Erie Indemnity (ERIE) 10-Q 2 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 12, 2019
Entity Registrant Name	ERIE INDEMNITY CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000922621
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,189,068
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,542

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUD

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating revenue
Operating revenue	$ 594,106,000	$ 572,160,000
Operating expenses
Operating expenses	507,984,000	494,593,000
Operating income	86,122,000	77,567,000
Investment income
Net investment income	8,517,000	6,820,000
Net realized investment gains (losses)	2,503,000	(465,000)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(78,000)	0
Equity in losses of limited partnerships	(1,147,000)	(192,000)
Total investment income	9,795,000	6,163,000
Interest expense, net	449,000	553,000
Other income	47,000	44,000
Income before income taxes	95,515,000	83,221,000
Income tax expense	20,204,000	17,463,000
Net income	$ 75,311,000	$ 65,758,000
Class A Common Stock
Net income per share
Common stock - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.62	$ 1.41
Common stock - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.44	$ 1.26
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic
Common stock - basic (in shares)	46,188,337	46,187,908
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted
Common stock - diluted (in shares)	52,312,036	52,310,628
Dividends declared per share
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.90	$ 0.84
Class B Common Stock
Net income per share
Common stock - basic (in dollars per share)	243	212
Common stock - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 243	$ 212
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic
Common stock - basic (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted
Common stock - diluted (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Dividends declared per share
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 135	$ 126
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services
Operating revenue
Operating revenue	$ 430,983,000	$ 405,978,000
Operating expenses
Operating expenses	365,504,000	348,630,000
Management fee revenue - administrative services
Operating revenue
Operating revenue	13,951,000	13,074,000
Administrative services reimbursements
Operating revenue
Operating revenue	142,480,000	145,963,000
Operating expenses
Operating expenses	142,480,000	145,963,000
Service agreement revenue
Operating revenue
Operating revenue	$ 6,692,000	$ 7,145,000

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INC

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 75,311	$ 65,758
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	5,478	(5,427)
Amortization of prior service costs and net actuarial loss on pension and other postretirement plans	1,232	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,710	(5,427)
Comprehensive income	$ 82,021	$ 60,331

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIO

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 312,045	$ 266,417
Available-for-sale securities	139,994	402,339
Receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates	456,135	449,873
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,997	36,892
Federal income taxes recoverable	0	8,162
Accrued investment income	4,220	5,263
Total current assets	962,391	1,168,946
Available-for-sale securities	534,925	346,184
Equity securities	12,410	11,853
Limited partnership investments	30,038	34,821
Fixed assets, net	144,652	130,832
Deferred income taxes, net	22,180	24,101
Other assets	92,860	61,590
Total assets	1,799,456	1,778,327
Current liabilities:
Commissions payable	253,002	241,573
Agent bonuses	26,129	103,462
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	123,179	111,291
Dividends payable	41,913	41,910
Contract liability	34,116	33,854
Deferred executive compensation	10,346	13,107
Federal income taxes payable	11,946	0
Current portion of long-term borrowings	1,891	1,870
Total current liabilities	502,522	547,067
Defined benefit pension plans	123,270	116,866
Long-term borrowings	97,382	97,860
Contract liability	17,907	17,873
Deferred executive compensation	16,817	13,075
Other long-term liabilities	27,754	11,914
Total liabilities	785,652	804,655
Shareholders’ equity
Additional paid-in-capital	16,483	16,459
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(123,574)	(130,284)
Retained earnings	2,264,815	2,231,417
Total contributed capital and retained earnings	2,159,894	2,119,762
Treasury stock, at cost; 22,110,132 shares held	(1,158,779)	(1,157,625)
Deferred compensation	12,689	11,535
Total shareholders’ equity	1,013,804	973,672
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,799,456	1,778,327
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock	1,992	1,992
Class B Common Stock
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock	$ 178	$ 178

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSIT_2

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Treasury stock (in shares)	22,110,132	22,110,132
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, stated value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0292	$ 0.0292
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	74,996,930	74,996,930
Common stock, issued (in shares)	68,299,200	68,299,200
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	46,189,068	46,189,068
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, stated value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 70	$ 70
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	3,070	3,070
Common stock, issued (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Ratio for converting shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (as a percent)	2400.00%	2400.00%

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQU

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Common stockClass A Common Stock	Common stockClass B Common Stock	Additional paid-in-capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings	Retained earningsClass A Common Stock	Retained earningsClass B Common Stock	Treasury stock	Deferred compensation
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 857,344			$ 1,992	$ 178	$ 16,470	$ (156,059)	$ 2,140,853			$ (1,155,668)	$ 9,578
Increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity
Net income		65,758							65,758
OCI (loss)		(5,427)						(5,427)
Dividends declared:			$ (38,799)	$ (320)						$ (38,799)	$ (320)
Net purchase of treasury stock	[1]	(9)					(9)					0
Deferred compensation		0										(1,663)	1,663
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018		840,155			1,992	178	16,461	(161,486)	2,129,100			(1,157,331)	11,241
Increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity
Cumulative effect adjustments	[2]	(38,392)							(38,392)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		973,672			1,992	178	16,459	(130,284)	2,231,417			(1,157,625)	11,535
Increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity
Net income		75,311							75,311
OCI (loss)		6,710						6,710
Dividends declared:			$ (41,570)	$ (343)						$ (41,570)	$ (343)
Net purchase of treasury stock	[1]	24					24					0
Deferred compensation		0										(1,154)	1,154
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019		$ 1,013,804			$ 1,992	$ 178	$ 16,483	$ (123,574)	$ 2,264,815			$ (1,158,779)	$ 12,689
[1]	Net purchases of treasury stock in 2019 and 2018 include the repurchase of our Class A common stock in the open market that were subsequently distributed to satisfy stock based compensation awards. See Note 11, "Capital Stock", for additional information on treasury stock transactions.
[2]	Cumulative effect adjustments are primarily related to the implementation of new revenue recognition guidance effective January 1, 2018.

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' E_2

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Class A Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.90	$ 0.84
Class B Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 135	$ 126

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUD

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Management fee received	$ 433,735	$ 418,897
Administrative services reimbursements received	148,308	150,422
Service agreement fee received	6,692	7,145
Net investment income received	9,112	8,951
Limited partnership distributions	1,225	426
Commissions paid to agents	(204,633)	(192,803)
Agents bonuses paid	(104,689)	(122,607)
Salaries and wages paid	(50,840)	(54,668)
Pension contributions and employee benefits paid	(10,875)	(49,199)
General operating expenses paid	(60,439)	(59,033)
Administrative services expenses paid	(143,046)	(146,935)
Income taxes recovered (paid)	138	(276)
Interest paid	(448)	(550)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	24,240	(40,230)
Purchase of investments:
Available-for-sale securities	(220,811)	(77,263)
Equity securities	0	(1,035)
Limited partnerships	(9)	(31)
Proceeds from investments:
Available-for-sale securities sales	149,155	57,717
Available-for-sale securities maturities/calls	154,343	28,473
Equity securities	0	1,055
Limited partnerships	2,411	910
Purchase of fixed assets	(17,411)	(8,691)
Distributions on agent loans	(6,233)	(19,310)
Collections on agent loans	2,313	1,436
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	63,758	(16,739)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(41,910)	(39,116)
Net payments on long-term borrowings	(460)	(9)
Net cash used in financing activities	(42,370)	(39,125)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	45,628	(96,094)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	266,417	215,721
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	312,045	119,627
Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 32,515	$ 0

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Erie Indemnity Company ("Indemnity", "we", "us", "our") is a publicly held Pennsylvania business corporation that has since its incorporation in 1925 served as the attorney-in-fact for the subscribers (policyholders) at the Erie Insurance Exchange ("Exchange"). The Exchange, which also commenced business in 1925, is a Pennsylvania-domiciled reciprocal insurer that writes property and casualty insurance. Our primary function as attorney-in-fact is to perform policy issuance and renewal services on behalf of the subscribers at the Exchange. We also act as attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to all claims handling and investment management services, as well as the service provider for all claims handling, life insurance, and investment management services for its insurance subsidiaries, collectively referred to as "administrative services". Acting as attorney-in-fact in these two capacities is done in accordance with a subscriber's agreement (a limited power of attorney) executed individually by each subscriber (policyholder), which appoints us as their common attorney-in-fact to transact certain business on their behalf. Pursuant to the subscriber's agreement for acting as attorney-in-fact in these two capacities, we earn a management fee calculated as a percentage of the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The policy issuance and renewal services we provide to the Exchange are related to the sales, underwriting and issuance of policies. The sales related services we provide include agent compensation and certain sales and advertising support services. Agent compensation includes scheduled commissions to agents based upon premiums written as well as additional commissions and bonuses to agents, which are earned by achieving targeted measures. The underwriting services we provide include underwriting and policy processing. The remaining services we provide include customer service and administrative support. We also provide information technology services that support all the functions listed above. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these policy issuance and renewal functions. By virtue of its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. Claims handling services include costs incurred in the claims process, including the adjustment, investigation, defense, recording and payment functions. Life insurance management services include costs incurred in the management and processing of life insurance business. Investment management services are related to investment trading activity, accounting and all other functions attributable to the investment of funds. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these administrative functions. The amounts incurred for these services are reimbursed to Indemnity at cost in accordance with the subscriber's agreement and the service agreements. State insurance regulations require that intercompany service agreements and any material amendments be approved in advance by the state insurance department. Our results of operations are tied to the growth and financial condition of the Exchange. If any events occurred that impaired the Exchange’s ability to grow or sustain its financial condition, including but not limited to reduced financial strength ratings, disruption in the independent agency relationships, significant catastrophe losses, or products not meeting customer demands, the Exchange could find it more difficult to retain its existing business and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Exchange almost certainly would have as a consequence a decline in the total premiums paid and a correspondingly adverse effect on the amount of the management fees we receive. We also have an exposure to a concentration of credit risk related to the unsecured receivables due from the Exchange for its management fee and cost reimbursements. See Note 13, "Concentrations of Credit Risk".

