Crawford & Company (CRD-B) 10-Q 5 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
		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	31-Mar-14	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
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	'	30,292,547	24,690,172

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$275,349	$286,281
Reimbursements	14,009	20,845
Total Revenues	289,358	307,126
Costs and Expenses:	'	'
Costs of services provided, before reimbursements	203,893	213,341
Reimbursements	14,009	20,845
Total costs of services	217,902	234,186
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	59,730	58,950
Corporate interest expense, net of interest income of $197 and $211, respectively	1,301	1,643
Total Costs and Expenses	278,933	294,779
Other Income	449	2,324
Income Before Income Taxes	10,874	14,671
Provision for Income Taxes	4,288	4,990
Net Income	6,586	9,681
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	66	58
Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$6,652	$9,739
Common Class A	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic:	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.13	$0.18
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.12	$0.18
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share (shares)	29,918	29,446
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share (shares)	30,978	30,462
Cash Dividends Per Share:	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share (usd per share)	$0.05	$0.04
Common Class B	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic:	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.12	$0.17
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:	'	'
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.11	$0.17
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share (shares)	24,690	24,690
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:	'	'
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share (shares)	24,690	24,690
Cash Dividends Per Share:	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share (usd per share)	$0.04	$0.03

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Interest income	$197	$211

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$6,586	$9,681
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:	'	'
Net foreign currency translation loss	-4,405	-916
Amortization of actuarial losses for retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost, net of tax of $914 and $1,017 respectively	1,533	2,107
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-2,872	1,191
Comprehensive Income	3,714	10,872
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	425	100
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$4,139	$10,972

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
OCI, Tax on amortization of actuarial losses on retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost	$914	$1,017

