Crawford & Company (CRD-B) 10-Q 4 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
		Common Class A	Common Class B
Document Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CRAWFORD & CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000025475	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,928,041	24,690,172

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$293,338	$302,136	$878,566	$863,736
Reimbursements	20,118	22,110	68,144	66,872
Total Revenues	313,456	324,246	946,710	930,608
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Costs of services provided, before reimbursements	212,375	212,479	638,049	625,001
Reimbursements	20,118	22,110	68,144	66,872
Total costs of services	232,493	234,589	706,193	691,873
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	56,702	59,211	174,077	173,967
Corporate interest expense, net of interest income of $232 and $282 for three months and $585 and $826 for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	1,519	2,229	4,762	6,785
Special charges	0	333	0	2,794
Total Costs and Expenses	290,714	296,362	885,032	875,419
Other Income	187	890	2,800	1,473
Income Before Income Taxes	22,929	28,774	64,478	56,662
Provision for Income Taxes	9,221	10,237	24,221	21,213
Net Income	13,708	18,537	40,257	35,449
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	303	322	105	744
Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$13,405	$18,215	$40,152	$34,705
Common Class A	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic	$0.25	$0.34	$0.75	$0.65
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Diluted	$0.25	$0.33	$0.74	$0.65
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share	30,033	29,690	29,838	29,508
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share	30,872	30,472	30,690	30,162
Cash Dividends Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	$0.05	$0.04	$0.13	$0.10
Common Class B	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic	$0.24	$0.33	$0.72	$0.62
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Diluted	$0.24	$0.33	$0.71	$0.62
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share	24,690	24,690	24,690	24,695
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share	24,690	24,690	24,690	24,695
Cash Dividends Per Share:	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	$0.04	$0.03	$0.10	$0.07

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	$232	$282	$585	$826

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$13,708	$18,537	$40,257	$35,449
Other Comprehensive Loss:	'	'	'	'
Net foreign currency translation loss	-8,292	-3,899	-10,684	-5,062
Interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified into income, net of tax of $0 and $82 for three months and $0 and $253 for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	0	134	0	414
Amortization of actuarial losses for retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost, net of tax of $976 and $822 for three months and $3,086 and $2,468 for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,249	1,494	6,591	4,481
Other Comprehensive Loss	-6,043	-2,271	-4,093	-167
Comprehensive Income	7,665	16,266	36,164	35,282
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	60	342	-69	658
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$7,605	$15,924	$36,233	$34,624

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
OCI, Tax on interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified into income	$0	$82	$0	$253
OCI, Tax on amortization of actuarial losses on retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost	$976	$822	$3,086	$2,468