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 . For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2019 . Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently adopted accounting standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, "Leases" , which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from operating leases on the Statements of Financial Position and to disclose certain information about leasing arrangements. We adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which permits entities to apply the new guidance prospectively with certain practical expedients available. We elected the package of practical expedients which among other things allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classifications. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term for existing leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets of $32.7 million and operating lease liabilities of $32.1 million on the Statement of Financial Position at January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations and had no impact on our net cash flows. Recently issued accounting standards In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-15, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software" , which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments under ASU 2018-15 may be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption and early adoption is permitted. We plan to adopt this guidance on a prospective basis and do not expect a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses" , which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of a new forward-looking expected loss model and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 is permitted. We have evaluated the impact of this guidance on our invested assets. Our investments are not measured at amortized cost, and therefore do not require the use of a new expected loss model. Our available-for-sale debt securities will continue to be monitored for credit losses which would be reflected as an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction of the carrying value of the asset. Other financial assets subject to this guidance include our receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and its subsidiaries and agent loans. Given the financial strength of the Exchange, demonstrated by its strong surplus position and industry ratings, it is unlikely these receivables would have significant, if any, credit loss exposure. Accordingly, we do not expect a material impact on our financial statements or related disclosures as a result of this guidance. Other assets Other assets include agent loans, operating lease assets and other long-term prepaid assets. Agent loans are carried at unpaid principal balance with interest recorded in investment income as earned. It is our policy to charge the loans that are in default directly to expense. We do not record an allowance for credit losses on these loans, as the majority of the loans are senior secured and historically have had insignificant default amounts. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease, and the related lease classification, is made at inception of a contract. Our leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recorded at inception based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When an implicit rate for the lease is not available, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Most of our lease contracts contain lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components are expensed as incurred. Operating lease assets are included in other assets, and the current and noncurrent portions of the operating lease liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Statement of Financial Position.

Revenue

Revenue	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue The majority of our revenue is derived from the subscriber’s agreement between us and the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement, we earn a management fee calculated as a percentage, not to exceed 25% , of all direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange. We allocate a portion of our management fee revenue, currently 25% of the direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange, between the two performance obligations we have under the subscriber’s agreement. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services to the subscribers (policyholders) at the Exchange, and the second is to act as attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services. The transaction price, including management fee revenue and administrative service reimbursement revenue, is allocated based on the estimated standalone selling prices developed using industry information and other available information for similar services. We update the transaction price allocation annually based upon the most recent information available. There was no material change to the allocation in 2019. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services that result in executed insurance policies between the Exchange or one of its insurance subsidiaries and the subscriber (policyholder). Our customer, the subscriber (policyholder), receives economic benefits when substantially all the policy issuance or renewal services are complete and an insurance policy is issued or renewed by the Exchange or one of its insurance subsidiaries. It is at the time of policy issuance or renewal that the allocated portion of revenue is recognized. The Exchange, by virtue of its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services in accordance with the subscriber's agreement. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. Collectively, these services represent a second performance obligation under the subscriber’s agreement and the service agreements. The revenue allocated to this performance obligation is recognized over time as these services are provided. The portion of revenue not yet earned is recorded as a contract liability in the Statements of Financial Position. The administrative services expenses we incur and the related reimbursements we receive are recorded gross in the Statements of Operations. Indemnity records a receivable from the Exchange for management fee revenue when the premium is written or assumed by the Exchange. Indemnity collects the management fee from the Exchange when the Exchange collects the premiums from the subscribers (policyholders). As the Exchange issues policies with annual terms only, cash collections generally occur within one year. A constraining estimate exists around the management fee received as consideration related to the potential for management fee to be returned if a policy were to be cancelled mid-term. Management fees are returned to the Exchange when policyholders cancel their insurance coverage mid-term and unearned premiums are refunded to them. We maintain an estimated allowance to reduce the management fee to its estimated net realizable value to account for the potential of mid-term policy cancellations based on historical cancellation rates. This estimated allowance has been allocated between the two performance obligations consistent with the revenue allocation proportions. The following table disaggregates revenue by our two performance obligations: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services, net $ 430,983 $ 405,978 Management fee revenue - administrative services, net 13,951 13,074 Administrative services reimbursement revenue 142,480 145,963 Total administrative services $ 156,431 $ 159,037

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Class A and Class B basic earnings per share and Class B diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. The two-class method allocates earnings to each class of stock based upon its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. See Note 11, "Capital Stock". Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method, which reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations include the dilutive effect of assumed issuance of stock-based awards under compensation plans that have the option to be paid in stock using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented as follows for each class of common stock: Three months ended March 31, 2019 2018 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Allocated net income (numerator) Weighted shares (denominator) Per-share amount Allocated net income (numerator) Weighted shares (denominator) Per-share amount Class A – Basic EPS: Income available to Class A stockholders $ 74,694 46,188,337 $ 1.62 $ 65,220 46,187,908 $ 1.41 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 0 22,899 — 0 21,920 — Assumed conversion of Class B shares 617 6,100,800 — 538 6,100,800 — Class A – Diluted EPS: Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares $ 75,311 52,312,036 $ 1.44 $ 65,758 52,310,628 $ 1.26 Class B – Basic and diluted EPS: Income available to Class B stockholders $ 617 2,542 $ 243 $ 538 2,542 $ 212

Fair Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value Financial instruments carried at fair value Our available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities are recorded at fair value, which is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to derive the fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding fair market value for these securities. Although virtually all of our prices are obtained from third party sources, we also perform an internal pricing review on outliers. The outlier review includes securities with price changes that vary from current market conditions or independent third party price sources. Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques: • Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date. • Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 category includes those securities valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. The methodologies used by the pricing service that support a Level 2 classification of a financial instrument include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based upon proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available or in illiquid markets. In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when, in our judgment, a better reflection of fair value is available based upon corroborating information and our knowledge and monitoring of market conditions such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes. In other circumstances, certain securities are internally priced because prices are not provided by the pricing service. We perform continuous reviews of the prices obtained from the pricing service. This includes evaluating the methodology and inputs used by the pricing service to ensure that we determine the proper classification level of the financial instrument. Price variances, including large periodic changes, are investigated and corroborated by market data. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service as well as other observable inputs, such as market data, and transaction volumes and believe that the prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value. When a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining broker/dealer quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based upon our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. Our evaluation includes the consideration of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. The following tables present our fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input: At March 31, 2019 Fair value measurements using: (in thousands) Total Quoted prices in Level 1 Observable inputs Level 2 Unobservable inputs Level 3 Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 279,956 $ 0 $ 279,956 $ 0 States & political subdivisions (1) 27,452 0 27,452 0 Corporate debt securities 233,017 0 221,494 11,523 Residential mortgage-backed securities 6,571 0 5,656 915 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 48,144 0 46,962 1,182 Collateralized debt obligations 63,932 0 63,932 0 Other debt securities 15,847 0 15,847 0 Total available-for-sale securities 674,919 0 661,299 13,620 Equity securities: Nonredeemable preferred stock - financial services sector 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total equity securities 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total $ 687,329 $ 1,966 $ 671,743 $ 13,620 At December 31, 2018 Fair value measurements using: (in thousands) Total Quoted prices in Observable inputs Unobservable inputs Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 208,412 $ 0 $ 208,412 $ 0 States & political subdivisions (1) 159,023 0 159,023 0 Corporate debt securities 249,947 0 237,370 12,577 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,609 0 4,609 0 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 46,515 0 46,515 0 Collateralized debt obligations 64,239 0 64,239 0 Other debt securities 15,778 0 15,778 0 Total available-for-sale securities 748,523 0 735,946 12,577 Equity securities: Nonredeemable preferred stock - financial services sector 11,853 1,809 10,044 0 Total equity securities 11,853 1,809 10,044 0 Other limited partnership investments (2) 3,206 — — — Total $ 763,582 $ 1,809 $ 745,990 $ 12,577 (1) In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began selling off our municipal bonds as part of a portfolio rebalancing. We intend to sell the remaining municipal bonds in the second quarter of 2019. We have currently invested proceeds from these sales primarily in U.S. Treasuries. (2) The limited partnership investment measured at fair value represents one real estate fund included on the balance sheet as a limited partnership investment reported under the fair value option using the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient, which is not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of this investment is based on our proportionate share of the NAV from the most recent partners' capital statements received from the general partner, which is generally one quarter prior to our balance sheet date. We consider observable market data and perform a review validating the appropriateness of the NAV at each balance sheet date. Liquidation of this fund was completed in January 2019. There were no unfunded commitments related to the investment at December 31, 2018 . During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , distributions totaling $3.2 million were received from this investment. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , no contributions were made and distributions totaling $1.2 million were received from this investment. The following table presents our fair value measurements on a recurring basis by pricing source: At March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Available-for-sale securities: Priced via pricing services $ 673,729 $ 0 $ 661,299 $ 12,430 Priced via market comparables/broker quotes 125 0 0 125 Priced via internal modeling 1,065 0 0 1,065 Total available-for-sale securities 674,919 0 661,299 13,620 Equity securities priced via pricing services 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total $ 687,329 $ 1,966 $ 671,743 $ 13,620 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Unobservable Inputs The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Level 3 securities where cost is the best estimate of fair value totaled $1.1 million at March 31, 2019 and are excluded from the table below. When a non-binding broker quote was the only input available, the security was classified within Level 3. The quantitative detail of the unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to us and therefore has not been included in the table below. These investments totaled $0.1 million at March 31, 2019 and $12.6 million at December 31, 2018. The weighted average is calculated based on estimated fair value. At March 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands) Fair value Valuation techniques Unobservable input Range Weighted Impact of increase in input on estimated fair value Corporate debt securities - bank loans $ 11,373 Market approach Market residual yield (1) -186 - +1,479 +33 Decrease Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,057 Market approach Credit spread (2) +42 - +275 +181 Decrease (1) Values for bank loans classified as Level 3 are determined by our pricing vendor based on model yield curves adjusted for observable inputs. The market residual yield represents a net adjustment to the model yield curve for unobservable input factors. (2) Values for commercial mortgage-backed securities classified as Level 3 include adjustments to the base spread over the appropriate U.S. Treasury yield assuming no prepayments until penalty provisions have expired. We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Transfers between hierarchy levels may occur due to changes in available market observable inputs. Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change: (in thousands) Beginning balance at December 31, 2018 Included in earnings (1) Included income Purchases Sales Transfers into Level 3 (2) Transfers out of Level 3 (2) Ending balance at March 31, 2019 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 12,577 $ 11 $ 268 $ 734 $ (431 ) $ 4,813 $ (6,449 ) $ 11,523 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 0 0 921 (6 ) 0 0 915 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 (2 ) 0 478 0 706 0 1,182 Total Level 3 available-for-sale securities $ 12,577 $ 9 $ 268 $ 2,133 $ (437 ) $ 5,519 $ (6,449 ) $ 13,620 Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change: (in thousands) Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 Included in earnings (1) Included in other comprehensive income Purchases Sales Transfers into Level 3 (2) Transfers out of Level 3 (2) Ending balance at March 31, 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 7,879 $ (9 ) $ 5 $ 0 $ (493 ) $ 2,412 $ (3,485 ) $ 6,309 Collateralized debt obligations 2,200 0 7 0 0 0 (2,207 ) 0 Total Level 3 available-for-sale securities $ 10,079 $ (9 ) $ 12 $ 0 $ (493 ) $ 2,412 $ (5,692 ) $ 6,309 (1) These amounts are reported in the Statements of Operations as net investment income and net realized investment gains (losses) for the each of the periods presented above. (2) Transfers into and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs. The change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date is as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 157 $ 10 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4 — Net unrealized gains on Level 3 securities held at reporting date $ 161 $ 10 Financial instruments disclosed, but not carried at fair value The following table presents the carrying values and fair value measurements, which are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, of financial instruments disclosed, but not carried at fair value: At March 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Agent loans $ 61,926 $ 61,487 $ 58,006 $ 54,110 Long-term borrowings 99,273 95,958 99,730 94,057

