Crawford & Company (CRD-B) 10-K 23 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015
Document Information
Entity Registrant Name	CRAWFORD & CO
Entity Central Index Key	25475
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$249,643,422
Class A Common Stock
Document Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			30,547,019
Class B Common Stock
Document Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			24,690,172

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from Services:
Revenues before reimbursements	$1,142,851	$1,163,445	$1,176,717
Reimbursements	74,112	89,985	89,421
Total Revenues	1,216,963	1,253,430	1,266,138
Costs and Expenses:
Costs of services provided, before reimbursements	840,702	846,442	846,638
Reimbursements	74,112	89,985	89,421
Total costs of services	914,814	936,427	936,059
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	237,880	232,307	228,411
Corporate interest expense, net of interest income of $781, $768, and $967, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively	6,031	6,423	8,607
Special charges and credits	0	0	11,332
Total Costs and Expenses	1,158,725	1,175,157	1,184,409
Other Income	1,650	2,829	1,711
Income Before Income Taxes	59,888	81,102	83,440
Provision for Income Taxes	28,780	29,766	33,686
Net Income	31,108	51,336	49,754
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-484	-358	-866
Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$30,624	$50,978	$48,888
Class A Common Stock
Earnings Per Share - Basic:
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.58	$0.95	$0.92
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.57	$0.93	$0.91
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share (shares)	30,237	29,853	29,536
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share (shares)	30,983	30,855	30,272
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Cash Dividends Per Share (usd per share)	$0.24	$0.18	$0.20
Class B Common Stock
Earnings Per Share - Basic:
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.52	$0.91	$0.88
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.52	$0.90	$0.87
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	24,693
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	24,693
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Cash Dividends Per Share (usd per share)	$0.18	$0.14	$0.16

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest income	$781	$768	$967

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$31,108	$51,336	$49,754
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
Net foreign currency translation loss, net of tax benefit of $91 and $0 and $0, respectively	-8,600	-4,283	-2,787
Amounts reclassified into net income for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax provision of $3,039, $4,220, and $3,283, respectively	8,636	8,834	6,340
Net unrealized (loss) gain on defined benefit plans arising during the year, net of tax benefit (provision) of $25,746, ($13,846), and $18,109, respectively	-43,181	15,671	-39,934
Interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified into income, net of tax benefit of $0, $0, and $253, respectively	0	0	414
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-43,145	20,222	-35,967
Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-12,037	71,558	13,787
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-87	-309	-777
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	($12,124)	$71,249	$13,010

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
OCI, Tax on foreign currency translation loss	$91	$0	$0
OCI, Tax on reclassification adjustments to net income for pension plans	-3,039	-4,220	-3,283
OCI, Tax benefit (provision) on unrealized (losses) gains arising during the year for pension plans	25,746	-13,846	18,109
OCI, Tax on interest rate swap agreement loss reclassified into income	$0	$0	$253

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$52,456	$75,953
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,960 and $10,234 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	180,096	160,350
Unbilled revenues, at estimated billable amounts	103,163	105,791
Income taxes receivable	2,779	5,150
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,089	22,437
Total Current Assets	367,583	369,681
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment	143,273	155,326
Less accumulated depreciation	-102,414	-109,643
Net Property and Equipment	40,859	45,683
Other Assets:
Goodwill	131,885	132,777
Intangible assets arising from business acquisitions, net	75,895	82,103
Capitalized software costs, net	75,536	72,761
Deferred income tax assets	66,927	61,375
Other noncurrent assets	30,634	25,678
Total Other Assets	380,877	374,694
TOTAL ASSETS	789,319	790,058
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,002	35,000
Accounts payable	48,597	50,941
Accrued compensation and related costs	82,151	98,656
Self-insured risks	14,491	13,100
Income taxes payable	2,618	3,476
Deferred income taxes	14,523	15,063
Deferred rent	13,576	16,062
Other accrued liabilities	35,784	34,270
Deferred revenues	45,054	49,950
Current installments of long-term debt and capital leases	763	875
Total Current Liabilities	259,559	317,393
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	154,046	101,770
Deferred revenues	26,706	26,893
Self-insured risks	10,041	12,530
Accrued pension liabilities	142,343	102,960
Other noncurrent liabilities	17,271	20,979
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	350,407	265,132
Shareholders’ Investment:
Additional paid-in capital	38,617	39,285
Retained earnings	301,091	285,165
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-221,958	-179,210
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	172,937	199,805
Noncontrolling interests	6,416	7,728
Total Shareholders’ Investment	179,353	207,533
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT	789,319	790,058
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders’ Investment:
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 30,497 and 29,875 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Class B common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 24,690 shares issued and outstanding	30,497	29,875
Class B Common Stock
Shareholders’ Investment:
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 30,497 and 29,875 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Class B common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 24,690 shares issued and outstanding	$24,690	$24,690

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,960	$10,234
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders’ Investment:
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1
Shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Shares issued	30,497,000	29,875,000
Shares outstanding	30,497,000	29,875,000
Class B Common Stock
Shareholders’ Investment:
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$1	$1
Shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Shares issued	24,690,000	24,690,000
Shares outstanding	24,690,000	24,690,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$31,108	$51,336	$49,754
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	37,644	33,903	32,796
Deferred income taxes	15,189	15,625	19,355
Gain on sale of interest in former corporate headquarters property	-836	0	0
Stock-based compensation costs	1,189	3,835	3,660
(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment, net	-239	273	-136
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable, net	-24,358	2,102	-4,197
Unbilled revenues, net	-1,216	16,528	-18,725
Accrued or prepaid income taxes	3,099	-2,160	-628
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-23,100	-22,328	28,853
Deferred revenues	-4,645	-5,895	1,290
Accrued retirement costs	-18,497	-22,086	-15,639
Prepaid expenses and other operating activities	-8,732	6,711	-3,530
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,606	77,844	92,853
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-12,485	-14,037	-15,375
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	1,289	0	47
Capitalization of computer software costs	-16,712	-16,976	-17,801
Proceeds from sale of interest in former corporate headquarters property	836	0	0
Cash surrendered from sale of business	-1,554		0
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-3,141	-2,515	-674
Net cash used in investing activities	-31,767	-33,528	-33,803
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid	-11,717	-8,840	-9,880
Payments related to shares received for withholding taxes under stock-based compensation plans	-2,085	-1,322	-1,307
Proceeds from shares purchased under employee stock-based compensation plans	1,270	1,884	520
Repurchases of common stock	-3,390	-3,631	-2,840
Increase in short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	121,110	88,460	42,174
Payments on short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	-98,821	-99,461	-91,412
Payments on capital lease obligations and long-term debt	-856	-15,823	-1,583
Capitalized loan costs	-218	-30	-161
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-761	-369	-429
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,532	-39,132	-64,918
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,868	-388	-588
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-23,497	4,796	-6,456
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	75,953	71,157	77,613
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$52,456	$75,953	$71,157

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$207,533	$141,799	$138,288
Net income	31,108	51,336	49,754
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-43,145	20,222	-35,967
Cash dividends paid	-11,717	-8,840	-9,880
Stock-based compensation	1,189	3,835	3,660
Repurchases of common stock	-3,390	-3,631	-2,840
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation plans, net	-826	993	-787
Change in noncontrolling interest due to acquisition		2,188	0
Decrease in value of noncontrolling interest due to sale of controlling interest	-638
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-761	-369	-429
Ending Balance	179,353	207,533	141,799
Parent
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	199,805	136,199	133,472
Net income	30,624	50,978	48,888
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-42,748	20,271	-35,878
Cash dividends paid	-11,717	-8,840	-9,880
Stock-based compensation	1,189	3,835	3,660
Repurchases of common stock	-3,390	-3,631	-2,840
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation plans, net	-826	993	-787
Change in noncontrolling interest due to acquisition		0	-436
Ending Balance	172,937	199,805	136,199
Additional Paid-In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	39,285	35,550	33,969
Stock-based compensation	1,189	3,835	3,660
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation plans, net	-1,857	-100	-1,643
Change in noncontrolling interest due to acquisition		0	-436
Ending Balance	38,617	39,285	35,550
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	285,165	246,105	209,323
Net income	30,624	50,978	48,888
Cash dividends paid	-11,717	-8,840	-9,880
Repurchases of common stock	-2,981	-3,078	-2,226
Ending Balance	301,091	285,165	246,105
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-179,210	-199,481	-163,603
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-42,748	20,271	-35,878
Ending Balance	-221,958	-179,210	-199,481
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,728	5,600	4,816
Net income	484	358	866
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-397	-49	-89
Change in noncontrolling interest due to acquisition		2,188	436
Decrease in value of noncontrolling interest due to sale of controlling interest	-638
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-761	-369	-429
Ending Balance	6,416	7,728	5,600
Class A Common Stock | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	29,875	29,335	29,086
Repurchases of common stock	-409	-553	-607
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation plans, net	1,031	1,093	856
Ending Balance	30,497	29,875	29,335
Class B Common Stock | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	24,690	24,690	24,697
Repurchases of common stock			-7
Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation plans, net	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$24,690	$24,690	$24,690

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies	Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Crawford & Company ("Crawford" or the "Company") is the world's largest (based on annual revenues) independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk management and insurance industry, as well as to self-insured entities, with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70 countries. The Crawford SolutionSM offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers’ compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration.
	Shares of the Company's two classes of common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols CRDA and CRDB, respectively. The Company's two classes of stock are substantially identical, except with respect to voting rights and the Company's ability to pay greater cash dividends on the non-voting Class A Common Stock than on the voting Class B Common Stock, subject to certain limitations. In addition, with respect to mergers or similar transactions, holders of Class A Common Stock must receive the same type and amount of consideration as holders of Class B Common Stock, unless different consideration is approved by the holders of 75% of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a class. The Company's website is www.crawfordandcompany.com. The information contained on, or hyperlinked from, the Company's website is not a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this report.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities in which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Financial results from the Company's operations outside of the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and certain subsidiaries in the Philippines are reported and consolidated on a two-month delayed basis in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, “Consolidation,” in order to provide sufficient time for accumulation of their results. Accordingly, the Company's December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consolidated financial statements include the financial position of such operations as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company has controlling ownership interests in several entities that are not wholly-owned by the Company. The financial results and financial positions of these controlled entities are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including both the controlling interests and the noncontrolling interests. The noncontrolling interests represent the equity interests in these entities that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to the Company. Noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of the Company’s Shareholders’ Investment. On the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, net income is attributed to the controlling interests and the noncontrolling interests separately.
	The Company consolidates the results of a variable interest entity ("VIE") when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In accordance with GAAP, in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, it considers whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether it has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.
	In March 2013, the Company acquired 51% of the capital stock of Lloyd Warwick International Limited ("LWI"). LWI is a VIE primarily because it does not meet the business scope exception, as Crawford provides more than half of the financial support, and because LWI lacks sufficient equity at risk to permit LWI to carry on its activities without additional financial support. Crawford has agreed to provide financial support to LWI of approximately $10,000,000. 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. Creditors of LWI have no recourse to Crawford's general credit. Total assets and liabilities of LWI as of December 31, 2014 were $6,045,000 and $8,346,000, respectively. Included in LWI's total liabilities at December 31, 2014 is a loan from Crawford of $7,378,000. For additional information on the acquisition of LWI, see Note 2, "Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses."
	The Company consolidates the liabilities of its deferred compensation plan and the related assets, which are held in a rabbi trust and considered a 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liabilities of this deferred compensation plan were $11,051,000 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 $15,519,000 and $15,140,000, respectively. These liabilities and assets are included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" and "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.
	Management’s Use of Estimates
	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. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenues are primarily comprised of claims processing or program administration fees and are generated from the Company’s four operating segments.
	Both the Americas segment and the EMEA/AP segment earn revenues by providing field investigation and evaluation of property and casualty claims for insurance companies and self-insured entities and by providing access to Company-owned networks of direct repair service providers. The Company’s Broadspire segment earns revenues by providing field investigation and claims evaluation of workers’ compensation and liability claims, initial loss reporting services for its clients' claimants, loss mitigation services such as medical bill review, medical case management and vocational rehabilitation, administration of trust funds established to pay claims, and risk management information services. The Legal Settlement Administration segment earns revenues by providing administration services related to settlements of securities cases, product liability cases, Chapter 11 bankruptcy noticing and distribution, and other legal settlements by identifying and qualifying class members, determining and dispensing settlement payments, and administering settlement funds.
	Fees for professional services are recognized in unbilled revenues at the time such services are rendered, at estimated collectible amounts. Substantially all unbilled revenues are billed within one year.
	Deferred revenues represent the estimated unearned portion of fees derived from certain fixed-rate claim service agreements. The Company’s fixed-fee service arrangements typically call for the Company to handle claims on either a one- or two-year basis, or for the lifetime of the claim. In cases where the claim is handled on a non-lifetime basis, an additional fee is typically received on each anniversary date that the claim remains open. For service arrangements where the Company provides services for the life of the claim, the Company receives only one fee for the life of the claim, regardless of the duration of the claim. Deferred revenues are recognized into revenues based on the estimated rate at which the services are provided. These rates are primarily based on a historical evaluation of actual claim durations by major line of coverage, and assumptions based on average case closure rates and pricing for each claim type.
	In the normal course of business, the Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are thereafter reimbursed by the Company’s clients. Under GAAP, these out-of-pocket expenses and associated reimbursements are required to be included when reporting expenses and revenues, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated results of operations. The amounts of reimbursed expenses and related revenues from reimbursements offset each other in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations with no impact to its net income.
	Intersegment sales are recorded at cost and are not material.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates book value due to their short-term nature. At December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents included time deposits of approximately $2,293,000 that were in financial institutions outside the U.S.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company extends credit based on an evaluation of a client’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are typically due upon receipt of the invoice and are stated on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at amounts due from clients net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The fair value of accounts receivable approximates book value due to their short-term contractual stipulations.
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting primarily from the inability of clients to make required payments and for adjustments to invoiced amounts. Losses resulting from the inability of clients to make required payments are accounted for as bad debt expense, while adjustments to invoices are accounted for as reductions to revenue. These allowances are established using historical write-off information to project future experience and by considering the current creditworthiness of clients, any known specific collection problems, and an assessment of current industry and economic conditions. Actual experience may differ significantly from historical or expected loss results. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and any payments subsequently received are accounted for as recoveries. A summary of the activities in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, January 1	$	10,234		$	10,584		$	10,615
	Add/ (Deduct):
	Provision for bad debt expense	2,117			1,396			2,384
	Write-offs, net of recoveries	(812		)	(2,112		)	(2,256		)
	Currency translation and other changes	(579		)	366			(159		)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, December 31	$	10,960		$	10,234		$	10,584
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company’s adjustments to revenues associated with client invoice adjustments totaled $1,786,000, $2,812,000, and $2,712,000, respectively.
	Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets
	Goodwill is an asset that represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the separately identifiable net assets (tangible and intangible) acquired in business combinations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names associated with acquired businesses. Other long-lived assets consist primarily of property and equipment, capitalized software, and amortizable intangible assets related to customer relationships, technology, and trade names with finite lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing at least annually.
	Subsequent to a business acquisition in which goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are recorded as assets, post-acquisition accounting requires that both be tested to determine whether there has been an impairment. The Company performs an impairment test of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other long-lived assets at least annually on October 1 of each year. The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate potential impairment of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, or other long-lived assets. When factors indicate that such assets should be evaluated for possible impairment between the scheduled annual impairment tests, the Company performs an impairment test. The Company believes its goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other long-lived assets were appropriately valued and not impaired at December 31, 2014.
	Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process performed on a reporting unit basis. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, in 2014 the Company separately identified the reporting units of the Americas segment as a) U.S. Contractor Connection and b) the Americas excluding U.S. Contractor Connection. The value of goodwill for each reporting unit was allocated based on the relative estimated fair values of these two reporting units determined by a discounted cash flow analysis. Prior to 2014, U.S. Contractor Connection was tested within the Americas reporting unit. The other reporting units tested were Broadspire, EMEA/AP, and Legal Settlement Administration. In step 1 of the testing process, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, goodwill is not deemed impaired. If the book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the testing proceeds to step 2. In step 2, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to its assets and liabilities following acquisition accounting procedures to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. This hypothetical acquisition accounting process is applied only for the purpose of determining whether goodwill must be reduced; it is not used to adjust the book values of other assets or liabilities. There is an impairment if (and to the extent) the book value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. An impairment loss reduces the recorded goodwill and cannot subsequently be reversed.
	For step 1 of goodwill impairment testing, the book value of each of the Company’s reporting units is compared with the estimated fair value of the reporting unit as determined utilizing an income approach. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow which is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of the cash flows. The Company believes that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. The discount rates used reflect the Company’s assessment of a market participant’s view of the risks associated with the projected cash flows. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates, terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. While there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to management’s application of these assumptions or any other assumptions, the Company believes that the income approach provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of its reporting units.
	For impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets, the book value is compared with the fair value, which represents the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the asset. The fair values of the trade names are established using the relief-from-royalty method. This method recognizes that, by virtue of owning the trade name as opposed to licensing it, a company or reporting unit is relieved from paying a royalty, usually expressed as a percentage of sales, for the asset's use. The present value of the after-tax costs savings (i.e., royalty relief) at an appropriate discount rate indicates the value of the trade name. The Company determined the discount rate based on its performance compared to similar market participants, factored by risk in forecasting using a modified capital asset pricing model.
	If changes to the Company’s reporting structure impact the composition of the Company’s reporting units, existing goodwill is reallocated to the revised reporting units based on their relative estimated fair values as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis. If all of the assets and liabilities of an acquired business are assigned to a specific reporting unit, then the goodwill associated with that acquisition is assigned to that reporting unit at acquisition unless another reporting unit is also expected to benefit from the acquisition.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates the cost of property and equipment, including assets recorded under capital leases, over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the related assets, primarily using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for property and equipment classifications are as follows:
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Furniture and fixtures		3-10 years
	Data processing equipment		3-5 years
	Automobiles and other		3-4 years
	Buildings and improvements		7-40 years
	Property and equipment, including assets under capital leases, consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	371		$	582
	Buildings and improvements	26,014			31,038
	Furniture and fixtures	49,774			50,883
	Data processing equipment	65,505			71,070
	Automobiles	1,609			1,753
	Total property and equipment	143,273			155,326
	Less accumulated depreciation	(102,414		)	(109,643		)
	Net property and equipment	$	40,859		$	45,683
	Additions to property and equipment under capital leases, which are excluded from acquisitions of property and equipment in the Company's Statements of Cash Flows, totaled $21,000, $340,000, and $2,422,000 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Depreciation on property and equipment, including property under capital leases and amortization of leasehold improvements, was $16,606,000, $15,446,000, and $15,429,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Capitalized Software
	Capitalized software reflects costs related to internally developed or purchased software used by the Company that has expected future economic benefits. Certain internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages, including training and maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred. The majority of these capitalized software costs consist of internal payroll costs and external payments for software purchases and related services. These capitalized software costs are amortized over periods ranging from three to ten years, depending on the estimated life of each software application. Amortization expense for capitalized software was $13,954,000, $11,330,000, and $10,226,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Self-Insured Risks
	The Company self-insures certain risks consisting primarily of professional liability, auto liability, and employee medical, disability, and workers’ compensation liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures, including professional liability on a claims-made basis, and those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Most of these self-insured risks are in the U.S.  Provisions for claims under the self-insured programs are made based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liabilities for claims incurred, losses that have occurred but have not been reported to the Company, and for adverse developments on reported losses. The estimated liabilities are calculated based on historical claims experience, the expected lives of the claims, and other factors considered relevant by management. Changes in these estimates may occur as additional information becomes available. The estimated liabilities for claims incurred under the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation and employee disability programs are discounted at the prevailing risk-free interest rate for U.S. government securities of an appropriate duration. All other self-insured liabilities are undiscounted. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, accrued liabilities for self-insured risks totaled $24,532,000 and $25,630,000, respectively, including current liabilities of $14,491,000 and $13,100,000, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Provisions for deferred taxes are made in recognition of these temporary differences. The most significant differences relate to revenue recognition, accrued compensation, pension plans, self-insurance, and depreciation and amortization.
For financial reporting purposes, the provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and payable on a deferred basis. Currently payable income taxes represent the liability related to the income tax returns for the current year, while the net deferred tax expense or benefit represents the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets or liabilities as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets that are not related to balances in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." The changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon changes in the differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities for income tax purposes, measured by the enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the Company estimates these differences will reverse. The Company must estimate the timing of the reversal of temporary differences, as well as whether taxable income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is provided when it is deemed more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Other factors which influence the effective tax rate used for financial reporting purposes include changes in enacted statutory tax rates, changes in the composition of taxable income from the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, the ability of the Company to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and the Company’s accounting for any uncertain tax positions. See Note 7, “Income Taxes.”
Sales and Other Taxes
In certain jurisdictions, both in the U.S. and internationally, various governments and taxing authorities require the Company to assess and collect sales and other taxes, such as value added taxes, on certain services that the Company renders and bills to its customers. The majority of the Company’s revenues are not currently subject to these types of taxes. These taxes are not recorded as additional revenues or expenses in the Company's Statements of Income, but are recorded on the balance sheet as pass-through amounts until remitted.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency transactions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 resulted in net losses of $274,000, $1,084,000, and $268,000 respectively.
For operations outside the U.S. that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments, on a net basis, are included in comprehensive (loss) income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, and the accumulated translation adjustment is reported as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred. Advertising expenses were $2,981,000, $2,793,000, and $3,317,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Pending Adoption of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." Under ASU 2014-15, management of public companies will be required to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual or interim reporting periods for which the financial statements have not previously been issued. The Company does not expect this ASU will have an impact on its financial statements or disclosures upon adoption.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." Under ASU 2014-09, companies will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration (that is, payment) to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and modify guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The revenue standard has been introduced into the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification as Topic 606 and replaced the previous guidance on revenue recognition in Topic 605. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with transition to the new standard following either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach (i.e., an approach that would allow the standard to be applied by recording a cumulative effect of the standard in the current period, with no restatement of the comparative periods, but with additional disclosures required). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses	Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
	On July 15, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Buckley Scott Holdings Limited ("Buckley Scott"), a U.K.-based international construction and engineering adjusting firm, for $3,812,000. Net assets purchased totaled $1,532,000, including $488,000 cash acquired. A deferred tax liability of $473,000 was recognized on the acquired intangible assets. The agreement contains an earnout provision based on Buckley Scott achieving certain financial results during the two-year period following the completion of the acquisition, with a current estimated fair value of $1,153,000. The difference between the purchase price and the allocation of that price to the net assets acquired represents customer relationship intangibles of $2,195,000 with an estimated 15-year useful life, trade name intangibles of $169,000 with an estimated two-year useful life, and $1,542,000 of goodwill with an estimated indefinite life, representing the estimated value of the assembled workforce and expected synergies with existing businesses. The acquisition is expected to enable the Company to significantly expand its construction and engineering business in the U.K. and internationally. The results for Buckley Scott have been included in the EMEA/AP segment since the acquisition date and were not material to the operations of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	In March 2013, the Company acquired 51% of the capital stock of LWI, a specialist loss consulting company based in London which offers onshore and offshore energy expertise. This acquisition increases Crawford's ability to handle offshore claims and reiterates the Company's focus on offering market leading expertise in specialist and technical services. Crawford has begun to leverage this acquisition to further grow its market share in the Oil and Energy sector, expanding LWI's capabilities in this highly complex market.
	The Company has the right to purchase the 49% noncontrolling interest of LWI for a period of six months beginning in June 2018 for a price to be determined using a seven times multiple of LWI's average earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the 36 months preceding the date the right is exercised. The Company also has the right of first refusal within 30 days to match any offer to acquire the 49% noncontrolling interest.
	The Company sold its 74.9% ownership interest in Crawford South Africa in February 2014 to the noncontrolling interest holder at net book value. Net assets sold were $2,542,000, including cash of $1,554,000. The purchase price was financed with a loan receivable due in two years. The Company had previously recognized a loss on the disposal of this entity of $474,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013. The results of Crawford South Africa were not material to the Company. The Company has an obligation to refer any work it receives within South Africa to the buyer and is entitled to a royalty equal to 2% of the buyer's future revenues in exchange for the continued use of the Crawford name, until either party gives 12 months notice to terminate the ongoing relationship. The buyer is not a related party of the Company, and the future royalties are not expected to be material to the Company.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Americas			Broadspire			Legal Settlement Administration		EMEA/AP			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012:
	Goodwill	$	43,792		$	151,133		$	19,599	$	68,604		$	283,128
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		—			(151,133		)
	Net Goodwill	43,792			—			19,599		68,604			131,995
	2013 Activity:
	Goodwill of acquired businesses	—			—			—		4,454			4,454
	Impairment of goodwill of business held for sale	—			—			—		(556		)	(556		)
	Foreign currency effects	(1,606		)	—			—		(1,510		)	(3,116		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013:
	Goodwill	42,186			151,133			19,599		71,548			284,466
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		(556		)	(151,689		)
	Net Goodwill	42,186			—			19,599		70,992			132,777
	2014 Activity:
	Goodwill of acquired business	—			—			—		1,542			1,542
	Impairment of goodwill of disposed business	—			—			—		(11		)	(11		)
	Other activity	—			—			—		1,149			1,149
	Foreign currency effects	(1,978		)	—			—		(1,594		)	(3,572		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014:
	Goodwill	40,208			151,133			19,599		72,645			283,585
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		(567		)	(151,700		)
	Net Goodwill	$	40,208		$	—		$	19,599	$	72,078		$	131,885
	The 2014 "Other activity"relates to adjustments for deferred taxes acquired in connection with a prior period business combination.
	Intangible Assets
	The following is a summary of finite-lived intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted-Average Amortization Period
		(In thousands, except years)
	December 31, 2014:
	Customer relationships	$	93,468		$	(50,030	)	$	43,438	6.6 years
	Technology-based	5,913			(4,794		)	1,119		1.5 years
	Trade name	343			(202		)	141		0.6 years
	Total	$	99,724		$	(55,026	)	$	44,698	5.9 years
	December 31, 2013:
	Customer relationships	$	92,775		$	(43,791	)	$	48,984	7.8 years
	Technology-based	5,913			(4,051		)	1,862		2.5 years
	Trade name	200			(150		)	50		0.7 years
	Total	$	98,888		$	(47,992	)	$	50,896	7.1 years
	Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets was $7,084,000, $7,127,000, and $7,141,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, amortization expense for finite-lived customer relationships and trade name intangible assets in the amounts of $6,341,000, $6,385,000, and $6,373,000, respectively, were excluded from segment operating earnings (see Note 13, “Segment and Geographic Information”). The amortization expense for the technology-based intangible assets is included in segment operating earnings. Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from 3 to 15 years.
	At December 31, 2014, annual estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was as follows:
		Annual Amortization Expense
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	7,113
	2016	6,699
	2017	6,172
	2018	6,172
	2019	6,172
	The following is a summary of indefinite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Impairments			Net Carrying Value
		(In thousands)
	December 31, 2014:
	Trade names	$	31,797		$	(600	)	$	31,197
	December 31, 2013:
	Trade names	$	31,807		$	(600	)	$	31,207