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$51,141	$71,157	[1]
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,976 and $10,584, respectively	201,880	164,708	[1]
Unbilled revenues, at estimated billable amounts	122,340	124,881	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,114	26,019	[1]
Total Current Assets	401,475	386,765	[1]
Property and Equipment:	'	'
Property and equipment	150,087	155,359	[1]
Less accumulated depreciation	-107,864	-109,312	[1]
Net Property and Equipment	42,223	46,047	[1]
Other Assets:	'	'
Goodwill	132,400	131,995	[1]
Intangible assets arising from business acquisitions, net	83,489	89,027	[1]
Capitalized software costs, net	70,197	67,299	[1]
Deferred income tax assets	93,643	99,288	[1]
Other noncurrent assets	22,679	24,402	[1]
Total Other Assets	402,408	412,011	[1]
TOTAL ASSETS	846,106	844,823	[1]
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings	32,717	13,275	[1]
Accounts payable	46,462	54,975	[1]
Accrued compensation and related costs	80,871	103,552	[1]
Self-insured risks	12,911	14,120	[1]
Income taxes payable	13,483	4,357	[1]
Deferred income taxes	15,003	16,267	[1]
Deferred rent	16,270	16,946	[1]
Other accrued liabilities	39,197	37,465	[1]
Deferred revenues	55,186	56,379	[1]
Current mandatory contributions due to pension plan	17,700	18,862	[1]
Current installments of long-term debt and capital leases	884	838	[1]
Total Current Liabilities	330,684	337,036	[1]
Noncurrent Liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	151,931	152,293	[1]
Deferred revenues	26,933	26,438	[1]
Self-insured risks	13,821	13,893	[1]
Accrued pension liabilities, less current mandatory contributions	123,833	146,762	[1]
Other noncurrent liabilities	23,944	26,602	[1]
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	340,462	365,988	[1]
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	37,858	35,550	[1]
Retained earnings	278,310	246,105	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-203,400	-199,481	[1]
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	167,457	136,199	[1]
Noncontrolling interests	7,503	5,600	[1]
Total Shareholdersb Investment	174,960	141,799	[1]
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERSb INVESTMENT	846,106	844,823	[1]
Common Class A	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 29,999 and 29,335 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 2012, respectively. Class B common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 24,690 shares issued and outstanding	29,999	29,335	[1]
Common Class B	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 29,999 and 29,335 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 2012, respectively. Class B common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 24,690 shares issued and outstanding	$24,690	$24,690	[1]
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,976	$10,584	[1]
Common Class A	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1	[1]
Shares authorized	50,000	50,000	[1]
Shares issued	29,999	29,335	[1]
Shares outstanding	29,999	29,335	[1]
Common Class B	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1	[1]
Shares authorized	50,000	50,000	[1]
Shares issued	24,690	24,690	[1]
Shares outstanding	24,690	24,690	[1]
[1]	derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'		'
Net Income	$40,257		$35,449
Reconciliation of net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	24,977		24,510
Stock-based compensation	2,464		2,267
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:	'		'
Accounts receivable, net	-40,189		-17,764
Unbilled revenues, net	-1,238		-29,867
Accrued or prepaid income taxes	10,091		12,107
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-31,735		-2,713
Deferred revenues	-358		3,888
Accrued retirement costs	-17,057		-16,064
Prepaid expenses and other operating activities	3,296		-1,486
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-9,492		10,327
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'		'
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-8,300		-10,524
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	0		47
Capitalization of computer software costs	-11,790		-12,408
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,515		0
Net cash used in investing activities	-22,605		-22,885
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'		'
Cash dividends paid	-6,358		-4,693
Payments related to shares received for withholding taxes under stock-based compensation plans	-880		-896
Proceeds from shares purchased under employee stock-based compensation plans	1,712		493
Repurchases of common stock	-1,913		-567
Increases in short-term borrowings	79,160		48,345
Payments on short-term borrowings	-57,200		-32,182
Payments on capital lease obligations and long-term debt	-607		-6,496
Other financing activities	-227		-466
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,687		3,538
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,606		-2,204
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-20,016		-11,224
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	71,157	[1]	77,613
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$51,141		$66,389
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	$169,920	$150,362	$141,799	[1]	$154,797	$141,087	$138,288	$141,799	[1]	$138,288
Net income (loss)	13,708	16,868	9,681		18,537	10,692	6,220	40,257		35,449
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-6,043	759	1,191		-2,271	3,667	-1,563	-4,093		-167
Cash dividends paid	-2,490	-1,943	-1,925		-1,930	-1,383	-1,380	'		'
Stock-based compensation	632	1,244	588		928	935	404	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	2,188	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	-551	442	-972		113	-201	-882	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-216	'	'		-313	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	174,960	169,920	150,362		169,861	154,797	141,087	174,960		169,861
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	7,659	5,500	5,600		5,132	4,818	4,816	5,600		4,816
Net income (loss)	303	-140	-58		322	267	155	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-243	111	-42		20	47	-153	'		'
Cash dividends paid	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	2,188	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-216	'	'		-313	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	7,503	7,659	5,500		5,161	5,132	4,818	7,503		5,161
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	162,261	144,862	136,199		149,665	136,269	133,472	136,199		133,472
Net income (loss)	13,405	17,008	9,739		18,215	10,425	6,065	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,800	648	1,233		-2,291	3,620	-1,410	'		'
Cash dividends paid	-2,490	-1,943	-1,925		-1,930	-1,383	-1,380	'		'
Stock-based compensation	632	1,244	588		928	935	404	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	-551	442	-972		113	-201	-882	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	167,457	162,261	144,862		164,700	149,665	136,269	167,457		164,700
Common Class A	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	29,983	29,613	29,335		29,568	29,560	29,086	29,335		29,086
Net income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Cash dividends paid	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	16	370	278		155	8	474	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	29,999	29,983	29,613		29,723	29,568	29,560	29,999		29,723
Common Class B	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	24,690	24,690	24,690		24,690	24,697	24,697	24,690		24,697
Net income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Cash dividends paid	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	0	0	0		0	-7	0	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	24,690	24,690	24,690		24,690	24,690	24,697	24,690		24,690
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	36,839	35,006	35,550		33,899	33,017	33,969	35,550		33,969
Net income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Cash dividends paid	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Stock-based compensation	632	1,244	588		928	935	404	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	387	589	-1,132		233	-53	-1,356	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	37,858	36,839	35,006		35,060	33,899	33,017	37,858		35,060
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	268,349	253,801	246,105		222,901	214,008	209,323	246,105		209,323
Net income (loss)	13,405	17,008	9,739		18,215	10,425	6,065	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Cash dividends paid	-2,490	-1,943	-1,925		-1,930	-1,383	-1,380	'		'
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	-954	-517	-118		-275	-149	0	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	278,310	268,349	253,801		238,911	222,901	214,008	278,310		238,911
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'		'
Beginning Balance	-197,600	-198,248	-199,481		-161,393	-165,013	-163,603	-199,481		-163,603
Net income (loss)	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,800	648	1,233		-2,291	3,620	-1,410	'		'
Cash dividends paid	'	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Increase in value of noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of a controlling interest	'	0	'		'	'	'	'		'
Common stock activity, net	0	0	0		0	0	0	'		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'		0	'	'	'		'
Ending Balance	($203,400)	($197,600)	($198,248)		($163,684)	($161,393)	($165,013)	($203,400)		($163,684)
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended, and our financial position as of, September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results or financial position that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or for other future periods. The financial results of the Company's international subsidiaries, other than those in Canada and the Caribbean, are included in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements on a two-month delayed basis (fiscal year-end of October 31) as permitted by GAAP in order to provide sufficient time for accumulation of their results.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information presented herein as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The Company consolidates the liabilities of its deferred compensation plan and the related assets, which are held in a rabbi trust and considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") of the Company. The rabbi trust was created to fund the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the rabbi trust because the Company directs the activities of the trust and can use the assets of the trust to satisfy the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the liabilities of the deferred compensation plan were $10,411,000 and $10,327,000, respectively, which represented obligations of the Company rather than of the rabbi trust, and the values of the assets held in the related rabbi trust were $15,254,000 and $14,741,000, respectively. These liabilities and assets are included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" and "Other noncurrent assets," respectively, on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Adoption_of_New_Accounting_Sta

Adoption of New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Adoption of new accounting standards	'
	Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")" ("ASU 2013-02"). Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. Since ASU 2013-02 is a disclosure-only standard, its adoption did not affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." Under ASU 2013-11, an entity is required to present unrecognized tax benefits ("UTBs") as a decrease in a net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and the deferred tax asset that exists at the reporting date and presumes disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 eliminates the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits does not alter the way in which entities assess deferred tax assets for realizability. ASU 2013-11 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehenisv