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$48,511	$75,953	[1]
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,272 and $10,234, respectively	168,374	160,350	[1]
Unbilled revenues, at estimated billable amounts	120,202	105,791	[1]
Income taxes receivable	3,729	5,150	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,088	22,437	[1]
Total Current Assets	364,904	369,681	[1]
Property and Equipment:	'	'
Property and equipment	149,858	155,326	[1]
Less accumulated depreciation	-106,938	-109,643	[1]
Net Property and Equipment	42,920	45,683	[1]
Other Assets:	'	'
Goodwill	130,716	132,777	[1]
Intangible assets arising from business acquisitions, net	80,326	82,103	[1]
Capitalized software costs, net	72,551	72,761	[1]
Deferred income tax assets	60,712	61,375	[1]
Other noncurrent assets	27,631	25,678	[1]
Total Other Assets	371,936	374,694	[1]
TOTAL ASSETS	779,760	790,058	[1]
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings	83,794	35,000	[1]
Accounts payable	41,957	50,941	[1]
Accrued compensation and related costs	58,008	98,656	[1]
Self-insured risks	13,917	13,100	[1]
Income taxes payable	3,978	3,476	[1]
Deferred income taxes	14,524	15,063	[1]
Deferred rent	15,141	16,062	[1]
Other accrued liabilities	37,726	34,270	[1]
Deferred revenues	47,612	49,950	[1]
Current installments of long-term debt and capital leases	878	875	[1]
Total Current Liabilities	317,535	317,393	[1]
Noncurrent Liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	101,567	101,770	[1]
Deferred revenues	27,105	26,893	[1]
Self-insured risks	11,754	12,530	[1]
Accrued pension liabilities	97,855	102,960	[1]
Other noncurrent liabilities	18,917	20,979	[1]
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	257,198	265,132	[1]
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	37,365	39,285	[1]
Retained earnings	288,110	285,165	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-181,723	-179,210	[1]
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	198,504	199,805	[1]
Noncontrolling interests	6,523	7,728	[1]
Total Shareholdersb Investment	205,027	207,533	[1]
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERSb INVESTMENT	779,760	790,058	[1]
Common Class A	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 30,062 and 29,875 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 2013, respectively. Class B common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 24,690 shares issued and outstanding	30,062	29,875	[1]
Common Class B	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 30,062 and 29,875 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 2013, 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 $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,272	$10,234	[1]
Common Class A	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1	[1]
Shares authorized (shares)	50,000	50,000	[1]
Shares issued (shares)	30,062	29,875	[1]
Shares outstanding (shares)	30,062	29,875	[1]
Common Class B	'	'
Shareholdersb Investment:	'	'
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1	[1]
Shares authorized (shares)	50,000	50,000	[1]
Shares issued (shares)	24,690	24,690	[1]
Shares outstanding (shares)	24,690	24,690	[1]
[1]	derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'		'
Net Income	$6,586		$9,681
Reconciliation of net income to net cash used in operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	9,103		8,143
Stock-based compensation	-449		588
Gain on disposals of property and equipment, net	-389		0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:	'		'
Accounts receivable, net	-9,131		-7,923
Unbilled revenues, net	-17,209		-6,118
Accrued or prepaid income taxes	2,272		2,108
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-44,780		-41,081
Deferred revenues	-2,123		-1,849
Accrued retirement costs	-11,389		-5,225
Prepaid expenses and other operating activities	2,246		284
Net cash used in operating activities	-65,263		-41,392
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'		'
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-2,571		-1,647
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	1,289		0
Capitalization of computer software costs	-3,372		-4,400
Cash surrendered from sale of business	-1,554		0
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,208		-6,047
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'		'
Cash dividends paid	-2,489		-1,925
Payments related to shares received for withholding taxes under stock-based compensation plans	-1,327		-880
Proceeds from shares purchased under employee stock-based compensation plans	25		56
Repurchases of common stock	-1,391		-148
Increases in short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	55,238		45,032
Payments on short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	-4,125		-6,554
Payments on capital lease obligations	-220		-200
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-142		0
Other financing activities	-26		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	45,543		35,381
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,514		331
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-27,442		-11,727
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	75,953	[1]	71,157
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$48,511		$59,430
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	$207,533	[1]	$141,799
Net income (loss)	6,586		9,681
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,872		1,191
Cash dividends paid	-2,489		-1,925
Stock-based compensation	-449		588
Common stock activity, net	-2,502		-972
Decrease in value of noncontrolling interest due to sale of controlling interest	-638		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-142		'
Ending Balance	205,027		150,362
Noncontrolling interest	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	7,728		5,600
Net income (loss)	-66		-58
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-359		-42
Decrease in value of noncontrolling interest due to sale of controlling interest	-638		'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-142		'
Ending Balance	6,523		5,500
Parent	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	199,805		136,199
Net income (loss)	6,652		9,739
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,513		1,233
Cash dividends paid	-2,489		-1,925
Stock-based compensation	-449		588
Common stock activity, net	-2,502		-972
Ending Balance	198,504		144,862
Common Class A	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	29,875		29,335
Common stock activity, net	187		278
Ending Balance	30,062		29,613
Common Class B	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	24,690		24,690
Common stock activity, net	0		0
Ending Balance	24,690		24,690
Additional paid-in capital	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	39,285		35,550
Stock-based compensation	-449		588
Common stock activity, net	-1,471		-1,132
Ending Balance	37,365		35,006
Retained earnings	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	285,165		246,105
Net income (loss)	6,652		9,739
Cash dividends paid	-2,489		-1,925
Common stock activity, net	-1,218		-118
Ending Balance	288,110		253,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning Balance	-179,210		-199,481
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,513		1,233
Ending Balance	($181,723)		($198,248)
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 ended, and our financial position as of, March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results or financial position that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014 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, 2013.
	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, 2013 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, 2013.
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the liabilities of the deferred compensation plan were $10,599,000 and $10,322,000, 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 $15,239,000 and $15,140,000, 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.
	The Company owns 51% of the capital stock of Lloyd Warwick International Limited (“LWI”). Crawford provides more than half of the financial support for LWI, and LWI lacks sufficient equity at risk to permit LWI to carry on its activities without this additional financial support. Crawford is contractually obligated to provide financial support to LWI of up to approximately $6,000,000. Crawford is the primary beneficiary of LWI because of its controlling ownership interest and because Crawford has the obligation to absorb LWI's losses through the additional financial support that LWI may require. As a result, LWI is considered a VIE of the Company. Creditors of LWI have no recourse to Crawford's general credit. Total assets and liabilities of LWI as of March 31, 2014 were $3,318,000 and $5,052,000, respectively. Included in LWI's total liabilities is a loan from Crawford of $4,490,000.
	The Company sold its 74.9% ownership interest in Crawford South Africa in February 2014 to the noncontrolling interest holder. Net assets sold amounted to $2,452,000, including cash of $1,554,000. The sale was financed with a loan payable in two years. The Company had previously recognized a loss on the disposal of this entity of $474,000 in 2013. The results of Crawford South Africa were not material to the Company.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	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 a 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. The Company has elected to not designate this swap as a hedge of the intercompany note from the 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 Company believes there have been no material changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparty to this cross currency basis swap agreement and believes the risk of nonperformance by such party is minimal.
	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 March 31, 2014, no such default existed, and the Company had no assets posted as collateral under its swap agreement.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014, the Company estimates that its effective annual income tax rate for 2014 will be approximately 36% before considering any discrete items.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 all of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 included the following components:
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	698		$	705
	Interest cost	8,918			8,260
	Expected return on assets	(11,462		)	(10,695		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,004			3,219
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,158		$	1,489
	For the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company made contributions of $2,600,000 and $1,730,000, respectively, to its underfunded U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans, compared with contributions of $1,900,000 and $1,632,000, respectively, for the comparable period in 2013. The Company is required to make contributions to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan of $15,150,000 for the remainder of 2014. There are no required contributions to the U.K. plans for the remainder of 2014; however, the Company expects to make additional contributions of approximately $5,100,000 to these U.K. plans during the remainder of 2014.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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
	The Company computes earnings per share of its non-voting Class A Common Stock ("CRDA") and voting 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 CRDA shares than on the 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 quarter of each of 2014 and 2013 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
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	2,281	$	1,882	$	4,250	$	3,564
	Dividends paid	1,502		987		1,184		741
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	3,783		2,869		5,434		4,305
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	29,918		24,690		29,446		24,690
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.18	$	0.17
	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
		Three months ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	2,317	$	1,846	$	4,316	$	3,498
	Dividends paid	1,502		987		1,184		741
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	3,819		2,833		5,500		4,239
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	29,918		24,690		29,446		24,690
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	1,060		—		1,016		—
		30,978		24,690		30,462		24,690
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.12	$	0.11	$	0.18	$	0.17
	Listed below are the shares 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
	(in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	—		703
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	2,267		2,152
	________________________________________________
	(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. As of March 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by December 31, 2014.
	The following table details shares issued during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. 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
	(in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	54		51
	CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	6		—
	CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	195		245
	CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	106		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 quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 174,108 shares of CRDA at an average cost of $7.99 per share. During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 30,124 shares of CRDA at an average cost of $4.92 per share.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehenisv

