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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths) 30.00%emci_PercentageOfPoolParticipation 30.00%emci_PercentageOfPoolParticipation 30.00%emci_PercentageOfPoolParticipation
Other benefit plans expenses (including 401(k)) allocated to the Company $ 1,688emci_OtherBenefitPlanExpensesAllocatedFromParent $ 1,457emci_OtherBenefitPlanExpensesAllocatedFromParent $ 1,823emci_OtherBenefitPlanExpensesAllocatedFromParent
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]      
Assets [Abstract]      
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits 13,267us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
18,310us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Liability [Abstract]      
Pension and postretirement benefits (4,162)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
(3,401)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized 9,105us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
14,909us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]      
Net actuarial loss (15,097)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
(7,606)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Prior service (cost) credit (25)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
(34)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized (15,122)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
(7,640)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]      
Amortization of net actuarial loss 641us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
   
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (10)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
   
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]      
Net actuarial gain (loss) (7,492)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
15,694us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Prior service (cost) credit 10us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
15us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized (7,482)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
15,709us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]      
Net periodic benefit cost 680us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
3,013us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
4,115us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]      
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 239,109us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
247,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Service cost 12,863us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,213us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
12,386us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Interest cost 9,664us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,656us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
8,819us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Actuarial (gain) loss 19,257us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(14,459)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Benefits paid (13,764)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(14,591)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Medicare subsidy reimbursements 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Plan amendments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 267,129us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
239,109us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
247,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
240,034us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 15,029us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
48,623us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Employer contributions 7,833us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
14,684us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Benefits paid (13,764)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(14,591)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 297,848us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
240,034us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Funded status 30,719us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
49,641us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]      
Service cost 12,863us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,213us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
12,386us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Interest cost 9,664us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,656us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
8,819us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Expected return on plan assets (20,733)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(17,150)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(14,926)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Amortization of net actuarial loss 366us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
5,962us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,809us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 31us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
50us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
291us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Net periodic benefit cost 2,191us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
9,731us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,379us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 3.57%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.17%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 4.17%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3.24%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.13%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) 7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]      
2015 23,982us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
2016 21,655us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
2017 21,601us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
2018 22,418us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour
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= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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2019 23,668us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive
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2020 - 2024 119,109us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 297,848us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
240,034us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service 3 years    
Defined benefit plan, age of attainment years 55 years    
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 297,848us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]      
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths) 4.73%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
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4.73%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]      
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths) 4.73%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
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4.73%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.73%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 297,848us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
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288,750us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Parent Total Contributions Next Fiscal Year 7,000emci_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureParentTotalContributionsNextFiscalYear
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Bond and Mortgage Separate Account [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 34,901us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
32,843us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 34,901us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_BondAndMortgageSeparateAccountMember
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32,843us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | U.S. Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 119,577us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
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110,279us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 119,577us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
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110,279us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | International Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 57,955us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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62,840us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 57,955us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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62,840us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | U.S. Bond Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 63,443us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
60,200us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 63,443us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
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60,200us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Real Estate Separate Account [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 17,735us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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13,758us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 17,735us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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13,758us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Short-Term Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,237us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
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7,672us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 4,237us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ShortTermSeparateAccountMember
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7,672us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Real Estate Securities Fund [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year   1,158us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure   1,158us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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1,158us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
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1,158us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Bond and Mortgage Separate Account [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | International Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Bond Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_BondAndMortgageSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_USStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | International Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_InternationalStockSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Bond Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
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/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_DomesticBondsSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Real Estate Separate Account [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_RealEstateSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_RealEstateSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_RealEstateSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_RealEstateSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-Term Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ShortTermSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ShortTermSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ShortTermSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ShortTermSeparateAccountMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Real Estate Securities Fund [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure   0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_QualifiedPensionPlanMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service 3 years    
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Projected benefit obligation 13,057us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
10,856us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Accumulated benefit obligation 12,121us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
10,485us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair value of plan assets 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]      
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths) 4.68%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.68%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]      
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths) 4.68%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.68%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.68%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Net [Member]      
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]      
2015 2,698us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
2016 2,861us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
2017 2,966us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
2018 3,172us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
2019 3,259us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
2020 - 2024 16,966us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ emci_PostretirementBenefitsAxis
= emci_NetMember
   