Accumulated Other Comprehenisve Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive income (loss) for the Company consists of the total of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the effective portion of the Company’s interest rate hedges (if any), and accrued pension and retiree medical liability adjustments. The changes in components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL"), net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30, 2013									Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance	$	5,317		$	(202,917	)	$	(197,600	)	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(8,049		)	—			(8,049		)	(10,510		)	—			(10,510		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			2,249			2,249			—			6,591			6,591
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(8,049		)	2,249			(5,800		)	(10,510		)	6,591			(3,919		)
	Ending balance	$	(2,732	)	$	(200,668	)	$	(203,400	)	$	(2,732	)	$	(200,668	)	$	(203,400	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2012												Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Interest rate swap (2)			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Interest rate swap (2)			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance	$	9,419		$	(134	)	$	(170,678	)	$	(161,393	)	$	10,476		$	(414	)	$	(173,665	)	$	(163,603	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3,919		)	—			—			(3,919		)	(4,976		)	—			—			(4,976		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			134			1,494			1,628			—			414			4,481			4,895
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(3,919		)	134			1,494			(2,291		)	(4,976		)	414			4,481			(81		)
	Ending balance	$	5,500		$	—		$	(169,184	)	$	(163,684	)	$	5,500		$	—		$	(169,184	)	$	(163,684	)
	________________________________________________
	(1)	Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 7, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.
	(2)	Interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified to net income is related to the reclassification of interest expense as the hedged transaction occurred and is included in "Corporate interest expense, net" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5, "Derivative Instruments" for additional details.
	The other comprehensive income (loss) amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests shown in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment are foreign currency translation adjustments.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share	'
	Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share
	We compute earnings per share of our Class A Common Stock ("CRDA") and Class B Common Stock ("CRDB") using the two-class method, which allocates the undistributed earnings in each period to each class on a proportionate basis. The Company's Board of Directors has the right, but not the obligation, to declare higher dividends on the non-voting CRDA shares than on the voting CRDB shares, subject to certain limitations. In periods when the dividend is the same for CRDA and CRDB or when no dividends are declared or paid to either class, the two-class method generally will yield the same earnings per share for CRDA and CRDB. During the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 the Board of Directors declared a higher dividend on CRDA than on CRDB.
	The computations of basic net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
		Three months ended											Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
		2013						2012					2013				2012
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA			CRDB			CRDA			CRDB		CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	5,990		$	4,925		$	8,891		$	7,394	$	18,492	$	15,302	$	16,339	$	13,673
	Dividends paid	1,502			988			1,190			740		3,889		2,469		2,965		1,728
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	7,492			5,913			10,081			8,134		22,381		17,771		19,304		15,401
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033			24,690			29,690			24,690		29,838		24,690		29,508		24,695
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.34		$	0.33	$	0.75	$	0.72	$	0.65	$	0.62
	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
		Three months ended											Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
		2013						2012					2013				2012
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA			CRDB			CRDA			CRDB		CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	6,065		$	4,850		$	8,996		$	7,289	$	18,728	$	15,066	$	16,501	$	13,511
	Dividends paid	1,502			988			1,190			740		3,889		2,469		2,965		1,728
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	7,567			5,838			10,186			8,029		22,617		17,535		19,466		15,239
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033			24,690			29,690			24,690		29,838		24,690		29,508		24,695
	Weighted-average number of dilutive securities	839			—			782			—		852		—		654		—
		30,872			24,690			30,472			24,690		30,690		24,690		30,162		24,695
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.33		$	0.33	$	0.74	$	0.71	$	0.65	$	0.62
	Listed below are the securities excluded from the denominator in the above computation of diluted earnings per share for CRDA because their inclusion would have been antidilutive:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,		September 30,	September 30,
		2013		2012		2013	2012
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	1,244		1,135		1,175	1,164
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	2,084		1,019		2,084	1,019
	________________________________________________
	(1)	Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given for these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have actually been achieved. The performance measurements for approximately 455,000 of the Company's outstanding performance stock grants as of September 30, 2013 are expected to be achieved by December 31, 2013.
	The following table details shares issued during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012. These shares are included from their dates of issuance in the weighted-average common shares used to compute basic earnings per share for CRDA in the table above.
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	6			96		64			154
	CRDA issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	147			148		147			148
	CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	5			—		490			8
	CRDA issued under International Plan	11			—		11			—
	CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	20			—		265			467
	CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	—			—		12			—
	In May 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its common stock (either CRDA or CRDB or both) until May 2015. Under the repurchase program, repurchases may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions at such times and for such prices as management deems appropriate, subject to applicable regulatory guidelines. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 172,752 and 325,372 shares of CRDA, respectively, at an average cost of $6.53 and $5.88 per share, respectively. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 86,306 and 136,306 shares, respectively, of CRDA at an average cost of $4.16 and $3.95 per share, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company also repurchased 7,000 shares of CRDB at an average cost of $3.83 per share.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	From time to time the Company may attempt to manage a portion of its exposure to the impact of interest rate changes by entering into interest rate swap agreements. The Company had a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $85,000,000, which expired September 30, 2012. As a result of entering into a new credit facility in December 2011, this interest rate swap was discontinued as a cash flow hedge of exposure to changes in interest rates. Because it was still probable that the forecasted transactions that were hedged would occur, the amount in AOCL related to the interest rate swap agreement at the date the cash flow hedge was discontinued was reclassified into earnings as an increase to interest expense over the remaining life of the interest rate swap agreement as the forecasted transactions occurred. Changes to the fair value of this swap agreement were recorded by the Company as an interest expense adjustment rather than a component of the Company's AOCL. Such amount was insignificant for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	The effective portion of the pretax loss on the Company’s interest-rate swap agreement is shown below. The losses reclassified from AOCL into income (effective portion) are reported in "Corporate interest expense, net" in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Loss reclassified from AOCL into income - effective portion	$	—	$	216		$	—	$	667
	The balances and changes in AOCL related to the effective portions of the Company’s interest rate hedge for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Amount in AOCL at beginning of period for effective portion of interest rate hedge, net of tax	$	—	$	(134	)	$	—	$	(414	)
	Loss reclassified into income, net of tax	—		134			—		414
	Amount in AOCL at end of period for effective portion of interest rate hedge, net of tax	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
	In February 2011, the Company entered into a U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar ("CAD") cross currency basis swap with an initial notional amount of CAD34,749,000 as an economic hedge to an intercompany note payable to the U.S. parent by our Canadian subsidiary. The cross currency basis swap requires the Canadian subsidiary to deliver quarterly payments of CAD589,000 to the counterparty and entitles the U.S. parent to receive quarterly payments of U.S. $593,000. The Canadian subsidiary also makes interest payments to the counterparty based on 3-month Canada Bankers Acceptances plus a spread, and the U.S. parent receives payments based on U.S. 3-month LIBOR. The cross currency basis swap expires on September 30, 2025. We have elected to not designate this swap as a hedge of the intercompany note from our Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this swap, as well as changes in the value of the intercompany note, are recorded as gains or losses in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income over the term of the swap and are expected to substantially offset one another. The changes in the fair value of the cross currency basis swap will not exactly offset changes in the value of the intercompany note, as the fair value of this swap is determined based on forward rates while the value of the intercompany note is determined based on end of period spot rates. The fair value of the cross currency basis swap was a net asset of $206,000 at September 30, 2013 and a net liability of $752,000 at December 31, 2012.
	The Company’s swap agreement contains a provision providing that if the Company is in default under its credit facility, the Company may also be deemed to be in default under its swap agreement. If there were such a default, the Company could be required to contemporaneously settle some or all of the obligation under the swap agreement at values determined at the time of default. At September 30, 2013, no such default existed, and the Company had no assets posted as collateral under its swap agreement.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
						Significant Other		Significant
				Quoted Prices in		Observable		Unobservable
				Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	(in thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	47	$	47	$	—	$	—
	Derivative not designated as hedging instrument:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	206		—		206		—
	________________________________________________
	(1)	The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are reported on the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents."
	(2)	The fair value of the cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the Company’s credit risk. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.
	Fair Value Disclosures
	There were no transfers between fair value levels during the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The fair values of accounts receivable, unbilled revenues, accounts payable and short-term borrowings approximate their respective carrying values due to the short-term maturities of the instruments. The interest rate on the Company's variable rate long-term debt resets at least every 90 days; therefore, the carrying value approximates fair value.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined benefit pension plans	'
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included the following components:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	703		$	521		$	2,073		$	1,596
	Interest cost	8,237			8,641			24,555			26,032
	Expected return on assets	(10,659		)	(10,458		)	(31,685		)	(31,513		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,210			2,387			9,760			7,176
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,491		$	1,091		$	4,703		$	3,291
	For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company made contributions of $15,350,000 and $4,759,000, respectively, to its underfunded U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans, compared with contributions of $13,476,000 and $4,984,000, respectively, for the comparable period in 2012. The Company is required to make contributions to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan of $2,600,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013. There are no required contributions to the U.K. plans for the remainder of 2013; however, the Company expects to make additional contributions of approximately $1,700,000 to these U.K. plans during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate may change periodically due to changes in enacted tax rates, fluctuations in the mix of income earned from the Company’s various domestic and international operations, which are subject to income taxes at different rates, the Company’s ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and amounts related to uncertain income tax positions. At September 30, 2013, the Company estimates that its effective annual income tax rate for 2013 will be approximately 38% before considering any discrete items.
	The U.K. Finance Bill 2013 was enacted during the reporting period ended September 30, 2013. This bill includes a change in the main U.K. corporation tax rate from its current 23% rate to 21% effective April 1, 2014 and to 20% effective April 1, 2015. This tax rate change resulted in a discrete tax expense of approximately $1,300,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013. This increase in taxes was offset by other discrete items recorded during the year.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	Segment Information
	Financial information for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 related to the Company’s reportable segments, including a reconciliation from segment operating earnings (loss) to income before income taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Certain marketing functions that were previously included in each segment are now included in our corporate administrative costs and allocated back to the segments. The results of prior periods have been revised to conform to the current presentation.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Americas	$	95,879		$	85,879		$	262,757		$	240,978
	Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific ("EMEA/AP")	84,007			95,876			259,189			271,486
	Broadspire	63,323			59,759			186,888			180,112
	Legal Settlement Administration	50,129			60,622			169,732			171,160
	Total segment revenues before reimbursements	293,338			302,136			878,566			863,736
	Reimbursements	20,118			22,110			68,144			66,872
	Total revenues	$	313,456		$	324,246		$	946,710		$	930,608
	Operating Earnings (Loss):
	Americas	$	9,718		$	6,534		$	17,355		$	7,429
	EMEA/AP	4,272			12,954			19,486			30,267
	Broadspire	1,884			(202		)	4,475			(573		)
	Legal Settlement Administration	10,171			15,639			38,714			42,114
	Total segment operating earnings	26,045			34,925			80,030			79,237
	Deduct (Add):
	Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	275			(1,966		)	(5,355		)	(7,930		)
	Net corporate interest expense	(1,519		)	(2,229		)	(4,762		)	(6,785		)
	Stock option expense	(279		)	(77		)	(652		)	(322		)
	Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(1,593		)	(1,546		)	(4,783		)	(4,744		)
	Special charges	—			(333		)	—			(2,794		)
	Income before income taxes	$	22,929		$	28,774		$	64,478		$	56,662
	Intersegment transactions are not material for any period presented.
	Operating earnings is the primary financial performance measure used by the Company’s senior management and chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the financial performance of the Company’s four operating segments and make resource allocation decisions. The Company believes this measure is useful to others in that it allows them to evaluate segment operating performance using the same criteria used by the Company’s senior management and CODM. Operating earnings will differ from net income computed in accordance with GAAP since operating earnings represent segment earnings (loss) before certain unallocated corporate and shared costs, net corporate interest expense, stock option expense, amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets, special charges and credits, income taxes, and net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.
	Segment operating earnings (loss) includes allocations of certain corporate and shared costs. If the Company changes its allocation methods or changes the types of costs that are allocated to its four operating segments, prior period amounts presented in the current period financial statements are adjusted to conform to the current allocation process.
	Revenues by major service line in the U.S. and by area for other regions in the Americas segment and by major service line for the Broadspire segment are shown in the following table. It is not practicable to provide revenues by service line for the EMEA/AP segment. The Company considers all of Legal Settlement Administration revenues to be derived from one service line.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	27,253		$	26,839		$	79,055		$	80,435
	U.S. Technical Services	6,657			7,084			21,073			21,359
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	13,932			9,573			31,031			18,731
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	47,842			43,496			131,159			120,525
	Contractor Connection	9,137			8,175			26,696			20,781
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	56,979			51,671			157,855			141,306
	Canada--all service lines	34,480			31,491			92,815			90,396
	Latin America/Caribbean--all service lines	4,420			2,717			12,087			9,276
	Total Americas	$	95,879		$	85,879		$	262,757		$	240,978
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	26,922		$	25,277		$	79,595		$	75,394
	Medical Management	32,588			30,518			95,581			92,723
	Risk Management Information Services	3,813			3,964			11,712			11,995
	Total Broadspire	$	63,323		$	59,759		$	186,888		$	180,112

