Crawford & Company (CRD-B) 10-Q 6 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Document Information
Entity Registrant Name	CRAWFORD & CO
Entity Central Index Key	25,475
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A Non-Voting
Document Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,252,307
Class B Voting
Document Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,514,584

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Unaudited - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Revenues before reimbursements	$ 270,551	$ 277,286	$ 807,065	$ 836,863
Reimbursements	16,115	18,101	43,103	47,101
Total revenues	286,666	295,387	850,168	883,964
Costs and Expenses:
Costs of services provided, before reimbursements	191,977	193,453	570,858	595,248
Reimbursements	16,115	18,101	43,103	47,101
Total costs of services	208,092	211,554	613,961	642,349
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	57,859	60,325	175,178	178,182
Corporate interest expense, net of interest income of $174 and $278 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $581 and $498 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	2,524	2,262	6,674	7,553
Restructuring and special charges	1,431	1,488	8,818	7,431
Total Costs and Expenses	269,906	275,629	804,631	835,515
Other Income	132	197	898	719
Income Before Income Taxes	16,892	19,955	46,435	49,168
Provision for Income Taxes	4,922	8,606	16,569	20,029
Net Income	11,970	11,349	29,866	29,139
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	(157)	(404)	(188)	(937)
Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$ 11,813	$ 10,945	$ 29,678	$ 28,202
Class A Non-Voting
Earnings Per Share - Basic:
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.21	$ 0.56	$ 0.54
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.55	$ 0.53
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	31,276	30,922	31,359	30,731
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted	32,097	31,665	32,156	31,200
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Cash dividends per share (usd per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.21	$ 0.21
Class B Voting
Earnings Per Share - Basic:
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	0.20	0.19	0.50	0.48
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.49	$ 0.47
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Basic Earnings Per Share:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,550	24,690	24,639	24,690
Weighted-Average Shares Used to Compute Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted	24,550	24,690	24,639	24,690
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Cash dividends per share (usd per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Unaudited (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 174	$ 278	$ 581	$ 498

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 11,970	$ 11,349	$ 29,866	$ 29,139
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net foreign currency translation income (loss), net of tax of $0 and $0, respectively	6,994	(4,095)	8,525	(648)
Amortization of actuarial losses for retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost, net of tax of $975 and $1,126 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $2,954 and $3,339 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,745	2,171	5,278	6,453
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8,739	(1,924)	13,803	5,805
Comprehensive Income	20,709	9,425	43,669	34,944
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	151	503	(502)	(47)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	$ 20,558	$ 8,922	$ 44,171	$ 34,991

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Unaudited (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
OCI, Tax on foreign currency translation gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
OCI, Tax on amortization of actuarial losses on retirement plans included in net periodic pension cost	$ 975	$ 1,126	$ 2,954	$ 3,339

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,289	$ 81,569
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $16,122 and $14,499 respectively	164,660	153,566
Unbilled revenues, at estimated billable amounts	123,783	101,809
Income taxes receivable	3,661	3,781
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,483	24,006
Total Current Assets	391,876	364,731
Net Property and Equipment	32,680	29,605
Other Assets:
Goodwill	117,362	91,750
Intangible assets arising from business acquisitions, net	99,682	86,931
Capitalized software costs, net	87,834	80,960
Deferred income tax assets	28,252	30,379
Other noncurrent assets	60,660	51,503
Total Other Assets	393,790	341,523
TOTAL ASSETS	818,346	735,859
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	3,627	30
Accounts payable	49,670	51,991
Accrued compensation and related costs	71,423	74,466
Self-insured risks	12,284	14,771
Income taxes payable	8,154	3,527
Deferred rent	11,142	12,142
Other accrued liabilities	39,893	34,922
Deferred revenues	36,987	37,456
Current installments of long-term debt and capital leases	372	982
Total Current Liabilities	233,552	230,287
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current installments	246,083	187,002
Deferred revenues	24,443	25,884
Accrued pension liabilities	91,265	105,175
Other noncurrent liabilities	23,878	28,247
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	385,669	346,308
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	7,085	0
Shareholders' Investment:
Additional paid-in capital	53,138	48,108
Retained earnings	276,304	261,562
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(197,280)	(211,773)
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company	187,920	153,883
Noncontrolling interests	4,120	5,381
Total Shareholders' Investment	192,040	159,264
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT	818,346	735,859
Class A Non-Voting
Shareholders' Investment:
Common stock outstanding, value	31,243	31,296
Class B Voting
Shareholders' Investment:
Common stock outstanding, value	$ 24,515	$ 24,690
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Condensed Consolidated Balance7