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_In

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases	Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Credit Facility	$	155,002		$	135,000
	Capital lease obligations	1,809			2,645
	Total long-term debt and capital leases	156,811			137,645
	Less: portion of Credit Facility classified as short-term	(2,002		)	(35,000		)
	Less: current installments	(763		)	(875		)
	Total long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	$	154,046		$	101,770
	The Company, its subsidiaries Crawford & Company Risk Services Investments Limited (the “UK Borrower”), Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. (the “Canadian Borrower”) and Crawford & Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (the “Australian Borrower”), (the Company, together with such subsidiaries, as borrowers (the “Borrowers”)), the Company’s guarantor subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a lender (“Wells Fargo”), and the other lenders party thereto (together with Wells Fargo, the “Lenders”), are party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2011 (as amended, the “Credit Facility”). On November 28, 2014, the Credit Facility was amended to provide the Company the ability to complete its previously announced acquisition of GAB Robins Holdings UK Limited ("GAB Robins"), which was completed on December 1, 2014, and to make certain other technical amendments. See Note 17, "Subsequent Events," for further discussion of the GAB Robins acquisition.
	The obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by each existing domestic subsidiary of the Company and certain existing material foreign subsidiaries of the Company that are disregarded entities for U.S. income tax purposes (each a "Disregarded Foreign Entity"). Such obligations are required to be guaranteed by each subsequently acquired or formed material domestic subsidiary and Disregarded Foreign Entity (each, a "Guarantor"), and the obligations of the Foreign Borrowers are also guaranteed by the Company. In addition, the Borrowers' obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the personal property of the Company and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, intellectual property, 100% of the capital stock of the Company's and the Guarantors' present and future domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting stock and 100% of the non-voting stock issued by any present and future first-tier material foreign subsidiary of the Company or any Guarantor. In addition, the obligations of the Foreign Borrowers are secured by a first priority lien on 100% of the capital stock of the Foreign Borrowers.
	The Credit Facility consists of a $400.0 million revolving credit facility, with a letter of credit subfacility of $100.0 million. The Credit Facility contains sublimits of $185.0 million for borrowings by the UK Borrower, $40.0 million for borrowings by the Canadian Borrower, and $15.0 million for borrowings by the Australian Borrower. The Credit Facility matures, and all amounts outstanding thereunder will be due and payable, on November 25, 2018.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be made in U.S. dollars, Euros, the currencies of Canada, Japan, Australia or United Kingdom and, subject to the terms of the Credit Facility, other currencies. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the option of the applicable Borrower, based on the Base Rate (as defined below) or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), in each case plus an applicable interest margin based on the Company's leverage ratio (as defined below), provided that borrowings in foreign currencies may bear interest based on LIBOR only. The interest margin for LIBOR loans ranges from 1.50% to 2.25% and for Base Rate loans ranges from 0.50% to 1.25%. Base Rate is defined as the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 1/2 of 1%, (ii) the prime commercial lending rate of the Administrative Agent and (iii) LIBOR for a one month interest period plus 1.0%.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, a total of $155,002,000 and $135,000,000, respectively, was outstanding under the Credit Facility. In addition, undrawn commitments under letters of credit totaling $17,511,000 and $17,837,000 were outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, under the letters of credit subfacility of the Credit Facility. These letter of credit commitments were for the Company’s own obligations. Including the amounts committed under the letters of credit subfacility, the available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility totaled $149,134,000 and $247,163,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The 2014 available balance takes into consideration the $78,355,000 in debt incurred by the UK borrower discussed in Note 17, "Subsequent Events," which is not on the Company's balance sheet at December 31, 2014.
	The representations, covenants and events of default in the Credit Facility are customary for financing transactions of this nature, including required compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio (each as defined below).
	Under the Credit Facility, the fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of (i)(A) consolidated earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other charges and expenses (“EBITDA”) minus (B) aggregate income taxes to the extent paid in cash minus (C) unfinanced capital expenditures to (ii) the sum of: (A) consolidated interest expense to the extent paid (or required to be paid) in cash, plus (B) the aggregate of all scheduled payments of principal on funded debt (including the principal component of payments made in respect of capital lease obligations) required to have been made (whether or not such payments are actually made), plus (C) the aggregate of all restricted payments (as defined) paid, plus (D) the aggregate of all earnouts paid or required to be paid, must not be less than 1.50 to 1.00 for the four-quarter period ending at the end of each fiscal quarter.
	Under the Credit Facility, the leverage ratio, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, defined as the ratio of (i) consolidated total funded debt minus unrestricted cash to (ii) consolidated EBITDA, must not be greater than 3.25 to 1.00.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facility. If the Company does not meet the covenant requirements in the future, it would be in default under the Credit Facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Credit Facility and ancillary loan documents.
	Short-term borrowings under the Credit Facility totaled $2,002,000 and $35,000,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company expects, but is not required, to repay all of such short-term borrowings at December 31, 2014 in 2015.
	The Company’s capital leases are primarily comprised of equipment leases with terms ranging from 24 to 60 months.
	Interest expense, including any impact from the Company’s cross currency basis swap and amortization of capitalized loan costs, on the Company’s short-term and long-term borrowings was $6,812,000, $7,191,000, and $9,574,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Interest paid on the Company’s short-term and long-term borrowings was $5,880,000, $6,379,000, and $8,728,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Principal repayments of long-term debt, including current portions and capital leases, as of December 31, 2014 are expected to be as follows:
		Long-term Debt			Capital Lease Obligations			Total
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,002		$	763		$	2,765
	2016	—			692			692
	2017	—			317			317
	2018	153,000			37			153,037
	2019	—			—			—
	Total	$	155,002		$	1,809		$	156,811
	Amounts in the table above exclude the impact of the additional $78,355,000 in U.K. debt discussed in Note 17, "Subsequent Events," which is not on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014. Such amounts will be due upon maturity of the Credit Facility in 2018.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 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 net gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were not material. 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.
	This 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 the 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 December 31, 2014, no such default existed, and the Company had no assets posted as collateral under the swap agreement.

Commitments_Under_Operating_Le

Commitments Under Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Commitments Under Operating Leases	Commitments Under Operating Leases
	The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain office space, computer equipment, and automobiles under operating leases. For office leases that contain scheduled rent increases or rent concessions, the Company recognizes monthly rent expense based on a calculated average monthly rent amount that considers the rent increases and rent concessions over the life of the lease term. Leasehold improvements of a capital nature that are made to leased office space under operating leases are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. License and maintenance costs related to leased vehicles are paid by the Company and are expensed as incurred.
	Rental expenses, net of amortization of any incentives provided by lessors, for operating leases consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Office space	$	43,277	$	43,715	$	44,437
	Automobiles	7,615		7,711		8,110
	Computers and equipment	378		344		289
	Total operating leases	$	51,270	$	51,770	$	52,836
	At December 31, 2014, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with terms of more than 12 months were as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	41,785
	2016	35,962
	2017	25,998
	2018	18,379
	2019	16,019
	2020 and Thereafter	26,381
	Where applicable, the amounts above include sales taxes.
	Significant Operating Leases and Subleases
	In November 2014, the Company entered into an amendment and extension of an existing lease, resulting in a 7 years, 5 months operating lease agreement for approximately 50,000 square feet of office space in Jacksonville, FL, for its U.S. Contractor Connection service line in its Americas segment. The lease on the expanded premises began January 1, 2015. Total lease payments over the term are approximately $5,328,000. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and operating expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	In January 2013, the Company entered into a 10-year operating lease for approximately 24,000 square feet of office space in Berkeley Heights, NJ, primarily for its Broadspire segment. The lease began July 1, 2013. Total lease payments over the 10-year term are approximately $6,042,000. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and operating expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	Effective May 1, 2012, the Company entered into a 10-year operating lease for the lease of approximately 45,000 square feet of office space in Seattle, Washington for its Legal Settlement Administration segment. Included in the future minimum lease payments noted above are total lease payments of $9,780,000 related to this lease. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and operating expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	On March 16, 2010, the Company entered into an 11-year operating lease for the lease of approximately 44,000 square feet of office space in Lake Success, New York, for use as its Legal Settlement Administration segment's corporate headquarters. The lease commenced on January 1, 2011 and was amended in January 2011 and again in January 2012 to include a total of approximately 67,000 square feet. Included in the future minimum lease payments noted above are total lease payments of $13,110,000 related to the amended lease. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and operating expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	Effective February 9, 2010, the Company entered into a 10-year operating lease for approximately 64,000 square feet of office space in Sunrise, Florida, primarily for its Broadspire segment as a replacement for the subleased space in Plantation, Florida described below. Included in the future minimum lease payments noted above are total lease payments of $7,010,000 related to this lease. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related real estate taxes and other expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	Effective August 1, 2006, the Company entered into an 11-year operating lease for approximately 160,000 square feet of office space in Atlanta, Georgia for use as the Company’s corporate headquarters. Included in the future minimum lease payments noted above are total lease payments of $12,277,000 related to this lease. Additionally, the Company is responsible for certain related property operating expenses, which are excluded from the table above.
	Included in the acquired commitments of Broadspire Management Services, Inc. was a long-term operating lease for a two-building office complex in Plantation, Florida. The term of this lease ends in December 2021. Included in the future minimum office lease payments for operating leases noted above are total lease payments of $30,860,000 related to this Plantation, Florida lease. A majority of this office space was subleased at December 31, 2014. Under executed sublease arrangements at December 31, 2014, the sublessors are obligated to pay the Company minimum sublease payments as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	3,080
	2016	3,460
	2017	3,532
	2018	3,608
	2019	3,684
	2020-2021	7,602
	Total minimum sublease payments to be received	$	24,966
	One of the sublease agreements is for three of the four floors of one of the leased buildings in Plantation, Florida; this lease expires in December 2021. The other sublease is for an entire building and expires in December 2021. This lease includes surrender options for the fourth floor between December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2017, and for the third floor as of June 30, 2017, each with twelve months prior notice. The Company recognized pretax losses of $4,285,000 in 2012 on these subleases, which are included in "Special charges and credits" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2012. Should the sublessor elect to surrender one or both floors and the Company is unable to secure another sublessor, it may be required to recognize additional losses on this lease.

