XML 84 R103.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Statutory Information (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Exchange | Pennsylvania and New York      
Statutory information      
Cash and securities deposited by the property and casualty and life entities with regulatory authorities under statutory requirements $ 15us-gaap_AssetsHeldByInsuranceRegulators
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
   
Property and casualty insurance operations | Exchange | Pennsylvania and New York      
Statutory information      
SAP Capital and surplus 364us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
   
Minimum amount of statutory capital and surplus required for the Exchange's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries 12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusRequired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
   
Maximum dividend payout that the Exchange could receive from its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries after regulatory restrictions 35us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPayments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
   
Amount of dividends paid from subsidiaries with prior approval from the state regulatory agency 0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= erie_PaAndNyMember
Property and casualty insurance operations | Exchange | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 353us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
479us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
311us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
SAP Capital and surplus 6,817us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
6,467us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
 
NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of Pennsylvania prescribed practices 6,200us-gaap_StatutoryCapitalAndSurplusApplyingNationalAssociationOfInsuranceCommissionersNAICPractices
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Property and casualty insurance operations | Erie Insurance Company (EIC) | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
17us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
14us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
SAP Capital and surplus 312us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
294us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
 
NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of Pennsylvania prescribed practices 307us-gaap_StatutoryCapitalAndSurplusApplyingNationalAssociationOfInsuranceCommissionersNAICPractices
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) 10.00%erie_AmountAvailableForDividendDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAgencyAsPercentageOfStatutorySurplus
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Property and casualty insurance operations | Erie Insurance Company of New York (ENY) | New York      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
1us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
(1)us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
SAP Capital and surplus 28us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
22us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
 
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) 10.00%erie_AmountAvailableForDividendDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAgencyAsPercentageOfStatutorySurplus
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
   
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of adjusted net investment income (as a percent) 100.00%erie_DividendAvailableForDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAuthoritiesAsPercentageOfAdjustedNetInvestmentIncome
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsuranceCompanyOfNewYorkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_NY
   
Property and casualty insurance operations | Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (EPC) | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
SAP Capital and surplus 12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
 
NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of Pennsylvania prescribed practices 0us-gaap_StatutoryCapitalAndSurplusApplyingNationalAssociationOfInsuranceCommissionersNAICPractices
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) 10.00%erie_AmountAvailableForDividendDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAgencyAsPercentageOfStatutorySurplus
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieInsurancePropertyAndCasualtyCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Property and casualty insurance operations | Flagship City Insurance Company (Flagship) | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
SAP Capital and surplus 12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
12us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
 
NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of Pennsylvania prescribed practices 0us-gaap_StatutoryCapitalAndSurplusApplyingNationalAssociationOfInsuranceCommissionersNAICPractices
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) 10.00%erie_AmountAvailableForDividendDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAgencyAsPercentageOfStatutorySurplus
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_FlagshipCityInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Life insurance operations | Exchange | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
Maximum dividend available for distribution without prior approval by the state regulatory agency, as percentage of statutory surplus (as a percent) 10.00%erie_AmountAvailableForDividendDistributionWithoutPriorApprovalFromRegulatoryAgencyAsPercentageOfStatutorySurplus
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Amount of dividends paid from subsidiaries with prior approval from the state regulatory agency 0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
0us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDividendsPaidWithApprovalOfRegulatoryAgency
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
Maximum dividend payout that could be received from subsidiaries without prior approval from the regulatory agency 30us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
   
Life insurance operations | Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL) | Pennsylvania      
Statutory information      
SAP Net income (loss) 10us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieFamilyLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
15us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieFamilyLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
25us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieFamilyLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
SAP Capital and surplus $ 303us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieFamilyLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA
$ 291us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= erie_ErieFamilyLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesByJurisdictionAxis
= stpr_PA