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Unaudited (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 16,122	$ 14,499
Class A Non-Voting
Shareholders' Investment:
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Shares issued (shares)	31,243,000	31,296,000
Shares outstanding (shares)	31,243,000	31,296,000
Class B Voting
Shareholders' Investment:
Par or stated value per share (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Shares issued (shares)	24,515,000	24,690,000
Shares outstanding (shares)	24,515,000	24,690,000
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 29,866		$ 29,139
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	30,648		30,643
Stock-based compensation	4,973		3,246
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable, net	(6,181)		(7,628)
Unbilled revenues, net	(16,996)		(16,118)
Accrued or prepaid income taxes	5,202		9,067
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(16,233)		5,410
Deferred revenues	(2,352)		(4,153)
Accrued retirement costs	(13,360)		(7,128)
Prepaid expenses and other operating activities	(1,683)		7,605
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,884		50,083
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	(10,465)		(5,782)
Capitalization of computer software costs	(19,906)		(13,653)
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(36,029)		(3,672)
Other investing activities	(2,148)		(95)
Net cash used in investing activities	(68,548)		(23,202)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid	(10,288)		(10,162)
Payments related to shares received for withholding taxes under stock-based compensation plans	(547)		(15)
Proceeds from shares purchased under employee stock-based compensation plans	1,048		1,208
Decrease in note payable for stock repurchase	0		(2,206)
Repurchases of common stock	(6,066)		0
Increases in short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	82,905		79,664
Payments on short-term and revolving credit facility borrowings	(22,697)		(95,855)
Payments on capital lease obligations	(964)		(1,119)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(291)		(381)
Other financing activities	0		(12)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	43,100		(28,878)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,284		(2,406)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(8,280)		(4,403)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	81,569	[1]	76,066
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 73,289		$ 71,663
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 176,004		$ 167,194		$ 159,264	[1]	$ 141,501	$ 126,088	$ 124,351	$ 159,264	[1]	$ 124,351
Net income (loss)	12,248	[2]	10,476	[2]	7,801	[2]	11,349	9,161	8,629
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,739		2,403		2,661		(1,924)	8,005	(276)	13,803		5,805
Cash dividends paid	(3,419)		(3,428)		(3,441)		(3,400)	(3,389)	(3,373)
Stock-based compensation	1,568		2,109		1,296		1,289	1,228	729
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09					692
Common stock activity, net	639		260		(398)		748	431	14
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(816)				(681)		0		(3,800)
Repurchases of common stock	(2,632)		(3,434)
Adjustments to noncontrolling interests			424
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(291)						(172)	(23)	(186)
Ending balance	192,040		176,004		167,194		149,391	141,501	126,088	192,040		149,391
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	278		203		178
Additional Paid-In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	51,514		48,809		48,108		45,153	43,744	41,936	48,108		41,936
Stock-based compensation	1,568		2,109		1,296		1,289	1,228	729
Common stock activity, net	460		172		(629)		597	181
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(404)				34		209		1,079
Adjustments to noncontrolling interests			424
Ending balance	53,138		51,514		48,809		47,248	45,153	43,744	53,138		47,248
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	270,221		266,477		261,562		249,656	244,418	239,161	261,562		239,161
Net income (loss)	11,813	[2]	10,201	[2]	7,664	[2]	10,945	8,627	8,630
Cash dividends paid	(3,419)		(3,428)		(3,441)		(3,400)	(3,389)	(3,373)
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09					692
Repurchases of common stock	(2,311)		(3,029)
Ending balance	276,304		270,221		266,477		257,201	249,656	244,418	276,304		257,201
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(206,025)		(208,298)		(211,773)		(213,819)	(222,293)	(222,631)	(211,773)		(222,631)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,745		2,273		3,475		(2,023)	8,474	338	14,493		6,789
Ending balance	(197,280)		(206,025)		(208,298)		(215,842)	(213,819)	(222,293)	(197,280)		(215,842)
Shareholders' Investment Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	171,610		163,205		153,883		136,481	121,110	113,693	153,883		113,693
Net income (loss)	11,813	[2]	10,201	[2]	7,664	[2]	10,945	8,627	8,630
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,745		2,273		3,475		(2,023)	8,474	338
Cash dividends paid	(3,419)		(3,428)		(3,441)		(3,400)	(3,389)	(3,373)
Stock-based compensation	1,568		2,109		1,296		1,289	1,228	729
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09					692
Common stock activity, net	639		260		(398)		748	431	14
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(404)				34		209		1,079
Repurchases of common stock	2,632		(3,434)
Adjustments to noncontrolling interests			424
Ending balance	187,920		171,610		163,205		144,249	136,481	121,110	187,920		144,249
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,394		3,989		5,381		5,020	4,978	10,658	5,381		10,658
Net income (loss)	435	[2]	275	[2]	137	[2]	404	534	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)		130		(814)		99	(469)	(614)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(412)				(715)		(209)		(4,879)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(291)						(172)	(23)	(186)
Ending balance	4,120		4,394		3,989		5,142	5,020	4,978	4,120		5,142
Class A Non-Voting | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	31,258		31,527		31,296		30,801	30,551	30,537	31,296		30,537
Common stock activity, net	179		88		231		151	250	14
Repurchases of common stock	(194)		(357)
Ending balance	31,243		31,258		31,527		30,952	30,801	30,551	31,243		30,952
Class B Voting | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	24,642		24,690		24,690		24,690	24,690	24,690	24,690		24,690
Repurchases of common stock	(127)		(48)
Ending balance	$ 24,515		$ 24,642		$ 24,690		$ 24,690	$ 24,690	$ 24,690	$ 24,515		$ 24,690
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet
[2]	(1) The total net income presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders' investment for the three months ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2017 excludes $178, $203, and $278 respectively, in net loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended, and the Company's financial position as of, September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results or financial position that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 or for other future periods. The 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 (fiscal year-end of October 31) as permitted by GAAP in order to provide sufficient time for accumulation of their results. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Certain prior period amounts among the segments have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company's reported consolidated results. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet information presented herein as of December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company consolidates the liabilities of its deferred compensation plan and the related assets, which are held in a rabbi trust and also considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") of the Company. The rabbi trust was created to fund the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the rabbi trust because the Company directs the activities of the trust and can use the assets of the trust to satisfy the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the liabilities of the deferred compensation plan were $7,572,000 and $9,385,000 , 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 $16,462,000 and $16,227,000 , respectively. These liabilities and assets are included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" and "Other noncurrent assets," respectively, on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company owns 51% of the capital stock of Lloyd Warwick International Limited ("LWI"). The Company has also agreed to provide financial support to LWI of up to approximately $10,000,000 . Because of this controlling financial interest, and because Crawford has the obligation to absorb certain of LWI's losses through the additional financial support that LWI may require, LWI is considered a VIE of the Company. LWI also does not meet the business scope exception, as Crawford provides more than half of its financial support, and because LWI lacks sufficient equity at risk to permit it to carry on its activities without this additional financial support. Creditors of LWI have no recourse to Crawford's general credit. Accordingly, Crawford is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates LWI. Total assets and liabilities of LWI as of September 30, 2017 were $10,163,000 and $10,791,000 , respectively. Total assets and liabilities of LWI as of December 31, 2016 were $9,300,000 and $10,554,000 , respectively. Included in LWI's total liabilities is a loan from Crawford of $8,756,000 and $8,704,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Noncontrolling interests represent the minority shareholders' share of the net income or loss and shareholders' investment in consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of shareholders' investment in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reflect the initial fair value of these investments by noncontrolling shareholders, along with their proportionate share of the income or loss of the subsidiaries, less any dividends or distributions. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder are presented outside of shareholders' investment as "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests" and are carried at either their initial fair value plus any profits or losses or estimated redemption value if an adjustment is required.