Accumulated Other Comprehenisve Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 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 March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	3,544		$	(182,754	)	$	(179,210	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(4,046		)	—			(4,046		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			1,533			1,533
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,046		)	1,533			(2,513		)
	Ending balance, March 31	$	(502	)	$	(181,221	)	$	(181,723	)
		Three months ended March 31, 2013
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(874		)	—			(874		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			2,107			2,107
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(874		)	2,107			1,233
	Ending balance, March 31	$	6,904		$	(205,152	)	$	(198,248	)
	________________________________________________
	(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 4, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.
	The other comprehensive loss amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests shown in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment are foreign currency translation adjustments.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014
						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)	2,067		—		2,067		—
	________________________________________________
	(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 included in 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 swap and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the counterparty’s credit risk. 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 quarter ended March 31, 2014.
	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.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	Segment Information
	Financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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.
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Americas	$	87,891		$	84,244
	Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific ("EMEA/AP")	80,336			87,589
	Broadspire	64,758			57,797
	Legal Settlement Administration	42,364			56,651
	Total segment revenues before reimbursements	275,349			286,281
	Reimbursements	14,009			20,845
	Total revenues	$	289,358		$	307,126
	Operating Earnings (Loss):
	Americas	$	6,934		$	3,220
	EMEA/AP	1,900			6,822
	Broadspire	2,003			(1,768		)
	Legal Settlement Administration	4,967			12,013
	Total segment operating earnings	15,804			20,287
	Deduct:
	Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	(1,743		)	(2,297		)
	Net corporate interest expense	(1,301		)	(1,643		)
	Stock option expense	(294		)	(80		)
	Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(1,592		)	(1,596		)
	Income before income taxes	$	10,874		$	14,671
	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 and credits, net corporate interest expense, stock option expense, amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets, 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 Legal Settlement Administration revenues to be derived from one service line.
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	26,720		$	25,904
	U.S. Technical Services	6,711			7,380
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	6,308			10,815
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	39,739			44,099
	Contractor Connection	12,909			7,480
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	52,648			51,579
	Canada--all service lines	31,693			29,288
	Latin America/Caribbean--all service lines	3,550			3,377
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Americas	$	87,891		$	84,244
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	28,284		$	23,984
	Medical Management	32,792			29,961
	Risk Management Information Services	3,682			3,852
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Broadspire	$	64,758		$	57,797