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has entered into one additional significant operating lease since the disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In January 2013, the Company entered into a 10-year operating lease agreement for approximately 24,000 square feet of office space in Berkeley Heights, NJ, primarily for our Broadspire segment. The lease began July 1, 2013. Total lease payments over the 10-year term are approximately $6,900,000. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and operating expenses.
	As part of the Company’s credit facility, the Company maintains a letter of credit facility to satisfy certain of its own contractual requirements. At September 30, 2013, the aggregate committed amount of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility was $17,837,000.
	In the normal course of the claims administration services business, the Company is sometimes named as a defendant in suits by insureds or claimants contesting decisions made by the Company or its clients with respect to the settlement of claims. Additionally, certain clients of the Company have in the past brought, and may in the future bring, actions for indemnification on the basis of alleged negligence by the Company, its agents, or its employees in rendering services to clients. The majority of these claims are of the type covered by insurance maintained by the Company. However, the Company is responsible for the deductibles and self-insured retentions under various insurance coverages. In the opinion of Company management, adequate provisions have been made for such known and foreseeable risks.
	The Company is subject to numerous federal, state, and foreign employment laws, and from time to time the Company faces claims by its employees and former employees under such laws. Such claims or litigation involving the Company or any of the Company’s current or former employees could divert management’s time and attention from the Company’s business operations and could potentially result in substantial costs of defense, settlement or other disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. In the opinion of Company management, adequate provisions have been made for such known and foreseeable risks.