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Available-for-sale securities The following tables summarize the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities. See also Note 5, "Fair Value" for additional fair value disclosures. At March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 279,553 $ 503 $ 100 $ 279,956 States & political subdivisions (1) 26,931 521 0 27,452 Corporate debt securities 235,546 985 3,514 233,017 Residential mortgage-backed securities 6,513 67 9 6,571 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 48,120 273 249 48,144 Collateralized debt obligations 64,432 17 517 63,932 Other debt securities 15,752 95 0 15,847 Total available-for-sale securities $ 676,847 $ 2,461 $ 4,389 $ 674,919 At December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 208,610 $ 18 $ 216 $ 208,412 States & political subdivisions (1) 157,003 2,020 0 159,023 Corporate debt securities 259,362 139 9,554 249,947 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,603 38 32 4,609 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 47,022 80 587 46,515 Collateralized debt obligations 65,039 30 830 64,239 Other debt securities 15,756 33 11 15,778 Total available-for-sale securities $ 757,395 $ 2,358 $ 11,230 $ 748,523 (1) In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began selling off our municipal bonds as part of a portfolio rebalancing. We intend to sell the remaining municipal bonds in the second quarter of 2019. We have currently invested proceeds from these sales primarily in U.S. Treasuries. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2019 are shown below by remaining contractual term to maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are allocated based upon stated maturity dates. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At March 31, 2019 Amortized Estimated (in thousands) cost fair value Due in one year or less $ 123,334 $ 123,200 Due after one year through five years 320,044 319,564 Due after five years through ten years 133,675 132,586 Due after ten years 99,794 99,569 Total available-for-sale securities (1) $ 676,847 $ 674,919 (1) The contractual maturities of our municipal bond portfolio are included in the table. However, given our intent to sell this portfolio, municipal bond securities are classified as current assets in our Statements of Financial Position. Available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position are as follows. Data is provided by length of time for securities in a gross unrealized loss position. At March 31, 2019 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total (dollars in thousands) Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses No. of holdings Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury $ 0 $ 0 $ 11,748 $ 100 $ 11,748 $ 100 4 Corporate debt securities 82,879 1,647 94,393 1,867 177,272 3,514 471 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,208 4 388 5 1,596 9 2 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 9,491 17 19,023 232 28,514 249 27 Collateralized debt obligations 59,394 468 3,231 49 62,625 517 45 Other debt securities 100 0 0 0 100 0 1 Total available-for-sale securities $ 153,072 $ 2,136 $ 128,783 $ 2,253 $ 281,855 $ 4,389 550 Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities: Investment grade $ 77,871 $ 534 $ 94,217 $ 807 $ 172,088 $ 1,341 124 Non-investment grade 75,201 1,602 34,566 1,446 109,767 3,048 426 Total available-for-sale securities $ 153,072 $ 2,136 $ 128,783 $ 2,253 $ 281,855 $ 4,389 550 At December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total (dollars in thousands) Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses No. of holdings Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury $ 129,474 $ 19 $ 11,656 $ 197 $ 141,130 $ 216 7 Corporate debt securities 157,300 6,866 86,586 2,688 243,886 9,554 635 Residential mortgage-backed securities 777 6 1,618 26 2,395 32 3 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 17,624 175 16,997 412 34,621 587 30 Collateralized debt obligations 55,246 826 1,248 4 56,494 830 39 Other debt securities 8,213 11 0 0 8,213 11 7 Total available-for-sale securities $ 368,634 $ 7,903 $ 118,105 $ 3,327 $ 486,739 $ 11,230 721 Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities: Investment grade $ 242,821 $ 1,295 $ 98,118 $ 1,641 $ 340,939 $ 2,936 147 Non-investment grade 125,813 6,608 19,987 1,686 145,800 8,294 574 Total available-for-sale securities $ 368,634 $ 7,903 $ 118,105 $ 3,327 $ 486,739 $ 11,230 721 The above securities have been evaluated and determined to be temporary impairments for which we expect to recover our entire principal plus interest. The primary components of this analysis include a general review of market conditions and financial performance of the issuer along with the extent and duration at which fair value is less than cost. Any securities that we intend to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before recovery are included in other-than-temporary impairments, which are recognized in earnings. Net investment income Investment income, net of expenses, was generated from the following portfolios: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Fixed maturities (1) $ 6,161 $ 6,110 Equity securities 141 142 Cash equivalents and other 2,465 1,008 Total investment income 8,767 7,260 Less: investment expenses 250 440 Investment income, net of expenses $ 8,517 $ 6,820 (1) Includes interest earned on note receivable from Erie Family Life Insurance Company of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The note was repaid in full in December 2018. Realized investment gains (losses) Realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Gross realized gains $ 2,258 $ 340 Gross realized losses (340 ) (685 ) Net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities 1,918 (345 ) Equity securities 585 (120 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) $ 2,503 $ (465 ) The portion of net unrealized gains and losses recognized during the reporting period, related to equity securities still held at the reporting date, is calculated as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Equity securities: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period $ 585 $ (120 ) Less: net losses recognized on securities sold 0 (34 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized on securities held at reporting date $ 585 $ (86 ) Other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities recognized in earnings were $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 . There were no other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities recognized in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . We have the intent to sell all credit-impaired available-for-sale debt securities; therefore, the entire amount of the impairment charges were included in earnings and no non-credit impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income. Limited partnerships The majority of our limited partnership holdings are considered investment companies where the general partners record assets at fair value. These limited partnerships are recorded using the equity method of accounting and are generally reported on a one-quarter lag; therefore, our year-to-date limited partnership results through March 31, 2019 are comprised of partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2018 . Given the lag in reporting, our limited partnership results do not reflect the market conditions of the first quarter of 2019 . Cash contributions made to and distributions received from the partnerships are recorded in the period in which the transaction occurs. At December 31, 2018 we also owned one real estate limited partnership that did not meet the criteria of an investment company. This partnership prepared audited financial statements on a cost basis. We elected to report this limited partnership under the fair value option, which was based on the NAV from our partner's capital statement reflecting the general partner's estimate of fair value for the fund's underlying assets. Fair value provides consistency in the evaluation and financial reporting for these limited partnerships and limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method. This real estate limited partnership was fully liquidated in January 2019. Equity in losses of limited partnerships by method of accounting were as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships - equity method $ (1,147 ) $ 195 Change in fair value of limited partnerships - fair value option 0 (387 ) Equity in losses of limited partnerships $ (1,147 ) $ (192 ) The following table summarizes limited partnership investments by sector: (in thousands) At March 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 Private equity $ 26,691 $ 28,271 Mezzanine debt 1,118 1,152 Real estate 2,229 2,192 Real estate - fair value option 0 3,206 Total limited partnership investments $ 30,038 $ 34,821 See also Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies" for investment commitments related to limited partnerships.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Lease assets and liabilities recorded on our Statement of Financial Position were as follows: (in thousands) March 31, 2019 Operating lease assets $ 28,611 Operating lease liabilities - current $ 12,466 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 16,589 Total operating lease liabilities $ 29,055 We currently have leases for real estate, technology equipment, copiers, and vehicles. Our largest operating lease asset at March 31, 2019 of $16.2 million is for office space leased from the Exchange, including the home office. Under this lease, rent is based on rental rates of like property and all operating expenses are the responsibility of the tenant (Indemnity). The lease agreement expires December 31, 2021. Operating lease costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $3.6 million . Of this amount, the Exchange and its subsidiaries reimbursed us $1.5 million , which represents the allocated share of lease costs supporting administrative services activities.