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	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 March 31, 2014, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Special charges and other income	'
	Special Charges and Other Income
	Special Charges
	There were no special charges during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.
	As of March 31, 2014, the following liabilities remained on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to special charges recorded in 2012. The rollforwards of these costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follow:
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent			Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities		Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	2,664		$	498		$	303	$	584		$	4,049
	Adjustments to accruals	(463		)	—			—		—			(463		)
	Cash payments	—			(137		)	—		(89		)	(226		)
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	2,201		$	361		$	303	$	495		$	3,360
	Other Income
	Other income consists of dividend income from our unconsolidated subsidiaries and miscellaneous other income. Included in "Other income" for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was a $2,286,000 gain from the sale of the rights to a customer contract in Latin America. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, there was a $418,000 gain under the earnout provisions of the same sale agreement. These amounts were included in the Americas segment operating earnings.

Basis_of_Presentation_Consolid

Basis of Presentation (Consolidation of VIE and Earnings per Share) (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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.
Earnings per share, policy	'
	The Company computes earnings per share of its non-voting Class A Common Stock ("CRDA") and voting 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.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	'
	Net periodic benefit cost related to all of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 included the following components:
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	698		$	705
	Interest cost	8,918			8,260
	Expected return on assets	(11,462		)	(10,695		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	3,004			3,219
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,158		$	1,489

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha1

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	2,281	$	1,882	$	4,250	$	3,564
	Dividends paid	1,502		987		1,184		741
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	3,783		2,869		5,434		4,305
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	29,918		24,690		29,446		24,690
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.18	$	0.17
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
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)	CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	2,317	$	1,846	$	4,316	$	3,498
	Dividends paid	1,502		987		1,184		741
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	3,819		2,833		5,500		4,239
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	29,918		24,690		29,446		24,690
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	1,060		—		1,016		—
		30,978		24,690		30,462		24,690
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.12	$	0.11	$	0.18	$	0.17
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'
	Listed below are the shares 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
	(in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	—		703
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	2,267		2,152
	________________________________________________
	(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. As of March 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by December 31, 2014.
Schedule of shares issued under stock plans used in weighted average calc	'
	The following table details shares issued during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. 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
	(in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	54		51
	CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	6		—
	CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	195		245
	CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	106		12

