [Axis] Jurisdiction [Axis] Statutory Accounting Practices, Jurisdiction [Domain] Statutory Accounting Practices, Jurisdiction [Domain] Pennsylvania and New York Pa and Ny [Member] Represents the domiciled states of Pennsylvania and New York in which statutory financial statements are required. Insurance holding companies generally are required to file reports in jurisdictions in which subsidiaries with significant underwritings are domiciled. Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA New York NEW YORK Statutory information Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] SAP Net income (loss) Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount SAP Capital and surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Minimum amount of statutory capital and surplus required for the Exchange's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Cash and securities deposited by the property and casualty and life entities with regulatory authorities under statutory requirements Assets Held by Insurance Regulators NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of Pennsylvania prescribed practices Statutory Capital and Surplus Applying National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Practices Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) Amount Available for Dividend Distribution without Prior Approval from Regulatory Agency as Percentage of Statutory Surplus The amount of dividends that may be paid or declared in any calendar year without prior approval of regulatory agencies expressed as a percentage of statutory surplus. Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of adjusted net investment income (as a percent) Dividend Available for Distribution without Prior Approval from Regulatory Authorities as Percentage of Adjusted Net Investment Income The amount of dividends that may be paid or declared in any calendar year without prior approval of regulatory agencies expressed as a percentage of adjusted net investment income. Maximum dividend payout that the Exchange could receive from its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries after regulatory restrictions Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments Amount of dividends paid from subsidiaries with prior approval from the state regulatory agency Statutory Accounting Practices, Dividends Paid with Approval of Regulatory Agency Maximum dividend payout that could be received from subsidiaries without prior approval from the regulatory agency Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Schedule of reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Indemnity Capital Stock Stock by Class [Text Block] The entire disclosure of an entity's stock (includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks), including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock including , and, the entire disclosure for an entity's treasury stock, including the average cost per share, carrying basis for each class of treasury stock, description of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's board of directors, the number of shares repurchased, the cost of the shares repurchased, the remaining maximum dollar value of shares available for repurchase under the program, the treatment of the purchase price in excess of the current market value, number of shares held for each class of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Postretirement Plans Changes in Indemnity's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component attributable to the Indemnity shareholder interest Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Balance, beginning of year Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance, end of year Supplemental employee retirement plan (SERP) Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Pre-retirement discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation Pre Retirement Discount Rate The pre-retirement interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the plan. Post-retirement discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation Post Retirement, Discount Rate The post-retirement interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the plan. Compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Pre-retirement discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Pre Retirement Discount Rate The pre-retirement interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money. Post-retirement discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Post Retirement Discount Rate The post-retirement interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money. Expected return on assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Number of economic assumptions that have the most impact on the postretirement benefit expense Number of Assumptions that Most Effect Postretirement Benefit (Expense) Represents the number of economic assumptions that have the most impact on the postretirement benefit expense. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Total Indemnity shareholders' equity Parent [Member] Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity - Exchange Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of year Realized gain on sale of life affiliate Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss Net income attributable to Indemnity Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Net purchase of treasury stock Comprehensive income Balance, end of year Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Premiums collected Proceeds from Insurance Premiums Collected Losses paid Payments for Losses Cash payments for losses (the actual damage) made by an insurance company to settle claims, during the period. Loss expenses paid Payments for Loss Adjustment Expense Cash payments for adjustment expenses (the expense incurred related to claims other than the actual loss, for example, legal fees) made by an insurance company to settle claims, during the period. Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid Payments for Underwriting Expense Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchase of investments: Payments to Acquire Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Preferred stock Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Common stock Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment Limited partnerships Sales/maturities of investments: Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments [Abstract] Fixed maturity sales Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Fixed maturity calls/maturities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Preferred stock Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Common stock Proceeds from Sale of Trading Securities Held-for-investment Sale of and returns on limited partnerships Net purchase of property and equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Net collections (distributions) on agent loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Loans Receivable Net distributions on life policy loans Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Annuity deposits and interest Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates Annuity surrenders and withdrawals Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates Universal life deposits and interest Proceeds from Universal Life Contracts The cash inflow from universal life contracts (a long-duration insurance contract) under which the policy holder makes a deposit, which accrues interest, less fees and charges related to the cost of insurance. Universal life surrenders Repayments of Universal Life Contracts The cash outflow from universal life contracts (a long-duration insurance contract) under which the policy holder makes a deposit, which accrues interest, less fees and charges related to the cost of insurance. Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid to shareholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash used in financing activities Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Specific details of accounting policies, including the line items affected and the financial effects of those policies. Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents, maximum maturity at the date of purchase (in months) Cash Equivalents Maximum Maturity Represents the maximum maturity period at date of purchase for an investment to be considered a cash equivalent. Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Reduction to unamortized acquisition costs due to a premium deficiency when considering investment income Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Net Investment Gains (Losses) Property and casualty unpaid losses and loss expenses Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract] Interest rate used to discount workers compensation loss reserves (as a percent) Workers' Compensation Discount, Percent Agent bonus estimates Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract] Performance period for agent bonuses (in months) Agent Bonus Performance Period Represents the period over which performance is measured for the estimation of agent bonuses. Period of prior year actual underwriting data used to estimate agent bonuses (in years) Agent Bonus Estimate Actual Underwriting Data, Period Represents the period of prior year actual underwriting data used to estimate agent bonuses. Recognition of management fee revenue Insurance Services Revenue [Abstract] Indemnity's maximum management fee rate as a percent of premiums written and assumed by the Exchange (as a percent) Insurance Agency Management Fee, Maximum Percent Represents the maximum management fee rate, determined by the board of directors of the entity, calculated as a percentage of the direct and affiliated assumed written premiums. Schedule of total capitalized software development costs subject to amortization and related amortization expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated future amortization expense related to capitalized software development costs Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Fair value of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year Actual gain on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Fair value of plan assets, end of year Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Contribution Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Plans [Domain] Defined Contribution Plans [Domain] [Domain] for Defined Contribution Plans [Axis] 100% employer matching contribution One Hundred Percent Match [Member] A 100 percent match of the provided unit. 50% employer matching contribution Fifty Percent Match [Member] A 50 percent match of the provided unit. Employee savings plan Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans Disclosures [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans Disclosures [Table] Percentage of employer matching contribution of employee contributions (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Percentage of eligible employee compensation, matched by employer (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Employer matching contribution paid to the plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Class A common stock held by plan participants (in shares) Defined Contribution Plan Number of Equity Securities Issued by Employer and Related Parties Included in Plan Assets The number of employer shares or related party shares included in the defined contribution plan assets. Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Table] Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Table] Property and casualty insurance operations Life insurance operations SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items] Deferred policy acquisition costs Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reserves for losses, loss expenses, life policy deposit contracts Supplementary Insurance Information, Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expense Reserves Unearned premiums Supplementary Insurance Information, Unearned Premiums Premiums earned Supplementary Insurance Information, Premium Revenue Net investment income Supplementary Insurance Information, Net Investment Income Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses Supplementary Insurance Information, Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expense Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Supplementary Insurance Information, Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other operating expenses Supplementary Insurance Information, Other Operating Expense Net premiums written (excluding life) Supplementary Insurance Information, Premiums Written Expected employer contribution during next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Funded status at end of period Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Pension liability recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Pension liabilities - due within one year Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension liabilities - due after one year Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Dividends declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Text Block] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract] Schedule of reconciliation of property and casualty beginning and ending loss and loss expense reserve balances Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block] Property and Casualty Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses Liability for Unpaid Claims Disclosures [Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for the various components of the reserve for claims and claims adjustment expenses; the significant assumptions for estimating claims losses; causes of significant variances from prior periods (such as catastrophes, asbestos and environmental claims reserve losses); and reconciliations of beginning to ending reserve balances. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity disclosures Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Indemnity Supplemental Information Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Bank Line of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Amounts included in shareholders' equity (unamortized): Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net amount not yet recognized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into pension cost during next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into pension cost during next fiscal year, before tax Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Estimated net prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into pension cost during next fiscal year, before tax Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income for pension plans: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Amortization of net actuarial loss Amortization of prior service cost Net actuarial (gain) loss arising during the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Amendments Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Amendments During Period before Tax Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from plan amendments, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Total recognized in other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Number of new plan participants resulting in charges recognized as amendments (number of participants) Defined Benefit Plan Number of New Plan Participants Related to Amendments The number of new plan participants for which amendment charges were recognized. Information for the defined benefit pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Plan assets Accumulated benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Private equity Private Equity Funds [Member] Mezzanine debt Mezzanine Funds [Member] Investments held in mezzanine funds. Contractual commitments to invest in limited partnership investments Other Commitments [Line Items] Represents the entity's maximum contractual commitments to invest in its limited partnership investments Other Commitment Description of commitment: contractual commitment to invest in limited partnership investments Other Commitments, Description Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table] Schedule of unamortized portion as of the balance sheet date of capitalized acquisition costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Components of the Property and Casualty Group's and EFL's deferred policy acquisition costs assets Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward] Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of year Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Net Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Amount of the increase (decrease) during the period in deferred policy acquisition costs attributable to unrealized investments gains (losses) charged to other comprehensive income in the period. Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of year Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving line of credit Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Bank Line of Credit Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity under the bank revolving line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum letter of credit sublimit under the bank revolving line of credit Letters Of Credit Maximum, Amount The maximum letters of credit capcity under the credit facility as of the reporting date. Expiration date of the bank revolving line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Available borrowing capacity under the bank revolving line of credit, due to outstanding letters of credit Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Outstanding amount of letters of credit sublimit under the bank revolving line of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Available amount of letters of credit sublimit under the bank revolving line of credit Letters Of Credit Available, Amount The available amount of letters of credit less the amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility as of the reporting date. Borrowings outstanding under the bank revolving line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Fair value of bonds pledged as collateral on the bank revolving line of credit Security Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Fair Value Total plan Equity compensation plan Equity Compensation Plan [Member] Represents the entity's equity compensation plan, which is designed to reward key employees, as determined by the entity's compensation committee or the chief executive officer, who can have a significant impact on the entity's long-term performance and to further align the interests of such employees with those of the entity's shareholders. The equity compensation plan permits grants of restricted shares, restricted share units and other share based awards, to be satisfied with shares of the entity's Class A common stock or cash. Stock compensation plan for outside directors Stock Compensation Plan Outside Directors [Member] Represents the entity's stock compensation plan for outside directors, which is a plan to further align the interests of the directors with those of the entity's shareholders that provides for a portion of the directors' annual compensation in shares of the entity's Class A common stock. Upon ending board service, directors are paid shares of our Class A common stock equal to the number of share credits in their deferred stock account. Incentive Plan by Performance Period [Axis] Incentive Plan by Performance Period [Axis] Information pertaining to the entity's incentive plans, by the period over which performance is measured to determine the award. Incentive Plan Performance Period [Domain] Incentive Plan Performance Period [Domain] Identification of the period over which performance is measured to determine awards under the entity's incentive plans. 2011-2013 performance period Performance Period Long Term Incentive Plan 2011 To 2013 [Member] Represents the 2011-2013 performance period under the entity's Long-Term Incentive Plan. 2010-2012 performance period Performance Period Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 to 2012 [Member] Represents the 2010-2012 performance period under the entity's Long-Term Incentive Plan. 2009-2011 performance period Performance Period Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 to 2011 [Member] Represents the 2009-2011 performance period under the entity's Long-Term Incentive Plan. Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Three month vesting period Three Month Vesting Period [Member] For the entity's stock compensation plan for outside directors, each director vests in the grant 25% every three months over the course of a year. Vesting period of performance and/or service condition(s) (in years and/or months) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Maximum number of shares authorized for grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum number of shares which may be received by any single participant during any specified period (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee Per Specified Period The maximum number of shares that may be earned by any single participant during any specified period, which may be a specified performance period or calendar year, net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. Maximum dollar amount which may be received by any single participant during any specified period Incentive Plan Maximum Compensation Expense Per Employee Per Specified Period The maximum amount of expense that may be earned by any single participant during any specified period, which may be a specified performance period or calendar year, arising from incentive plan compensation arrangements, other than share-based awards, with employees, directors and potentially certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Compensation cost related to share-based compensation plan awards Tax benefits recognized in income related to award expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Total unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested LTIP awards related to open performance periods Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Expected period of recognition related to unrecognized compensation cost (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Vesting percent of the grant in Class A common stock (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Realized (gains) losses and impairments on investments Realized Investment Gains (Losses) and Impairment of Investments The net realized gains or losses on investments during the period, not including gains or losses on securities separately or otherwise categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, offset by the amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income. Equity in earnings of limited partnerships Net amortization of bond premium Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Increase in deferred compensation Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation (Increase) decrease in receivables, reinsurance recoverables, and reserve credits Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase in accrued commissions and agent bonuses Increase (Decrease) in Reserve for Commissions, Expense and Taxes Increase (decrease) in loss reserves Increase (Decrease) in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Increase in future life policy benefits and claims reserves Increase (Decrease) in Future Policy Benefit Reserves Increase in unearned premiums Increase (Decrease) in Unearned Premiums SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investment Equity Method Ownership Percent [Axis] Schedule of Equity Method Investment Equity Method Ownership Percent [Axis] Represents the categorization of equity by ownership percentage. Equity Method Investment Ownership Percent [Domain] Equity Method Investment Ownership Percent [Domain] Represents the categories of percentages of ownership in equity method investees. Less than 10% Equity Method Investment Ownership Percent Less Than 10 Percent [Member] Represents the category of equity method investees in which the entity has less than 10% ownership. Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50% Equity Method Investment Ownership Percent Greater than or Equal to 10 Percent but Less than 50 Percent [Member] Represents the category of equity method investees in which the entity has greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50% ownership. Greater than 50% Equity Method Investment Ownership Percent Greater than 50 Percent [Member] Represents the category of equity investees in which the entity has greater than 50% ownership. Number of partnerships Equity Method Investments, Number of Partnerships Represents the number of limited partnership investments recorded using the equity method of accounting. Asset recorded Income (loss) recognized due to valuation adjustments by the partnerships Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Partnership Valuation Adjustments Represents the entity's proportionate share of net income (loss) attributable to valuation adjustments of its investee to which the equity method of accounting is applied. There is a one-quarter lag in the reporting of limited partnership investments by the reporting entity due to the timing of when financial statements are received. Income (loss) recorded Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments before Partnership Valuation Adjustments Represents the entity's proportionate share of net income (loss) excluding valuation adjustments of its investee to which the equity method of accounting is applied. There is a one-quarter lag in the reporting of limited partnership investments by the reporting entity due to the timing of when financial statements are received. Per the limited partner financial statements Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Total partnership assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Total partnership liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Total partnership valuation adjustment gains Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Partnership Valuation Adjustments Total valuation adjustments reported in net income (loss) by all investees accounted for under the equity method. There is generally a one-quarter lag in the reporting of limited partnership investments by the reporting entity due to the timing of when financial statements are received. Total partnership net income Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information, Partnership Net Income (Loss) Total net income (loss) excluding valuation adjustments reported by all investees accounted for under the equity method. There is generally a one-quarter lag in the reporting of limited partnership investments by the reporting entity due to the timing of when financial statements are received. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating segment Operating Segments [Member] Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Reduction in commission expense due to adjustment Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Indemnity commission expense adjustment description Immaterial Error Correction Total investment revenues Insurance Investment Income Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Premiums earned/life policy revenue Premiums Earned Net Adjusted for Consolidating Presentation Premiums earned for all insurance and reinsurance contracts after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer and adding premiums assumed from other insurers, adjusted for consolidating presentation. Net impairment losses recognized in earnings Management fee revenue Service agreement and other revenue Benefits and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Insurance losses and loss expenses Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred Net Adjusted for Consolidating Presentation Provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses incurred during the period net of the effects of contracts assumed and ceded, adjusted for consolidating presentation. Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Amortization Expense and Other Underwriting Expense This element represents expenses related to both deferred policy acquisition costs, amortization expense (amount of deferred policy acquisition costs charged to expense in the period, generally in proportion to related revenue earned, estimated gross profits, or over the customer relationship or some other period) and other underwriting expenses (costs incurred during the period, such as those relating to general administration and policy maintenance that do not vary with and are not primarily related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts). Total benefits and expenses Income Statement [Abstract] Premiums earned Other income Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity - Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Common stock - basic (in shares) Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity - Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Common stock - diluted (in shares) Amortized cost, fixed maturities Amortized cost, equity securities Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross unrealized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized gains before deducting pre-tax unrealized losses on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss before deducting pre-tax unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Estimated fair value, equity securities Estimated fair value Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Schedule of the activity in the reserve for settling insured claims and expenses incurred in the claims settlement process for the period. Property and casualty unpaid losses and loss expenses Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Reconciliation of property and casualty beginning and ending loss and loss expense reserve balances Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Losses and loss expense reserves, beginning of year, – Gross Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross Less: reinsurance recoverable, beginning of year Losses and loss expense reserves, beginning of year, – Net Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net Incurred losses and loss expenses related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract] Current accident year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Current Year Prior accident years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims, Prior Years Total incurred losses and loss expenses Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Paid losses and loss expenses related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract] Current accident year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year Prior accident years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Total paid losses and loss expenses Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid Losses and loss expense reserves, end of year, – Net Add: reinsurance recoverable, end of year Losses and loss expense reserves, end of year, – Gross Reduction in unpaid losses and loss expenses as a result of discounting workers compensation loss reserves Workers' Compensation Discount, Amount Receivables for salvage and subrogation Salvage and Subrogation Recoveries, Value