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco

Special Charges and Other Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Special Charges and Other Income [Abstract]	'
Special charges and other income	'
	Special Charges and Other Income
	Special Charges
	There were no special charges during the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2013. Special charges of $333,000 and $2,794,000 were incurred during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, for severance costs, stay bonuses and certain other expenses related to a project to outsource certain aspects of its technology infrastructure to a third-party provider. The transition was completed by September 30, 2012.
	As of September 30, 2013, the following liabilities remained on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the special charges recorded in 2012. The rollforwards of these costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 follow:
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent		Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	876		$	1,381		$	1,099		$	6,088
	Cash payments	—		(181		)	—			(48		)	(229		)
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	695		$	1,381		$	1,051		$	5,859
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent		Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2013	$	2,148	$	2,303		$	1,509		$	1,253		$	7,213
	Adjustments to accruals	584		—			(128		)	99			555
	Cash payments	—		(1,608		)	—			(301		)	(1,909		)
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	695		$	1,381		$	1,051		$	5,859
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company adjusted the estimated loss on a leased facility the Company no longer uses by $555,000. This loss was recorded in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Other Income
	Other income includes dividend income from our unconsolidated subsidiaries and miscellaneous other income. Included in "Other income" for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was a $2,286,000 gain from the sale of the rights to a customer contract in Latin America in the first quarter of 2013. All of these amounts are included in the Americas segment operating earnings.

Basis_of_Presentation_Consolid

Basis of Presentation (Consolidation of VIE) (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, variable interest entity, policy	'
	The Company consolidates the liabilities of its deferred compensation plan and the related assets, which are held in a rabbi trust and considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") of the Company. The rabbi trust was created to fund the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the rabbi trust because the Company directs the activities of the trust and can use the assets of the trust to satisfy the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha1

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per share, policy	'
	We compute earnings per share of our Class A Common Stock ("CRDA") and Class B Common Stock ("CRDB") using the two-class method, which allocates the undistributed earnings in each period to each class on a proportionate basis.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The changes in components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL"), net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows:
		Three months ended September 30, 2013									Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance	$	5,317		$	(202,917	)	$	(197,600	)	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(8,049		)	—			(8,049		)	(10,510		)	—			(10,510		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			2,249			2,249			—			6,591			6,591
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(8,049		)	2,249			(5,800		)	(10,510		)	6,591			(3,919		)
	Ending balance	$	(2,732	)	$	(200,668	)	$	(203,400	)	$	(2,732	)	$	(200,668	)	$	(203,400	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2012												Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Interest rate swap (2)			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Interest rate swap (2)			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance	$	9,419		$	(134	)	$	(170,678	)	$	(161,393	)	$	10,476		$	(414	)	$	(173,665	)	$	(163,603	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(3,919		)	—			—			(3,919		)	(4,976		)	—			—			(4,976		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			134			1,494			1,628			—			414			4,481			4,895
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(3,919		)	134			1,494			(2,291		)	(4,976		)	414			4,481			(81		)
	Ending balance	$	5,500		$	—		$	(169,184	)	$	(163,684	)	$	5,500		$	—		$	(169,184	)	$	(163,684	)
	________________________________________________
	(1)	Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 7, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.
	(2)	Interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified to net income is related to the reclassification of interest expense as the hedged transaction occurred and is included in "Corporate interest expense, net" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5, "Derivative Instruments" for additional details.
	The other comprehensive income (loss) amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests shown in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment are foreign currency translation adjustments.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha2