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [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 March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	3,544		$	(182,754	)	$	(179,210	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(4,046		)	—			(4,046		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			1,533			1,533
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,046		)	1,533			(2,513		)
	Ending balance, March 31	$	(502	)	$	(181,221	)	$	(181,723	)
		Three months ended March 31, 2013
	(in thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities (1)			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(874		)	—			(874		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			2,107			2,107
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(874		)	2,107			1,233
	Ending balance, March 31	$	6,904		$	(205,152	)	$	(198,248	)
	________________________________________________
	(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 4, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014
						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)	2,067		—		2,067		—
	________________________________________________
	(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 included in 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 swap and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the counterparty’s credit risk. 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.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated	'
	Financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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.
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Americas	$	87,891		$	84,244
	Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific ("EMEA/AP")	80,336			87,589
	Broadspire	64,758			57,797
	Legal Settlement Administration	42,364			56,651
	Total segment revenues before reimbursements	275,349			286,281
	Reimbursements	14,009			20,845
	Total revenues	$	289,358		$	307,126
	Operating Earnings (Loss):
	Americas	$	6,934		$	3,220
	EMEA/AP	1,900			6,822
	Broadspire	2,003			(1,768		)
	Legal Settlement Administration	4,967			12,013
	Total segment operating earnings	15,804			20,287
	Deduct:
	Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	(1,743		)	(2,297		)
	Net corporate interest expense	(1,301		)	(1,643		)
	Stock option expense	(294		)	(80		)
	Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(1,592		)	(1,596		)
	Income before income taxes	$	10,874		$	14,671
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 Legal Settlement Administration revenues to be derived from one service line.
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	26,720		$	25,904
	U.S. Technical Services	6,711			7,380
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	6,308			10,815
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	39,739			44,099
	Contractor Connection	12,909			7,480
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	52,648			51,579
	Canada--all service lines	31,693			29,288
	Latin America/Caribbean--all service lines	3,550			3,377
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Americas	$	87,891		$	84,244
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	28,284		$	23,984
	Medical Management	32,792			29,961
	Risk Management Information Services	3,682			3,852
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Broadspire	$	64,758		$	57,797

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco1

Special Charges and Other Income Rollforward of Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Rollforward of accrued liabilities	'
	The rollforwards of these costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 follow:
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent			Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities		Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	2,664		$	498		$	303	$	584		$	4,049
	Adjustments to accruals	(463		)	—			—		—			(463		)
	Cash payments	—			(137		)	—		(89		)	(226		)
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	2,201		$	361		$	303	$	495		$	3,360

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (Primary beneficiary, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Primary beneficiary	'	'
Variable Interest Entity	'	'
Liabilities of the deferred compensation plan	$10,599	$10,322
Assets held in the related rabbi trust	$15,239	$15,140

Basis_of_Presentation_Acquisit

Basis of Presentation Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 15, 2014
			Lloyd Warwick International [Member]	Crawford South Africa [Member]	Crawford South Africa [Member]	Crawford South Africa [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage (percent)	'	'	51.00%	'	'	'
Maximum loss exposure	'	'	$6,000,000	'	'	'
Asset carrying amount	'	'	3,318,000	'	'	'
Liability carrying amount	'	'	5,052,000	'	'	'
Financial or other support	'	'	4,490,000	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership before transaction (percent)	'	'	'	74.90%	'	'
Net assets sold	'	'	'	'	'	2,452,000
Cash divested from deconsolidation	1,554,000	0	'	1,554,000	'	'
Loss on disposal of business	'	'	'	'	$474,000	'

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (Not designated as hedging instrument, Currency swap)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011
	USD ($)	CAD
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount of derivative	'	34,749,000
Periodic payment on derivative instrument	'	589,000
Periodic receivable on derivative instrument	$593,000	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Effective annual income tax rate (percent)	36.00%

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_1

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Service cost	$698	$705
Interest cost	8,918	8,260
Expected return on assets	-11,462	-10,695
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,004	3,219
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,158	$1,489

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plans_2

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
U.S. pension plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Contributions by employer	$2,600	$1,900
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions	15,150	'
U.K. pension plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Contributions by employer	1,730	1,632
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions	$5,100	'

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha2

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common Class A	'	'
Numerator	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$2,281	$4,250
Dividends paid	1,502	1,184
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	3,783	5,434
Denominator	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic (shares)	29,918	29,446
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$0.13	$0.18
Common Class B	'	'
Numerator	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	1,882	3,564
Dividends paid	987	741
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	$2,869	$4,305
Denominator	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic (shares)	24,690	24,690
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$0.12	$0.17

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha3

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common Class A	'	'
Numerator	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$2,317	$4,316
Dividends paid	1,502	1,184
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	3,819	5,500
Denominator	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic (shares)	29,918	29,446
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities (shares)	1,060	1,016
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted (shares)	30,978	30,462
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$0.12	$0.18
Common Class B	'	'
Numerator	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	1,846	3,498
Dividends paid	987	741
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	$2,833	$4,239
Denominator	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic (shares)	24,690	24,690
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities (shares)	0	0
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted (shares)	24,690	24,690
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$0.11	$0.17

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha4

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
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 (shares)	0		703
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 (shares)	2,267	[1]	2,152	[1]
[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. As of March 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by DecemberB 31, 2014.