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition	Business Acquisition On January 4, 2017, the Company acquired 85% of the outstanding membership interests of WeGoLook ® , LLC, for cash consideration of $36,125,000 . WeGoLook provides a variety of on-demand inspection, verification, and other field services for businesses and consumers through a mobile platform of independent contractors. Based on our preliminary acquisition accounting, net tangible assets acquired totaled $1,040,000 , including $96,000 of cash. The difference between the purchase price and the net assets acquired represents indefinite- and definite-lived intangible assets, goodwill and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The acquisition was funded primarily through additional borrowings under the Company's credit facility. The purchase agreement also provides that: (a) $250,000 of the purchase price will be held in escrow to secure the net working capital post-closing adjustment; and (b) $800,000 of the purchase price will be held in escrow for a period of 15 months , and $1,000,000 of the purchase price will be held in escrow for a period of 24 months , after the closing date in each case, to secure any valid indemnification claims that the Company may assert for specified breaches of representations, warranties or covenants under the purchase agreement. As of September 30, 2017, the $250,000 net working capital post-closing adjustment escrow has been released. The Company has an option, beginning on January 1, 2022 and expiring on December 31, 2023, to acquire the remaining 15% of the outstanding membership interests of WeGoLook. In the event the Company does not exercise the option, beginning on January 1, 2024, the minority members shall have the right to require the Company to acquire the minority members’ interests on or before December 31, 2024. In addition, at the time of the exercise of the option or the put, the minority members may be entitled to additional consideration depending on whether certain financial targets of WeGoLook are achieved between closing and December 31, 2021. The acquisition was accounted for under the guidance of ASC 805-10, as a business combination under the acquisition method. The preliminary application of acquisition accounting to the assets acquired, and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests assumed, as well as the results of operations of WeGoLook including income or loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests, are reported within the Company’s U.S. Services segment. As a result of the acquisition, the Company preliminarily recognized definite-lived intangible assets of $17,794,000 consisting of developed technology, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and established relationships with independent contractors. The estimated useful lives of these definite-lived intangible assets range from three to ten years. The Company recognized related amortization expense of $643,000 and $1,930,000 in its unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company preliminarily recognized goodwill of $23,977,000 related to the acquisition. The Company anticipates the goodwill attributable to the acquisition will be deductible for tax purposes. The Company recognized noncontrolling interests of $7,743,000 which were measured at fair value at the acquisition date. The noncontrolling interests have been recorded as "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , no changes were made to the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests; the change in value was due to the loss for the period. See Note 1, “Basis of Presentation” for a discussion of noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The business acquisition accounting is preliminary and subject to change, as the Company gathers additional information related to the assets acquired and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests assumed, including intangible assets, other assets, accrued liabilities, deferred taxes, and uncertain tax positions. The Company is in the process of obtaining final third-party valuations of certain intangible assets; thus, the provisional measurements of intangible assets, goodwill, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and deferred income taxes are subject to change. The Company does not anticipate the WeGoLook operations will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or its earnings per share during 2017. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , WeGoLook accounted for $2,180,000 and $6,338,000 of the Company’s consolidated revenues before reimbursements, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Stan

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Derivatives and Hedging-Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The ASU was issued to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. Additionally, the amendments in this update simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, with the effect of adoption reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The Company is not party to any derivative contracts. Earning Per Share-Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity-Derivatives and Hedging In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, "Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception." The ASU Part I changes the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down round features and the related disclosures. Part II of the amendments recharacterizes the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 and do not have an accounting effect. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Stock Compensation Modification Accounting In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-9, "Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Stock Compensation Modification Accounting." The ASU was issued to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-7, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. The amendments in this update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-4, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." The ASU was issued to simplify subsequent measurement of goodwill. The update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Clarifying the Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-1, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business." The ASU was issued to clarify the definition of a business for purposes of acquisitions and dispositions. The amendments in this update provide a more robust framework than prior guidance to use in determining when a set of assets and activities constitutes a business. The Company early adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Restricted Cash In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Restricted Cash." The ASU was issued to address diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of a change in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company early adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its statement of cash flows. Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory." The update was issued to improve the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The initiative is designed to reduce the complexity in accounting standards. Under the amendment an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments in the Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The update addresses diversity in cash flow reporting issues. The guidance specifically addresses issues concerning debt repayment costs, settlement of zero coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from insurance claims and corporate owned life insurance beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and distributions from equity method investees. The guidance also clarifies how the predominant principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have more than one class of cash flows. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this amendment may have on its statement of cash flows. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." This update replaces the incurred loss methodology to record credit losses with a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses for financial assets not accounted for at fair value with gains and losses recognized through income. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this amendment may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This update was issued as part of a simplification effort for the accounting of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, change in forfeiture accounting, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. Prior periods have not been adjusted. As a result of adoption, the Company recorded an entry to increase deferred tax assets and increased retained earnings in the amount of $692,000 for tax benefits not previously recorded related to stock compensation. The Company will record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards as a discrete item in the income statement as these awards vest or are exercised. Forfeitures will be recognized as they occur. The Company reflects all payments made to taxing authorities on behalf of employees by withholding shares as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded tax benefits of $0 and $200,000 , respectively, as a result of adoption of this standard. Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, "Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." This update eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017, with no impact to its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Financial Accounting for Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Financial Accounting for Leases." Under this update, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, this ASU will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The ASU also will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates the impact of adopting this standard will result in an increase in operating lease liabilities and right to use assets on its balance sheet. 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 control for goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred by one year the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The one year deferral of the effective date of this standard changed the effective date for the Company to January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date. The FASB issued ASU 2016-08, "Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)" in March 2016, ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" in April 2016, ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," in May 2016, and ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” in December 2016. All of these amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company has reviewed a sample of contracts with its customers that represent approximately 50% of its consolidated annual revenues before reimbursements that the Company believes is representative of its significant revenue streams identified to date, and is performing procedures to confirm the initial assessment as applied to all revenue streams. The assessment of the impact on revenue and expenses based on these reviews to determine the impact to the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows as a result of this guidance is ongoing. As the Company completes its overall assessment, it is also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies and disclosure requirements. For example, the ASU requires increased disclosure, which in turn is expected to require certain new processes and system changes. The Company's evaluation indicated that process and system changes are required to capture the amounts and expected timing of revenues to be recognized from the remaining performance obligations during and as of each reporting period and the Company has completed a majority of these process and system changes at this time. The Company expects to adopt this new standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method that may result in a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate may change periodically due to changes in enacted tax rates, fluctuations in the mix of income earned from the Company's various domestic and international operations, which are subject to income taxes at different rates, the Company's ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and amounts related to uncertain income tax positions. The Company estimates that its effective income tax rate for 2017 will be approximately 30% after considering known discrete items. The decrease in rate is due to certain non-recurring benefits in 2017 and changes in the mix of income. The provision for income taxes on consolidated income totaled $4.9 million and $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The provision for income taxes on consolidated income totaled $16.6 million and $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The overall effective tax rate decreased to 35.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with 40.7% for the 2016 period due to changes in non-recurring items and mix of income year over year.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans Net periodic benefit cost related to all of the Company's defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 included the following components: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Service cost $ 333 $ 167 $ 980 $ 825 Interest cost 5,656 6,726 16,829 23,298 Expected return on assets (8,608 ) (8,024 ) (25,623 ) (28,782 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 2,782 2,911 8,297 9,729 Net periodic benefit cost $ 163 $ 1,780 $ 483 $ 5,070 For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 , the Company made contributions of $9,000,000 and $4,038,000 to its U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans, respectively, compared with contributions of $9,000,000 and $4,564,000 , respectively, in the comparable 2016 periods. The Company is not required to make any additional contributions to its U.S. or U.K. defined benefit pension plans for the remainder of 2017; however, the Company expects to make additional contributions of approximately $1,327,000 to its U.K. plan during the remainder of 2017 . No additional contributions are expected to be made to the U.S. plan during the remainder of 2017.