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes

Income Taxes Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income before income taxes consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	U.S.	$	40,840		$	50,234		$	48,514
	Foreign	19,048			30,868			34,926
	Income before income taxes	$	59,888		$	81,102		$	83,440
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal and state	$	4,867		$	3,680		$	1,375
	Foreign	8,724			10,461			12,956
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal and state	13,645			14,004			19,831
	Foreign	1,544			1,621			(476		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	28,780		$	29,766		$	33,686
	Net cash payments for income taxes were $13,017,000, $21,030,000, and $14,378,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The provision for income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal income taxes at statutory rate	$	20,961		$	28,385		$	29,204
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,975			988			1,273
	Foreign taxes	1,544			(778		)	(1,640		)
	Change in valuation allowance	3,023			2,479			3,095
	Research and development credits	(266		)	(1,909		)	49
	Foreign tax credits	(1,043		)	(3,542		)	(1,524		)
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment	1,662			1,102			807
	Tax rate changes	1,002			1,749			927
	Other	(78		)	1,292			1,495
	Provision for income taxes	$	28,780		$	29,766		$	33,686
	The tax rate change in 2014 was primarily due to state tax rate changes. The fiscal year 2013 tax rate change was primarily due to the U.K. Finance Bill 2013 that was enacted in 2013. This bill included a change in the main U.K. corporation tax rate from 23% 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 in 2013 as the value of the U.K. deferred tax assets declined with the decrease in the tax rate.
	The Company generally does not provide for additional U.S. and foreign income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because they are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company’s intent is for such earnings to be reinvested by the subsidiaries or to be repatriated only when it would be tax effective through the utilization of foreign tax credits. An exception to this general policy could occur if a very unusual event or project generated profits significantly in excess of ongoing business reinvestment needs. If such an event occurs, the Company would analyze its anticipated investment needs in that region and provide for U.S. taxes for earnings that are not expected to be permanently reinvested. Such an event occurred in 2013 and 2012, and the Company provided for additional U.S. and foreign income taxes on such profits. All historical earnings and future foreign earnings needed for business reinvestment needs will remain permanently reinvested and will be used to provide working capital for these operations, fund defined benefit pension plan obligations, repay non-U.S. debt, fund capital improvements, and fund future acquisitions. At December 31, 2014, undistributed earnings totaled $173,800,000. Determination of the deferred income tax liability on these undistributed earnings is not practicable since such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing when remittance occurs.
	Deferred income taxes consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	10,497		$	13,463
	Accrued pension liabilities	47,740			34,109
	Self-insured risks	10,025			10,280
	Deferred revenues	10,562			10,785
	Accrued rent	2,148			2,553
	Interest	6,036			4,832
	Tax credit carryforwards	44,837			54,470
	Loss carryforwards	20,094			19,447
	Other	2,223			3,816
	Gross deferred income tax assets	154,162			153,755
	Accounts receivable allowance	10,724			9,899
	Unbilled revenues	14,813			18,738
	Depreciation and amortization	60,553			62,552
	Other post-retirement benefits	343			561
	Unrepatriated earnings	—			3,297
	Gross deferred income tax liabilities	86,433			95,047
	Net deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance	67,729			58,708
	Valuation allowance	(15,231		)	(12,518		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	52,498		$	46,190
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of :
	Current deferred income tax assets included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets"	$	565		$	471
	Current deferred income tax liabilities included in "Deferred income taxes"	(14,523		)	(15,063		)
	Long-term deferred income tax assets included in "Deferred income tax assets"	66,927			61,375
	Long-term deferred income tax liabilities included in "Other noncurrent liabilities"	(471		)	(593		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	52,498		$	46,190
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had deferred tax assets related to loss carryforwards of $21,038,000, before netting of unrecognized tax benefits of $944,000. An estimated $10,017,000 of the deferred tax assets will not expire, and $11,021,000 will expire over the next 20 years if not utilized by the Company.
	Changes in our deferred tax valuation allowance are recorded as adjustments to the provision for income taxes. An analysis of our deferred tax asset valuation allowances is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of year	$	12,518		$	7,927		$	4,459
Increase in valuation allowance for state credits	—			2,277			—
Other changes	2,713			2,314			3,468
Balance, end of year	$	15,231		$	12,518		$	7,927
Changes to the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were primarily due to losses in certain of our international operations as well as state tax credits.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized income tax benefits follows:
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,806
Additions for tax provisions related to the current year	330
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(382		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	1,754
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	4,826
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	2,036
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(692		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	7,924
Reductions for tax positions related to the current year	(1,664		)
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	49
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(412		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	5,897
The Company accrues interest and, if applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. Total accrued interest expense at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $104,000, $134,000, and $619,000, respectively.
Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $2,475,000, $2,693,000, and $1,401,000, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate.
The Company conducts business in a number of countries and, as a result, files U.S. federal and various state and foreign jurisdiction income tax returns. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by various taxing jurisdictions throughout the world, including Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before 2004.
Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result from those years.
The Company expects no significant reductions to unrecognized income tax benefits within the next 12 months as a result of projected resolutions of income tax uncertainties.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans
	The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor various retirement plans. Substantially all employees in the U.S. and certain employees outside the U.S. are covered under the Company’s defined contribution plans. Certain employees, retirees, and eligible dependents are also covered under the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.
	Employer contributions under the Company’s defined contribution plans are determined annually based on employee contributions, a percentage of each covered employee’s compensation, and years of service. The Company’s cost for defined contribution plans totaled $24,249,000, $21,507,000, and $23,749,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. (the "U.S. Qualified Plan") and three defined benefit pension plans in the U.K. (the "U.K. Plans"). Effective December 31, 2002, the Company elected to freeze its U.S. Qualified Plan. Benefits payable under the Company’s U.S. Qualified Plan are generally based on career compensation; however, no additional benefits have accrued on this plan since December 31, 2002. The Company’s U.K. Plans were closed to new participants as of October 31, 1997, but existing participants may still accrue additional limited benefits based on salary amounts in effect at the time the relevant plan was closed. Benefits payable under the U.K. Plans are generally based on an employee’s final salary at the time the plan was closed. Benefits paid under the U.K. Plans are also subject to adjustments for the effects of inflation. The actuarial present value of the projected benefit payments under the U.K. Plans are based on the employees' expected dates of separation by retirement.
	The Highway Transportation Funding Act of 2014 ("HAFTA") included pension funding reform which greatly reduced the contributions required to the U.S. Plan, and no contributions are required in fiscal 2015. Required contributions are anticipated in future years as the impact of the HATFA funding reform is phased out. As such, Crawford plans to contribute $9,000,000 per annum to the U.S. Plan for the next four fiscal years to improve the funded status of the plan and minimize future required contributions.The Company expects to make contributions of approximately $9,000,000 to its U.S. Qualified Plan and $6,750,000 to its U.K. Plans in 2015.
	Certain other employees located in the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, and the Philippines (referred to herein as the “other international plans”) have retirement benefits that are accounted for as defined benefit pension plans under U.S. GAAP.
	External trusts are maintained to hold assets of the Company’s U.S. Qualified Plan, U.K. Plans, and other international plans. The Company’s funding policy is to make cash contributions in amounts at least sufficient to meet regulatory funding requirements and, in certain instances, to make contributions in excess thereof if such contributions would otherwise be in accordance with the Company's capital allocation plans. Assets of the plans are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, but the plan assets are not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Instead, the funded or unfunded status of the Company’s U.S. Qualified Plan, U.K. Plans, and other international plans are recorded in "Accrued pension liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the projected benefit obligations less the fair values of the plans’ assets.
	The majority of the Company's defined benefit pension plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. For these plans (excluding the nonqualified plans discussed separately below), the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligations	$	806,269			$	773,551
	Fair value of plans' assets	659,875				667,046
	Certain of the Company's U.K. Plans have fair values of plan assets that exceed the projected benefit obligations. For these plans, the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligations	$	62,478			$	13,502
	Fair value of plans' assets	65,895				14,574
	A fixed number of U.S. employees, retirees, and eligible dependents are covered under a frozen post-retirement medical benefits plan. The liabilities for this plan are included in the Company's self-insured risks liabilities, and contributions from employees generally equal payments for their medical costs. This plan was frozen effective December 31, 2002.
	In addition, the Company sponsors two frozen nonqualified, unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain employees and retirees, which are based on career compensation. These plans were frozen effective December 31, 2002. The liabilities of these plans, which equal their projected benefit obligations, are included in "Other accrued liabilities" and "Other noncurrent liabilities" based on these expected timing of funding these obligations, since they are funded as needed from Company assets.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plans’ assets for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans as of the plans’ most recent measurement dates is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected Benefit Obligations:
	Beginning of measurement period	$	787,053			$	813,312
	Service cost	2,667				2,922
	Interest cost	35,269				33,309
	Employee contributions	478				598
	Actuarial loss (gain)	103,497				(24,772		)
	Benefits paid	(56,418		)		(38,877		)
	Foreign currency effects	(3,799		)		561
	End of measurement period	868,747				787,053
	Fair Value of Plans’ Assets:
	Beginning of measurement period	681,620				643,725
	Actual return on plans’ assets	79,761				48,890
	Employer contributions	23,585				26,890
	Employee contributions	478				598
	Benefits paid	(56,418		)		(38,877		)
	Foreign currency effects	(3,256		)		394
	End of measurement period	725,770				681,620
	Unfunded Status	$	(142,977	)		$	(105,433	)
	Due to the frozen status of the U.S. plans and the closed status of the U.K. plans, the accumulated benefit obligations and the projected benefit obligations are not materially different.
	The underfunded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical benefits plan recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 consisted of:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	U.S. Qualified Plan	$	126,857			$	77,483
	U.K. Plans	8,059				15,317
	Other international plans	7,427				10,160
	Subtotal, included in "Accrued pension liabilities"	142,343				102,960
	Prepaid pension asset included in "Other noncurrent assets"	(3,417		)		(1,072		)
	Unfunded status of nonqualified defined benefit deferred pension plans included in "Other accrued liabilities"	325				324
	Unfunded status of nonqualified defined benefit pension plans included in "Other noncurrent liabilities"	3,726				3,221
	Total unfunded status	$	142,977			$	105,433
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income taxes	$	(333,749	)		$	(276,497	)
	The following tables set forth the 2014 and 2013 changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans and post-retirement medical benefits plan on a combined basis.
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Plan
		(In thousands)
	Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2012	$	(320,742	)		$	1,674
	Amortization of net loss (gain) during 2013	13,263				(209		)
	Net gain arising during 2013	30,679				—
	Currency translation for 2013	(1,162		)		—
	Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2013	(277,962		)		1,465
	Amortization of net loss (gain) during 2014	11,828				(153		)
	Net loss arising during 2014	(69,273		)		(400		)
	Currency translation for 2014	746				—
Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2014	$	(334,661	)		$	912
Unrecognized losses reflect changes in the discount rates and differences between expected and actual asset returns, which are being amortized over future periods. These unrecognized losses may be recovered in future periods through actuarial gains. However, unless the minimum amount required to be amortized is below a corridor amount equal to 10.0% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, these unrecognized actuarial losses are required to be amortized and recognized in future periods. Net unrecognized actuarial losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs during the year ending December 31, 2015 for the U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans are $12,913,000 ($8,613,000 net of tax).
Pension expense is affected by the accounting policy used to determine the value of plan assets at the measurement date. The Company applies the expected return on plan assets using fair market value as of the annual measurement date. The fair market value method results in greater volatility to pension expense than the calculated value method. The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a snapshot of the state of the Company's long-term pension liabilities at the plan measurement date and the effect of mark-to-market accounting on plan assets. Net periodic benefit cost related to all of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 included the following components:
Year Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	2,667			$	2,922			$	2,220
Interest cost	35,270				33,309				35,137
Expected return on assets	(45,481		)		(42,949		)		(42,505		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	11,828				13,263				9,832
Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,284			$	6,545			$	4,684
Benefit cost for the U.S. defined benefit pension plans does not include service cost since the plan is frozen.
Over the next ten years, the following benefit payments are expected to be required to be made from the Company’s U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans:
Year Ending December 31,	Expected Benefit Payments
	(In thousands)
2015	$	42,227
2016	43,259
2017	44,038
2018	44,729
2019	45,396
2020-2024	233,228
The Company reviews its employee demographic assumptions annually and updates the assumptions as necessary. During 2014, the Company revised the mortality assumptions for the U.S. plans to incorporate the new set of mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries, adjusted to reflect the Company's specific experience and future expectations. This resulted in an increase in the projected benefit obligation of approximately $35,400,000 for the U.S. plans. Certain assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit Plans:	2014			2013
Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	4.06	%		4.86	%
Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.86	%		4.06	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets	6.5	%		6.75	%
U.K. Defined Benefit Plans:	2014			2013
Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	3.9	%		4.3	%
Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.3	%		4.4	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plans’ assets	7.12	%		7.06	%
The discount rate assumptions reflect the rates at which the Company believes the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. The discount rates were determined based on the yield for a portfolio of investment grade corporate bonds with maturity dates matched to the estimated future payments of the plans’ benefit obligations. The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets were based on the plans’ asset mix, historical returns on equity securities and fixed income investments, and an assessment of expected future returns. The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets assumption used to determine 2015 net periodic pension cost are estimated to be 6.50% and 7.12% for the U.S. and U.K. plans, respectively. If actual long-term rates of return differ from those assumed or if the Company used materially different assumptions, actual funding obligations could differ materially from these estimates. Due to the frozen status of the U.S. plan and closed status of the U.K. plans, increases in compensation rates are not material to the computations of benefit obligations or net periodic benefit cost.
Plans’ Assets
Asset allocations at the respective measurement dates, by asset category, for the Company’s U.S. and U.K. qualified defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
	U.S. Plan						U.K. Plans
December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
Equity securities	33.4	%		29.8	%		24.1	%		26	%
Fixed income investments	64.9	%		67.6	%		59.2	%		55.3	%
Alternative strategies	0.2	%		0.4	%		16	%		17	%
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment funds	1.5	%		2.2	%		0.7	%		1.7	%
Total asset allocation	100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
Investment objectives for the Company’s U.S. and U.K. pension plan assets are to ensure availability of funds for payment of plan benefits as they become due; provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to volatility; protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power; and provide investment results that meet or exceed the plans' actuarially assumed long-term rate of return.
Alternative strategies include funds that invest in derivative instruments such as futures, forward contracts, options and swaps, and funds that invest in real estate. These investments are used to help manage risks.
The long-term goal for the U.S. and U.K. plans is to reach fully-funded status and to maintain that status. The investment policies recognize that the plans’ asset return requirements and risk tolerances will change over time. Accordingly, reallocation of the portfolios’ mix of return-seeking assets and liability-hedging assets will be performed as the plans’ funded status improves.
See Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements" for the fair value disclosures of the U.S. and U.K. qualified defined benefit pension plan assets. The assets of the Company's other international plans are primarily insurance contracts, which are measured at contract value and are not measured at fair value. Obligations of the U.S. nonqualified plans are paid from Company assets.

