| Cover Page Cover Page | Jan. 27, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CRANE CO. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-1657 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-1952290 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 First Stamford Place |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Stamford |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06902 |
| City Area Code | 203 |
| Local Phone Number | 363-7300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $1.00 |
| Trading Symbol | CR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000025445 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