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of earnings per share, basic	'
	The computations of basic net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
		Three months ended											Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
		2013						2012					2013				2012
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA			CRDB			CRDA			CRDB		CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	5,990		$	4,925		$	8,891		$	7,394	$	18,492	$	15,302	$	16,339	$	13,673
	Dividends paid	1,502			988			1,190			740		3,889		2,469		2,965		1,728
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	7,492			5,913			10,081			8,134		22,381		17,771		19,304		15,401
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033			24,690			29,690			24,690		29,838		24,690		29,508		24,695
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.34		$	0.33	$	0.75	$	0.72	$	0.65	$	0.62
Schedule of earnings per share, diluted	'
	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
		Three months ended											Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,					September 30,				September 30,
		2013						2012					2013				2012
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA			CRDB			CRDA			CRDB		CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	6,065		$	4,850		$	8,996		$	7,289	$	18,728	$	15,066	$	16,501	$	13,511
	Dividends paid	1,502			988			1,190			740		3,889		2,469		2,965		1,728
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	7,567			5,838			10,186			8,029		22,617		17,535		19,466		15,239
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033			24,690			29,690			24,690		29,838		24,690		29,508		24,695
	Weighted-average number of dilutive securities	839			—			782			—		852		—		654		—
		30,872			24,690			30,472			24,690		30,690		24,690		30,162		24,695
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.33		$	0.33	$	0.74	$	0.71	$	0.65	$	0.62
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'
	Listed below are the securities excluded from the denominator in the above computation of diluted earnings per share for CRDA because their inclusion would have been antidilutive:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,		September 30,	September 30,
		2013		2012		2013	2012
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	1,244		1,135		1,175	1,164
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	2,084		1,019		2,084	1,019
	________________________________________________
	(1)	Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given for these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have actually been achieved. The performance measurements for approximately 455,000 of the Company's outstanding performance stock grants as of September 30, 2013 are expected to be achieved by December 31, 2013.
Schedule of shares issued under stock plans used in weighted average calc	'
	The following table details shares issued during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012. These shares are included from their dates of issuance in the weighted-average common shares used to compute basic earnings per share for CRDA in the table above.
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	6			96		64			154
	CRDA issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	147			148		147			148
	CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	5			—		490			8
	CRDA issued under International Plan	11			—		11			—
	CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	20			—		265			467
	CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	—			—		12			—

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of derivative instruments, gain (loss) in statement of financial performance	'
	The effective portion of the pretax loss on the Company’s interest-rate swap agreement is shown below. The losses reclassified from AOCL into income (effective portion) are reported in "Corporate interest expense, net" in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Loss reclassified from AOCL into income - effective portion	$	—	$	216		$	—	$	667
Schedule of cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The balances and changes in AOCL related to the effective portions of the Company’s interest rate hedge for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Amount in AOCL at beginning of period for effective portion of interest rate hedge, net of tax	$	—	$	(134	)	$	—	$	(414	)
	Loss reclassified into income, net of tax	—		134			—		414
	Amount in AOCL at end of period for effective portion of interest rate hedge, net of tax	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fair value, assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	'
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
						Significant Other		Significant
				Quoted Prices in		Observable		Unobservable
				Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	(in thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	47	$	47	$	—	$	—
	Derivative not designated as hedging instrument:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	206		—		206		—
	________________________________________________
	(1)	The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are reported on the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents."
	(2)	The fair value of the cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the Company’s credit risk. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	'
	Net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included the following components:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	703		$	521		$	2,073		$	1,596
	Interest cost	8,237			8,641			24,555			26,032
	Expected return on assets	(10,659		)	(10,458		)	(31,685		)	(31,513		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,210			2,387			9,760			7,176
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,491		$	1,091		$	4,703		$	3,291

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment	'
	Financial information for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 related to the Company’s reportable segments, including a reconciliation from segment operating earnings (loss) to income before income taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Certain marketing functions that were previously included in each segment are now included in our corporate administrative costs and allocated back to the segments. The results of prior periods have been revised to conform to the current presentation.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Americas	$	95,879		$	85,879		$	262,757		$	240,978
	Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific ("EMEA/AP")	84,007			95,876			259,189			271,486
	Broadspire	63,323			59,759			186,888			180,112
	Legal Settlement Administration	50,129			60,622			169,732			171,160
	Total segment revenues before reimbursements	293,338			302,136			878,566			863,736
	Reimbursements	20,118			22,110			68,144			66,872
	Total revenues	$	313,456		$	324,246		$	946,710		$	930,608
	Operating Earnings (Loss):
	Americas	$	9,718		$	6,534		$	17,355		$	7,429
	EMEA/AP	4,272			12,954			19,486			30,267
	Broadspire	1,884			(202		)	4,475			(573		)
	Legal Settlement Administration	10,171			15,639			38,714			42,114
	Total segment operating earnings	26,045			34,925			80,030			79,237
	Deduct (Add):
	Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	275			(1,966		)	(5,355		)	(7,930		)
	Net corporate interest expense	(1,519		)	(2,229		)	(4,762		)	(6,785		)
	Stock option expense	(279		)	(77		)	(652		)	(322		)
	Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(1,593		)	(1,546		)	(4,783		)	(4,744		)
	Special charges	—			(333		)	—			(2,794		)
	Income before income taxes	$	22,929		$	28,774		$	64,478		$	56,662
Schedule of revenues by major service line	'
	Revenues by major service line in the U.S. and by area for other regions in the Americas segment and by major service line for the Broadspire segment are shown in the following table. It is not practicable to provide revenues by service line for the EMEA/AP segment. The Company considers all of Legal Settlement Administration revenues to be derived from one service line.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
	(in thousands)	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	27,253		$	26,839		$	79,055		$	80,435
	U.S. Technical Services	6,657			7,084			21,073			21,359
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	13,932			9,573			31,031			18,731
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	47,842			43,496			131,159			120,525
	Contractor Connection	9,137			8,175			26,696			20,781
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	56,979			51,671			157,855			141,306
	Canada--all service lines	34,480			31,491			92,815			90,396
	Latin America/Caribbean--all service lines	4,420			2,717			12,087			9,276
	Total Americas	$	95,879		$	85,879		$	262,757		$	240,978
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	26,922		$	25,277		$	79,595		$	75,394
	Medical Management	32,588			30,518			95,581			92,723
	Risk Management Information Services	3,813			3,964			11,712			11,995
	Total Broadspire	$	63,323		$	59,759		$	186,888		$	180,112