Common_Stock_and_Earnings_per_

Common Stock and Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common Stock and Earnings per Share	Common Stock and Earnings per Share
	Shares of the Company's two classes of common stock are traded on the NYSE under the symbols CRDA and CRDB, respectively. The Company's two classes of stock are substantially identical, except with respect to voting rights and the Company's ability to pay greater cash dividends on the non-voting Class A Common Stock than on the voting Class B Common Stock, subject to certain limitations. In addition, with respect to mergers or similar transactions, holders of Class A Common Stock must receive the same type and amount of consideration as holders of Class B Common Stock, unless different consideration is approved by the holders of 75% of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a class. As described in Note 11, "Stock-Based Compensation," certain shares of CRDA are issued with restrictions under incentive compensation plans.
	Effective August 16, 2014, the the Company's then-existing repurchase authorization was replaced with a new authorization pursuant to which the Company has been authorized to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of CRDA or CRDB (or both) through July 2017 (the "2014 Repurchase Authorization"). Under the 2014 Repurchase Authorization, 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 contractual and regulatory restrictions.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reacquired 409,192 shares of CRDA at an average cost of $8.28 under the 2014 Repurchase Authorization. No shares of CRDB were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the Company has remaining authorization to repurchase 1,973,000 shares under the 2014 Repurchase Authorization.
	Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share
	The Company computes earnings per share of CRDA and CRDB using the two-class method, which allocates the undistributed earnings for 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 2014, 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:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014					2013				2012
		CRDA		CRDB			CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
		(In thousands, except earnings per share)
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	10,408	$	8,499		$	23,063	$	19,075	$	21,246	$	17,762
	Dividends paid	7,273		4,444			5,384		3,456		5,930		3,950
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	17,681		12,943			28,447		22,531		27,176		21,712
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237		24,690			29,853		24,690		29,536		24,693
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.58	$	0.52		$	0.95	$	0.91	$	0.92	$	0.88
	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014					2013				2012
		CRDA		CRDB			CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
		(In thousands, except earnings per share)
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	10,522	$	8,385		$	23,407	$	18,731	$	21,484	$	17,524
	Dividends paid	7,273		4,444			5,384		3,456		5,930		3,950
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	17,795		12,829			28,791		22,187		27,414		21,474
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237		24,690			29,853		24,690		29,536		24,693
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	746		—			1,002		—		736		—
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	30,983		24,690			30,855		24,690		30,272		24,693
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.57	$	0.52		$	0.93	$	0.9	$	0.91	$	0.87
	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:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	—		1,212		1,154
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	1,568		1,290		1,169
	(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 December 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by December 31, 2015.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(4,234		)	—			(4,234		)
	Unrealized net gains arising during the year	—			15,671			15,671
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)	—			8,834			8,834
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,234		)	24,505			20,271
	Balance at December 31, 2013	3,544			(182,754		)	(179,210		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(8,203		)	—			(8,203		)
	Unrealized net losses arising during the year	—			(43,181		)	(43,181		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (1)	—			8,636			8,636
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(8,203		)	(34,545		)	(42,748		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,659	)	$	(217,299	)	$	(221,958	)
	(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 Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 8, "Retirement Plans" for additional details.
	The other comprehensive loss amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests shown in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment are foreign currency translation adjustments.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has various stock-based incentive compensation plans for its employees and members of its Board of Directors. Only shares of CRDA can be issued under these plans. The fair value of an equity award is estimated on the grant date without regard to service or performance conditions. The fair value is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period for all awards that vest. When recognizing compensation expense, estimates are made for the number of awards that are expected to vest, and subsequent adjustments are made to reflect both changes in the number of shares expected to vest and actual vesting. Compensation expense recognized at the end of any year equals at least the portion of the grant-date value of an award that has vested at that date.
	The pretax compensation expense recognized for all stock-based compensation plans was $1,189,000, $3,835,000, and $3,660,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for stock-based compensation arrangements was approximately $311,000, $1,338,000, and $1,221,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Some of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards are granted under plans which are designed not to be taxable as compensation to the recipient based on tax laws of the U.S. or other applicable country. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize tax benefits on all of its stock-based compensation expense. Adjustments to additional paid-in capital for differences between deductions taken on its income tax returns related to stock-based compensation plans and the related income tax benefits previously recognized for financial reporting purposes were not significant in any year.
	Stock Options
	The Company has granted nonqualified and incentive stock options to key employees and directors. All stock options were for shares of CRDA. Option awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The Company’s stock option plans have been approved by shareholders, and the Company’s Board of Directors is authorized to make specific grants of stock options under active plans. Employee stock options typically are subject to graded vesting over three years (33% each year) and have a typical life of ten years. Compensation cost for stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, compensation expense of $474,000, $640,000, and $0, respectively, was recognized for employee stock option awards.
	A summary of option activity as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,348			$	6.33	2.9 years	$	—
	Forfeited or expired	(234	)		8.57
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,114			5.86		2.5 years	459
	Granted	749			5.08
	Exercised	(49	)		5.57
	Forfeited or expired	(154	)		5.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,660			5.57		5.1 years	3,517
	Exercised	(449	)		5.11
	Forfeited or expired	(375	)		6.51
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	836			$	5.4	6.7 years	$	2,647
	Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2014	353			$	5.84	4.6 years	$	964
	No stock options were granted in 2014 or 2012. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $1.86. Options exercised in 2014 and 2013 had an intrinsic value of $1,622,000 and $49,000, respectively. No options were exercised in 2012. The fair value of options that vested in 2014 was $846,000. No options vested in 2013 or 2012.
	At December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested employee stock options was $236,000. Directors’ stock options had no unrecognized compensation cost since directors’ options were vested when granted, and the grant-date fair values were fully expensed on grant date.
	The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, with the following weighted average assumptions:
			2013
	Expected dividend yield		4.5	%
	Expected volatility		57.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.22	%
	Expected term of options		7 years
	The expected dividend yield used for 2013 was based on the Company's historical dividend yield for 2011 and 2012. The expected volatility of the price of CRDA was based on historical realized volatility. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury Daily Yield Curve Rate on the grant date, with a term equal to the expected term used in the pricing formula. The expected term of the option took into account both the contractual term of the option and the effects of expected exercise behavior.
	Performance-Based Stock Grants
	Performance share grants are made to certain key employees of the Company. Such employees are eligible to earn shares of CRDA upon the achievement of certain individual and/or corporate objectives. Grants of performance shares are made at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, or the Board’s Compensation Committee, and are subject to graded or cliff vesting over three-year periods. Shares are not issued until the vesting requirements have been met. Dividends are not paid or accrued on unvested/unissued shares. The grant-date fair value of a performance share grant is based on the market value of CRDA on the date of grant, reduced for the present value of any dividends expected to be paid on CRDA prior to the vesting of the award. Compensation expense for each award is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date for each tranche.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested performance shares as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	860,500			$	3.42
	Granted	908,000			3.7
	Vested	(531,791	)		3.48
	Forfeited or unearned	(67,584	)		3.48
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	1,169,125			3.68
	Granted	981,000			4.75
	Vested	(449,958	)		3.76
	Forfeited or unearned	(59,167	)		4.03
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,641,000			4.26
	Granted	1,086,000			6.93
	Vested	(193,289	)		5.47
	Forfeited or unearned	(758,000	)		3.85
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	1,775,711			$	5.93
	The total fair value of the performance shares that vested in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1,057,000, $1,693,000, and $1,849,000, respectively.
	Compensation expense recognized for all performance shares totaled a credit of $(518,000) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and expense of $2,223,000, and $2,645,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Compensation cost for these awards is net of estimated or actual award forfeitures. The credit in compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 resulted from reductions in expense related to cliff vesting shares granted in 2014, 2013, and 2012, as the Company determined that the performance conditions for these shares were not likely to be met. Each of these plans required cumulative earnings per share targets over a three-year period. Certain performance shares vest ratably over three years, without cumulative earnings per share targets. As of December 31, 2014, there was an estimated $778,000 of unearned compensation cost for nonvested performance shares. This unearned compensation cost is expected to be fully recognized by the end of 2015.
	Restricted Shares
	The Company’s Board of Directors may elect to issue restricted shares of CRDA in lieu of, or in addition to, cash payments to certain key employees. Employees receiving these shares are subject to restrictions on their ability to sell the shares. Such restrictions generally lapse ratably over vesting periods ranging from several months to five years. The grant-date fair value of a restricted share of CRDA is based on the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period since these awards only have service conditions once granted.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares of CRDA as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	8,670			$	4.69
	Granted	239,913			4.03
	Vested	(177,498	)		4
	Forfeited or unearned	(3,918	)		4.38
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	67,167			4.29
	Granted	86,017			5.88
	Vested	(84,184	)		5.27
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	69,000			5.07
	Granted	154,145			7.85
	Vested	(129,811	)		6.44
	Forfeited or unearned	(5,000	)		6.59
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	88,334			$	7.83
Compensation expense recognized for all restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $848,000, $664,000, and $607,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $497,000 of total unearned compensation cost related to nonvested restricted shares which is expected to be recognized by June 30, 2017.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
The Company has three employee stock purchase plans: the U.S. Plan, the U.K. Plan, and the International Plan. Eligible employees in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may also participate in the U.S. Plan. The International Plan is for eligible employees located in certain other countries who are not covered by the U.S. Plan or the U.K. Plan. All plans are compensatory.
For all plans, the requisite service period is the period of time over which the employees contribute to the plans through payroll withholdings. For purposes of recognizing compensation expense, estimates are made for the total withholdings expected over the entire withholding period. The market price of a share of stock at the beginning of the withholding period is then used to estimate the total number of shares that will be purchased using the total estimated withholdings. Compensation cost is recognized ratably over the withholding period.
Under the U.S. Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 1,500,000 shares of CRDA to eligible employees. Participating employees can elect to have up to $21,000 of their eligible annual earnings withheld to purchase shares at the end of the one-year withholding period which starts each July 1 and ends the following June 30. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lesser of the closing price of a share of such stock on the first day or the last day of the withholding period. Participating employees may cease payroll withholdings during the withholding period and/or request a refund of all amounts withheld before any shares are purchased.
Since the U.S. Plan involves a look-back option, the calculation of compensation cost is separated into two components. The first component is calculated as 15% (the employee discount) of a nonvested share of CRDA. The second component involves using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula to value a one year option to purchase 85% of a share of CRDA. This value is adjusted to reflect the effect of any estimated dividends that the employee will not receive during the life of the option component.
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, a total of 154,519 and 146,891 shares, respectively, of CRDA were issued under the U.S. Plan to the Company’s employees at purchase prices of $4.33 and $3.29 in 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014, an estimated 96,000 shares will be issued and purchased under the U.S. Plan in 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, compensation expense of $259,000, $198,000, and $270,000, respectively, was recognized for the U.S. Plan.
Under the U.K. Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of CRDA. Under the U.K. Plan, eligible employees can elect to have up to £250 withheld from payroll each month to purchase shares after the end of a three-year savings period. The purchase price of a share of stock is 85% of the market price of the stock at a date prior to the grant date as determined under the U.K. Plan. Participating employees may cease payroll withholdings and/or request a refund of all amounts withheld before any shares are purchased.
For purposes of calculating the compensation expense for shares issuable under the U.K. Plan, the fair value of a share is equal to 15% (the employee discount) of the market price of a share of CRDA at the beginning of the withholding period.
At December 31, 2014, an estimated 531,000 shares will be eligible for purchase under the U.K. Plan at the end of the current withholding periods. This estimate is subject to change based on future fluctuations in the value of the British pound against the U.S. dollar, future changes in the market price of CRDA, and future employee participation rates. The purchase price per share of CRDA under the U.K. Plan ranges from $2.05 to $6.22. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, compensation expense of $126,000, $110,000, and $138,000, respectively, was recognized for the U.K. Plan. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, a total of 264,998 shares, 495,968, shares and 15,008 shares of CRDA were issued under the U.K. Plan, respectively.
Under the International Plan, up to 1,000,000 shares of CRDA may be issued. Participating employees can elect to have up to $21,250 of their eligible annual earnings withheld to purchase up to 5,000 shares of CRDA at the end of the one-year withholding period which starts each July 1 and ends the following June 30. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lesser of the closing price for a share of such stock on the first day or the last day of the withholding period. Participating employees may cease payroll withholdings during the withholding period and/or request a refund of all amounts withheld before any shares are purchased. During 2014 and 2013, 11,900 and 10,794 shares were issued under the International Plan, respectively. Compensation expense was immaterial for this plan in both years. No shares were issued under the International Plan in 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
	•	Level 1— Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. The Company values assets and liabilities included in this level using dealer and broker quotations, certain pricing models, bid prices, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	Recurring 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:
	December 31,	2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
	Derivative not designated as hedging instrument:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	—		3,140		—		3,140
	Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout liability (3)	—		—		1,153		1,153
	December 31,	2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	47	$	—	$	—	$	47
	Derivative not designated as hedging instruments:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	—		1,104		—		1,104
	____________________
	(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 on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Cash and cash equivalents."
	(2)	The fair value of the Company's cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the swap and the forward curves for foreign currency rates and interest rates adjusted for the counterparty's credit risk. The fair value of this cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.
	(3)	The fair value of the contingent earnout liability for the Buckley Scott acquisition was estimated using an internally-prepared probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value analysis relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates and capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating projections). As such, these are Level 3 fair value measurements. The valuation is sensitive to Level 3 data, with the maximum possible earnout of $1,153,000. As such, the fair value is not expected to vary materially from the balance recorded. The fair value of the contingent earnout liability is included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the contingent earnout agreement.
	Fair Value Disclosures
	There were no transfers of assets between fair value levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. The categorization of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy and the measurement techniques are reviewed quarterly. Any transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the end of the quarter.
	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 recorded value approximates fair value. These assets and liabilities are measured within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reduced the fair value of a contingent consideration liability for a previous acquisition from $2,000,000 to zero. In addition, the Company impaired and expensed $1,271,000 of intangible assets from the same acquisition. Both amounts were excluded from the Legal Settlement Administration segment operating earnings and were included in "Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits." In the Consolidated Statements of Income, the amounts are included as a component of "Selling, general, and administrative expenses." Management concluded that expectations about future results indicated the contingent consideration will not be paid and, accordingly, the value of the intangible assets was impaired.
	The fair values of both items were estimated using an internally-prepared probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value analysis relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates and capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating projections). As such, these were Level 3 fair value measurements.
	Fair Value Measurements for Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
	The fair value hierarchy is also applied to certain other assets that indirectly impact the Company's consolidated financial statements. Assets contributed by the Company to its defined benefit pension plans become the property of the individual plans. Even though the Company no longer has control over these assets, it is indirectly impacted by subsequent fair value adjustments to these assets. The actual return on these assets impacts the Company's future net periodic benefit cost, as well as amounts recognized in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of assets held by its U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans.
	The following table summarizes the level within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the Company's pension plan assets for its U.S. plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014						2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total
		(In thousands)
	Asset Category:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	228	$	—	$	228	$	3,833	$	—	$	3,833
	Short-term Investment Funds	—		6,168		6,168		—		5,072		5,072
	Equity Securities:
	U.S.	—		104,073		104,073		—		83,649		83,649
	International	—		36,604		36,604		—		38,090		38,090
	Fixed Income Securities:
	U.S.	19,244		236,952		256,196		20,874		242,092		262,966
	International	—		17,378		17,378		—		13,191		13,191
	Other	—		738		738		—		1,443		1,443
	TOTAL	$	19,472	$	401,913	$	421,385	$	24,707	$	383,537	$	408,244
	The following table summarizes the level within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the Company's pension plan assets for its U.K. plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014								2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Asset Category:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1,968	$	—	$	—	$	1,968	$	4,322	$	—	$	—	$	4,322
	Equity Securities:
	U.S.	—		29,051		—		29,051		—		29,457		—		29,457
	International	—		35,506		—		35,506		—		34,579		—		34,579
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Money market funds	—		103,754		—		103,754		—		60,644		—		60,644
	Government securities	—		42,672		—		42,672		8,778		50,180		—		58,958
	Corporate bonds and debt securities	—		11,669		—		11,669		—		15,958		—		15,958
	Mortgage-backed securities	—		782		—		782		—		789		—		789
Alternative strategy funds	—		28,283		—		28,283		129		28,523		—		28,652
Real estate funds	—		—		14,740		14,740		—		—		13,319		13,319
TOTAL	$	1,968	$	251,717	$	14,740	$	268,425	$	13,229	$	220,130	$	13,319	$	246,678
Short-term investment funds consist primarily of funds with a maturity of 60 days or less and are valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value.
Equity securities consist primarily of common and preferred stocks of publicly traded U.S. companies and international companies and common collective funds. Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing prices reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. Preferred securities are stated at quoted market prices for the identical security in an inactive market (Level 2). Common collective funds are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date.
Fixed income securities consist of money market funds, government securities, corporate bonds and debt securities, mortgage-backed securities and other common collective funds. Government securities are valued by third-party pricing sources and are valued daily in an active market (Level 1). Corporate bonds are valued using either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or using a discounted cash flows approach that utilizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, and includes adjustments for valuation adjustments from internal pricing models which use observable inputs such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, default rates and quoted prices for similar assets (Level 2). Mortgage-backed securities are valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models (Level 2). Other common collective funds are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date (Level 2).
Alternative strategy funds consist of funds invested in listings on active exchanges (Level 1) and amounts in funds valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date (Level 2). Alternative strategy funds may include derivative instruments such as futures, forward contracts, options and swaps and are used to help manage risks. Derivative instruments are generally valued by the investment managers or in certain instances by third party pricing sources (Level 2).
Real estate funds are primarily property unit trusts whose values are primarily reported by the fund manager and are based on valuation of the underlying investments which include inputs such as cost, discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and market-based comparable data (Level 3). The fair values may, due to the inherent uncertainty of valuation for those investments, differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 assets within the Company's U.K. pension plan during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Real Estate Funds
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	13,238
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to assets still held at the reporting date	55
Purchases, sales and settlements—net	26
Balance at December 31, 2013	13,319
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to assets still held at the reporting date	1,412
Purchases, sales and settlements—net	9
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	14,740

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Information	Segment and Geographic Information
	The Company’s four reportable segments represent components of the business for which separate financial information is available, and which is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing operating performance. The segments are organized based upon the nature of services and/or geographic areas served and are: Americas, which primarily serves the property and casualty insurance company markets in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean; EMEA/AP which serves the property and casualty insurance company and self-insurance markets in Europe, including the U.K., the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region (which includes Australia and New Zealand); Broadspire which serves the self-insurance marketplace, primarily in the U.S.; and Legal Settlement Administration which serves the securities, bankruptcy, and other legal settlement markets, primarily in the U.S. Intersegment sales are recorded at cost and are not material.
	Operating earnings is the primary financial performance measure used by the Company’s senior management and the 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 investors 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 before certain unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, 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 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. In 2014, the amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software related to projects under direct control of Americas and Broadspire segment management was transferred from corporate and shared costs to direct costs of these two segments. The amortization expense in 2013 and 2012 has been revised to conform to this current presentation. This change had no impact on previously reported operating earnings of these segments, as these costs had been fully allocated.
	In the normal course of its business, the Company sometimes pays for certain out-of-pocket expenses that are thereafter reimbursed by its clients. Under GAAP, these out-of-pocket expenses and associated reimbursements are required to be included when reporting expenses and revenues, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated results of operations. However, in evaluating segment results, Company management excludes these reimbursements and related expenses from segment results, as they offset each other.
	Financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 related to the Company’s reportable segments is presented below.
		Americas			EMEA/AP			Broadspire			Legal Settlement Administration		Total
		(In thousands)
	2014
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	359,319		$	344,350		$	268,890		$	170,292	$	1,142,851
	Segment operating earnings	23,663			19,720			15,469			22,849		81,701
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,747			5,193			8,448			5,895		24,283
	Assets	124,992			240,760			103,894			122,129		591,775
	2013
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	342,240		$	350,164		$	252,242		$	218,799	$	1,163,445
	Segment operating earnings	18,532			32,158			8,245			46,752		105,687
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,007			5,167			7,381			5,252		21,807
	Assets	131,765			261,127			109,933			111,869		614,694
	2012
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	334,431		$	366,718		$	238,960		$	236,608	$	1,176,717
	Segment operating earnings	11,878			48,481			21			60,284		120,664
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,309			5,105			6,811			4,263		20,488
	Assets	137,609			284,981			110,984			106,878		640,452
	______________________
	(1)	Excludes amortization expense of finite-lived customer relationships and trade name intangible assets.
	Substantially all revenues earned in the Broadspire and Legal Settlement Administration segments are earned in the U.S. Substantially all of the revenues earned in the EMEA/AP segment are earned outside of the U.S.
	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.
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	95,859		$	103,594		$	105,932
	U.S. Technical Services	24,822			28,209			29,122
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	44,188			36,067			38,504
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	164,869			167,870			173,558
	U.S. Contractor Connection	50,517			36,046			27,470
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	215,386			203,916			201,028
	Canada—all service lines	129,246			122,748			120,767
	Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines	14,687			15,576			12,636
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements—Americas	$	359,319		$	342,240		$	334,431
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	112,334		$	107,624		$	100,051
	Medical Management	140,903			128,802			122,833
	Risk Management Information Services	15,653			15,816			16,076
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements—Broadspire	$	268,890		$	252,242		$	238,960
	The Company considers all Legal Settlement Administration revenues to be derived from one service line. For the year ended December 31, 2012, it had revenues before reimbursements associated with two related special projects that exceeded 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues before reimbursements. Revenues from these special projects were $165.6 million in 2012.
	Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are shown in the following table:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Americas	$	7,109		$	6,210		$	4,944
	EMEA/AP	5,186			4,663			5,225
	Broadspire	7,705			6,452			7,187
	Legal Settlement Administration	2,476			5,257			9,167
	Corporate	6,721			8,431			6,653
	Total capital expenditures	$	29,197		$	31,013		$	33,176
	The total of the Company’s reportable segments’ revenues before reimbursements reconciled to total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Segments’ revenues before reimbursements	$	1,142,851		$	1,163,445		$	1,176,717
	Reimbursements	74,112			89,985			89,421
	Total consolidated revenues	$	1,216,963		$	1,253,430		$	1,266,138
	The Company’s reportable segments’ total operating earnings reconciled to consolidated income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating earnings of all reportable segments	$	81,701		$	105,687		$	120,664
Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits	(8,582		)	(10,829		)	(10,504		)
Net corporate interest expense	(6,031		)	(6,423		)	(8,607		)
Stock option expense	(859		)	(948		)	(408		)
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(6,341		)	(6,385		)	(6,373		)
Special charges and credits	—			—			(11,332		)
Income before income taxes	$	59,888		$	81,102		$	83,440
The Company’s reportable segments’ total assets reconciled to consolidated total assets of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table. All foreign-denominated cash and cash equivalents are reported within the Americas and EMEA/AP segments, while all U.S. cash and cash equivalents are reported as corporate assets in the following table:
December 31,	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Assets of reportable segments	$	591,775		$	614,694
Corporate assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,333			8,015
Unallocated allowances on receivables	(3,536		)	(4,450		)
Property and equipment	7,636			9,481
Capitalized software costs, net	69,906			65,848
Assets of deferred compensation plan	15,519			15,140
Capitalized loan costs	3,707			4,394
Deferred income tax assets	66,927			61,375
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,070			9,559
Other noncurrent assets	12,982			6,002
Total corporate assets	197,544			175,364
Total assets	$	789,319		$	790,058
Revenues and long-lived assets for the countries in which revenues or long-lived assets represent more than 10 percent of the consolidated totals are set out in the two tables below. For the purposes of these geographic area disclosures, long-lived assets include items such as property and equipment and capital lease assets but exclude intangible assets, including goodwill. In the Americas segment, only the U.S. and Canada are considered material for disclosure.
	U.S.			Canada			Other			Total Americas Segment
	(In thousands)
2014
Revenues before reimbursements	$	215,386		$	129,246		$	14,687		$	359,319
Long-lived assets	3,626			2,274			726			6,626
2013
Revenues before reimbursements	203,916			122,748			15,576			342,240
Long-lived assets	2,832			3,571			913			7,316
2012
Revenues before reimbursements	201,028			120,767			12,636			334,431
Long-lived assets	2,522			4,566			1,029			8,117
In the EMEA/AP segment, only the U.K. is considered material for disclosure; CEMEA and Asia Pacific regions are shown in order to reconcile to the segment totals.
	U.K.			CEMEA			Asia/Pacific			Total EMEA/AP Segment
	(In thousands)
2014
Revenues before reimbursements	$	128,561		$	111,749		$	104,040		$	344,350
Long-lived assets	12,116			1,995			4,609			18,720
2013
Revenues before reimbursements	119,747			112,374			118,043			350,164
Long-lived assets	9,691			2,251			4,876			16,818
2012
Revenues before reimbursements	133,436			97,396			135,886			366,718
Long-lived assets	9,715			2,286			5,353			17,354

Client_Funds

Client Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Client Funds [Abstract]
Client Funds	Client Funds
	The Company maintains funds in custodial accounts at financial institutions to administer claims for certain clients. These funds are not available for the Company’s general operating activities and, as such, have not been recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of these funds totaled $364,144,000 and $337,424,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, the Company’s Legal Settlement Administration segment administers funds in noncustodial accounts at financial institutions that totaled $451,033,000 and $504,074,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 31, 2014, the aggregate committed amount of letters of credit outstanding under the facility was $17,511,000.
	From time to time, the Company enters into certain agreements for the purchase or sale of assets or businesses that contain provisions that may require the Company to make additional payments in the future depending upon the achievement of specified operating results of the acquired company, or provide the Company with an option or similar right to purchase additional assets. The 2014 acquisition of Buckley Scott includes an earnout provision based on achieving certain financial results during the two-year period following the completion of the acquisition, with a current estimated fair value of $1,153,000. For additional information on these obligations and rights, see Note 2, "Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses."
	In the normal course of its business, the Company is sometimes named as a defendant or responsible party in suits or other actions 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, claims for indemnification on the basis of alleged actions 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 items that are probable and reasonably estimable.

