Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of the Property and Casualty Group's and EFL's deferred policy acquisition costs assets
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of year	$ 504
Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs	(778)	(715)	(680)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of year	566	504
Property and Casualty Group
Components of the Property and Casualty Group's and EFL's deferred policy acquisition costs assets
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of year	364	343
Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs	801	726
Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs	(763)	(705)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of year	402	364
Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL)
Components of the Property and Casualty Group's and EFL's deferred policy acquisition costs assets
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, beginning of year	140	144
Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs	15	17
Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs	(15)	(10)
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs	24	(11)
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset, end of year	$ 164	$ 140