Net Income Attributable to Shar

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share	Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share The Company computes earnings per share of its non-voting Class A Common Stock ("CRD-A") and voting Class B Common Stock ("CRD-B") using the two-class method, which allocates the undistributed earnings in each period to each class on a proportionate basis. The Company's Board of Directors has the right, but not the obligation, to declare higher dividends on the CRD-A shares than on the CRD-B shares, subject to certain limitations. In periods when the dividend is the same for CRD-A and CRD-B or when no dividends are declared or paid to either class, the two-class method generally will yield the same earnings per share for CRD-A and CRD-B. During the first three quarters of each of 2017 and 2016, the Board of Directors declared a higher dividend on CRD-A than on CRD-B. The computations of basic net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B Earnings per share - basic: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 4,703 $ 3,691 $ 4,195 $ 3,350 $ 10,858 $ 8,532 $ 10,003 $ 8,037 Dividends paid 2,193 1,226 2,166 1,234 6,593 3,695 6,459 3,703 Net income attributable to common shareholders, basic $ 6,896 $ 4,917 $ 6,361 $ 4,584 $ 17,451 $ 12,227 $ 16,462 $ 11,740 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic 31,276 24,550 30,922 24,690 31,359 24,639 30,731 24,690 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.20 $ 0.21 $ 0.19 $ 0.56 $ 0.50 $ 0.54 $ 0.48 The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B Earnings per share - diluted: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 4,756 $ 3,638 $ 4,239 $ 3,306 $ 10,978 $ 8,412 $ 10,071 $ 7,969 Dividends paid 2,193 1,226 2,166 1,234 6,593 3,695 6,459 3,703 Net income attributable to common shareholders, diluted $ 6,949 $ 4,864 $ 6,405 $ 4,540 $ 17,571 $ 12,107 $ 16,530 $ 11,672 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic 31,276 24,550 30,922 24,690 31,359 24,639 30,731 24,690 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities 821 — 743 — 797 — 469 — Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted 32,097 24,550 31,665 24,690 32,156 24,639 31,200 24,690 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.18 $ 0.55 $ 0.49 $ 0.53 $ 0.47 Listed below are the shares excluded from the denominator in the above computation of diluted earnings per share for CRD-A because their inclusion would have been antidilutive: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Shares underlying stock options excluded 729 50 692 70 Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions have not been met (1) 201 895 201 895 ________________________________________________ (1) Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given to these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have been achieved. The following table details shares issued during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 . These shares are included from their dates of issuance in the weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for CRD-A in the table above. There were no shares of CRD-B issued during any of these periods. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, CRD-A issued under Non-Employee Director Stock Plan 9 2 99 121 CRD-A issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 102 119 102 119 CRD-A issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme 4 10 63 151 CRD-A issued under the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan 8 7 8 7 CRD-A issued under the Executive Stock Bonus Plan — 13 107 17 CRD-A issued under the 2016 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan 75 — 137 — The Company's share repurchase authorization, approved in August 2014, (the "2014 Repurchase Authorization") provided the Company with the ability to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of CRD-A or CRD-B (or both). The 2014 Repurchase Authorization was terminated on July 28, 2017. Effective July 29, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of CRD-A or CRD-B (or both) through July 2020 (the "2017 Repurchase Authorization"). Under the 2017 Repurchase Authorization, repurchases may be made for cash, in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at such times and for such prices as management deems appropriate, subject to applicable contractual and regulatory restrictions. At September 30, 2017 , the Company had remaining authorization to repurchase 1,829,263 shares under the 2017 Repurchase Authorization. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased 193,527 shares of CRD-A, of which 75,000 shares were repurchased prior to July 29, 2017, under the 2014 Repurchases Authorization and 127,100 shares of CRD-B, of which 74,890 shares were repurchased under the 2014 Repurchase Authorization prior to July 29, 2017, at an average cost of $7.77 and $8.87 , respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 the Company did not repurchase any shares of CRD-A or CRD-B. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 549,847 shares of CRD-A and 175,588 shares of CRD-B at an average cost of $8.19 and $8.89 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 the Company did not repurchase any shares of CRD-A or CRD-B.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive income (loss) for the Company consists of the total of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and accrued pension and retiree medical liability adjustments. The changes in components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL"), net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, included in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows: Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Beginning balance $ (31,234 ) $ (174,791 ) $ (206,025 ) $ (33,449 ) $ (178,324 ) $ (211,773 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 7,000 — 7,000 9,215 — 9,215 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 1,745 1,745 — 5,278 5,278 Net current period other comprehensive income 7,000 1,745 8,745 9,215 5,278 14,493 Ending balance $ (24,234 ) $ (173,046 ) $ (197,280 ) $ (24,234 ) $ (173,046 ) $ (197,280 ) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Beginning balance $ (19,817 ) $ (194,002 ) $ (213,819 ) $ (24,347 ) $ (198,284 ) $ (222,631 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4,194 ) — (4,194 ) 336 — 336 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 2,171 2,171 — 6,453 6,453 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (4,194 ) 2,171 (2,023 ) 336 6,453 6,789 Ending balance $ (24,011 ) $ (191,831 ) $ (215,842 ) $ (24,011 ) $ (191,831 ) $ (215,842 ) ________________________________________________ (1) Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 5, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details. The other comprehensive loss amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests shown in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment are foreign currency translation adjustments.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The following table presents the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and that are categorized using the fair value hierarchy: Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 Significant Other Significant Quoted Prices in Observable Unobservable Active Markets Inputs Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds (1) $ 10,127 $ 10,127 $ — $ — ________________________________________________ (1) The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are included in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents." Fair Value Disclosures There were no transfers of assets between fair value levels during the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2017 . 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 carrying value approximates fair value.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Financial information for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to the Company's reportable segments, including a reconciliation from segment operating earnings to income before income taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Revenues: U.S. Services $ 63,052 $ 56,530 $ 184,843 $ 173,969 International 110,784 120,950 331,019 360,425 Broadspire 76,683 76,676 231,544 227,975 Garden City Group 20,032 23,130 59,659 74,494 Total segment revenues before reimbursements 270,551 277,286 807,065 836,863 Reimbursements 16,115 18,101 43,103 47,101 Total revenues $ 286,666 $ 295,387 $ 850,168 $ 883,964 Segment Operating Earnings (Loss): U.S. Services $ 9,537 $ 9,354 $ 26,187 $ 27,943 International 10,165 13,460 29,682 31,867 Broadspire 8,240 8,263 24,235 23,497 Garden City Group 188 2,152 (2,267 ) 5,982 Total segment operating earnings 28,130 33,229 77,837 89,289 Deduct: Unallocated corporate and shared (costs) and credits, net (4,078 ) (6,947 ) (6,333 ) (17,454 ) Net corporate interest expense (2,524 ) (2,262 ) (6,674 ) (7,553 ) Stock option expense (468 ) (176 ) (1,342 ) (403 ) Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets (2,737 ) (2,401 ) (8,235 ) (7,280 ) Restructuring and special charges (1,431 ) (1,488 ) (8,818 ) (7,431 ) Income before income taxes $ 16,892 $ 19,955 $ 46,435 $ 49,168 Intersegment transactions are not material for any period presented. Operating earnings is the primary financial performance measure used by the Company's senior management and chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the financial performance of the Company's four operating segments and make resource allocation and certain compensation decisions. The Company believes this measure is useful to others in that it allows them to evaluate segment operating performance using the same criteria used by the Company's senior management and CODM. Operating earnings will differ from net income computed in accordance with GAAP since operating earnings represent segment earnings before certain unallocated corporate and shared costs and credits, net corporate interest expense, stock option expense, amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets, restructuring and special charges, income taxes, and net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable 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. Revenues before reimbursements by major service line in the U.S. Services segment and the Broadspire segment are shown in the following table. It is not practicable to provide revenues by service line for the International segment. The Company considers all Garden City Group revenues to be derived from one service line. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, U.S. Services Claims Field Operations $ 22,596 $ 21,657 $ 65,965 $ 62,363 Technical Services 7,990 7,127 22,123 21,056 Catastrophe Services 12,016 9,198 33,806 35,153 Subtotal U.S. Claims Services 42,602 37,982 121,894 118,572 Contractor Connection 18,270 18,548 56,611 55,397 WeGoLook 2,180 — 6,338 — Total Revenues before Reimbursements--U.S. Services $ 63,052 $ 56,530 $ 184,843 $ 173,969 Broadspire Medical Management Services 40,395 41,149 121,754 121,433 Workers' Compensation, Disability and Liability Claims Management 32,656 32,028 99,245 95,910 Risk Management Information Services 3,632 3,499 10,545 10,632 Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Broadspire $ 76,683 $ 76,676 $ 231,544 $ 227,975

