Investments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	$ 7,930	$ 6,170	$ 22,621	$ 19,259
Less: investment expenses	271	188	1,038	1,057
Investment income, net of expenses	7,659	5,982	21,583	18,202
Fixed maturities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	6,243	4,234	18,616	16,358
Equity securities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	203	0	487	49
Cash equivalents and other
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	1,484	1,936	3,518	2,852
Erie Family Life Insurance Company (EFL)
Investment income from portfolios
Note receivable from EFL, interest income recognized by Indemnity	$ 400	$ 400	$ 1,300	$ 1,300

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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