Borrowing Arrangements

Borrowing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowing Arrangements	Borrowing Arrangements Bank line of credit As of March 31, 2019 , we have access to a $100 million bank revolving line of credit with a $25 million letter of credit sublimit that expires on October 30, 2023 . As of March 31, 2019 , a total of $99.1 million remains available under the facility due to $0.9 million outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the availability for letters of credit to $24.1 million . We had no borrowings outstanding on our line of credit as of March 31, 2019 . Investments with a fair value of $109.4 million were pledged as collateral on the line at March 31, 2019 . The investments pledged as collateral have no trading restrictions and are reported as cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities in the Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2019 . The banks require compliance with certain covenants, which include leverage ratios and debt restrictions, for our line of credit. We are in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2019 . Term loan credit facility In 2016, we entered into a credit agreement for a $100 million senior secured draw term loan credit facility ("Credit Facility") for the acquisition of real property and construction of an office building that will serve as part of our principal headquarters. On January 1, 2019, the Credit Facility converted to a fully-amortized term loan with monthly payments of principal and interest at a fixed rate of 4.35% over a period of 28 years . Investments with a fair value of $115.0 million were pledged as collateral for the facility and are reported as cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities in the Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2019 . The bank requires compliance with certain covenants, which include leverage ratios, debt restrictions and minimum net worth, for our Credit Facility. We are in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2019 . The remaining unpaid balance from the Credit Facility is reported at carrying value on our Statements of Financial Position, net of unamortized loan origination and commitment fees. See Note 5, "Fair Value" for the estimated fair value of these borrowings. Annual principal payments The following table sets forth future principal payments: (in thousands) Year Principal payments 2019 $ 1,410 2020 1,953 2021 2,040 2022 2,130 2023 2,225 Thereafter 89,782

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefits	Postretirement Benefits Pension plans Our pension plans consist of a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and an unfunded supplemental employee retirement plan for certain members of executive and senior management. Although we are the sponsor of these postretirement plans and record the funded status of these plans, the Exchange and its subsidiaries reimburse us for approximately 59% of the annual benefit expense of these plans, which represents pension benefits for employees performing administrative services and their allocated share of costs for employees in departments that support the administrative functions. The cost of our pension plans are as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Service cost for benefits earned $ 8,463 $ 9,513 Interest cost on benefits obligation 9,827 8,846 Expected return on plan assets (11,871 ) (12,815 ) Prior service cost amortization 349 338 Net actuarial loss amortization 1,278 3,202 Pension plan cost (1) $ 8,046 $ 9,084 (1) The components of pension plan costs other than the service cost component are included in the line item "Other income" in the Statements of Operations after reimbursements from the Exchange and its subsidiaries.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense is provided on an interim basis based upon our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate, adjusted each quarter for discrete items. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , our effective tax rate is 21.2% and 21.0% , respectively.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock Class A and B common stock Holders of Class B shares may, at their option, convert their shares into Class A shares at the rate of 2,400 Class A shares per Class B share. There were no shares of Class B common stock converted into Class A common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 . There is no provision for conversion of Class A shares to Class B shares, and Class B shares surrendered for conversion cannot be reissued. Stock repurchases In 2011 , our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program of $150 million , with no time limitation. There were no shares repurchased under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 . We had approximately $17.8 million of repurchase authority remaining under this program at March 31, 2019 . During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , we purchased 9,725 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $1.5 million . Of this amount, we purchased 3,246 shares for $0.4 million , or $132.35 per share, for stock-based awards in conjunction with our equity compensation plan, for which the shares were delivered to plan participants in January 2019. We purchased 2,304 shares for $0.4 million , or $183.62 per share, to fund the rabbi trust for the outside director deferred stock compensation plan. The shares were transferred to the rabbi trust in February 2019. The remaining 4,175 shares were purchased at a total cost of $0.7 million , or $175.23 per share, to fund the rabbi trust for the incentive compensation deferral plan. The shares were transferred to the rabbi trust in February and March 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we purchased 27,120 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock outside of our publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $3.2 million . Of this amount, we purchased 5,830 shares for $0.7 million , or $117.39 per share, for stock-based awards in conjunction with our equity compensation plan. We purchased 9,285 shares for $1.1 million , or $122.19 per share, to fund the rabbi trust for the outside director deferred stock compensation plan. The remaining 12,005 shares were purchased at a total cost of $1.4 million , or $119.28 per share, to fund the rabbi trust for the incentive compensation deferral plan. These shares were delivered in 2018.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") (loss) by component, including amounts reclassified to other comprehensive income ("OCI") (loss) and the related line item in the Statements of Operations where net income is presented, are as follows: Three months ended Three months ended March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 (in thousands) Before Tax Income Tax Net Before Tax Income Tax Net Investment securities: AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (9,169 ) $ (1,926 ) $ (7,243 ) $ 3,410 $ 716 $ 2,694 OCI (loss) before reclassifications 8,774 1,843 6,931 (7,130 ) (1,497 ) (5,633 ) Realized investment (gains) losses (1,918 ) (403 ) (1,515 ) 345 72 273 Impairment losses 78 16 62 0 0 0 Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-01 (1) — — — (85 ) (18 ) (67 ) OCI (loss) 6,934 1,456 5,478 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) AOCI (loss), end of period $ (2,235 ) $ (470 ) $ (1,765 ) $ (3,460 ) $ (727 ) $ (2,733 ) Pension and other postretirement plans: AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (155,749 ) $ (32,708 ) $ (123,041 ) $ (200,954 ) $ (42,201 ) $ (158,753 ) Amortization of prior service costs (2) 349 73 276 0 0 0 Amortization of net actuarial loss (2) 1,210 254 956 0 0 0 OCI 1,559 327 1,232 0 0 0 AOCI (loss), end of period $ (154,190 ) $ (32,381 ) $ (121,809 ) $ (200,954 ) $ (42,201 ) $ (158,753 ) Total AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (164,918 ) $ (34,634 ) $ (130,284 ) $ (197,544 ) $ (41,485 ) $ (156,059 ) Investment securities 6,934 1,456 5,478 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) Pension and other postretirement plans 1,559 327 1,232 0 0 0 OCI (loss) 8,493 1,783 6,710 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) AOCI (loss), end of period $ (156,425 ) $ (32,851 ) $ (123,574 ) $ (204,414 ) $ (42,928 ) $ (161,486 ) (1) ASU 2016-01 required a reclassification of unrealized losses of equity securities from AOCI to retained earnings at January 1, 2018. (2) Effective January 1, 2019, amounts reclassified from AOCI related to amortization of prior service costs and net actuarial loss were recorded during interim periods. Prior to 2019, amounts reclassified for these items were recorded on an annual basis. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9, "Postretirement Benefits", for additional information.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments could potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk, including unsecured receivables from the Exchange. A large majority of our revenue and receivables are from the Exchange and its subsidiaries. See also Note 1, "Nature of Operations". Management fee amounts and other reimbursements due from the Exchange and its subsidiaries were $456.1 million and $449.9 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We have contractual commitments to invest up to $9.8 million related to our limited partnership investments at March 31, 2019 . These commitments are split among private equity securities of $4.4 million and mezzanine debt securities of $5.4 million . These commitments will be funded as required by the limited partnership agreements. We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of conducting business. In accordance with current accounting standards for loss contingencies and based upon information currently known to us, we establish reserves for litigation when it is probable that a loss associated with a claim or proceeding has been incurred and the amount of the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range of loss is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount of the estimable loss. To the extent that such litigation against us may have an exposure to a loss in excess of the amount we have accrued, we believe that such excess would not be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. We believe that our accruals for legal proceedings are appropriate and, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. We review all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, we cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, we do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, us, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events No items were identified in this period subsequent to the financial statement date that required adjustment or additional disclosure.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 . For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2019 .
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently adopted and issued accounting standards	Recently adopted accounting standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, "Leases" , which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from operating leases on the Statements of Financial Position and to disclose certain information about leasing arrangements. We adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which permits entities to apply the new guidance prospectively with certain practical expedients available. We elected the package of practical expedients which among other things allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classifications. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term for existing leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets of $32.7 million and operating lease liabilities of $32.1 million on the Statement of Financial Position at January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations and had no impact on our net cash flows. Recently issued accounting standards In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-15, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software" , which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments under ASU 2018-15 may be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption and early adoption is permitted. We plan to adopt this guidance on a prospective basis and do not expect a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses" , which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of a new forward-looking expected loss model and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 is permitted. We have evaluated the impact of this guidance on our invested assets. Our investments are not measured at amortized cost, and therefore do not require the use of a new expected loss model. Our available-for-sale debt securities will continue to be monitored for credit losses which would be reflected as an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction of the carrying value of the asset. Other financial assets subject to this guidance include our receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and its subsidiaries and agent loans. Given the financial strength of the Exchange, demonstrated by its strong surplus position and industry ratings, it is unlikely these receivables would have significant, if any, credit loss exposure. Accordingly, we do not expect a material impact on our financial statements or related disclosures as a result of this guidance.
Other assets	Other assets Other assets include agent loans, operating lease assets and other long-term prepaid assets. Agent loans are carried at unpaid principal balance with interest recorded in investment income as earned. It is our policy to charge the loans that are in default directly to expense. We do not record an allowance for credit losses on these loans, as the majority of the loans are senior secured and historically have had insignificant default amounts. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease, and the related lease classification, is made at inception of a contract. Our leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recorded at inception based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When an implicit rate for the lease is not available, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Most of our lease contracts contain lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components are expensed as incurred. Operating lease assets are included in other assets, and the current and noncurrent portions of the operating lease liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Statement of Financial Position.
Earnings per share	Class A and Class B basic earnings per share and Class B diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. The two-class method allocates earnings to each class of stock based upon its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. See Note 11, "Capital Stock". Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method, which reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations include the dilutive effect of assumed issuance of stock-based awards under compensation plans that have the option to be paid in stock using the treasury stock method.
Fair value of financial instruments	Financial instruments carried at fair value Our available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities are recorded at fair value, which is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to derive the fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding fair market value for these securities. Although virtually all of our prices are obtained from third party sources, we also perform an internal pricing review on outliers. The outlier review includes securities with price changes that vary from current market conditions or independent third party price sources. Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques: • Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date. • Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 category includes those securities valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. The methodologies used by the pricing service that support a Level 2 classification of a financial instrument include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based upon proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available or in illiquid markets. In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when, in our judgment, a better reflection of fair value is available based upon corroborating information and our knowledge and monitoring of market conditions such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes. In other circumstances, certain securities are internally priced because prices are not provided by the pricing service. We perform continuous reviews of the prices obtained from the pricing service. This includes evaluating the methodology and inputs used by the pricing service to ensure that we determine the proper classification level of the financial instrument. Price variances, including large periodic changes, are investigated and corroborated by market data. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service as well as other observable inputs, such as market data, and transaction volumes and believe that the prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value. When a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining broker/dealer quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based upon our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. Our evaluation includes the consideration of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data.
Fair value hierarchy classification	We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Transfers between hierarchy levels may occur due to changes in available market observable inputs.
Limited partnerships	Limited partnerships The majority of our limited partnership holdings are considered investment companies where the general partners record assets at fair value. These limited partnerships are recorded using the equity method of accounting and are generally reported on a one-quarter lag; therefore, our year-to-date limited partnership results through March 31, 2019 are comprised of partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2018 . Given the lag in reporting, our limited partnership results do not reflect the market conditions of the first quarter of 2019 . Cash contributions made to and distributions received from the partnerships are recorded in the period in which the transaction occurs. At December 31, 2018 we also owned one real estate limited partnership that did not meet the criteria of an investment company. This partnership prepared audited financial statements on a cost basis. We elected to report this limited partnership under the fair value option, which was based on the NAV from our partner's capital statement reflecting the general partner's estimate of fair value for the fund's underlying assets. Fair value provides consistency in the evaluation and financial reporting for these limited partnerships and limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method. This real estate limited partnership was fully liquidated in January 2019.
Commitments and contingencies	We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of conducting business. In accordance with current accounting standards for loss contingencies and based upon information currently known to us, we establish reserves for litigation when it is probable that a loss associated with a claim or proceeding has been incurred and the amount of the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range of loss is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the minimum amount of the estimable loss. To the extent that such litigation against us may have an exposure to a loss in excess of the amount we have accrued, we believe that such excess would not be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. We believe that our accruals for legal proceedings are appropriate and, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. We review all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, we cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, we do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. In the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, us, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue by Performance Obligation	The following table disaggregates revenue by our two performance obligations: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services, net $ 430,983 $ 405,978 Management fee revenue - administrative services, net 13,951 13,074 Administrative services reimbursement revenue 142,480 145,963 Total administrative services $ 156,431 $ 159,037