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha5

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Weighted Average Shares Issued) (Details) (Common Class A)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CRDA issued under non-employee director stock plan	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	54	51
CRDA issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	6	0
CRDA issued under Executive Stock Bonus Plan	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	195	245
CRDA issued from stock option plan exercises	'	'
Stock issued during period (shares)	106	12

Net_Income_Attributable_to_Sha6

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share Narrative (Details) (USD $)	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Common Stock	Common Class A	Common Class A
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (shares)	2,000,000	'	'
Shares repurchased (shares)	'	174,108	30,124
Average cost (usd per share)	'	$7.99	$4.92

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Rollforward of Accumulated Other comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance, January 1	($179,210)	[1]	($199,481)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-4,046		-874
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,533		2,107
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,513		1,233
Ending balance, March 31	-181,723		-198,248
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'		'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance, January 1	3,544		7,778
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-4,046		-874
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0		0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-4,046		-874
Ending balance, March 31	-502		6,904
Retirement liabilities	'		'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance, January 1	-182,754	[2]	-207,259	[2]
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	[2]	0	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,533	[2]	2,107	[2]
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	1,533	[2]	2,107	[2]
Ending balance, March 31	($181,221)	[2]	($205,152)	[2]
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet
[2]	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 4, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
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 | Currency swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	2,067	[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	[1]
Level 2 | Other accrued liabilities | Measured on a recurring basis | Currency swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	2,067	[2]
[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 included in 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 swap and the forward curves for interest rates adjusted for the counterpartybs credit risk. 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.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$275,349	$286,281
Reimbursements	14,009	20,845
Total Revenues	289,358	307,126
Segment operating earnings	15,804	20,287
Net corporate interest expense	-1,301	-1,643
Income before income taxes	10,874	14,671
Number of operating segments (segments)	4	'
Americas	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	87,891	84,244
Segment operating earnings	6,934	3,220
Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific (EMEA/AP)	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	80,336	87,589
Segment operating earnings	1,900	6,822
Broadspire	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	64,758	57,797
Segment operating earnings	2,003	-1,768
Legal Settlement Administration	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	42,364	56,651
Segment operating earnings	4,967	12,013
Corporate segment	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net	-1,743	-2,297
Net corporate interest expense	-1,301	-1,643
Stock option expense	-294	-80
Customer relationships and trade names | Corporate segment	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated	'	'
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	($1,592)	($1,596)

Segment_Information_Revenues_b

Segment Information (Revenues by major service line) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$275,349	$286,281
Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	87,891	84,244
Broadspire	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	64,758	57,797
U.S. Claims Field Operations | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	26,720	25,904
U.S. Technical Services | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	6,711	7,380
U.S. Catastrophe Services | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	6,308	10,815
Subtotal U.S. Claims Services | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	39,739	44,099
Contractor Connection | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	12,909	7,480
Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty | U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	52,648	51,579
Canada | Canada | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	31,693	29,288
Latin America Caribbean | Latin America Caribbean | Americas	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	3,550	3,377
Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management | Broadspire	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	28,284	23,984
Medical Management | Broadspire	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	32,792	29,961
Risk Management Information Services | Broadspire	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues before reimbursements	$3,682	$3,852

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$4,049
Adjustments to accruals	-463
Cash payments	-226
Ending balance	3,360
Deferred rent	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	2,664
Adjustments to accruals	-463
Cash payments	0
Ending balance	2,201
Accrued compensation and related costs	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	498
Adjustments to accruals	0
Cash payments	-137
Ending balance	361
Other accrued liabilities	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	303
Adjustments to accruals	0
Cash payments	0
Ending balance	303
Other noncurrent liabilities	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	584
Adjustments to accruals	0
Cash payments	-89
Ending balance	$495

Special_Charges_and_Other_Inco3

Special Charges and Other Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Gain from the sale of a customer contract in Latin America	$418	$2,286