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]      
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]      
Plan amendments   26,937us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Amortization Period For Prior Service Credit From Plan Amendment 10 years    
Assets [Abstract]      
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits 4,093us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
4,811us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Liability [Abstract]      
Pension and postretirement benefits 0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized 4,093us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
4,811us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]      
Net actuarial loss (7,258)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
(6,827)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Prior service (cost) credit 27,458us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
30,828us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized 20,200us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
24,001us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]      
Amortization of net actuarial loss 494us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
   
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 3,317us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
   
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]      
Net actuarial gain (loss) (431)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
8,306us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Prior service (cost) credit (3,370)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
26,274us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Net amount recognized (3,801)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
34,580us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]      
Net periodic benefit cost (3,083)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
2,912us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
3,287us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceGroupIncMember
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]      
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 50,006us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
155,102us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Service cost 1,260us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,300us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,150us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Interest cost 2,254us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,172us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,537us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Actuarial (gain) loss 3,516us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(18,582)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Benefits paid (2,533)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(2,588)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Medicare subsidy reimbursements 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
306us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Plan amendments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(96,704)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 54,503us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
50,006us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
155,102us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 67,276us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
57,815us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 4,547us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
11,549us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Employer contributions 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
500us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Benefits paid (2,533)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(2,588)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 69,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
67,276us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
57,815us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Funded status 14,787us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
17,270us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]      
Service cost 1,260us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,300us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,150us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Interest cost 2,254us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,172us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6,537us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Expected return on plan assets (4,396)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(3,631)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(3,219)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,651us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3,694us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4,008us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (11,466)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(2,491)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
(2,131)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Net periodic benefit cost (10,697)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
10,044us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
11,345us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 4.04%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.71%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]      
Discount rate (in hundredths) 4.71%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.03%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
4.59%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) 6.75%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
6.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
Assumed health care cost trend rate [Abstract]      
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (in hundredths)   7.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) (in hundredths)   5.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate   2024  
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 69,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
67,276us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
57,815us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 69,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
67,276us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 69,290us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
67,276us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Parent Total Contributions Next Fiscal Year 0emci_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureParentTotalContributionsNextFiscalYear
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,644us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
575us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Net asset value per share (in dollars per share) $ 1.00emci_NetAssetValuePerShare
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 4,644us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
575us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,187us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3,224us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 4,187us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3,224us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 36,451us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
39,710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 36,451us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
39,710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3,425us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
2,865us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 3,425us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
2,865us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 7,175us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,675us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 7,175us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,675us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 13,227us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 13,408us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,227us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 13,408us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,227us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Reconciliation of the plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 13,227us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
12,872us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Actual return on plan assets [Abstract]      
Increase in cash accumulation value of life insurance contracts 367us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
355us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Gain on life insurance death benefit 89us-gaap_LifeSettlementContractsFairValueMethodGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_LifeSettlementContractsFairValueMethodGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Settlement of life insurance death benefit (275)us-gaap_LifeSettlementContractsFairValueMethodFaceValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_LifeSettlementContractsFairValueMethodFaceValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Balance at end of period 13,408us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,227us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 55,882us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
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/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
54,049us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 55,882us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
54,049us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,644us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
575us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 4,644us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
575us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,187us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3,224us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 4,187us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
3,224us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_EmergingMarketsEtfMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 36,451us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
39,710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 36,451us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
39,710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3,425us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
2,865us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 3,425us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
2,865us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_TaxExemptFixedIncomeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 7,175us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,675us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 7,175us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
7,675us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
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0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_ForeignEquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]      
Change in plan assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 13,408us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
13,227us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
 
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure $ 13,408us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember
$ 13,227us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= emci_LifeInsuranceInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= emci_VoluntaryEmployeeBeneficiaryAssociationTrustMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= emci_EmcInsuranceCompaniesMember