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators Used in the Basic and Diluted Per-Share Computations	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented as follows for each class of common stock: Three months ended March 31, 2019 2018 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Allocated net income (numerator) Weighted shares (denominator) Per-share amount Allocated net income (numerator) Weighted shares (denominator) Per-share amount Class A – Basic EPS: Income available to Class A stockholders $ 74,694 46,188,337 $ 1.62 $ 65,220 46,187,908 $ 1.41 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 0 22,899 — 0 21,920 — Assumed conversion of Class B shares 617 6,100,800 — 538 6,100,800 — Class A – Diluted EPS: Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares $ 75,311 52,312,036 $ 1.44 $ 65,758 52,310,628 $ 1.26 Class B – Basic and diluted EPS: Income available to Class B stockholders $ 617 2,542 $ 243 $ 538 2,542 $ 212

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis by Asset Class and Level of Input	The following tables present our fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input: At March 31, 2019 Fair value measurements using: (in thousands) Total Quoted prices in Level 1 Observable inputs Level 2 Unobservable inputs Level 3 Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 279,956 $ 0 $ 279,956 $ 0 States & political subdivisions (1) 27,452 0 27,452 0 Corporate debt securities 233,017 0 221,494 11,523 Residential mortgage-backed securities 6,571 0 5,656 915 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 48,144 0 46,962 1,182 Collateralized debt obligations 63,932 0 63,932 0 Other debt securities 15,847 0 15,847 0 Total available-for-sale securities 674,919 0 661,299 13,620 Equity securities: Nonredeemable preferred stock - financial services sector 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total equity securities 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total $ 687,329 $ 1,966 $ 671,743 $ 13,620 At December 31, 2018 Fair value measurements using: (in thousands) Total Quoted prices in Observable inputs Unobservable inputs Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 208,412 $ 0 $ 208,412 $ 0 States & political subdivisions (1) 159,023 0 159,023 0 Corporate debt securities 249,947 0 237,370 12,577 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,609 0 4,609 0 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 46,515 0 46,515 0 Collateralized debt obligations 64,239 0 64,239 0 Other debt securities 15,778 0 15,778 0 Total available-for-sale securities 748,523 0 735,946 12,577 Equity securities: Nonredeemable preferred stock - financial services sector 11,853 1,809 10,044 0 Total equity securities 11,853 1,809 10,044 0 Other limited partnership investments (2) 3,206 — — — Total $ 763,582 $ 1,809 $ 745,990 $ 12,577 (1) In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began selling off our municipal bonds as part of a portfolio rebalancing. We intend to sell the remaining municipal bonds in the second quarter of 2019. We have currently invested proceeds from these sales primarily in U.S. Treasuries. (2) The limited partnership investment measured at fair value represents one real estate fund included on the balance sheet as a limited partnership investment reported under the fair value option using the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient, which is not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of this investment is based on our proportionate share of the NAV from the most recent partners' capital statements received from the general partner, which is generally one quarter prior to our balance sheet date. We consider observable market data and perform a review validating the appropriateness of the NAV at each balance sheet date. Liquidation of this fund was completed in January 2019. There were no unfunded commitments related to the investment at December 31, 2018 . During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , distributions totaling $3.2 million were received from this investment. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , no contributions were made and distributions totaling $1.2 million were received from this investment.
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis by Pricing Source and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Unobservable Inputs	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Unobservable Inputs The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. Level 3 securities where cost is the best estimate of fair value totaled $1.1 million at March 31, 2019 and are excluded from the table below. When a non-binding broker quote was the only input available, the security was classified within Level 3. The quantitative detail of the unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably available to us and therefore has not been included in the table below. These investments totaled $0.1 million at March 31, 2019 and $12.6 million at December 31, 2018. The weighted average is calculated based on estimated fair value. At March 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands) Fair value Valuation techniques Unobservable input Range Weighted Impact of increase in input on estimated fair value Corporate debt securities - bank loans $ 11,373 Market approach Market residual yield (1) -186 - +1,479 +33 Decrease Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,057 Market approach Credit spread (2) +42 - +275 +181 Decrease (1) Values for bank loans classified as Level 3 are determined by our pricing vendor based on model yield curves adjusted for observable inputs. The market residual yield represents a net adjustment to the model yield curve for unobservable input factors. (2) Values for commercial mortgage-backed securities classified as Level 3 include adjustments to the base spread over the appropriate U.S. Treasury yield assuming no prepayments until penalty provisions have expired. The following table presents our fair value measurements on a recurring basis by pricing source: At March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Available-for-sale securities: Priced via pricing services $ 673,729 $ 0 $ 661,299 $ 12,430 Priced via market comparables/broker quotes 125 0 0 125 Priced via internal modeling 1,065 0 0 1,065 Total available-for-sale securities 674,919 0 661,299 13,620 Equity securities priced via pricing services 12,410 1,966 10,444 0 Total $ 687,329 $ 1,966 $ 671,743 $ 13,620
Schedule of Roll Forward of Level 3 Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis	Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change: (in thousands) Beginning balance at December 31, 2018 Included in earnings (1) Included income Purchases Sales Transfers into Level 3 (2) Transfers out of Level 3 (2) Ending balance at March 31, 2019 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 12,577 $ 11 $ 268 $ 734 $ (431 ) $ 4,813 $ (6,449 ) $ 11,523 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 0 0 921 (6 ) 0 0 915 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 (2 ) 0 478 0 706 0 1,182 Total Level 3 available-for-sale securities $ 12,577 $ 9 $ 268 $ 2,133 $ (437 ) $ 5,519 $ (6,449 ) $ 13,620 Level 3 Assets – Year-to-Date Change: (in thousands) Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 Included in earnings (1) Included in other comprehensive income Purchases Sales Transfers into Level 3 (2) Transfers out of Level 3 (2) Ending balance at March 31, 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 7,879 $ (9 ) $ 5 $ 0 $ (493 ) $ 2,412 $ (3,485 ) $ 6,309 Collateralized debt obligations 2,200 0 7 0 0 0 (2,207 ) 0 Total Level 3 available-for-sale securities $ 10,079 $ (9 ) $ 12 $ 0 $ (493 ) $ 2,412 $ (5,692 ) $ 6,309 (1) These amounts are reported in the Statements of Operations as net investment income and net realized investment gains (losses) for the each of the periods presented above. (2) Transfers into and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs. The change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date is as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 157 $ 10 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4 — Net unrealized gains on Level 3 securities held at reporting date $ 161 $ 10
Schedule of Financial Instruments Disclosed But Not Carried at Fair Value	The following table presents the carrying values and fair value measurements, which are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, of financial instruments disclosed, but not carried at fair value: At March 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Agent loans $ 61,926 $ 61,487 $ 58,006 $ 54,110 Long-term borrowings 99,273 95,958 99,730 94,057