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 September 30, 2017 , the aggregate committed amount of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility was $14,470,000 . 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 labor, employment, worker health and safety, antitrust and competition, environmental and consumer protection, import/export, anti-corruption, and other laws, and from time to time the Company faces claims and investigations by employees, former employees, and governmental entities under such laws. Such claims, investigations, and any litigation involving the Company 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 any items that are probable and reasonably estimable.

Restructuring and Special Charg

Restructuring and Special Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Special Charges	Restructuring and Special Charges Total restructuring and special charges for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1,431,000 and $8,818,000 , respectively. Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $1,431,000 and $8,818,000 were incurred for the implementation and phase in of the Company's Global Business Services Center in Manila, Philippines and Global Technology Services Center in Pune, India (the "Centers"), restructuring and integration costs related to reductions of administrative costs and consolidation of management layers in certain operations, and other restructuring charges for asset impairments and lease termination costs. The following table shows the restructuring charges incurred by type of activity: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Implementation and phase-in of the Centers $ 91 $ 775 $ 314 $ 3,177 Restructuring and integration costs 741 586 7,457 2,189 Asset impairments and lease termination costs 599 — 1,047 1,165 Total restructuring charges $ 1,431 $ 1,361 $ 8,818 $ 6,531 Costs associated with the Centers were primarily for professional fees and severance costs. Costs associated with the restructuring and integration activities were primarily in U.S. administrative areas and the International segment and were predominantly for severance costs. Asset impairments and lease termination costs were incurred for obsolete software and the exiting of certain leased facilities. As of September 30, 2017 , the following liabilities remained on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to restructuring charges . The rollforward of these costs to September 30, 2017 were as follows: Three months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Deferred rent Accrued compensation and related costs Accounts payable Other accrued liabilities Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2017 $ 2,241 $ 5,196 $ — $ 1,069 $ 8,506 Additions 348 — 734 101 248 1,431 Adjustments to accruals (300 ) — — — (300 ) Cash payments — (2,733 ) (81 ) (545 ) (3,359 ) Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ 2,289 $ 3,197 $ 20 $ 772 $ 6,278 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Deferred rent Accrued compensation and related costs Accounts payable Other accrued liabilities Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2016 $ 3,066 $ 1,525 $ 617 $ 1,949 $ 7,157 Additions 348 — 7,567 195 708 8,818 Adjustments to accruals (1,125 ) — — (431 ) (1,556 ) Cash payments — (5,895 ) (792 ) (1,454 ) (8,141 ) Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ 2,289 $ 3,197 $ 20 $ 772 $ 6,278 Special Charges The Company recorded no special charges for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $127,000 and $900,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The special charges for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 consisted of legal and professional fees.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On October 11, 2017, the Company, its subsidiaries Crawford & Company Risk Services Investments Limited, Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. and Crawford & Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (the Company, together with such subsidiaries, as borrowers (the "Borrowers")), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a lender ("Wells Fargo"), Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent and a lender, Citizens Bank, N.A., as documentation agent and a lender, and the other lenders party thereto, entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"), which amended and restated that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2011, by and among, inter alia, the Borrowers, Wells Fargo and the other lenders from time to time party thereto (as previously amended, the "Original Credit Agreement"). In connection with the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company, the Company’s guarantor subsidiaries party thereto and Wells Fargo entered into an Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement (the "Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement") and an Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement ( the "Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement"), each dated as of the date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement: (i) increases the aggregate commitments under the Original Credit Agreement from $400.0 million to $450.0 million , without impacting the Company’s ability, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and its receipt of additional commitments, to exercise its option to further increase the revolving loan commitments by up to $200.0 million (previously $100.0 million under the Original Credit Agreement); (ii) extends the maturity date under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to November 23, 2022 (the maturity date was November 25, 2018 under the Original Credit Agreement); (iii) reduces the interest margin ranges to 1.30% to 2.10% for LIBOR loans (previously 1.50% to 2.25% ) and 0.30% to 1.10% for Base Rate loans (previously 0.50% to 1.25% ); (iv) reduces the minimum required fixed charge coverage ratio to 1.10 to 1.00 (previously 1.25 to 1.00 ); and (v) amends the leverage ratio tests to set a maximum permitted senior secured leverage ratio of 3.25 to 1.00 and set a maximum permitted total leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.00 , among other things. The obligations of the Borrowers under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each existing material domestic subsidiary of the Company, certain other domestic subsidiaries of the Company and certain existing material foreign subsidiaries of the Company that are disregarded entities for U.S. income tax purposes (each such foreign subsidiary, a "Disregarded Foreign Entity"), and 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 Borrowers other than the Company ("Foreign Borrowers") for which the Company is not the primary obligor are also guaranteed by the Company. In addition, (i) the Borrowers’ obligations under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien (subject to liens permitted by the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) on substantially all of the personal property of the Company and the Guarantors as set forth in the Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement and (ii) the obligations of the Foreign Borrowers are secured by a first priority lien on 100% of the capital stock of the Foreign Borrowers.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of accounting	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended, and the Company's financial position as of, September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results or financial position that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 or for other future periods. The 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 (fiscal year-end of October 31) as permitted by GAAP in order to provide sufficient time for accumulation of their results.
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, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .
Reclassification	Certain prior period amounts among the segments have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company's reported consolidated results. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Consolidation, variable interest entity, policy	The Company consolidates the liabilities of its deferred compensation plan and the related assets, which are held in a rabbi trust and also considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") of the Company. The rabbi trust was created to fund the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the rabbi trust because the Company directs the activities of the trust and can use the assets of the trust to satisfy the liabilities of the Company's deferred compensation plan
