Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

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+ Details

Goodwill Impairment (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2011 Indemnity Erie Family Life Insurance Company ("EFL")	Dec. 31, 2010 Exchange	Mar. 31, 2011 Exchange Erie Family Life Insurance Company ("EFL")	Dec. 31, 2006 Exchange Erie Family Life Insurance Company ("EFL")
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill attributed to the Exchange's purchase of EFL stock					$ 22
Indemnity's ownership interest in EFL sold to the Exchange (as a percent)		21.60%
Purchase price determination of EFL based upon a valuation as a percent of book value				95.00%
Charge related to the Exchange's impairment of goodwill	$ 22		$ 22