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Cost to Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following tables summarize the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities. See also Note 5, "Fair Value" for additional fair value disclosures. At March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 279,553 $ 503 $ 100 $ 279,956 States & political subdivisions (1) 26,931 521 0 27,452 Corporate debt securities 235,546 985 3,514 233,017 Residential mortgage-backed securities 6,513 67 9 6,571 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 48,120 273 249 48,144 Collateralized debt obligations 64,432 17 517 63,932 Other debt securities 15,752 95 0 15,847 Total available-for-sale securities $ 676,847 $ 2,461 $ 4,389 $ 674,919 At December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury (1) $ 208,610 $ 18 $ 216 $ 208,412 States & political subdivisions (1) 157,003 2,020 0 159,023 Corporate debt securities 259,362 139 9,554 249,947 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,603 38 32 4,609 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 47,022 80 587 46,515 Collateralized debt obligations 65,039 30 830 64,239 Other debt securities 15,756 33 11 15,778 Total available-for-sale securities $ 757,395 $ 2,358 $ 11,230 $ 748,523 (1) In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began selling off our municipal bonds as part of a portfolio rebalancing. We intend to sell the remaining municipal bonds in the second quarter of 2019. We have currently invested proceeds from these sales primarily in U.S. Treasuries.
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Securities by Remaining Contractual Term to Maturity	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2019 are shown below by remaining contractual term to maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are allocated based upon stated maturity dates. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At March 31, 2019 Amortized Estimated (in thousands) cost fair value Due in one year or less $ 123,334 $ 123,200 Due after one year through five years 320,044 319,564 Due after five years through ten years 133,675 132,586 Due after ten years 99,794 99,569 Total available-for-sale securities (1) $ 676,847 $ 674,919 (1) The contractual maturities of our municipal bond portfolio are included in the table. However, given our intent to sell this portfolio, municipal bond securities are classified as current assets in our Statements of Financial Position.
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position by Length of Time	Available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position are as follows. Data is provided by length of time for securities in a gross unrealized loss position. At March 31, 2019 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total (dollars in thousands) Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses No. of holdings Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury $ 0 $ 0 $ 11,748 $ 100 $ 11,748 $ 100 4 Corporate debt securities 82,879 1,647 94,393 1,867 177,272 3,514 471 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,208 4 388 5 1,596 9 2 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 9,491 17 19,023 232 28,514 249 27 Collateralized debt obligations 59,394 468 3,231 49 62,625 517 45 Other debt securities 100 0 0 0 100 0 1 Total available-for-sale securities $ 153,072 $ 2,136 $ 128,783 $ 2,253 $ 281,855 $ 4,389 550 Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities: Investment grade $ 77,871 $ 534 $ 94,217 $ 807 $ 172,088 $ 1,341 124 Non-investment grade 75,201 1,602 34,566 1,446 109,767 3,048 426 Total available-for-sale securities $ 153,072 $ 2,136 $ 128,783 $ 2,253 $ 281,855 $ 4,389 550 At December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total (dollars in thousands) Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses No. of holdings Available-for-sale securities: U.S. Treasury $ 129,474 $ 19 $ 11,656 $ 197 $ 141,130 $ 216 7 Corporate debt securities 157,300 6,866 86,586 2,688 243,886 9,554 635 Residential mortgage-backed securities 777 6 1,618 26 2,395 32 3 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 17,624 175 16,997 412 34,621 587 30 Collateralized debt obligations 55,246 826 1,248 4 56,494 830 39 Other debt securities 8,213 11 0 0 8,213 11 7 Total available-for-sale securities $ 368,634 $ 7,903 $ 118,105 $ 3,327 $ 486,739 $ 11,230 721 Quality breakdown of available-for-sale securities: Investment grade $ 242,821 $ 1,295 $ 98,118 $ 1,641 $ 340,939 $ 2,936 147 Non-investment grade 125,813 6,608 19,987 1,686 145,800 8,294 574 Total available-for-sale securities $ 368,634 $ 7,903 $ 118,105 $ 3,327 $ 486,739 $ 11,230 721
Schedule of Investment Income, Net of Expenses, from Portfolios	Investment income, net of expenses, was generated from the following portfolios: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Fixed maturities (1) $ 6,161 $ 6,110 Equity securities 141 142 Cash equivalents and other 2,465 1,008 Total investment income 8,767 7,260 Less: investment expenses 250 440 Investment income, net of expenses $ 8,517 $ 6,820 (1) Includes interest earned on note receivable from Erie Family Life Insurance Company of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The note was repaid in full in December 2018.
Schedule of Realized Gains and Losses on Investments and Net Unrealized Gains and Losses Recognized during the Reporting Period Related to Equity Securities Held at the Reporting Date	Realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Available-for-sale securities: Gross realized gains $ 2,258 $ 340 Gross realized losses (340 ) (685 ) Net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities 1,918 (345 ) Equity securities 585 (120 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) $ 2,503 $ (465 ) The portion of net unrealized gains and losses recognized during the reporting period, related to equity securities still held at the reporting date, is calculated as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Equity securities: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period $ 585 $ (120 ) Less: net losses recognized on securities sold 0 (34 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized on securities held at reporting date $ 585 $ (86 )
Schedule of Limited Partnership Results, Generally Reported on a One Quarter Lag	Equity in losses of limited partnerships by method of accounting were as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships - equity method $ (1,147 ) $ 195 Change in fair value of limited partnerships - fair value option 0 (387 ) Equity in losses of limited partnerships $ (1,147 ) $ (192 ) The following table summarizes limited partnership investments by sector: (in thousands) At March 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 Private equity $ 26,691 $ 28,271 Mezzanine debt 1,118 1,152 Real estate 2,229 2,192 Real estate - fair value option 0 3,206 Total limited partnership investments $ 30,038 $ 34,821

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Lease Assets and Liabilities Recorded in Statement of Financial Position	Lease assets and liabilities recorded on our Statement of Financial Position were as follows: (in thousands) March 31, 2019 Operating lease assets $ 28,611 Operating lease liabilities - current $ 12,466 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 16,589 Total operating lease liabilities $ 29,055

Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)

Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Principal Payments	The following table sets forth future principal payments: (in thousands) Year Principal payments 2019 $ 1,410 2020 1,953 2021 2,040 2022 2,130 2023 2,225 Thereafter 89,782

Postretirement Benefits (Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Cost of Pension Plans	The cost of our pension plans are as follows: Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 2018 Service cost for benefits earned $ 8,463 $ 9,513 Interest cost on benefits obligation 9,827 8,846 Expected return on plan assets (11,871 ) (12,815 ) Prior service cost amortization 349 338 Net actuarial loss amortization 1,278 3,202 Pension plan cost (1) $ 8,046 $ 9,084 (1) The components of pension plan costs other than the service cost component are included in the line item "Other income" in the Statements of Operations after reimbursements from the Exchange and its subsidiaries.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, Including Amounts Reclassified to Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the Related Line Item in the Statements of Operations Where Net Income is Presented	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") (loss) by component, including amounts reclassified to other comprehensive income ("OCI") (loss) and the related line item in the Statements of Operations where net income is presented, are as follows: Three months ended Three months ended March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 (in thousands) Before Tax Income Tax Net Before Tax Income Tax Net Investment securities: AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (9,169 ) $ (1,926 ) $ (7,243 ) $ 3,410 $ 716 $ 2,694 OCI (loss) before reclassifications 8,774 1,843 6,931 (7,130 ) (1,497 ) (5,633 ) Realized investment (gains) losses (1,918 ) (403 ) (1,515 ) 345 72 273 Impairment losses 78 16 62 0 0 0 Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-01 (1) — — — (85 ) (18 ) (67 ) OCI (loss) 6,934 1,456 5,478 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) AOCI (loss), end of period $ (2,235 ) $ (470 ) $ (1,765 ) $ (3,460 ) $ (727 ) $ (2,733 ) Pension and other postretirement plans: AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (155,749 ) $ (32,708 ) $ (123,041 ) $ (200,954 ) $ (42,201 ) $ (158,753 ) Amortization of prior service costs (2) 349 73 276 0 0 0 Amortization of net actuarial loss (2) 1,210 254 956 0 0 0 OCI 1,559 327 1,232 0 0 0 AOCI (loss), end of period $ (154,190 ) $ (32,381 ) $ (121,809 ) $ (200,954 ) $ (42,201 ) $ (158,753 ) Total AOCI (loss), beginning of period $ (164,918 ) $ (34,634 ) $ (130,284 ) $ (197,544 ) $ (41,485 ) $ (156,059 ) Investment securities 6,934 1,456 5,478 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) Pension and other postretirement plans 1,559 327 1,232 0 0 0 OCI (loss) 8,493 1,783 6,710 (6,870 ) (1,443 ) (5,427 ) AOCI (loss), end of period $ (156,425 ) $ (32,851 ) $ (123,574 ) $ (204,414 ) $ (42,928 ) $ (161,486 ) (1) ASU 2016-01 required a reclassification of unrealized losses of equity securities from AOCI to retained earnings at January 1, 2018. (2) Effective January 1, 2019, amounts reclassified from AOCI related to amortization of prior service costs and net actuarial loss were recorded during interim periods. Prior to 2019, amounts reclassified for these items were recorded on an annual basis. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9, "Postretirement Benefits", for additional information.

Nature of Operations (Details)

Nature of Operations (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019Obligations
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Performance obligations under subscriber's agreement	2

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease assets	$ 28,611	$ 32,700
Operating lease liabilities	$ 29,055	$ 32,100

Revenue - Narrative (Details)

Revenue - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019Obligations
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Indemnity's management fee rate as a percent of direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange (as a percent)	25.00%
Performance obligations under subscriber's agreement	2

Revenue - Disaggregation of Rev

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues By Performance Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	$ 594,106	$ 572,160
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	430,983	405,978
Management fee revenue - policy issuance and renewal services | Transferred at point in time
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	430,983	405,978
Management fee revenue - administrative services
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	13,951	13,074
Management fee revenue - administrative services | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	13,951	13,074
Administrative services reimbursements
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	142,480	145,963
Administrative services reimbursements | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	142,480	145,963
Administrative services | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue by performance obligation
Operating revenue	$ 156,431	$ 159,037

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Class A Common Stock
Income available to stockholders (Basic EPS:)
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 74,694	$ 65,220
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	46,188,337	46,187,908
Per-share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 1.62	$ 1.41
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	22,899	21,920
Assumed conversion of Class B shares
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 617	$ 538
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	6,100,800	6,100,800
Income available to stockholders on equivalent shares (Diluted EPS:)
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 75,311	$ 65,758
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	52,312,036	52,310,628
Per-share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 1.44	$ 1.26
Class B Common Stock
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations
Ratio for converting shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (as a percent)	2400.00%		2400.00%
Income available to stockholders (Basic EPS:)
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 617	$ 538
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Per-share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 243	$ 212
Income available to stockholders on equivalent shares (Diluted EPS:)
Allocated net income (numerator) (in dollars)	$ 617	$ 538
Weighted shares (denominator) (in shares)	2,542	2,542
Per-share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 243	$ 212