Consolidation, noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests, policy	Noncontrolling interests represent the minority shareholders' share of the net income or loss and shareholders' investment in consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of shareholders' investment in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reflect the initial fair value of these investments by noncontrolling shareholders, along with their proportionate share of the income or loss of the subsidiaries, less any dividends or distributions. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder are presented outside of shareholders' investment as "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests" and are carried at either their initial fair value plus any profits or losses or estimated redemption value if an adjustment is required.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Derivatives and Hedging-Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The ASU was issued to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. Additionally, the amendments in this update simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, with the effect of adoption reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The Company is not party to any derivative contracts. Earning Per Share-Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity-Derivatives and Hedging In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, "Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception." The ASU Part I changes the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down round features and the related disclosures. Part II of the amendments recharacterizes the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 and do not have an accounting effect. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Stock Compensation Modification Accounting In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-9, "Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Stock Compensation Modification Accounting." The ASU was issued to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-7, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. The amendments in this update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-4, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." The ASU was issued to simplify subsequent measurement of goodwill. The update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Clarifying the Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-1, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business." The ASU was issued to clarify the definition of a business for purposes of acquisitions and dispositions. The amendments in this update provide a more robust framework than prior guidance to use in determining when a set of assets and activities constitutes a business. The Company early adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Restricted Cash In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Restricted Cash." The ASU was issued to address diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of a change in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company early adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, with no effect on its statement of cash flows. Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory." The update was issued to improve the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The initiative is designed to reduce the complexity in accounting standards. Under the amendment an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments in the Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The update addresses diversity in cash flow reporting issues. The guidance specifically addresses issues concerning debt repayment costs, settlement of zero coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from insurance claims and corporate owned life insurance beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and distributions from equity method investees. The guidance also clarifies how the predominant principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have more than one class of cash flows. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this amendment may have on its statement of cash flows. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." This update replaces the incurred loss methodology to record credit losses with a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses for financial assets not accounted for at fair value with gains and losses recognized through income. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this amendment may have on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This update was issued as part of a simplification effort for the accounting of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, change in forfeiture accounting, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. Prior periods have not been adjusted. As a result of adoption, the Company recorded an entry to increase deferred tax assets and increased retained earnings in the amount of $692,000 for tax benefits not previously recorded related to stock compensation. The Company will record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards as a discrete item in the income statement as these awards vest or are exercised. Forfeitures will be recognized as they occur. The Company reflects all payments made to taxing authorities on behalf of employees by withholding shares as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded tax benefits of $0 and $200,000 , respectively, as a result of adoption of this standard. Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, "Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." This update eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017, with no impact to its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Financial Accounting for Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Financial Accounting for Leases." Under this update, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, this ASU will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The ASU also will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates the impact of adopting this standard will result in an increase in operating lease liabilities and right to use assets on its balance sheet. 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 control for goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred by one year the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The one year deferral of the effective date of this standard changed the effective date for the Company to January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date. The FASB issued ASU 2016-08, "Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)" in March 2016, ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" in April 2016, ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," in May 2016, and ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” in December 2016. All of these amendments are intended to improve and clarify the implementation guidance of ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company has reviewed a sample of contracts with its customers that represent approximately 50% of its consolidated annual revenues before reimbursements that the Company believes is representative of its significant revenue streams identified to date, and is performing procedures to confirm the initial assessment as applied to all revenue streams. The assessment of the impact on revenue and expenses based on these reviews to determine the impact to the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows as a result of this guidance is ongoing. As the Company completes its overall assessment, it is also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies and disclosure requirements. For example, the ASU requires increased disclosure, which in turn is expected to require certain new processes and system changes. The Company's evaluation indicated that process and system changes are required to capture the amounts and expected timing of revenues to be recognized from the remaining performance obligations during and as of each reporting period and the Company has completed a majority of these process and system changes at this time. The Company expects to adopt this new standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method that may result in a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.
Earnings per share	The Company computes earnings per share of its non-voting Class A Common Stock ("CRD-A") and voting Class B Common Stock ("CRD-B") using the two-class method, which allocates the undistributed earnings in each period to each class on a proportionate basis. The Company's Board of Directors has the right, but not the obligation, to declare higher dividends on the CRD-A shares than on the CRD-B shares, subject to certain limitations. In periods when the dividend is the same for CRD-A and CRD-B or when no dividends are declared or paid to either class, the two-class method generally will yield the same earnings per share for CRD-A and CRD-B. During the first three quarters of each of 2017 and 2016, the Board of Directors declared a higher dividend on CRD-A than on CRD-B.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures	Net periodic benefit cost related to all of the Company's defined benefit pension plans recognized in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 included the following components: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Service cost $ 333 $ 167 $ 980 $ 825 Interest cost 5,656 6,726 16,829 23,298 Expected return on assets (8,608 ) (8,024 ) (25,623 ) (28,782 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 2,782 2,911 8,297 9,729 Net periodic benefit cost $ 163 $ 1,780 $ 483 $ 5,070