Special_Charges_and_Credits_an

Special Charges and Credits and Other Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Special Charges and Credits and Other Income	Special Charges and Credits and Other Income
	Special Charges and Credits
	There were no special charges or credits during 2014 or 2013. During 2012, the Company recorded pretax special charges of $11,332,000, consisting of $1,163,000 for severance costs, $642,000 for retention bonuses, $849,000 for temporary labor costs, and $140,000 for other expenses for a project to outsource certain aspects of our U.S. technology infrastructure; $4,285,000 to adjust the estimated loss on a leased facility the Company no longer uses; and $3,404,000 for severance costs and $849,000 for lease termination costs, primarily related to restructuring activities in its North American operations.
	As of December 31, 2014, the following liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the special charges recorded in 2012. The rollforward of these costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent			Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,148		$	2,303		$	1,509		$	1,253		$	7,213
	Adjustments to accruals	516			—			35			(204		)	347
	Cash payments	—			(1,805		)	(1,241		)	(465		)	(3,511		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	2,664			498			303			584			4,049
	Adjustments to accruals	(1,233		)	—			278			(308		)	(1,263		)
	Cash payments	—			(367		)	(273		)	(276		)	(916		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,431		$	131		$	308		$	—		$	1,870
	Other Income
	Other income includes dividend income from the Company's unconsolidated subsidiaries and miscellaneous other income. Included in "Other income" for the year ended December 31, 2014 was an $836,000 gain realized from the sale of interest in the former corporate headquarters property sold in 2006 and a $418,000 gain from the contingent consideration provision of a 2013 agreement selling certain rights to a customer contract in Latin America. The Company has no further investment interest in the former corporate headquarters property. Included in "Other income" for the year ended December 31, 2013 was a $2,286,000 gain from the sale of the rights to the above-described customer contract. Except for the gain from the redevelopment of the former corporate headquarters property, these amounts are included in the Americas segment operating earnings.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On December 1, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of GAB Robins, a U.K.-based international loss adjusting and claims management provider, for $71,812,000. Because the financial results of certain of the Company's international subsidiaries, including those in the U.K. through which GAB Robins will report, are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements on a two-month delayed basis, the results of GAB Robins' business since the acquisition date have not been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations. In addition, $78,355,000 of borrowings by the UK Borrower under the Credit Facility used to complete the GAB Robins acquisition are not included in outstanding borrowings on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014, because the U.K.-based borrowing entity has an October 31 fiscal year end, and the balance sheet of that entity was consolidated as of October 31, 2014. GAB Robins has also not been included in the internal control structure of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014. The impact of the GAB Robins acquisition will be included in the Company's balance sheet and results of operations and cash flows beginning February 1, 2015.
	Net assets acquired totaled $25,858,000, including $5,735,000 of cash acquired. The difference between the purchase price and the net assets acquired represents definite-lived intangibles of $35,082,000, consisting of customer relationship and trade names, and $17,888,000 of goodwill. Goodwill acquired represents the estimated value of the assembled workforce and expected synergies with existing businesses. A deferred tax liability of $7,016,000 was recognized on the acquired intangible assets. The purchase price includes $6,329,000 placed in escrow for up to two years related to certain acquired contingencies and working capital adjustments per the terms of the acquisition agreement. The acquisition was funded primarily through additional borrowings under the Credit Facility.
	The acquisition is currently being reviewed by the United Kingdom Competition & Markets Authority ("CMA") as a part of its routine acquisition review process, and the Company cannot begin the integration process until this review is completed. Although the Company currently expects that this review will be concluded during the first half of 2015, no assurances of the timing, or any material conditions being placed on this approval can be provided. The success of the GAB Robins acquisition will depend, in part, on the Company's ability to realize the anticipated synergies and cost savings from integrating the GAB Robins business with its existing business on a timely basis.
	Based upon the timing of the acquisition, the allocation of the purchase price presented below is preliminary and subject to change, as the Company gathers additional information related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including unbilled accounts receivable, intangible assets, other assets, accrued liabilities, deferred taxes, and uncertain tax positions. The purchase price allocation may also be impacted by net debt and net working capital adjustments under the terms of the acquisition agreement.The Company is in the process of obtaining final third-party valuations of certain intangible assets; thus, the provisional measurements of intangible assets, goodwill, and deferred income taxes are subject to change.
	The following table summarizes the Company's initial allocation of the purchase price for GAB Robins:
		(December 1, 2014) February 1, 2015
		(In thousands)
	Purchase Price	$	71,812
	Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
	Cash and cash equivalents	5,735
	Other tangible assets	34,706
	Goodwill	17,888
	Intangible assets	35,082
	Deferred income taxes	7,078
	Liabilities	(28,677		)
	Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Before Noncontrolling Interests	71,812
	Noncontrolling interests	2,483
	Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net of Noncontrolling Interests	$	69,329

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep1

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities in which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Financial results from the Company's operations outside of the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and certain subsidiaries in the Philippines are reported and consolidated on a two-month delayed basis in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, “Consolidation,” in order to provide sufficient time for accumulation of their results. Accordingly, the Company's December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consolidated financial statements include the financial position of such operations as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company has controlling ownership interests in several entities that are not wholly-owned by the Company. The financial results and financial positions of these controlled entities are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including both the controlling interests and the noncontrolling interests. The noncontrolling interests represent the equity interests in these entities that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to the Company. Noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of the Company’s Shareholders’ Investment. On the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, net income is attributed to the controlling interests and the noncontrolling interests separately.
	The Company consolidates the results of a variable interest entity ("VIE") when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In accordance with GAAP, in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, it considers whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether it has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.
Management's Use of Estimates	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. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	The Company’s revenues are primarily comprised of claims processing or program administration fees and are generated from the Company’s four operating segments.
	Both the Americas segment and the EMEA/AP segment earn revenues by providing field investigation and evaluation of property and casualty claims for insurance companies and self-insured entities and by providing access to Company-owned networks of direct repair service providers. The Company’s Broadspire segment earns revenues by providing field investigation and claims evaluation of workers’ compensation and liability claims, initial loss reporting services for its clients' claimants, loss mitigation services such as medical bill review, medical case management and vocational rehabilitation, administration of trust funds established to pay claims, and risk management information services. The Legal Settlement Administration segment earns revenues by providing administration services related to settlements of securities cases, product liability cases, Chapter 11 bankruptcy noticing and distribution, and other legal settlements by identifying and qualifying class members, determining and dispensing settlement payments, and administering settlement funds.
	Fees for professional services are recognized in unbilled revenues at the time such services are rendered, at estimated collectible amounts. Substantially all unbilled revenues are billed within one year.
	Deferred revenues represent the estimated unearned portion of fees derived from certain fixed-rate claim service agreements. The Company’s fixed-fee service arrangements typically call for the Company to handle claims on either a one- or two-year basis, or for the lifetime of the claim. In cases where the claim is handled on a non-lifetime basis, an additional fee is typically received on each anniversary date that the claim remains open. For service arrangements where the Company provides services for the life of the claim, the Company receives only one fee for the life of the claim, regardless of the duration of the claim. Deferred revenues are recognized into revenues based on the estimated rate at which the services are provided. These rates are primarily based on a historical evaluation of actual claim durations by major line of coverage, and assumptions based on average case closure rates and pricing for each claim type.
	In the normal course of business, the Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are thereafter reimbursed by the Company’s clients. Under GAAP, these out-of-pocket expenses and associated reimbursements are required to be included when reporting expenses and revenues, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated results of operations. The amounts of reimbursed expenses and related revenues from reimbursements offset each other in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations with no impact to its net income.
	Intersegment sales are recorded at cost and are not material.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates book value due to their short-term nature.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The Company extends credit based on an evaluation of a client’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are typically due upon receipt of the invoice and are stated on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at amounts due from clients net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The fair value of accounts receivable approximates book value due to their short-term contractual stipulations.
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting primarily from the inability of clients to make required payments and for adjustments to invoiced amounts. Losses resulting from the inability of clients to make required payments are accounted for as bad debt expense, while adjustments to invoices are accounted for as reductions to revenue. These allowances are established using historical write-off information to project future experience and by considering the current creditworthiness of clients, any known specific collection problems, and an assessment of current industry and economic conditions. Actual experience may differ significantly from historical or expected loss results. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and any payments subsequently received are accounted for as recoveries.
Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets	Goodwill is an asset that represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the separately identifiable net assets (tangible and intangible) acquired in business combinations. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names associated with acquired businesses. Other long-lived assets consist primarily of property and equipment, capitalized software, and amortizable intangible assets related to customer relationships, technology, and trade names with finite lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing at least annually.
	Subsequent to a business acquisition in which goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are recorded as assets, post-acquisition accounting requires that both be tested to determine whether there has been an impairment. The Company performs an impairment test of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other long-lived assets at least annually on October 1 of each year. The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate potential impairment of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, or other long-lived assets. When factors indicate that such assets should be evaluated for possible impairment between the scheduled annual impairment tests, the Company performs an impairment test. The Company believes its goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other long-lived assets were appropriately valued and not impaired at December 31, 2014.
	Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process performed on a reporting unit basis. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, in 2014 the Company separately identified the reporting units of the Americas segment as a) U.S. Contractor Connection and b) the Americas excluding U.S. Contractor Connection. The value of goodwill for each reporting unit was allocated based on the relative estimated fair values of these two reporting units determined by a discounted cash flow analysis. Prior to 2014, U.S. Contractor Connection was tested within the Americas reporting unit. The other reporting units tested were Broadspire, EMEA/AP, and Legal Settlement Administration. In step 1 of the testing process, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared with its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, goodwill is not deemed impaired. If the book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the testing proceeds to step 2. In step 2, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to its assets and liabilities following acquisition accounting procedures to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. This hypothetical acquisition accounting process is applied only for the purpose of determining whether goodwill must be reduced; it is not used to adjust the book values of other assets or liabilities. There is an impairment if (and to the extent) the book value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. An impairment loss reduces the recorded goodwill and cannot subsequently be reversed.
	For step 1 of goodwill impairment testing, the book value of each of the Company’s reporting units is compared with the estimated fair value of the reporting unit as determined utilizing an income approach. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow which is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of the cash flows. The Company believes that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. The discount rates used reflect the Company’s assessment of a market participant’s view of the risks associated with the projected cash flows. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates, terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. While there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to management’s application of these assumptions or any other assumptions, the Company believes that the income approach provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of its reporting units.
	For impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets, the book value is compared with the fair value, which represents the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the asset. The fair values of the trade names are established using the relief-from-royalty method. This method recognizes that, by virtue of owning the trade name as opposed to licensing it, a company or reporting unit is relieved from paying a royalty, usually expressed as a percentage of sales, for the asset's use. The present value of the after-tax costs savings (i.e., royalty relief) at an appropriate discount rate indicates the value of the trade name. The Company determined the discount rate based on its performance compared to similar market participants, factored by risk in forecasting using a modified capital asset pricing model.
	If changes to the Company’s reporting structure impact the composition of the Company’s reporting units, existing goodwill is reallocated to the revised reporting units based on their relative estimated fair values as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis. If all of the assets and liabilities of an acquired business are assigned to a specific reporting unit, then the goodwill associated with that acquisition is assigned to that reporting unit at acquisition unless another reporting unit is also expected to benefit from the acquisition.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates the cost of property and equipment, including assets recorded under capital leases, over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the related assets, primarily using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for property and equipment classifications are as follows:
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Furniture and fixtures		3-10 years
	Data processing equipment		3-5 years
	Automobiles and other		3-4 years
	Buildings and improvements		7-40 years
Capitalized Software	Capitalized software reflects costs related to internally developed or purchased software used by the Company that has expected future economic benefits. Certain internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages, including training and maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred. The majority of these capitalized software costs consist of internal payroll costs and external payments for software purchases and related services. These capitalized software costs are amortized over periods ranging from three to ten years, depending on the estimated life of each software application.
Self-Insured Risks	The Company self-insures certain risks consisting primarily of professional liability, auto liability, and employee medical, disability, and workers’ compensation liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures, including professional liability on a claims-made basis, and those risks required to be insured by law or contract. Most of these self-insured risks are in the U.S.  Provisions for claims under the self-insured programs are made based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liabilities for claims incurred, losses that have occurred but have not been reported to the Company, and for adverse developments on reported losses. The estimated liabilities are calculated based on historical claims experience, the expected lives of the claims, and other factors considered relevant by management. Changes in these estimates may occur as additional information becomes available. The estimated liabilities for claims incurred under the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation and employee disability programs are discounted at the prevailing risk-free interest rate for U.S. government securities of an appropriate duration. All other self-insured liabilities are undiscounted.
Income Taxes	The Company accounts for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Provisions for deferred taxes are made in recognition of these temporary differences. The most significant differences relate to revenue recognition, accrued compensation, pension plans, self-insurance, and depreciation and amortization.
	For financial reporting purposes, the provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and payable on a deferred basis. Currently payable income taxes represent the liability related to the income tax returns for the current year, while the net deferred tax expense or benefit represents the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets or liabilities as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets that are not related to balances in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." The changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon changes in the differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities for income tax purposes, measured by the enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the Company estimates these differences will reverse. The Company must estimate the timing of the reversal of temporary differences, as well as whether taxable income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is provided when it is deemed more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Other factors which influence the effective tax rate used for financial reporting purposes include changes in enacted statutory tax rates, changes in the composition of taxable income from the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, the ability of the Company to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and the Company’s accounting for any uncertain tax positions. See Note 7, “Income Taxes.”
Sales and Other Taxes	In certain jurisdictions, both in the U.S. and internationally, various governments and taxing authorities require the Company to assess and collect sales and other taxes, such as value added taxes, on certain services that the Company renders and bills to its customers. The majority of the Company’s revenues are not currently subject to these types of taxes. These taxes are not recorded as additional revenues or expenses in the Company's Statements of Income, but are recorded on the balance sheet as pass-through amounts until remitted.
Foreign Currency	For operations outside the U.S. that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments, on a net basis, are included in comprehensive (loss) income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, and the accumulated translation adjustment is reported as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising Costs	Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards	Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." Under ASU 2014-15, management of public companies will be required to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual or interim reporting periods for which the financial statements have not previously been issued. The Company does not expect this ASU will have an impact on its financial statements or disclosures upon adoption.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." Under ASU 2014-09, companies will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration (that is, payment) to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and modify guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The revenue standard has been introduced into the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification as Topic 606 and replaced the previous guidance on revenue recognition in Topic 605. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with transition to the new standard following either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach (i.e., an approach that would allow the standard to be applied by recording a cumulative effect of the standard in the current period, with no restatement of the comparative periods, but with additional disclosures required). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Lease	The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain office space, computer equipment, and automobiles under operating leases. For office leases that contain scheduled rent increases or rent concessions, the Company recognizes monthly rent expense based on a calculated average monthly rent amount that considers the rent increases and rent concessions over the life of the lease term. Leasehold improvements of a capital nature that are made to leased office space under operating leases are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. License and maintenance costs related to leased vehicles are paid by the Company and are expensed as incurred.
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	The Company generally does not provide for additional U.S. and foreign income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because they are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company’s intent is for such earnings to be reinvested by the subsidiaries or to be repatriated only when it would be tax effective through the utilization of foreign tax credits. An exception to this general policy could occur if a very unusual event or project generated profits significantly in excess of ongoing business reinvestment needs. If such an event occurs, the Company would analyze its anticipated investment needs in that region and provide for U.S. taxes for earnings that are not expected to be permanently reinvested. Such an event occurred in 2013 and 2012, and the Company provided for additional U.S. and foreign income taxes on such profits. All historical earnings and future foreign earnings needed for business reinvestment needs will remain permanently reinvested and will be used to provide working capital for these operations, fund defined benefit pension plan obligations, repay non-U.S. debt, fund capital improvements, and fund future acquisitions.
Pension Plans	Pension expense is affected by the accounting policy used to determine the value of plan assets at the measurement date. The Company applies the expected return on plan assets using fair market value as of the annual measurement date. The fair market value method results in greater volatility to pension expense than the calculated value method. The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a snapshot of the state of the Company's long-term pension liabilities at the plan measurement date and the effect of mark-to-market accounting on plan assets.
Comprehensive Income	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.

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep2

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	A summary of the activities in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, January 1	$	10,234		$	10,584		$	10,615
	Add/ (Deduct):
	Provision for bad debt expense	2,117			1,396			2,384
	Write-offs, net of recoveries	(812		)	(2,112		)	(2,256		)
	Currency translation and other changes	(579		)	366			(159		)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, December 31	$	10,960		$	10,234		$	10,584
Property, and equipment	The estimated useful lives for property and equipment classifications are as follows:
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Furniture and fixtures		3-10 years
	Data processing equipment		3-5 years
	Automobiles and other		3-4 years
	Buildings and improvements		7-40 years
	Property and equipment, including assets under capital leases, consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	371		$	582
	Buildings and improvements	26,014			31,038
	Furniture and fixtures	49,774			50,883
	Data processing equipment	65,505			71,070
	Automobiles	1,609			1,753
	Total property and equipment	143,273			155,326
	Less accumulated depreciation	(102,414		)	(109,643		)
	Net property and equipment	$	40,859		$	45,683

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Americas			Broadspire			Legal Settlement Administration		EMEA/AP			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012:
	Goodwill	$	43,792		$	151,133		$	19,599	$	68,604		$	283,128
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		—			(151,133		)
	Net Goodwill	43,792			—			19,599		68,604			131,995
	2013 Activity:
	Goodwill of acquired businesses	—			—			—		4,454			4,454
	Impairment of goodwill of business held for sale	—			—			—		(556		)	(556		)
	Foreign currency effects	(1,606		)	—			—		(1,510		)	(3,116		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013:
	Goodwill	42,186			151,133			19,599		71,548			284,466
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		(556		)	(151,689		)
	Net Goodwill	42,186			—			19,599		70,992			132,777
	2014 Activity:
	Goodwill of acquired business	—			—			—		1,542			1,542
	Impairment of goodwill of disposed business	—			—			—		(11		)	(11		)
	Other activity	—			—			—		1,149			1,149
	Foreign currency effects	(1,978		)	—			—		(1,594		)	(3,572		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014:
	Goodwill	40,208			151,133			19,599		72,645			283,585
	Accumulated Impairment Losses	—			(151,133		)	—		(567		)	(151,700		)
	Net Goodwill	$	40,208		$	—		$	19,599	$	72,078		$	131,885
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets	The following is a summary of finite-lived intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted-Average Amortization Period
		(In thousands, except years)
	December 31, 2014:
	Customer relationships	$	93,468		$	(50,030	)	$	43,438	6.6 years
	Technology-based	5,913			(4,794		)	1,119		1.5 years
	Trade name	343			(202		)	141		0.6 years
	Total	$	99,724		$	(55,026	)	$	44,698	5.9 years
	December 31, 2013:
	Customer relationships	$	92,775		$	(43,791	)	$	48,984	7.8 years
	Technology-based	5,913			(4,051		)	1,862		2.5 years
	Trade name	200			(150		)	50		0.7 years
	Total	$	98,888		$	(47,992	)	$	50,896	7.1 years
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization Expense	At December 31, 2014, annual estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was as follows:
		Annual Amortization Expense
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	7,113
	2016	6,699
	2017	6,172
	2018	6,172
	2019	6,172
Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets	The following is a summary of indefinite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Impairments			Net Carrying Value
		(In thousands)
	December 31, 2014:
	Trade names	$	31,797		$	(600	)	$	31,197
	December 31, 2013:
	Trade names	$	31,807		$	(600	)	$	31,207

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_In1

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt instruments	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Credit Facility	$	155,002		$	135,000
	Capital lease obligations	1,809			2,645
	Total long-term debt and capital leases	156,811			137,645
	Less: portion of Credit Facility classified as short-term	(2,002		)	(35,000		)
	Less: current installments	(763		)	(875		)
	Total long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	$	154,046		$	101,770
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	Principal repayments of long-term debt, including current portions and capital leases, as of December 31, 2014 are expected to be as follows:
		Long-term Debt			Capital Lease Obligations			Total
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,002		$	763		$	2,765
	2016	—			692			692
	2017	—			317			317
	2018	153,000			37			153,037
	2019	—			—			—
	Total	$	155,002		$	1,809		$	156,811