Fair Value - Fair Value Measure

Fair Value - Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis by Asset Class and Level of Input (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)fund
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	$ 674,919,000
Equity securities	12,410,000		$ 11,853,000
Other limited partnership investments
Distributions received from the funds	2,411,000	$ 910,000
Contributions made to the funds	9,000	$ 31,000
U.S. Treasury
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	279,956,000		208,412,000
States & political subdivisions
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	27,452,000		159,023,000
Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	233,017,000		249,947,000
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	6,571,000		4,609,000
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	48,144,000		46,515,000
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	63,932,000		64,239,000
Other debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	15,847,000		15,778,000
Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	674,919,000		748,523,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	674,919,000
Total	687,329,000		763,582,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | U.S. Treasury
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	279,956,000		208,412,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | States & political subdivisions
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	27,452,000		159,023,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	233,017,000		249,947,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	6,571,000		4,609,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	48,144,000		46,515,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	63,932,000		64,239,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Other debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	15,847,000		15,778,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	674,919,000		748,523,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Equity securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	12,410,000		11,853,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Nonredeemable preferred stock | Financial Services Sector
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	12,410,000		$ 11,853,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Real estate
Other limited partnership investments
Number of real estate funds reported under the fair value option | fund			1
Distributions received from the funds	3,200,000		$ 1,200,000
Contributions made to the funds			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0
Total	1,966,000		1,809,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | U.S. Treasury
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | States & political subdivisions
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Other debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	1,966,000		1,809,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 1 | Nonredeemable preferred stock | Financial Services Sector
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	1,966,000		1,809,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	661,299,000
Total	671,743,000		745,990,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | U.S. Treasury
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	279,956,000		208,412,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | States & political subdivisions
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	27,452,000		159,023,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	221,494,000		237,370,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	5,656,000		4,609,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	46,962,000		46,515,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	63,932,000		64,239,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Other debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	15,847,000		15,778,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	661,299,000		735,946,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Equity securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	10,444,000		10,044,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Observable inputs Level 2 | Nonredeemable preferred stock | Financial Services Sector
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	10,444,000		10,044,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	13,620,000
Total	13,620,000		12,577,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | U.S. Treasury
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | States & political subdivisions
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Corporate debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	11,523,000		12,577,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	915,000		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	1,182,000		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Other debt securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Available-for-sale securities	13,620,000		12,577,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Equity securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Unobservable inputs Level 3 | Nonredeemable preferred stock | Financial Services Sector
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Equity securities	$ 0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair value option using net asset value (NAV) | Real estate
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis by asset class and level of input
Other limited partnership investments			$ 3,206,000

Fair Value - Fair Value Measu_2

Fair Value - Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis by Pricing Source (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	$ 674,919
Equity securities priced via pricing services	12,410	$ 11,853
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	674,919
Total	687,329	763,582
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Priced via pricing services
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	673,729
Equity securities priced via pricing services	12,410
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Priced via internal modeling
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	1,065
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 1
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Total	1,966	1,809
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Priced via pricing services
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Equity securities priced via pricing services	1,966
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Priced via internal modeling
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 2
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	661,299
Total	671,743	745,990
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Priced via pricing services
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	661,299
Equity securities priced via pricing services	10,444
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Priced via internal modeling
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 3
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	13,620
Total	13,620	$ 12,577
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Priced via pricing services
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	12,430
Equity securities priced via pricing services	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Priced via market comparables/broker quotes
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	125
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Priced via internal modeling
Fair value by pricing source
Available-for-sale securities	$ 1,065

Fair Value - Quantitative and Q

Fair Value - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Unobservable Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Level 3 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	$ 13,620	$ 12,577	$ 6,309	$ 10,079
Level 3 | Corporate debt securities - bank loans | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	11,523	12,577	$ 6,309	$ 7,879
Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	$ 1,182	0
Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt securities - bank loans
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	(0.0186)
Minimum | Valuation, Market Approach | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	0.0042
Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt securities - bank loans
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	0.1479
Maximum | Valuation, Market Approach | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	0.0275
Weighted Average | Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt securities - bank loans
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	0.0033
Weighted Average | Valuation, Market Approach | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Debt instrument, measurement input (percent)	0.0181
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	$ 100	$ 12,600
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Valuation, Held At Cost | Level 3 | Available-for-sale securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	1,100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Valuation, Market Approach | Level 3 | Corporate debt securities - bank loans
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	11,373
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Basis | Valuation, Market Approach | Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis, valuation techniques
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs	$ 1,057

Fair Value - Level 3 Assets (De

Fair Value - Level 3 Assets (Details) - Level 3 - Available-for-sale securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Roll forward of level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Beginning balance		$ 12,577	$ 10,079
Included in earnings	[1]	9	(9)
Included in other comprehensive income		268	12
Purchases		2,133	0
Sales		(437)	(493)
Transfers into Level 3	[2]	5,519	2,412
Transfers out of Level 3	[2]	(6,449)	(5,692)
Ending balance		13,620	6,309
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities		161	10
Corporate debt securities
Roll forward of level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Beginning balance		12,577	7,879
Included in earnings	[1]	11	(9)
Included in other comprehensive income		268	5
Purchases		734	0
Sales		(431)	(493)
Transfers into Level 3	[2]	4,813	2,412
Transfers out of Level 3	[2]	(6,449)	(3,485)
Ending balance		11,523	6,309
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities		157	10
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Roll forward of level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Beginning balance		0
Included in earnings	[1]	0
Included in other comprehensive income		0
Purchases		921
Sales		(6)
Transfers into Level 3	[2]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	[2]	0
Ending balance		915
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities		0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Roll forward of level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Beginning balance		0
Included in earnings	[1]	(2)
Included in other comprehensive income		0
Purchases		478
Sales		0
Transfers into Level 3	[2]	706
Transfers out of Level 3	[2]	0
Ending balance		1,182
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities held at the reporting date
Change in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income related to Level 3 securities		$ 4	0
Collateralized debt obligations
Roll forward of level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Beginning balance			2,200
Included in earnings	[1]		0
Included in other comprehensive income			7
Purchases			0
Sales			0
Transfers into Level 3	[2]		0
Transfers out of Level 3	[2]		(2,207)
Ending balance			$ 0
[1]	These amounts are reported in the Statements of Operations as net investment income and net realized investment gains (losses) for the each of the periods presented above.
[2]	Transfers into and/or (out) of Level 3 are primarily attributable to the availability of market observable information and the re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs.

Fair Value - Financial Instrume

Fair Value - Financial Instruments Disclosed but Not Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Agent loans	$ 61,926	$ 58,006
Long-term borrowings	99,273	99,730
Fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Agent loans	61,487	54,110
Long-term borrowings	$ 95,958	$ 94,057

Investments - Cost to Fair Valu

Investments - Cost to Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	$ 676,847
Estimated fair value	674,919
U.S. Treasury
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	279,553	$ 208,610
Gross unrealized gains	503	18
Gross unrealized losses	100	216
Estimated fair value	279,956	208,412
States & political subdivisions
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	26,931	157,003
Gross unrealized gains	521	2,020
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	27,452	159,023
Corporate debt securities
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	235,546	259,362
Gross unrealized gains	985	139
Gross unrealized losses	3,514	9,554
Estimated fair value	233,017	249,947
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	6,513	4,603
Gross unrealized gains	67	38
Gross unrealized losses	9	32
Estimated fair value	6,571	4,609
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	48,120	47,022
Gross unrealized gains	273	80
Gross unrealized losses	249	587
Estimated fair value	48,144	46,515
Collateralized debt obligations
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	64,432	65,039
Gross unrealized gains	17	30
Gross unrealized losses	517	830
Estimated fair value	63,932	64,239
Other debt securities
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	15,752	15,756
Gross unrealized gains	95	33
Gross unrealized losses	0	11
Estimated fair value	15,847	15,778
Available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities
Amortized cost	676,847	757,395
Gross unrealized gains	2,461	2,358
Gross unrealized losses	4,389	11,230
Estimated fair value	$ 674,919	$ 748,523

Investments - Amortized Cost an

Investments - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	$ 123,334
Due after one year through five years	320,044
Due after five years through ten years	133,675
Due after ten years	99,794
Amortized cost	676,847
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	123,200
Due after one year through five years	319,564
Due after five years through ten years	132,586
Due after ten years	99,569
Estimated fair value	$ 674,919

Investments - Available-For-Sal

Investments - Available-For-Sale Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)Holdings	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Holdings
Investment grade
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 77,871	$ 242,821
12 months or longer	94,217	98,118
Total	172,088	340,939
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	534	1,295
12 months or longer	807	1,641
Total	$ 1,341	$ 2,936
No. of holdings | Holdings	124	147
Non-investment grade
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 75,201	$ 125,813
12 months or longer	34,566	19,987
Total	109,767	145,800
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	1,602	6,608
12 months or longer	1,446	1,686
Total	$ 3,048	$ 8,294
No. of holdings | Holdings	426	574
U.S. Treasury
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 0	$ 129,474
12 months or longer	11,748	11,656
Total	11,748	141,130
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0	19
12 months or longer	100	197
Total	$ 100	$ 216
No. of holdings | Holdings	4	7
Corporate debt securities
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 82,879	$ 157,300
12 months or longer	94,393	86,586
Total	177,272	243,886
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	1,647	6,866
12 months or longer	1,867	2,688
Total	$ 3,514	$ 9,554
No. of holdings | Holdings	471	635
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 1,208	$ 777
12 months or longer	388	1,618
Total	1,596	2,395
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	4	6
12 months or longer	5	26
Total	$ 9	$ 32
No. of holdings | Holdings	2	3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 9,491	$ 17,624
12 months or longer	19,023	16,997
Total	28,514	34,621
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	17	175
12 months or longer	232	412
Total	$ 249	$ 587
No. of holdings | Holdings	27	30
Collateralized debt obligations
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 59,394	$ 55,246
12 months or longer	3,231	1,248
Total	62,625	56,494
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	468	826
12 months or longer	49	4
Total	$ 517	$ 830
No. of holdings | Holdings	45	39
Other debt securities
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 100	$ 8,213
12 months or longer	0	0
Total	100	8,213
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0	11
12 months or longer	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 11
No. of holdings | Holdings	1	7
Available-for-sale securities
Fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 153,072	$ 368,634
12 months or longer	128,783	118,105
Total	281,855	486,739
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	2,136	7,903
12 months or longer	2,253	3,327
Total	$ 4,389	$ 11,230
No. of holdings | Holdings	550	721

Investments - Net Investment In

Investments - Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income		$ 8,767	$ 7,260
Less: investment expenses		250	440
Investment income, net of expenses		8,517	6,820
Fixed maturities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income	[1]	6,161	6,110
Equity securities
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income		141	142
Cash equivalents and other
Investment income from portfolios
Total investment income		$ 2,465	1,008
Erie Family Life Insurance Company
Investment income from portfolios
Note receivable from EFL, interest income recognized by Indemnity			$ 400
[1]	Includes interest earned on note receivable from Erie Family Life Insurance Company of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The note was repaid in full in December 2018.