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco1

Special Charges and Other Income Rollforward of Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Rollforward of accrued liabilities	'
	The rollforwards of these costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 follow:
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent		Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	876		$	1,381		$	1,099		$	6,088
	Cash payments	—		(181		)	—			(48		)	(229		)
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	695		$	1,381		$	1,051		$	5,859
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent		Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2013	$	2,148	$	2,303		$	1,509		$	1,253		$	7,213
	Adjustments to accruals	584		—			(128		)	99			555
	Cash payments	—		(1,608		)	—			(301		)	(1,909		)
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	2,732	$	695		$	1,381		$	1,051		$	5,859

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (Primary beneficiary, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Primary beneficiary	'	'
Variable Interest Entity	'	'
Liabilities of the deferred compensation plan	$10,411	$10,327
Assets held in the related rabbi trust	$15,254	$14,741

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Rollforward of Accumulated Other comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($197,600)		($161,393)		($199,481)	[1]	($163,603)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-8,049		-3,919		-10,510		-4,976
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,249		1,628		6,591		4,895
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-5,800		-2,291		-3,919		-81
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-203,400		-163,684		-203,400		-163,684
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'		'		'		'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,317		9,419		7,778		10,476
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-8,049		-3,919		-10,510		-4,976
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0		0		0		0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-8,049		-3,919		-10,510		-4,976
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,732		5,500		-2,732		5,500
Interest rate swap	'		'		'		'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'		-134		'		-414
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'		0		'		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		134		'		414
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	'		134	[2]	'		414	[2]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'		0		'		0
Retirement liabilities	'		'		'		'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'		'		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-202,917		-170,678		-207,259		-173,665
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,249		1,494		6,591		4,481
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	2,249	[3]	1,494	[3]	6,591	[3]	4,481	[3]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($200,668)	[3]	($169,184)	[3]	($200,668)	[3]	($169,184)	[3]
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet
[2]	Interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified to net income is related to the reclassification of interest expense as the hedged transaction occurred and is included in "Corporate interest expense, net" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5, "Derivative Instruments" for additional details.
[3]	Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 7, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha3

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Common Class A	'	'	'	'
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$5,990	$8,891	$18,492	$16,339
Dividends paid	1,502	1,190	3,889	2,965
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	7,492	10,081	22,381	19,304
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033	29,690	29,838	29,508
Earnings per share - basic	$0.25	$0.34	$0.75	$0.65
Common Class B	'	'	'	'
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	4,925	7,394	15,302	13,673
Dividends paid	988	740	2,469	1,728
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	$5,913	$8,134	$17,771	$15,401
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,690	24,690	24,690	24,695
Earnings per share - basic	$0.24	$0.33	$0.72	$0.62

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha4

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Common Class A	'	'	'	'
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$6,065	$8,996	$18,728	$16,501
Dividends paid	1,502	1,190	3,889	2,965
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	7,567	10,186	22,617	19,466
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,033	29,690	29,838	29,508
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities	839	782	852	654
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	30,872	30,472	30,690	30,162
Earnings per share - diluted	$0.25	$0.33	$0.74	$0.65
Common Class B	'	'	'	'
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	4,850	7,289	15,066	13,511
Dividends paid	988	740	2,469	1,728
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	$5,838	$8,029	$17,535	$15,239
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,690	24,690	24,690	24,695
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities	0	0	0	0
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	24,690	24,690	24,690	24,695
Earnings per share - diluted	$0.24	$0.33	$0.71	$0.62

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha5

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'		'		'		'
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share	1,244		1,135		1,175		1,164
Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'		'		'		'
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share	2,084	[1]	1,019	[1]	2,084	[1]	1,019	[1]
Performance stock grants expected to be issued by end of year	455		'		455		'
[1]	Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given for these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have actually been achieved. The performance measurements for approximately 455,000 of the Company's outstanding performance stock grants as of September 30, 2013 are expected to be achieved by DecemberB 31, 2013.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha6

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Weighted Average Shares Issued) (Details) (Common Class A)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	6	96	64	154
CRDA issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	147	148	147	148
CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	5	0	490	8
CRDA issued under International Plan	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	11	0	11	0
CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	20	0	265	467
CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	0	0	12	0

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha7

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Narrative (Details) (USD $)	31-May-12	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
	Common Stock	Common Class A	Common Class A	Common Class A	Common Class A	Common Class B
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	'	172,752	86,306	325,372	136,306	7,000
Average cost (usd per share)	'	$6.53	$4.16	$5.88	$3.95	$3.83

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Interest rate swap	Cross currency basis swap	Cross currency basis swap	Cross currency basis swap	Level 2	Level 2
	Not designated as hedging instrument	Not designated as hedging instrument	Not designated as hedging instrument	Not designated as hedging instrument	Cross currency basis swap	Cross currency basis swap
	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	CAD	Fair value, measurements, recurring	Fair value, measurements, recurring
					USD ($)	USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$85,000,000	'	'	34,749,000	'	'
Derivative instrument, periodic payment	'	'	589,000	'	'	'
Derivative instruments, periodic receivable	'	593,000	'	'	'	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	'	'	'	'	206,000	'
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value disclosure	'	'	'	'	'	$752,000