Commitments_Under_Operating_Le1

Commitments Under Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Schedule of rent expense	Rental expenses, net of amortization of any incentives provided by lessors, for operating leases consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Office space	$	43,277	$	43,715	$	44,437
	Automobiles	7,615		7,711		8,110
	Computers and equipment	378		344		289
	Total operating leases	$	51,270	$	51,770	$	52,836
Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases	At December 31, 2014, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with terms of more than 12 months were as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	41,785
	2016	35,962
	2017	25,998
	2018	18,379
	2019	16,019
	2020 and Thereafter	26,381
Future minimum sublease rentals	Under executed sublease arrangements at December 31, 2014, the sublessors are obligated to pay the Company minimum sublease payments as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2015	$	3,080
	2016	3,460
	2017	3,532
	2018	3,608
	2019	3,684
	2020-2021	7,602
	Total minimum sublease payments to be received	$	24,966

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income before income taxes	Income before income taxes consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	U.S.	$	40,840		$	50,234		$	48,514
	Foreign	19,048			30,868			34,926
	Income before income taxes	$	59,888		$	81,102		$	83,440
Schedule of provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal and state	$	4,867		$	3,680		$	1,375
	Foreign	8,724			10,461			12,956
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal and state	13,645			14,004			19,831
	Foreign	1,544			1,621			(476		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	28,780		$	29,766		$	33,686
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	The provision for income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal income taxes at statutory rate	$	20,961		$	28,385		$	29,204
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,975			988			1,273
	Foreign taxes	1,544			(778		)	(1,640		)
	Change in valuation allowance	3,023			2,479			3,095
	Research and development credits	(266		)	(1,909		)	49
	Foreign tax credits	(1,043		)	(3,542		)	(1,524		)
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment	1,662			1,102			807
	Tax rate changes	1,002			1,749			927
	Other	(78		)	1,292			1,495
	Provision for income taxes	$	28,780		$	29,766		$	33,686
Schedule of deferred tax assets	Deferred income taxes consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	10,497		$	13,463
	Accrued pension liabilities	47,740			34,109
	Self-insured risks	10,025			10,280
	Deferred revenues	10,562			10,785
	Accrued rent	2,148			2,553
	Interest	6,036			4,832
	Tax credit carryforwards	44,837			54,470
	Loss carryforwards	20,094			19,447
	Other	2,223			3,816
	Gross deferred income tax assets	154,162			153,755
	Accounts receivable allowance	10,724			9,899
	Unbilled revenues	14,813			18,738
	Depreciation and amortization	60,553			62,552
	Other post-retirement benefits	343			561
	Unrepatriated earnings	—			3,297
	Gross deferred income tax liabilities	86,433			95,047
	Net deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance	67,729			58,708
	Valuation allowance	(15,231		)	(12,518		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	52,498		$	46,190
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of :
	Current deferred income tax assets included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets"	$	565		$	471
	Current deferred income tax liabilities included in "Deferred income taxes"	(14,523		)	(15,063		)
	Long-term deferred income tax assets included in "Deferred income tax assets"	66,927			61,375
	Long-term deferred income tax liabilities included in "Other noncurrent liabilities"	(471		)	(593		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	52,498		$	46,190
Summary of valuation allowance	Changes in our deferred tax valuation allowance are recorded as adjustments to the provision for income taxes. An analysis of our deferred tax asset valuation allowances is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year	$	12,518		$	7,927		$	4,459
	Increase in valuation allowance for state credits	—			2,277			—
	Other changes	2,713			2,314			3,468
	Balance, end of year	$	15,231		$	12,518		$	7,927
Summary of unrecognized income tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized income tax benefits follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,806
	Additions for tax provisions related to the current year	330
	Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(382		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	1,754
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	4,826
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years	2,036
	Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(692		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,924
	Reductions for tax positions related to the current year	(1,664		)
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years	49
	Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	(412		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	5,897

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets	The majority of the Company's defined benefit pension plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. For these plans (excluding the nonqualified plans discussed separately below), the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligations	$	806,269			$	773,551
	Fair value of plans' assets	659,875				667,046
Schedule of fair value of plan assets in excess of benefit obligations	Certain of the Company's U.K. Plans have fair values of plan assets that exceed the projected benefit obligations. For these plans, the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligations	$	62,478			$	13,502
	Fair value of plans' assets	65,895				14,574
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plans’ assets for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans as of the plans’ most recent measurement dates is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Projected Benefit Obligations:
	Beginning of measurement period	$	787,053			$	813,312
	Service cost	2,667				2,922
	Interest cost	35,269				33,309
	Employee contributions	478				598
	Actuarial loss (gain)	103,497				(24,772		)
	Benefits paid	(56,418		)		(38,877		)
	Foreign currency effects	(3,799		)		561
	End of measurement period	868,747				787,053
	Fair Value of Plans’ Assets:
	Beginning of measurement period	681,620				643,725
	Actual return on plans’ assets	79,761				48,890
	Employer contributions	23,585				26,890
	Employee contributions	478				598
	Benefits paid	(56,418		)		(38,877		)
	Foreign currency effects	(3,256		)		394
	End of measurement period	725,770				681,620
	Unfunded Status	$	(142,977	)		$	(105,433	)
Schedule of net funded status	The underfunded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical benefits plan recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 consisted of:
	December 31,	2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	U.S. Qualified Plan	$	126,857			$	77,483
	U.K. Plans	8,059				15,317
	Other international plans	7,427				10,160
	Subtotal, included in "Accrued pension liabilities"	142,343				102,960
	Prepaid pension asset included in "Other noncurrent assets"	(3,417		)		(1,072		)
	Unfunded status of nonqualified defined benefit deferred pension plans included in "Other accrued liabilities"	325				324
	Unfunded status of nonqualified defined benefit pension plans included in "Other noncurrent liabilities"	3,726				3,221
	Total unfunded status	$	142,977			$	105,433
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income taxes	$	(333,749	)		$	(276,497	)
Schedule of net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)	The following tables set forth the 2014 and 2013 changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans and post-retirement medical benefits plan on a combined basis.
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Plan
		(In thousands)
	Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2012	$	(320,742	)		$	1,674
	Amortization of net loss (gain) during 2013	13,263				(209		)
	Net gain arising during 2013	30,679				—
	Currency translation for 2013	(1,162		)		—
	Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2013	(277,962		)		1,465
	Amortization of net loss (gain) during 2014	11,828				(153		)
	Net loss arising during 2014	(69,273		)		(400		)
	Currency translation for 2014	746				—
	Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain, December 31, 2014	$	(334,661	)		$	912
Schedule of net periodic benefit costs	Net periodic benefit cost related to all of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 included the following components:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	2,667			$	2,922			$	2,220
	Interest cost	35,270				33,309				35,137
	Expected return on assets	(45,481		)		(42,949		)		(42,505		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	11,828				13,263				9,832
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,284			$	6,545			$	4,684
Schedule of expected benefit payments	Over the next ten years, the following benefit payments are expected to be required to be made from the Company’s U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans:
	Year Ending December 31,	Expected Benefit Payments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	42,227
	2016	43,259
	2017	44,038
	2018	44,729
	2019	45,396
	2020-2024	233,228
Schedule of assumptions used	Certain assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
	U.S. Defined Benefit Plans:	2014			2013
	Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	4.06	%		4.86	%
	Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.86	%		4.06	%
	Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets	6.5	%		6.75	%
	U.K. Defined Benefit Plans:	2014			2013
	Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	3.9	%		4.3	%
	Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.3	%		4.4	%
	Expected long-term rates of return on plans’ assets	7.12	%		7.06	%
Schedule of allocation of plan assets	Asset allocations at the respective measurement dates, by asset category, for the Company’s U.S. and U.K. qualified defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
		U.S. Plan						U.K. Plans
	December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Equity securities	33.4	%		29.8	%		24.1	%		26	%
	Fixed income investments	64.9	%		67.6	%		59.2	%		55.3	%
	Alternative strategies	0.2	%		0.4	%		16	%		17	%
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment funds	1.5	%		2.2	%		0.7	%		1.7	%
	Total asset allocation	100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

Common_Stock_and_Earnings_per_1

Common Stock and Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014					2013				2012
		CRDA		CRDB			CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
		(In thousands, except earnings per share)
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	10,408	$	8,499		$	23,063	$	19,075	$	21,246	$	17,762
	Dividends paid	7,273		4,444			5,384		3,456		5,930		3,950
	Net income available to common shareholders, basic	17,681		12,943			28,447		22,531		27,176		21,712
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237		24,690			29,853		24,690		29,536		24,693
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.58	$	0.52		$	0.95	$	0.91	$	0.92	$	0.88
Schedule of earnings per share, diluted	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014					2013				2012
		CRDA		CRDB			CRDA		CRDB		CRDA		CRDB
		(In thousands, except earnings per share)
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	10,522	$	8,385		$	23,407	$	18,731	$	21,484	$	17,524
	Dividends paid	7,273		4,444			5,384		3,456		5,930		3,950
	Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	17,795		12,829			28,791		22,187		27,414		21,474
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237		24,690			29,853		24,690		29,536		24,693
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	746		—			1,002		—		736		—
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	30,983		24,690			30,855		24,690		30,272		24,693
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.57	$	0.52		$	0.93	$	0.9	$	0.91	$	0.87
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:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Shares underlying stock options excluded due to the options' respective exercise prices being greater than the average stock price during the period	—		1,212		1,154
	Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met (1)	1,568		1,290		1,169
	(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 December 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by December 31, 2015.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The changes in components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL"), net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Retirement liabilities			AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	7,778		$	(207,259	)	$	(199,481	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(4,234		)	—			(4,234		)
	Unrealized net gains arising during the year	—			15,671			15,671
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)	—			8,834			8,834
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,234		)	24,505			20,271
	Balance at December 31, 2013	3,544			(182,754		)	(179,210		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(8,203		)	—			(8,203		)
	Unrealized net losses arising during the year	—			(43,181		)	(43,181		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (1)	—			8,636			8,636
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(8,203		)	(34,545		)	(42,748		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,659	)	$	(217,299	)	$	(221,958	)
	(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 Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 8, "Retirement Plans" for additional details.

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of option activity	A summary of option activity as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,348			$	6.33	2.9 years	$	—
	Forfeited or expired	(234	)		8.57
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,114			5.86		2.5 years	459
	Granted	749			5.08
	Exercised	(49	)		5.57
	Forfeited or expired	(154	)		5.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,660			5.57		5.1 years	3,517
	Exercised	(449	)		5.11
	Forfeited or expired	(375	)		6.51
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	836			$	5.4	6.7 years	$	2,647
	Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2014	353			$	5.84	4.6 years	$	964
Black-Scholes Merton option pricing assumptions	The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, with the following weighted average assumptions:
			2013
	Expected dividend yield		4.5	%
	Expected volatility		57.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.22	%
	Expected term of options		7 years
Nonvested performance shares	A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested performance shares as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	860,500			$	3.42
	Granted	908,000			3.7
	Vested	(531,791	)		3.48
	Forfeited or unearned	(67,584	)		3.48
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	1,169,125			3.68
	Granted	981,000			4.75
	Vested	(449,958	)		3.76
	Forfeited or unearned	(59,167	)		4.03
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,641,000			4.26
	Granted	1,086,000			6.93
	Vested	(193,289	)		5.47
	Forfeited or unearned	(758,000	)		3.85
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	1,775,711			$	5.93
Restricted shares	A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares of CRDA as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 and changes during each year, is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011	8,670			$	4.69
	Granted	239,913			4.03
	Vested	(177,498	)		4
	Forfeited or unearned	(3,918	)		4.38
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	67,167			4.29
	Granted	86,017			5.88
	Vested	(84,184	)		5.27
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	69,000			5.07
	Granted	154,145			7.85
	Vested	(129,811	)		6.44
	Forfeited or unearned	(5,000	)		6.59
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	88,334			$	7.83

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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:
	December 31,	2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11
	Derivative not designated as hedging instrument:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	—		3,140		—		3,140
	Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout liability (3)	—		—		1,153		1,153
	December 31,	2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Money market funds (1)	$	47	$	—	$	—	$	47
	Derivative not designated as hedging instruments:
	Cross currency basis swap (2)	—		1,104		—		1,104
	____________________
	(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 on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Cash and cash equivalents."
	(2)	The fair value of the Company's cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the swap and the forward curves for foreign currency rates and interest rates adjusted for the counterparty's credit risk. The fair value of this cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.
	(3)	The fair value of the contingent earnout liability for the Buckley Scott acquisition was estimated using an internally-prepared probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value analysis relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates and capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating projections). As such, these are Level 3 fair value measurements. The valuation is sensitive to Level 3 data, with the maximum possible earnout of $1,153,000. As such, the fair value is not expected to vary materially from the balance recorded. The fair value of the contingent earnout liability is included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the contingent earnout agreement.
Pension plan assets within fair value hierarchy	The following table summarizes the level within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the Company's pension plan assets for its U.S. plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014						2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total
		(In thousands)
	Asset Category:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	228	$	—	$	228	$	3,833	$	—	$	3,833
	Short-term Investment Funds	—		6,168		6,168		—		5,072		5,072
	Equity Securities:
	U.S.	—		104,073		104,073		—		83,649		83,649
	International	—		36,604		36,604		—		38,090		38,090
	Fixed Income Securities:
	U.S.	19,244		236,952		256,196		20,874		242,092		262,966
	International	—		17,378		17,378		—		13,191		13,191
	Other	—		738		738		—		1,443		1,443
	TOTAL	$	19,472	$	401,913	$	421,385	$	24,707	$	383,537	$	408,244
	The following table summarizes the level within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the Company's pension plan assets for its U.K. plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31,	2014								2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Asset Category:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1,968	$	—	$	—	$	1,968	$	4,322	$	—	$	—	$	4,322
	Equity Securities:
	U.S.	—		29,051		—		29,051		—		29,457		—		29,457
	International	—		35,506		—		35,506		—		34,579		—		34,579
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Money market funds	—		103,754		—		103,754		—		60,644		—		60,644
	Government securities	—		42,672		—		42,672		8,778		50,180		—		58,958
	Corporate bonds and debt securities	—		11,669		—		11,669		—		15,958		—		15,958
	Mortgage-backed securities	—		782		—		782		—		789		—		789
	Alternative strategy funds	—		28,283		—		28,283		129		28,523		—		28,652
	Real estate funds	—		—		14,740		14,740		—		—		13,319		13,319
	TOTAL	$	1,968	$	251,717	$	14,740	$	268,425	$	13,229	$	220,130	$	13,319	$	246,678
Reconciliation of level 3 assets	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 assets within the Company's U.K. pension plan during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Real Estate Funds
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	13,238
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Related to assets still held at the reporting date	55
	Purchases, sales and settlements—net	26
	Balance at December 31, 2013	13,319
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Related to assets still held at the reporting date	1,412
	Purchases, sales and settlements—net	9
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	14,740

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	Financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 related to the Company’s reportable segments is presented below.
		Americas			EMEA/AP			Broadspire			Legal Settlement Administration		Total
		(In thousands)
	2014
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	359,319		$	344,350		$	268,890		$	170,292	$	1,142,851
	Segment operating earnings	23,663			19,720			15,469			22,849		81,701
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,747			5,193			8,448			5,895		24,283
	Assets	124,992			240,760			103,894			122,129		591,775
	2013
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	342,240		$	350,164		$	252,242		$	218,799	$	1,163,445
	Segment operating earnings	18,532			32,158			8,245			46,752		105,687
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,007			5,167			7,381			5,252		21,807
	Assets	131,765			261,127			109,933			111,869		614,694
	2012
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	334,431		$	366,718		$	238,960		$	236,608	$	1,176,717
	Segment operating earnings	11,878			48,481			21			60,284		120,664
	Depreciation and amortization (1)	4,309			5,105			6,811			4,263		20,488
	Assets	137,609			284,981			110,984			106,878		640,452
	______________________
	(1)	Excludes amortization expense of finite-lived customer relationships and trade name intangible assets.
Schedule of revenues by service line by reporting segments	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.
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Americas
	U.S. Claims Field Operations	$	95,859		$	103,594		$	105,932
	U.S. Technical Services	24,822			28,209			29,122
	U.S. Catastrophe Services	44,188			36,067			38,504
	Subtotal U.S. Claims Services	164,869			167,870			173,558
	U.S. Contractor Connection	50,517			36,046			27,470
	Subtotal U.S. Property & Casualty	215,386			203,916			201,028
	Canada—all service lines	129,246			122,748			120,767
	Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines	14,687			15,576			12,636
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements—Americas	$	359,319		$	342,240		$	334,431
	Broadspire
	Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management	$	112,334		$	107,624		$	100,051
	Medical Management	140,903			128,802			122,833
	Risk Management Information Services	15,653			15,816			16,076
	Total Revenues before Reimbursements—Broadspire	$	268,890		$	252,242		$	238,960
Reconciliation of capital expenditures from segments to consolidated	Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are shown in the following table:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Americas	$	7,109		$	6,210		$	4,944
	EMEA/AP	5,186			4,663			5,225
	Broadspire	7,705			6,452			7,187
	Legal Settlement Administration	2,476			5,257			9,167
	Corporate	6,721			8,431			6,653
	Total capital expenditures	$	29,197		$	31,013		$	33,176
Reconciliation of revenues from segments to consolidated	The total of the Company’s reportable segments’ revenues before reimbursements reconciled to total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Segments’ revenues before reimbursements	$	1,142,851		$	1,163,445		$	1,176,717
	Reimbursements	74,112			89,985			89,421
	Total consolidated revenues	$	1,216,963		$	1,253,430		$	1,266,138
Reconciliation of segment operating earnings from segments to consolidated	The Company’s reportable segments’ total operating earnings reconciled to consolidated income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Operating earnings of all reportable segments	$	81,701		$	105,687		$	120,664
	Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits	(8,582		)	(10,829		)	(10,504		)
	Net corporate interest expense	(6,031		)	(6,423		)	(8,607		)
	Stock option expense	(859		)	(948		)	(408		)
	Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	(6,341		)	(6,385		)	(6,373		)
	Special charges and credits	—			—			(11,332		)
	Income before income taxes	$	59,888		$	81,102		$	83,440
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	The Company’s reportable segments’ total assets reconciled to consolidated total assets of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table. All foreign-denominated cash and cash equivalents are reported within the Americas and EMEA/AP segments, while all U.S. cash and cash equivalents are reported as corporate assets in the following table:
	December 31,	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Assets of reportable segments	$	591,775		$	614,694
	Corporate assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	7,333			8,015
	Unallocated allowances on receivables	(3,536		)	(4,450		)
	Property and equipment	7,636			9,481
	Capitalized software costs, net	69,906			65,848
	Assets of deferred compensation plan	15,519			15,140
	Capitalized loan costs	3,707			4,394
	Deferred income tax assets	66,927			61,375
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,070			9,559
	Other noncurrent assets	12,982			6,002
	Total corporate assets	197,544			175,364
	Total assets	$	789,319		$	790,058
Schedule of disclosure on geographic areas, revenue and long-lived assets in individual foreign countries by country	Revenues and long-lived assets for the countries in which revenues or long-lived assets represent more than 10 percent of the consolidated totals are set out in the two tables below. For the purposes of these geographic area disclosures, long-lived assets include items such as property and equipment and capital lease assets but exclude intangible assets, including goodwill. In the Americas segment, only the U.S. and Canada are considered material for disclosure.
		U.S.			Canada			Other			Total Americas Segment
		(In thousands)
	2014
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	215,386		$	129,246		$	14,687		$	359,319
	Long-lived assets	3,626			2,274			726			6,626
	2013
	Revenues before reimbursements	203,916			122,748			15,576			342,240
	Long-lived assets	2,832			3,571			913			7,316
	2012
	Revenues before reimbursements	201,028			120,767			12,636			334,431
	Long-lived assets	2,522			4,566			1,029			8,117
	In the EMEA/AP segment, only the U.K. is considered material for disclosure; CEMEA and Asia Pacific regions are shown in order to reconcile to the segment totals.
		U.K.			CEMEA			Asia/Pacific			Total EMEA/AP Segment
		(In thousands)
	2014
	Revenues before reimbursements	$	128,561		$	111,749		$	104,040		$	344,350
	Long-lived assets	12,116			1,995			4,609			18,720
	2013
	Revenues before reimbursements	119,747			112,374			118,043			350,164
	Long-lived assets	9,691			2,251			4,876			16,818
	2012
	Revenues before reimbursements	133,436			97,396			135,886			366,718
	Long-lived assets	9,715			2,286			5,353			17,354