Investments - Realized Investme

Investments - Realized Investment Gains (Losses) and Impairments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$ 2,503,000	$ (465,000)
Other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities
Other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities recognized in earnings	78,000	0
Other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0
Available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Gross realized gains	2,258,000	340,000
Gross realized losses	(340,000)	(685,000)
Net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	1,918,000	(345,000)
Equity securities
Equity securities
Equity securities	$ 585,000	$ (120,000)

Investments - Portion of Net Un

Investments - Portion of Net Unrealized Gains and Losses Recognized During the Reporting Period Related To Equity Securities (Details) - Equity securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity securities:
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period	$ 585	$ (120)
Less: net losses recognized on securities sold	0	(34)
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized on securities held at reporting date	$ 585	$ (86)

Investments - Equity in Losses

Investments - Equity in Losses of Limited Partnerships by Method of Accounting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018fund
Investments in limited partnerships
Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships	$ (1,147)	$ (192)
Equity method of accounting
Investments in limited partnerships
Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships	(1,147)	195
Fair value option
Investments in limited partnerships
Number of real estate limited partnerships that do not meet the criteria of an investment company | fund			1
Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships	$ 0	$ (387)

Investments - Limited Partnersh

Investments - Limited Partnership Investments by Sector (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments in limited partnerships
Asset recorded	$ 30,038	$ 34,821
Private equity
Investments in limited partnerships
Asset recorded	26,691	28,271
Mezzanine debt
Investments in limited partnerships
Asset recorded	1,118	1,152
Real estate
Investments in limited partnerships
Asset recorded	2,229	2,192
Fair value option | Real estate
Investments in limited partnerships
Asset recorded	$ 0	$ 3,206

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 28,611	$ 32,700
Operating lease liabilities - current	12,466
Operating lease liabilities - long-term	16,589
Total operating lease liabilities	29,055	$ 32,100
Operating lease costs	3,600
Erie Insurance Exchange
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease costs, amount reimbursed from Exchange and its subsidiaries	1,500
Erie Insurance Exchange | Office Space
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 16,200

Borrowing Arrangements - Bank L

Borrowing Arrangements - Bank Line of Credit (Details) - Revolving line of credit	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Bank Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity under the bank revolving line of credit	$ 100,000,000
Maximum letter of credit sublimit under the bank revolving line of credit	25,000,000
Available borrowing capacity under the bank revolving line of credit, due to outstanding letters of credit	99,100,000
Outstanding amount of letters of credit under the bank revolving line of credit	900,000
Available amount of letters of credit under the bank revolving line of credit	24,100,000
Borrowings outstanding under the bank revolving line of credit	0
Fair value of investments pledged as collateral on the bank revolving line of credit	$ 109,400,000

Borrowing Arrangements - Term L

Borrowing Arrangements - Term Loan Credit Facility (Details) - Secured debt - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2016
Term loan credit facility
Amount of senior secured draw term loan credit facility		$ 100,000,000
Fixed interest rate of credit facility (as a percent)	4.35%
Repayment period of credit facility (in years)	28 years
Fair value of investments pledged as collateral on the credit facility	$ 115,000,000

Borrowing Arrangements - Annual

Borrowing Arrangements - Annual Principal Payments (Details) - Secured debt $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Future principal payments:
2019	$ 1,410
2020	1,953
2021	2,040
2022	2,130
2023	2,225
Thereafter	$ 89,782

Postretirement Benefits (Detail

Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cost of pension plans:
Service cost for benefits earned		$ 8,463	$ 9,513
Interest cost on benefits obligation		9,827	8,846
Expected return on plan assets		(11,871)	(12,815)
Prior service cost amortization		349	338
Net actuarial loss amortization		1,278	3,202
Pension plan cost	[1]	$ 8,046	$ 9,084
Erie Insurance Exchange
Postretirement Benefits
Postretirement annual benefit expense reimbursed to Indemnity from the Exchange and its subsidiaries (as a percent)		59.00%
[1]	The components of pension plan costs other than the service cost component are included in the line item "Other income" in the Statements of Operations after reimbursements from the Exchange and its subsidiaries.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate, percentage	21.20%	21.00%

Capital Stock - Class A and B C

Capital Stock - Class A and B Common Stock (Details) - Class B Common Stock - shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Common Stock
Ratio for converting shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock (as a percent)	2400.00%	2400.00%
Class B common stock shares converted into Class A common stock shares (in shares)	0	0

Capital Stock - Stock Repurchas

Capital Stock - Stock Repurchases (Details) - Class A Common Stock - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2011
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Total cost of shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program	$ 1,500,000	$ 3,200,000
Performance shares
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program for share-based compensation awards (in shares)	9,725	27,120
Equity compensation plan
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Total cost of shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program	$ 400,000	$ 700,000
Average price per share for shares purchased (in dollars per share)	$ 132.35	$ 117.39
Equity compensation plan | Performance shares
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program for share-based compensation awards (in shares)	3,246	5,830
Stock compensation plan for outside directors
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Total cost of shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program	$ 400,000	$ 1,100,000
Average price per share for shares purchased (in dollars per share)	$ 183.62	$ 122.19
Stock compensation plan for outside directors | Performance shares
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program for share-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,304	9,285
Incentive compensation deferral plan
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Total cost of shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program	$ 700,000	$ 1,400,000
Average price per share for shares purchased (in dollars per share)	$ 175.23	$ 119.28
Incentive compensation deferral plan | Performance shares
Shares purchased outside of stock repurchase program
Shares purchased outside of publicly announced stock repurchase program for share-based compensation awards (in shares)	4,175	12,005
Stock repurchase program
Stock repurchases
Amount of authorized stock repurchases approved for continuation under the current program			$ 150,000,000
Shares repurchased under stock repurchase program (in shares)	0	0
Approximate amount of repurchase authority remaining under the current stock repurchase program	$ 17,800,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		$ (130,284)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		5,478	$ (5,427)
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		1,232	0
OCI (loss)		6,710	(5,427)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(123,574)
Investment securities:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(9,169)	3,410
OCI (loss) before reclassifications		8,774	(7,130)
Realized investment (gains) losses		(1,918)	345
Impairment losses		78	0
Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-01	[1]		(85)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		6,934	(6,870)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(2,235)	(3,460)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(1,926)	716
OCI (loss) before reclassifications		1,843	(1,497)
Realized investment (gains) losses		(403)	72
Impairment losses		16	0
Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-01	[1]		(18)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		1,456	(1,443)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(470)	(727)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(7,243)	2,694
OCI (loss) before reclassifications		6,931	(5,633)
Realized investment (gains) losses		(1,515)	273
Impairment losses		62	0
Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-01	[1]		(67)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		5,478	(5,427)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(1,765)	(2,733)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(155,749)	(200,954)
Amortization of prior service costs	[2]	349	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	[2]	1,210	0
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		1,559	0
AOCI (loss), end of period		(154,190)	(200,954)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(32,708)	(42,201)
Amortization of prior service costs	[2]	73	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	[2]	254	0
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		327	0
AOCI (loss), end of period		(32,381)	(42,201)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(123,041)	(158,753)
Amortization of prior service costs	[2]	276	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	[2]	956	0
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		1,232	0
AOCI (loss), end of period		(121,809)	(158,753)
Total
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(164,918)	(197,544)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		6,934	(6,870)
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		1,559	0
OCI (loss)		8,493	(6,870)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(156,425)	(204,414)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(34,634)	(41,485)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		1,456	(1,443)
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		327	0
OCI (loss)		1,783	(1,443)
AOCI (loss), end of period		(32,851)	(42,928)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI (loss), beginning of period		(130,284)	(156,059)
Investment securities, OCI (loss)		5,478	(5,427)
Pension and other postretirement plans, OCI (loss)		1,232	0
OCI (loss)		6,710	(5,427)
AOCI (loss), end of period		$ (123,574)	$ (161,486)
[1]	ASU 2016-01 required a reclassification of unrealized losses of equity securities from AOCI to retained earnings at January 1, 2018.
[2]	Effective January 1, 2019, amounts reclassified from AOCI related to amortization of prior service costs and net actuarial loss were recorded during interim periods. Prior to 2019, amounts reclassified for these items were recorded on an annual basis. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9, "Postretirement Benefits", for additional information.

Concentrations of Credit Risk (

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Concentrations of credit risk from unsecured receivables
Receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and its subsidiaries	$ 456,135	$ 449,873

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Contractual commitments
Represents the entity's maximum contractual commitments to invest in its limited partnership investments	$ 9.8
Private equity
Contractual commitments
Represents the entity's maximum contractual commitments to invest in its limited partnership investments	4.4
Mezzanine debt
Contractual commitments
Represents the entity's maximum contractual commitments to invest in its limited partnership investments	$ 5.4