Investments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	$ 7,431	$ 6,632	$ 14,691	$ 13,089
Less: investment expenses	327	393	767	869
Investment income, net of expenses	7,104	6,239	13,924	12,220
Fixed maturities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	6,263	6,220	12,373	12,124
Equity securities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	142	17	284	49
Cash equivalents and other
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	1,026	395	2,034	916
Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL)
Investment income from portfolios
Note receivable from EFL, interest income recognized by Indemnity	$ 400	$ 400	$ 800	$ 800

Represents the total of interest and dividend income, including any amortization and accretion (as applicable) of discounts and premiums, earned from (1) loans and leases whether held-for-sale or held-in-portfolio; (2) investment securities; (3) federal funds sold; (4) securities purchased under agreements to resell; (5) investments in banker's acceptances, commercial paper, or certificates of deposit; (6) dividend income; or (7) other investments not otherwise specified herein.

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