Special_Charges_and_Credits_Ta

Special Charges and Credits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued liabilities	As of December 31, 2014, the following liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the special charges recorded in 2012. The rollforward of these costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:
	(in thousands)	Deferred rent			Accrued compensation and related costs			Other accrued liabilities			Other noncurrent liabilities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,148		$	2,303		$	1,509		$	1,253		$	7,213
	Adjustments to accruals	516			—			35			(204		)	347
	Cash payments	—			(1,805		)	(1,241		)	(465		)	(3,511		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	2,664			498			303			584			4,049
	Adjustments to accruals	(1,233		)	—			278			(308		)	(1,263		)
	Cash payments	—			(367		)	(273		)	(276		)	(916		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,431		$	131		$	308		$	—		$	1,870

Subsequent_EventsTables

Subsequent Events-(Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the Company's initial allocation of the purchase price for GAB Robins:
		(December 1, 2014) February 1, 2015
		(In thousands)
	Purchase Price	$	71,812
	Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
	Cash and cash equivalents	5,735
	Other tangible assets	34,706
	Goodwill	17,888
	Intangible assets	35,082
	Deferred income taxes	7,078
	Liabilities	(28,677		)
	Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Before Noncontrolling Interests	71,812
	Noncontrolling interests	2,483
	Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net of Noncontrolling Interests	$	69,329

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep3

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies-Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	class_of_stock
	segments
	country
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of operating segments (segments)	4
Number of countries in which entity operates (more than)	70
Number of classes of common stock (class of stock)	2
Outside of the U.S.
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Time deposits, at carrying value	2,293,000
Primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	11,051,000	10,322,000
Deferred compensation plan assets	15,519,000	15,140,000
Class A Common Stock
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Approval rate to waive equal consideration rights (ratio)	75.00%
Lloyd Warwick International
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	51.00%
Variable interest entity, maximum loss exposure	10,000,000
Asset carrying amount	6,045,000
Liability carrying amount	8,346,000
Financial or other support	7,378,000

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep4

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies-Receivables (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period	$10,234	$10,584	$10,615
Provision for bad debt expense	2,117	1,396	2,384
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-812	-2,112	-2,256
Currency translation and other changes	-579	366	-159
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period	10,960	10,234	10,584
Sales Allowances, Services	$1,786	$2,812	$2,712

Significant_Accounting_and_Rep5

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies-Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$143,273	$155,326
Less accumulated depreciation	-102,414	-109,643
Net Property and Equipment	40,859	45,683
Property, plant and equipment, additions from capital leases	21	340	2,422
Depreciation and amortization of leased asset	16,606	15,446	15,429
Amortization of intangible assets	7,084	7,127	7,141
Self insurance reserve	24,532	25,630
Self insurance reserve, current	14,491	13,100
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), before tax	-274	-1,084	-268
Advertising expense	2,981	2,793	3,317
Capitalized software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	13,954	11,330	10,226
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	371	582
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	26,014	31,038
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	49,774	50,883
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Data processing equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	65,505	71,070
Data processing equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Data processing equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Automobiles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$1,609	$1,753
Automobiles | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Automobiles | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	4 years

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_1

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 15, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$131,885	$131,995			$132,777
Cash surrendered from sale of business	0	1,554	0
EMEA/AP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		72,078	68,604			70,992
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)		49.00%
Business combination, right to purchase noncontrolling interest, term		6 months
Fair value inputs, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization multiple		7
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Processes, Description		P36M
Business combination, right of first refusal, term		30 days
Buckley Scott
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired				100.00%
Payments to acquire businesses, gross				3,812
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net				1,532
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, cash and equivalents				488
Deferred income tax liabilities, noncurrent				473
Fair value assumptions, expected term				2 years
Goodwill				1,542
Buckley Scott | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				2,195
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life				15 years
Buckley Scott | Trade name
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				169
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life				2 years
Lloyd Warwick International
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage		51.00%
Crawford South Africa
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sale of stock, percentage of ownership before transaction					74.90%
Net assets sold					2,542
Cash surrendered from sale of business					1,554
Loan receivable, term of agreement					2 years
Loss on disposition of business						$474
Royalty percentage from future revenues (percent)					2.00%
Royalty arrangement, notice to terminate					12 months

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$283,585	$284,466	$283,128
Accumulated Impairment Losses	-151,700	-151,689	-151,133
Net Goodwill	131,885	132,777	131,995
Goodwill of acquired businesses	1,542	4,454
Impairment of goodwill of business held for sale/disposed	-11	-556
Other activity	1,149
Foreign currency effects	-3,572	-3,116
Americas
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	40,208	42,186	43,792
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0	0	0
Net Goodwill	40,208	42,186	43,792
Foreign currency effects	-1,978	-1,606
Broadspire
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	151,133	151,133	151,133
Accumulated Impairment Losses	-151,133	-151,133	-151,133
Net Goodwill	0	0	0
Legal Settlement Administration
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	19,599	19,599	19,599
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0	0	0
Net Goodwill	19,599	19,599	19,599
EMEA/AP
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	72,645	71,548	68,604
Accumulated Impairment Losses	-567	-556	0
Net Goodwill	72,078	70,992	68,604
Goodwill of acquired businesses	1,542	4,454
Impairment of goodwill of business held for sale/disposed	-11	-556
Other activity	1,149
Foreign currency effects	($1,594)	($1,510)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$99,724	$98,888
Accumulated Amortization	-55,026	-47,992
Net Carrying Value	44,698	50,896
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	5 years 10 months 24 days	7 years 1 month 6 days
Amortization of intangible assets	7,084	7,127	7,141
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	7,113
2016	6,699
2017	6,172
2018	6,172
2019	6,172
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	93,468	92,775
Accumulated Amortization	-50,030	-43,791
Net Carrying Value	43,438	48,984
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	6 years 7 months 6 days	7 years 9 months 18 days
Technology-based
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,913	5,913
Accumulated Amortization	-4,794	-4,051
Net Carrying Value	1,119	1,862
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	1 year 6 months	2 years 6 months 0 days
Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	343	200
Accumulated Amortization	-202	-150
Net Carrying Value	141	50
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	7 months 6 days	8 months 12 days
Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Corporate | Customer relationships and trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$6,341	$6,385	$6,373

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (Trade name, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trade name
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill), gross	$31,797	$31,807
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, accumulated impairments	-600	-600
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	$31,197	$31,207

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_In2

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases Long-term debt instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$1,809	$2,645
Total long-term debt and capital leases	156,811	137,645
Less: portion of Credit Facility classified as short-term	-2,002	-35,000
Less: current installments	-763	-875
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	154,046	101,770
Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Facility	$155,002	$135,000

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_In3

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases Credit Facility (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 01, 2015
	Integer
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest period	1 month
Letters of credit outstanding amount	$17,511,000	$17,837,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	149,134,000	247,163,000
Aggregate of earnouts paid	1.5
Number of quarters	4
Less: portion of Credit Facility classified as short-term	-2,002,000	-35,000,000
Interest expense, debt	6,812,000	7,191,000	9,574,000
Interest paid	5,880,000	6,379,000	8,728,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations, term of lease	24 months
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations, term of lease	60 months
Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity	400,000,000
Credit Facility	155,002,000	135,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, required minimum leverage ratio (basis points)	3.25
Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.00%
Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate | Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	0.50%
Credit Facility | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.50%
Credit Facility | Minimum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	0.50%
Credit Facility | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.25%
Credit Facility | Maximum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.25%
Credit Facility | UK Borrower
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity	185,000,000
Credit Facility | Canadian Borrower
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity	40,000,000
Credit Facility | Australian Borrower
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity	15,000,000
Letter of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Capital Stock of Company's and Guarantor's Present and Future Domestic Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, guarantee obligation, percentage of stock (percent)	100.00%
Voting Stock of Present and Future First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company or Guarantor
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, guarantee obligation, percentage of stock (percent)	65.00%
Non-Voting Stock of Present and Future First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company or Guarantor
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, guarantee obligation, percentage of stock (percent)	100.00%
Capital stock of Foreign Borrowers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, guarantee obligation, percentage of stock (percent)	100.00%
GAB Robins | UK Borrower | Subsequent events
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other long-term debt, noncurrent				$78,355,000

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Debt_In4

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Including Capital Leases Schedule of maturities of long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, 2015	$2,002
Long-term Debt, 2016	0
Long-term Debt, 2017	0
Long-term Debt, 2018	153,000
Long-term Debt, 2019	0
Long-term Debt	155,002
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations, 2015	763
Capital Lease Obligations, 2016	692
Capital Lease Obligations, 2017	317
Capital Lease Obligations, 2018	37
Capital Lease Obligations, 2019	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	1,809
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total, 2015	2,765
Total, 2016	692
Total, 2017	317
Total, 2018	153,037
Total, 2019	0
Total long-term debt and capital leases	$156,811	$137,645

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (Currency swap, Not Designated as Hedging Instrument)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount		34,749,000
Derivative instrument, periodic payment, basis amount		589,000
Derivative instruments, periodic receivable, basis amount	593,000
Derivative Asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral			$0

Commitments_Under_Operating_Le2

Commitments Under Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	1-May-12	Mar. 16, 2010	Feb. 09, 2010	Aug. 01, 2006	Jan. 31, 2012
	Integer			sqft	sqft					sqft
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$51,270	$51,770	$52,836
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	41,785
2016	35,962
2017	25,998
2018	18,379
2019	16,019
2020 and Thereafter	26,381
Number of leased buildings in Plantation, FL	2
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Operating Leases, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	3,080
2016	3,460
2017	3,532
2018	3,608
2019	3,684
2020-2021	7,602
Total minimum sublease payments to be received	24,966
Office space
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	43,277	43,715	44,437
Office space | Jacksonville, FL
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)				50,000
Future minimum payments due	5,328
Term of lease				7 years 5 months
Office space | Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)					24,000
Future minimum payments due	6,042
Term of lease					10 years
Office space | Seattle, Washington
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)						45,000
Future minimum payments due	9,780
Term of lease						10 years
Office space | Lake Success, New York
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)							44,000			67,000
Future minimum payments due	13,110
Term of lease							11 years
Office space | Sunrise, Florida
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)								64,000
Future minimum payments due	7,010
Term of lease								10 years
Office space | Atlanta, Georgia
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Area of real estate property (square feet)									160,000
Future minimum payments due	12,277
Term of lease									11 years
Office space | Plantation, Florida
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Future minimum payments due	30,860
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Operating Leases, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss on subleases			4,285
Automobiles
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	7,615	7,711	8,110
Computers and equipment
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$378	$344	$289

Income_TaxesIncome_loss_before

Income Taxes-Income (loss) before income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$40,840	$50,234	$48,514
Foreign	19,048	30,868	34,926
Income Before Income Taxes	$59,888	$81,102	$83,440

Income_TaxesProvision_for_Inco

Income Taxes-Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
U.S. federal and state	$4,867	$3,680	$1,375
Foreign	8,724	10,461	12,956
Deferred:
U.S. federal and state	13,645	14,004	19,831
Foreign	1,544	1,621	-476
Provision for income taxes	28,780	29,766	33,686
Cash payments for income taxes	$13,017	$21,030	$14,378

Income_TaxesReconciliation_to_

Income Taxes-Reconciliation to federal statutory rate (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%
Federal income taxes at statutory rate	$20,961	$28,385	$29,204
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,975	988	1,273
Foreign taxes	1,544	-778	-1,640
Change in valuation allowance	3,023	2,479	3,095
Research and development credits	-266	-1,909	49
Foreign tax credits	-1,043	-3,542	-1,524
Nondeductible meals and entertainment	1,662	1,102	807
Tax rate changes	1,002	1,749	927
Other	-78	1,292	1,495
Provision for income taxes	28,780	29,766	33,686
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	173,800
U.K.
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)		$1,300

Income_TaxesDeferred_income_ta

Income Taxes-Deferred income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets, gross
Accrued compensation	$10,497,000	$13,463,000
Accrued pension liabilities	47,740,000	34,109,000
Self-insured risks	10,025,000	10,280,000
Deferred revenues	10,562,000	10,785,000
Accrued rent	2,148,000	2,553,000
Interest	6,036,000	4,832,000
Tax credit carryforwards	44,837,000	54,470,000
Loss carryforwards	20,094,000	19,447,000
Other	2,223,000	3,816,000
Gross deferred income tax assets	154,162,000	153,755,000
Deferred tax liabilities, gross
Accounts receivable allowance	10,724,000	9,899,000
Unbilled revenues	14,813,000	18,738,000
Depreciation and amortization	60,553,000	62,552,000
Other post-retirement benefits	343,000	561,000
Unrepatriated earnings	0	3,297,000
Gross deferred income tax liabilities	86,433,000	95,047,000
Net deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance	67,729,000	58,708,000
Valuation allowance	-15,231,000	-12,518,000	-7,927,000	-4,459,000
Net deferred income tax assets	52,498,000	46,190,000
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of :
Current deferred income tax assets included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	565,000	471,000
Deferred income taxes	-14,523,000	-15,063,000
Deferred income tax assets	66,927,000	61,375,000
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities included in Other noncurrent liabilities	-471,000	-593,000
Net deferred income tax assets	52,498,000	46,190,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Alternative [Abstract]
Loss carryforwards	21,038,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, loss carryforwards	944,000
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration	10,017,000
Operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration	$11,021,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration period	20 years

Income_Taxes_Deferred_tax_valu

Income Taxes- Deferred tax valuation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$12,518	$7,927	$4,459
Increase in valuation allowance for state credits	0	2,277	0
Other changes	2,713	2,314	3,468
Balance, end of year	$15,231	$12,518	$7,927

Income_TaxesReconciliation_of_

Income Taxes-Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrecognized income tax benefits [Rollforward]
Beginning of year	$7,924,000	$1,754,000	$1,806,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		4,826,000	330,000
Reductions for tax positions related to the current year	-1,664,000
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	49,000	2,036,000
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitation	-412,000	-692,000	-382,000
Ending of year	5,897,000	7,924,000	1,754,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued	104,000	134,000	619,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2,475,000	2,693,000	1,401,000
Expected reductions to unrecognized income tax benefits within next 12 months	$0

Retirement_PlansNarrative_Deta

Retirement Plans-Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized	$24,249	$21,507	$23,749
Corridor amount	10.00%
Net unrecognized actuarial losses expected to be recognized in 2015	12,913
Net unrecognized actuarial losses expected to be recognized in 2015, net of tax	8,613
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Frozen, Nonqualified Unfunded Defined Benefit Pension Plans	2
U.S. pension plans | U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, planned contributions for each of next 4 years	9,000
Period of defined benefit plan, employer contributions	4 years
Expected employer contributions	9,000
U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of defined benefit plans	3
U.K. pension plans | U.K.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	$6,750

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans- Projected Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Plans with PBO in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	$806,269	$773,551
Fair value of plans' assets	659,875	667,046
Plans with Plan Assets in Excess of Benefit Obligations [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	62,478	13,502
Fair value of plans' assets	$65,895	$14,574

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl1

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-Reconciliation of Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Projected Benefit Obligations:
Beginning of measurement period	$787,053	$813,312
Service cost	2,667	2,922
Interest cost	35,269	33,309
Employee contributions	478	598
Actuarial loss (gain)	103,497	-24,772
Benefits paid	-56,418	-38,877
Foreign currency effects	-3,799	561
End of measurement period	868,747	787,053
Fair Value of Plans’ Assets:
Beginning of measurement period	681,620	643,725
Actual return on plans’ assets	79,761	48,890
Employer contributions	23,585	26,890
Employee contributions	478	598
Benefits paid	-56,418	-38,877
Foreign currency effects	-3,256	394
End of measurement period	725,770	681,620
Unfunded Status	($142,977)	($105,433)

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl2

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-Fund Status (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	$3,726	$3,221
Subtotal, included in Accrued pension liabilities	142,343	102,960
Prepaid pension asset included in Other noncurrent assets	-3,417	-1,072
Unfunded status of nonqualified defined benefit deferred pension plans included in Other accrued liabilities	325	324
Total unfunded status	142,977	105,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income taxes	-333,749	-276,497
U.S. | U.S. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	126,857	77,483
U.K. | U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	8,059	15,317
EMEA | U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	$7,427	$10,160

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl3

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-AOCI (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement liabilities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain at beginning of period	($277,962)	($320,742)
Amortization of net loss (gain) during period	11,828	13,263
Net gain (loss) arising during period	-69,273	30,679
Currency translation during period	746	-1,162
Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain at end of period	-334,661	-277,962
Post Retirement Benefits Plan
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain at beginning of period	1,465	1,674
Amortization of net loss (gain) during period	-153	-209
Net gain (loss) arising during period	-400
Net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain at end of period	$912	$1,465

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl4

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-Net Periodic Benefit Costs and Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$2,667	$2,922
Interest cost	35,269	33,309
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	42,227
2016	43,259
2017	44,038
2018	44,729
2019	45,396
2020-2024	233,228
Retirement liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,667	2,922	2,220
Interest cost	35,270	33,309	35,137
Expected return on assets	-45,481	-42,949	-42,505
Amortization of actuarial loss	11,828	13,263	9,832
Net periodic benefit cost	$4,284	$6,545	$4,684

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl5

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. | U.S. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Impact of change in mortality tables on projected benefit obligation	$35,400
Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	4.06%	4.86%
Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.86%	4.06%
Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets	6.50%	6.75%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate used to compute benefit obligations	3.90%	4.30%
Discount rate used to compute periodic benefit cost	4.30%	4.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets	7.12%	7.06%
Scenario, Forecast | U.S. | U.S. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets			6.50%
Scenario, Forecast | U.K. | U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rates of return on plans' assets			7.12%

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl6

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans-Plan Asset Allocation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. | U.S. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. | U.S. pension plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	33.40%	29.80%
U.S. | U.S. pension plans | Fixed income investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	64.90%	67.60%
U.S. | U.S. pension plans | Alternative strategies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	0.20%	0.40%
U.S. | U.S. pension plans | Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	1.50%	2.20%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	24.10%	26.00%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans | Fixed income investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	59.20%	55.30%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans | Alternative strategies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	16.00%	17.00%
U.K. | U.K. pension plans | Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total asset allocation	0.70%	1.70%

Common_StockNarrative_Details

Common Stock-Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 16, 2014
	class_of_stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of classes of common stock (class of stock)	2
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Approval rate to waive equal consideration rights (ratio)	75.00%
Shares repurchased	409,192
Average cost (usd per share)	8.28
Class B Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	0
2014 Repurchase Authorization
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	1,973,000
2014 Repurchase Authorization | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased		2,000,000