Net Income Attributable to Sh24

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share, basic	The computations of basic net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B Earnings per share - basic: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 4,703 $ 3,691 $ 4,195 $ 3,350 $ 10,858 $ 8,532 $ 10,003 $ 8,037 Dividends paid 2,193 1,226 2,166 1,234 6,593 3,695 6,459 3,703 Net income attributable to common shareholders, basic $ 6,896 $ 4,917 $ 6,361 $ 4,584 $ 17,451 $ 12,227 $ 16,462 $ 11,740 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic 31,276 24,550 30,922 24,690 31,359 24,639 30,731 24,690 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.20 $ 0.21 $ 0.19 $ 0.56 $ 0.50 $ 0.54 $ 0.48
Schedule of earnings per share, diluted	The computations of diluted net income attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company per common share were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B CRD-A CRD-B Earnings per share - diluted: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 4,756 $ 3,638 $ 4,239 $ 3,306 $ 10,978 $ 8,412 $ 10,071 $ 7,969 Dividends paid 2,193 1,226 2,166 1,234 6,593 3,695 6,459 3,703 Net income attributable to common shareholders, diluted $ 6,949 $ 4,864 $ 6,405 $ 4,540 $ 17,571 $ 12,107 $ 16,530 $ 11,672 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic 31,276 24,550 30,922 24,690 31,359 24,639 30,731 24,690 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities 821 — 743 — 797 — 469 — Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted 32,097 24,550 31,665 24,690 32,156 24,639 31,200 24,690 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.18 $ 0.55 $ 0.49 $ 0.53 $ 0.47
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 CRD-A because their inclusion would have been antidilutive: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Shares underlying stock options excluded 729 50 692 70 Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions have not been met (1) 201 895 201 895 ________________________________________________ (1) Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given to these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have been achieved.
Schedule of shares issued under stock plans used in weighted average calc	The following table details shares issued during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 . These shares are included from their dates of issuance in the weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for CRD-A in the table above. There were no shares of CRD-B issued during any of these periods. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, CRD-A issued under Non-Employee Director Stock Plan 9 2 99 121 CRD-A issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 102 119 102 119 CRD-A issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme 4 10 63 151 CRD-A issued under the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan 8 7 8 7 CRD-A issued under the Executive Stock Bonus Plan — 13 107 17 CRD-A issued under the 2016 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan 75 — 137 —

Accumulated Other Comprehensi25

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The changes in components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL"), net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, included in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows: Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Beginning balance $ (31,234 ) $ (174,791 ) $ (206,025 ) $ (33,449 ) $ (178,324 ) $ (211,773 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 7,000 — 7,000 9,215 — 9,215 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 1,745 1,745 — 5,278 5,278 Net current period other comprehensive income 7,000 1,745 8,745 9,215 5,278 14,493 Ending balance $ (24,234 ) $ (173,046 ) $ (197,280 ) $ (24,234 ) $ (173,046 ) $ (197,280 ) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities (1) AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company Beginning balance $ (19,817 ) $ (194,002 ) $ (213,819 ) $ (24,347 ) $ (198,284 ) $ (222,631 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4,194 ) — (4,194 ) 336 — 336 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 2,171 2,171 — 6,453 6,453 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (4,194 ) 2,171 (2,023 ) 336 6,453 6,789 Ending balance $ (24,011 ) $ (191,831 ) $ (215,842 ) $ (24,011 ) $ (191,831 ) $ (215,842 ) ________________________________________________ (1) Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 5, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value, assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table presents the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and that are categorized using the fair value hierarchy: Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 Significant Other Significant Quoted Prices in Observable Unobservable Active Markets Inputs Inputs (in thousands) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds (1) $ 10,127 $ 10,127 $ — $ — ________________________________________________ (1) The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are included in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents."

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of operating profit from segments to consolidated	Financial information for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to the Company's reportable segments, including a reconciliation from segment operating earnings to income before income taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Revenues: U.S. Services $ 63,052 $ 56,530 $ 184,843 $ 173,969 International 110,784 120,950 331,019 360,425 Broadspire 76,683 76,676 231,544 227,975 Garden City Group 20,032 23,130 59,659 74,494 Total segment revenues before reimbursements 270,551 277,286 807,065 836,863 Reimbursements 16,115 18,101 43,103 47,101 Total revenues $ 286,666 $ 295,387 $ 850,168 $ 883,964 Segment Operating Earnings (Loss): U.S. Services $ 9,537 $ 9,354 $ 26,187 $ 27,943 International 10,165 13,460 29,682 31,867 Broadspire 8,240 8,263 24,235 23,497 Garden City Group 188 2,152 (2,267 ) 5,982 Total segment operating earnings 28,130 33,229 77,837 89,289 Deduct: Unallocated corporate and shared (costs) and credits, net (4,078 ) (6,947 ) (6,333 ) (17,454 ) Net corporate interest expense (2,524 ) (2,262 ) (6,674 ) (7,553 ) Stock option expense (468 ) (176 ) (1,342 ) (403 ) Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets (2,737 ) (2,401 ) (8,235 ) (7,280 ) Restructuring and special charges (1,431 ) (1,488 ) (8,818 ) (7,431 ) Income before income taxes $ 16,892 $ 19,955 $ 46,435 $ 49,168
Schedule of revenues by major service line	Revenues before reimbursements by major service line in the U.S. Services segment and the Broadspire segment are shown in the following table. It is not practicable to provide revenues by service line for the International segment. The Company considers all Garden City Group revenues to be derived from one service line. Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, U.S. Services Claims Field Operations $ 22,596 $ 21,657 $ 65,965 $ 62,363 Technical Services 7,990 7,127 22,123 21,056 Catastrophe Services 12,016 9,198 33,806 35,153 Subtotal U.S. Claims Services 42,602 37,982 121,894 118,572 Contractor Connection 18,270 18,548 56,611 55,397 WeGoLook 2,180 — 6,338 — Total Revenues before Reimbursements--U.S. Services $ 63,052 $ 56,530 $ 184,843 $ 173,969 Broadspire Medical Management Services 40,395 41,149 121,754 121,433 Workers' Compensation, Disability and Liability Claims Management 32,656 32,028 99,245 95,910 Risk Management Information Services 3,632 3,499 10,545 10,632 Total Revenues before Reimbursements--Broadspire $ 76,683 $ 76,676 $ 231,544 $ 227,975