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Activities) (Details) (Discontinued as a cash flow hedge, Interest rate swap, Interest expense, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued as a cash flow hedge | Interest rate swap | Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Loss	'	'	'	'
Loss reclassified from AOCL into income - effective portion	$0	$216	$0	$667

Derivative_Instruments_Changes

Derivative Instruments (Changes in Accumulated OCL) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss reclassified into income, net of tax	$2,249	$1,628	$6,591	$4,895	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount in AOCL at beginning or end of period for effective portion of interest rate hedge, net of tax	0	0	0	0	0	0	-134	-414
Loss reclassified into income, net of tax	$0	$134	$0	$414	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Debt instrument, variable interest rate duration between resets	'90 days
Cash and cash equivalents | Measured on a recurring basis	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Money market funds	47	[1]
Other accrued liabilities | Measured on a recurring basis | Cross currency basis swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	206	[2]
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents | Measured on a recurring basis	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Money market funds	47
Level 2 | Measured on a recurring basis | Cross currency basis swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	206
Level 2 | Not designated as hedging instrument | Other accrued liabilities | Measured on a recurring basis | Cross currency basis swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	206
[1]	The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are reported on the Companybs unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents."
[2]	The fair value of the cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the Companybs credit risk. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Companybs unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_1

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$703	$521	$2,073	$1,596
Interest cost	8,237	8,641	24,555	26,032
Expected return on assets	-10,659	-10,458	-31,685	-31,513
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,210	2,387	9,760	7,176
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,491	$1,091	$4,703	$3,291

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_2

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. pension plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Contributions by employer	$15,350	$13,476
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions	2,600	'
U.K. pension plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Contributions by employer	4,759	4,984
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions	$1,700	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Effective annual income tax rate (percent)	38.00%

Income_Taxes_UK_Tax_Rate_Chang

Income Taxes U.K. Tax Rate Changes (Details) (United Kingdom, USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
United Kingdom	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Future Tax Rates	'	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate (percent)	'	23.00%	20.00%	21.00%
Discrete tax expense related to U.K. rate change	$1,300	$1,300	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	4	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$293,338	$302,136	$878,566	$863,736
Reimbursements	20,118	22,110	68,144	66,872
Total revenues	313,456	324,246	946,710	930,608
Segment operating earnings	26,045	34,925	80,030	79,237
Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	275	-1,966	-5,355	-7,930
Net corporate interest expense	-1,519	-2,229	-4,762	-6,785
Stock option expense	-279	-77	-652	-322
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	-1,593	-1,546	-4,783	-4,744
Special charges	0	-333	0	-2,794
Income before income taxes	22,929	28,774	64,478	56,662
Americas	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	95,879	85,879	262,757	240,978
Segment operating earnings	9,718	6,534	17,355	7,429
Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific (EMEA/AP)	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	84,007	95,876	259,189	271,486
Segment operating earnings	4,272	12,954	19,486	30,267
Broadspire	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	63,323	59,759	186,888	180,112
Segment operating earnings	1,884	-202	4,475	-573
Legal Settlement Administration	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	50,129	60,622	169,732	171,160
Segment operating earnings	$10,171	$15,639	$38,714	$42,114

Segment_Information_Revenues_b

Segment Information (Revenues by major service line) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$293,338	$302,136	$878,566	$863,736
Americas	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	95,879	85,879	262,757	240,978
Americas | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	56,979	51,671	157,855	141,306
Americas | Canada	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	34,480	31,491	92,815	90,396
Americas | Latin America Caribbean	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	4,420	2,717	12,087	9,276
Americas | U.S. Claims Field Operations | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	27,253	26,839	79,055	80,435
Americas | U.S. Technical Services | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	6,657	7,084	21,073	21,359
Americas | U.S. Catastrophe Services | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	13,932	9,573	31,031	18,731
Americas | Subtotal U.S. Claims Services | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	47,842	43,496	131,159	120,525
Americas | Contractor Connection | U.S. Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	9,137	8,175	26,696	20,781
Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific (EMEA/AP)	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	84,007	95,876	259,189	271,486
Broadspire	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	63,323	59,759	186,888	180,112
Broadspire | Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	26,922	25,277	79,595	75,394
Broadspire | Medical Management	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	32,588	30,518	95,581	92,723
Broadspire | Risk Management Information Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	3,813	3,964	11,712	11,995
Legal Settlement Administration	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$50,129	$60,622	$169,732	$171,160

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 15, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		sqft
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Operating lease obligations, term of lease	'	'10 years
Area of real estate property	'	24,000
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	'	$6,900
Letters of credit outstanding amount	$17,837	'

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco2

Special Charges and Other Income Rollforward of accrued liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'
Beginning balance	$6,088	$7,213
Adjustments to accruals	'	555
Cash payments	-229	-1,909
Ending balance	5,859	5,859
Deferred rent	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'
Beginning balance	2,732	2,148
Adjustments to accruals	'	584
Cash payments	0	0
Ending balance	2,732	2,732
Accrued compensation and related costs	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'
Beginning balance	876	2,303
Adjustments to accruals	'	0
Cash payments	-181	-1,608
Ending balance	695	695
Other accrued liabilities	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'
Beginning balance	1,381	1,509
Adjustments to accruals	'	-128
Cash payments	0	0
Ending balance	1,381	1,381
Other noncurrent liabilities	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'
Beginning balance	1,099	1,253
Adjustments to accruals	'	99
Cash payments	-48	-301
Ending balance	$1,051	$1,051

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco3

Special Charges and Other Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Special charges	$0	$333	$0	$2,794
Adjustments to accruals	'	'	555	'
Gain from the sale of a customer contract in Latin America	'	'	$2,286	'