Common_StockSchedule_of_Earnin

Common Stock-Schedule of Earnings per Share, Basic (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$10,408	$23,063	$21,246
Dividends paid	7,273	5,384	5,930
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	17,681	28,447	27,176
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237	29,853	29,536
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.58	$0.95	$0.92
Class B Common Stock
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	8,499	19,075	17,762
Dividends paid	4,444	3,456	3,950
Net income available to common shareholders, basic	$12,943	$22,531	$21,712
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,690	24,690	24,693
Earnings Per Share - Basic (usd per share)	$0.52	$0.91	$0.88

Common_StockSchedule_of_Earnin1

Common Stock-Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$10,522	$23,407	$21,484
Dividends paid	7,273	5,384	5,930
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	17,795	28,791	27,414
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	30,237	29,853	29,536
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	746	1,002	736
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	30,983	30,855	30,272
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.57	$0.93	$0.91
Class B Common Stock
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	8,385	18,731	17,524
Dividends paid	4,444	3,456	3,950
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	$12,829	$22,187	$21,474
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,690	24,690	24,693
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities	0	0	0
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	24,690	24,690	24,693
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (usd per share)	$0.52	$0.90	$0.87

Common_StockAntidilutive_Secur

Common Stock-Antidilutive Securities (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	1,212		1,154
Stock compensation plan
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,568	1,290	[1]	1,169	[1]
[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 December 31, 2014, the Company does not expect these performance measurements to be achieved by December 31, 2015.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	($179,210)
Unrealized net (losses) gains arising during the year	-43,181	15,671	-39,934
Balance at December 31,	-221,958	-179,210
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	3,544	7,778
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-8,203	-4,234
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, total	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-8,203	-4,234
Balance at December 31,	-4,659	3,544
Retirement liabilities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	-182,754	-207,259
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	0
Unrealized net (losses) gains arising during the year	-43,181	15,671
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, total	8,636	8,834
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-34,545	24,505
Balance at December 31,	-217,299	-182,754
AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	-179,210	-199,481
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-8,203	-4,234
Unrealized net (losses) gains arising during the year	-43,181	15,671
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, total	8,636	8,834
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-42,748	20,271
Balance at December 31,	($221,958)	($179,210)

StockBased_CompensationStock_O

Stock-Based Compensation-Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation costs	$1,189	$3,835	$3,660
Tax benefit from compensation expense	311	1,338	1,221
Class A Common Stock
Summary of Option Activity, Shares
Outstanding beginning balance, Shares	1,660	1,114	1,348
Exercised, Shares	-449	-49	0
Forfeited or expired, Shares	-375	-154	-234
Granted, Shares	0	749	0
Outstanding ending balance, Shares	836	1,660	1,114	1,348
Exercisable at end of period, Shares	353
Summary of Option Activity, Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding beginning balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$5.57	$5.86	$6.33
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$5.11	$5.57
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$6.51	$5.22	$8.57
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)		$5.08
Outstanding ending balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$5.40	$5.57	$5.86	$6.33
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$5.84
Summary of Option Activity, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 1 month 5 days	2 years 6 months 0 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 7 months 6 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2,647	3,517	459	0
Exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	964
Weighted average grant date fair value, options granted during period		$1.86
Options, vested in period, fair value	846	0	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate		4.50%
Summary of Option Activity, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate		57.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate		1.22%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		7 years
Stock options | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option vesting period	3 years
Stock option vesting per year (percent)	33.00%
Stock options expiration period	10 years
Stock option expense	474	640	0
Summary of Option Activity, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Unearned compensation cost	$236

StockBased_CompensationPerform

Stock-Based Compensation-Performance-Based Stock Grants (Details) (Performance shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares vesting period	3 years
Class A Common Stock
Shares
Nonvested at the beginning of the period, Shares	1,641,000	1,169,125	860,500
Granted, Shares	1,086,000	981,000	908,000
Vested, Shares	-193,289	-449,958	-531,791
Forfeited or unearned, Shares	-758,000	-59,167	-67,584
Nonvested at the end of the period, Shares	1,775,711	1,641,000	1,169,125
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$4.26	$3.68	$3.42
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.93	$4.75	$3.70
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$5.47	$3.76	$3.48
Forfeited or unearned, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$3.85	$4.03	$3.48
Nonvested at the end of the period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$5.93	$4.26	$3.68
Fair value of performance shares vested	$1,057	$1,693	$1,849
Stock option expense	-518	2,223	2,645
Unearned compensation cost	$778

StockBased_CompensationRestric

Stock-Based Compensation-Restricted Shares (Details) (Restricted stock, Class A Common Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock | Class A Common Stock
Shares
Nonvested at the beginning of the period, Shares	69,000	67,167	8,670
Granted, Shares	154,145	86,017	239,913
Vested, Shares	-129,811	-84,184	-177,498
Forfeited or unearned, Shares	-5,000		-3,918
Nonvested at the end of the period, Shares	88,334	69,000	67,167
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$5.07	$4.29	$4.69
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$7.85	$5.88	$4.03
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.44	$5.27	$4
Forfeited or unearned, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.59		$4.38
Nonvested at the end of the period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$7.83	$5.07	$4.29
Stock option expense	$848	$664	$607
Unearned compensation cost	$497

StockBased_CompensationEmploye

Stock-Based Compensation-Employee Stock Purchase Plans (Details)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

stock_purchase_plan

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Stock options

Stock options

Stock options

U.S. plan

U.S. plan

U.S. plan

U.K. plan

U.K. plan

U.K. plan

U.K. plan

U.K. plan

U.K. plan

International stock based compensation plan

International stock based compensation plan

International stock based compensation plan

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee stock purchase plan

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of employee stock purchase plans

3

Shares authorized

1,500,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

Maximum annual earnings withheld to purchase shares

$21,000

$21,250

Purchase price of stock, percent of market price (percent)

85.00%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date

15.00%

15.00%

Stock options expiration period

10 years

1 year

Purchase price of stock, percent of market price (percent)

85.00%

85.00%

85.00%

Shares issued

154,519

146,891

264,998

495,968

15,008

11,900

10,794

0

Purchase price of shares during period (usd per share)

$4.33

$3.29

$2.05

$6.22

Projected exercises in period

96,000

Stock option expense

474,000

640,000

0

259,000

198,000

270,000

126,000

110,000

138,000

Maximum monthly earnings withheld to purchase shares

250

Estimated shares eligible for purchase

531,000

Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, maximum number of shares per employee

5,000

Granted, Shares

0

749,000

0

Options exercises in period, intrinsic value

1,622,000

49,000

Options, vested in period, fair value

$846,000

$0

$0

Fair_Value_MeasurementsRecurri

Fair Value Measurements-Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate terms	90 days
Measured on a recurring basis | Cash and cash equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	$11	[1]	$47	[1]
Measured on a recurring basis | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	11	[1]	47	[1]
Measured on a recurring basis | Other noncurrent assets | Currency swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets, at fair value	3,140	[2]	1,104	[2]
Measured on a recurring basis | Other noncurrent assets | Level 2 | Currency swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, assets, at fair value	3,140	[2]	1,104	[2]
Measured on a recurring basis | Other noncurrent liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent earnout liability	1,153	[3]
Legal Settlement Administration | Measured on a nonrecurring basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of earnout liability	0		2,000
Intangible asset impairment	$1,271
[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 on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Cash and cash equivalents."
[2]	The fair value of the Company's cross currency basis swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the swap and the forward curves for foreign currency rates and interest rates adjusted for the counterparty's credit risk. The fair value of this cross currency basis swap is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the cross currency basis swap.
[3]	The fair value of the contingent earnout liability for the Buckley Scott acquisition was estimated using an internally-prepared probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value analysis relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates and capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating projections). As such, these are Level 3 fair value measurements. The valuation is sensitive to Level 3 data, with the maximum possible earnout of $1,153,000. As such, the fair value is not expected to vary materially from the balance recorded. The fair value of the contingent earnout liability is included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the contingent earnout agreement.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities -Defined Benefit Pension Plans(Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$725,770	$681,620	$643,725
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning of measurement period			643,725
End of measurement period	725,770	681,620	643,725
U.S. pension plans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	421,385	408,244
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	421,385	408,244
U.S. pension plans | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19,472	24,707
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	19,472	24,707
U.S. pension plans | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	401,913	383,537
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	401,913	383,537
U.S. pension plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	228	3,833
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	228	3,833
U.S. pension plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	228	3,833
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	228	3,833
U.S. pension plans | Short-term Investment Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,168	5,072
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	6,168	5,072
U.S. pension plans | Short-term Investment Funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,168	5,072
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	6,168	5,072
U.S. pension plans | U.S.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	104,073	83,649
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	104,073	83,649
U.S. pension plans | U.S. | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	104,073	83,649
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	104,073	83,649
U.S. pension plans | International
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	36,604	38,090
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	36,604	38,090
U.S. pension plans | International | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	36,604	38,090
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	36,604	38,090
U.S. pension plans | U.S. fixed income funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	256,196	262,966
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	256,196	262,966
U.S. pension plans | U.S. fixed income funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19,244	20,874
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	19,244	20,874
U.S. pension plans | U.S. fixed income funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	236,952	242,092
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	236,952	242,092
U.S. pension plans | International fixed income funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17,378	13,191
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	17,378	13,191
U.S. pension plans | International fixed income funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	0	0
U.S. pension plans | International fixed income funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17,378	13,191
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	17,378	13,191
U.S. pension plans | Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	738	1,443
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	738	1,443
U.S. pension plans | Other | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	738	1,443
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	738	1,443
U.K. pension plans | U.K.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	268,425	246,678
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	268,425	246,678
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,968	13,229
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	1,968	13,229
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	251,717	220,130
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	251,717	220,130
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,740	13,319
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	14,740	13,319
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,968	4,322
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	1,968	4,322
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,968	4,322
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	1,968	4,322
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | U.S.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,051	29,457
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	29,051	29,457
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | U.S. | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	29,051	29,457
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	29,051	29,457
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | International
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35,506	34,579
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	35,506	34,579
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | International | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35,506	34,579
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	35,506	34,579
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	103,754	60,644
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	103,754	60,644
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Money market funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	103,754	60,644
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	103,754	60,644
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	42,672	58,958
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	42,672	58,958
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Government securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		8,778
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period		8,778
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Government securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	42,672	50,180
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	42,672	50,180
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Corporate bonds and debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11,669	15,958
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	11,669	15,958
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Corporate bonds and debt securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11,669	15,958
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	11,669	15,958
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	782	789
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	782	789
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Mortgage-backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	782	789
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	782	789
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Alternative strategy funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,283	28,652
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	28,283	28,652
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Alternative strategy funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		129
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period		129
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Alternative strategy funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,283	28,523
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	28,283	28,523
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Real estate funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,740	13,319
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
End of measurement period	14,740	13,319
U.K. pension plans | U.K. | Real estate funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,740	13,319
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning of measurement period	13,319	13,238
Related to assets still held at the reporting date	1,412	55
Purchases, sales and settlements-net	9	26
End of measurement period	$14,740	$13,319

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments (segments)	4
Number of operating segments with amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software transferred from corporate and shared costs	2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	$1,142,851		$1,163,445		$1,176,717
Depreciation and amortization	24,283	[1]	21,807	[1]	20,488	[1]
Assets	789,319		790,058
Revenue from special projects	1,216,963		1,253,430		1,266,138
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	81,701		105,687		120,664
Assets	591,775		614,694		640,452
Americas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	359,319		342,240		334,431
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	23,663		18,532		11,878
Depreciation and amortization	4,747	[1]	4,007	[1]	4,309	[1]
Assets	124,992		131,765		137,609
EMEA/AP
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	344,350		350,164		366,718
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	19,720		32,158		48,481
Depreciation and amortization	5,193	[1]	5,167	[1]	5,105	[1]
Assets	240,760		261,127		284,981
Broadspire
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	268,890		252,242		238,960
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	15,469		8,245		21
Depreciation and amortization	8,448	[1]	7,381	[1]	6,811	[1]
Assets	103,894		109,933		110,984
Legal Settlement Administration
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	170,292		218,799		236,608
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	22,849		46,752		60,284
Depreciation and amortization	5,895	[1]	5,252	[1]	4,263	[1]
Assets	122,129		111,869		106,878
Number of service lines	1
Number of related special projects			2
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	197,544		175,364
Special projects | Legal Settlement Administration
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of revenues			10.00%
Revenue from special projects					$165,600
[1]	Excludes amortization expense of finite-lived customer relationships and trade name intangible assets.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information-Revenues by Service Line (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	$1,142,851	$1,163,445	$1,176,717
Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	359,319	342,240	334,431
Broadspire
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	268,890	252,242	238,960
Broadspire | Workers' Compensation and Liability Claims Management
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	112,334	107,624	100,051
Broadspire | Medical Management
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	140,903	128,802	122,833
Broadspire | Risk Management Information Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	15,653	15,816	16,076
U.S. Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	215,386	203,916	201,028
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | U.S. Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	215,386	203,916	201,028
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | U.S. Claims Field Operations
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	95,859	103,594	105,932
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | U.S. Technical Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	24,822	28,209	29,122
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | U.S. Catastrophe Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	44,188	36,067	38,504
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | Subtotal U.S. Claims Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	164,869	167,870	173,558
U.S. Property and Casualty | Americas | U.S. Contractor Connection
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	50,517	36,046	27,470
Canada—all service lines
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	129,246	122,748	120,767
Canada—all service lines | Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	129,246
Canada—all service lines | Americas | Canada—all service lines
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements		122,748	120,767
Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	14,687	15,576	12,636
Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines | Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	14,687
Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines | Americas | Latin America/Caribbean—all service lines
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements		15,576	12,636
Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	359,319	342,240	334,431
Americas | Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	$359,319	$342,240	$334,431

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information-Capital Expenditures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	$29,197	$31,013	$33,176
Americas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	7,109	6,210	4,944
EMEA/AP
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	5,186	4,663	5,225
Broadspire
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	7,705	6,452	7,187
Legal Settlement Administration
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	2,476	5,257	9,167
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets	$6,721	$8,431	$6,653

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa5

Segment and Geographic Information-Revenues (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments’ revenues before reimbursements	$1,142,851	$1,163,445	$1,176,717
Reimbursements	74,112	89,985	89,421
Total Revenues	$1,216,963	$1,253,430	$1,266,138

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa6

Segment and Geographic Information- Income Before Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Earnings from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net corporate interest expense	($6,031)	($6,423)	($8,607)
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	-7,084	-7,127	-7,141
Special charges and credits	0	0	-11,332
Income before income taxes	59,888	81,102	83,440
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Earnings from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating earnings of all reportable segments	81,701	105,687	120,664
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Earnings from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits	-8,582	-10,829	-10,504
Net corporate interest expense	-6,031	-6,423	-8,607
Stock option expense	-859	-948	-408
Special charges and credits	0	0	-11,332
Corporate | Customer relationships and trade names
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Earnings from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	($6,341)	($6,385)	($6,373)

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa7

Segment and Geographic Information-Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
TOTAL ASSETS	$789,319	$790,058
Corporate assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	52,456	75,953	71,157	77,613
Unallocated allowances on receivables	-10,960	-10,234
Property and equipment	40,859	45,683
Capitalized software costs, net	75,536	72,761
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,089	22,437
Other noncurrent assets	30,634	25,678
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
TOTAL ASSETS	591,775	614,694	640,452
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
TOTAL ASSETS	197,544	175,364
Corporate assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,333	8,015
Unallocated allowances on receivables	-3,536	-4,450
Property and equipment	7,636	9,481
Capitalized software costs, net	69,906	65,848
Assets of deferred compensation plan	15,519	15,140
Capitalized loan costs	3,707	4,394
Deferred income tax assets	66,927	61,375
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,070	9,559
Other noncurrent assets	$12,982	$6,002

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa8

Segment and Geographic Information-Revenues and Long-lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	$1,142,851	$1,163,445	$1,176,717
Total Americas Segment
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	359,319	342,240	334,431
Long-lived assets	6,626	7,316	8,117
U.S.
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	215,386	203,916	201,028
Long-lived assets	3,626	2,832	2,522
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	129,246	122,748	120,767
Long-lived assets	2,274	3,571	4,566
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	14,687	15,576	12,636
Long-lived assets	726	913	1,029
EMEA/AP
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	344,350	350,164	366,718
Long-lived assets	18,720	16,818	17,354
U.K.
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	128,561	119,747	133,436
Long-lived assets	12,116	9,691	9,715
CEMEA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	111,749	112,374	97,396
Long-lived assets	1,995	2,251	2,286
Asia/Pacific
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues before reimbursements	104,040	118,043	135,886
Long-lived assets	$4,609	$4,876	$5,353

Client_Funds_Details

Client Funds (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Custodial
Funds Held for Clients [Line Items]
Funds held for clients	$364,144	$337,424
Noncustodial
Funds Held for Clients [Line Items]
Funds held for clients	$451,033	$504,074

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding amount	$17,511		$17,837
Period of contingent earnout provision	2 years
Measured on a recurring basis | Other noncurrent liabilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent earnout liability	1,153	[1]
Level 3 | Measured on a recurring basis | Other noncurrent liabilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent earnout liability	$1,153	[1]
[1]	The fair value of the contingent earnout liability for the Buckley Scott acquisition was estimated using an internally-prepared probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value analysis relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates and capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating projections). As such, these are Level 3 fair value measurements. The valuation is sensitive to Level 3 data, with the maximum possible earnout of $1,153,000. As such, the fair value is not expected to vary materially from the balance recorded. The fair value of the contingent earnout liability is included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the term of the contingent earnout agreement.

Special_Charges_and_Credits_De

Special Charges and Credits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Special charges and credits	$0	$0	$11,332
Gain on former corporate headquarters property	836	0	0
Gain from the sale of a customer contract in Latin America	418	2,286
Plantation, Florida | Office space
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Loss on subleases			4,285
Project to outsource certain aspects of U.S. technology infrastructure
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Severance costs			1,163
Retention bonuses			642
Outsource costs			849
Other restructuring costs			140
Restructuring activities in North American operations
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Severance costs			3,404
Other restructuring costs			$849

Special_Charges_and_CreditsRol

Special Charges and Credits-Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	$4,049	$7,213
Adjustments to accruals	-1,263	347
Cash payments	-916	-3,511
Balance at December 31,	1,870	4,049
Deferred rent
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	2,664	2,148
Adjustments to accruals	-1,233	516
Cash payments	0	0
Balance at December 31,	1,431	2,664
Accrued compensation and related costs
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	498	2,303
Adjustments to accruals	0	0
Cash payments	-367	-1,805
Balance at December 31,	131	498
Other accrued liabilities
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	303	1,509
Adjustments to accruals	278	35
Cash payments	-273	-1,241
Balance at December 31,	308	303
Other noncurrent liabilities
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31,	584	1,253
Adjustments to accruals	-308	-204
Cash payments	-276	-465
Balance at December 31,	$0	$584

Subsequent_EventsDetails

Subsequent Events-(Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
Goodwill		$131,885	$132,777	$131,995
Subsequent events | GAB Robins
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	100.00%
Payments to acquire businesses, gross	71,812
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net	25,858
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	35,082
Deferred income tax liabilities, noncurrent	7,016
Business combination, indemnification assets, amount as of acquisition date	6,329
Business combination, indemnification period	2 years
Purchase Price
Purchase Price	71,812
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price:
Cash and cash equivalents	5,735
Other tangible assets	34,706
Goodwill	17,888
Intangible assets	35,082
Deferred income taxes	7,078
Liabilities	-28,677
Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Before Noncontrolling Interests	71,812
Noncontrolling interests	2,483
Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net of Noncontrolling Interests	69,329
Subsequent events | GAB Robins | UK Borrower
Other long-term debt, noncurrent	$78,355