Restructuring and Special Cha28

Restructuring and Special Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and related costs	The following table shows the restructuring charges incurred by type of activity: Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Implementation and phase-in of the Centers $ 91 $ 775 $ 314 $ 3,177 Restructuring and integration costs 741 586 7,457 2,189 Asset impairments and lease termination costs 599 — 1,047 1,165 Total restructuring charges $ 1,431 $ 1,361 $ 8,818 $ 6,531 Costs associated with the Centers were primarily for professional fees and severance costs. Costs associated with the restructuring and integration activities were primarily in U.S. administrative areas and the International segment and were predominantly for severance costs. Asset impairments and lease termination costs were incurred for obsolete software and the exiting of certain leased facilities. As of September 30, 2017 , the following liabilities remained on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to restructuring charges . The rollforward of these costs to September 30, 2017 were as follows: Three months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Deferred rent Accrued compensation and related costs Accounts payable Other accrued liabilities Total Beginning balance, June 30, 2017 $ 2,241 $ 5,196 $ — $ 1,069 $ 8,506 Additions 348 — 734 101 248 1,431 Adjustments to accruals (300 ) — — — (300 ) Cash payments — (2,733 ) (81 ) (545 ) (3,359 ) Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ 2,289 $ 3,197 $ 20 $ 772 $ 6,278 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Deferred rent Accrued compensation and related costs Accounts payable Other accrued liabilities Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2016 $ 3,066 $ 1,525 $ 617 $ 1,949 $ 7,157 Additions 348 — 7,567 195 708 8,818 Adjustments to accruals (1,125 ) — — (431 ) (1,556 ) Cash payments — (5,895 ) (792 ) (1,454 ) (8,141 ) Ending balance, September 30, 2017 $ 2,289 $ 3,197 $ 20 $ 772 $ 6,278

Basis of Presentation (VIE) (De

Basis of Presentation (VIE) (Details) - Primary beneficiary - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity
Liabilities of the deferred compensation plan	$ 7,572	$ 9,385
Assets held in the related rabbi trust	$ 16,462	$ 16,227

Basis of Presentation (Acquisit

Basis of Presentation (Acquisition) (Details) - Lloyd Warwick International - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity
Ownership percentage	51.00%
Variable interest entity, reporting entity involvement, maximum loss exposure, amount	$ 10,000
Asset carrying amount	10,163	$ 9,300
Liability carrying amount	10,791	10,554
Principal Owner
Variable Interest Entity
Liability carrying amount	$ 8,756	$ 8,704

Business Acquisition (Details)

Business Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 04, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]
Business Acquisitions
Goodwill		$ 117,362,000	$ 117,362,000	$ 91,750,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		7,085,000	7,085,000	$ 0
We Go Look, LLC
Business Acquisitions
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	85.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling ownership	15.00%
We Go Look, LLC
Business Acquisitions
Payments to acquire businesses, gross	$ 36,125,000
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net	1,040,000
Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, cash and cash equivalents	96,000
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	17,794,000
Amortization of acquisition costs		643,000	1,930,000
Goodwill	23,977,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 7,743,000
Revenues		$ 2,180,000	6,338,000
We Go Look, LLC | Minimum
Business Acquisitions
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	3 years
We Go Look, LLC | Maximum
Business Acquisitions
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	10 years
We Go Look, LLC | Post-closing period
Business Acquisitions
Business combination, indemnification assets, amount as of acquisition date	$ 250,000
We Go Look, LLC | Indemnification period 1
Business Acquisitions
Business combination, indemnification assets, amount as of acquisition date	$ 800,000
Business combination, indemnification period	15 months
Business combination, amounts released from escrow			$ 250,000
We Go Look, LLC | Indemnification period 2
Business Acquisitions
Business combination, indemnification assets, amount as of acquisition date	$ 1,000,000
Business combination, indemnification period	24 months
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Recently Issued Accounting St32

Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09			$ 692,000
Increase to deferred tax assets as a result of adoption of ASU 2016-09	$ 28,252,000	$ 28,252,000		$ 30,379,000
Tax benefit related to adoption of ASU 2016-09	$ 0	$ 200,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Increase to deferred tax assets as a result of adoption of ASU 2016-09			692,000
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09			692,000
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-09			$ 692,000
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent			35.70%	40.70%
Provision for income taxes	$ 4,922	$ 8,606	$ 16,569	$ 20,029
Scenario, forecast
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent					30.00%

Defined Benefit Pension Plans34

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 333	$ 167	$ 980	$ 825
Interest cost	5,656	6,726	16,829	23,298
Expected return on assets	(8,608)	(8,024)	(25,623)	(28,782)
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,782	2,911	8,297	9,729
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 163	$ 1,780	$ 483	$ 5,070

Defined Benefit Pension Plans35

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	$ 9,000,000	$ 9,000,000
Estimated future employer contributions	0
U.K. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	4,038,000	$ 4,564,000
Estimated future employer contributions	$ 1,327,000

Net Income Attributable to Sh36

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Class A Non-Voting
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 4,703	$ 4,195	$ 10,858	$ 10,003
Dividends paid	2,193	2,166	6,593	6,459
Net income attributable to common shareholders, basic	$ 6,896	$ 6,361	$ 17,451	$ 16,462
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	31,276	30,922	31,359	30,731
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.21	$ 0.56	$ 0.54
Class B Voting
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,691	$ 3,350	$ 8,532	$ 8,037
Dividends paid	1,226	1,234	3,695	3,703
Net income attributable to common shareholders, basic	$ 4,917	$ 4,584	$ 12,227	$ 11,740
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,550	24,690	24,639	24,690
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.50	$ 0.48

Net Income Attributable to Sh37

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Class A Non-Voting
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 4,756	$ 4,239	$ 10,978	$ 10,071
Dividends paid	2,193	2,166	6,593	6,459
Net income attributable to common shareholders, diluted	$ 6,949	$ 6,405	$ 17,571	$ 16,530
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	31,276	30,922	31,359	30,731
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities (shares)	821	743	797	469
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted	32,097	31,665	32,156	31,200
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.55	$ 0.53
Class B Voting
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,638	$ 3,306	$ 8,412	$ 7,969
Dividends paid	1,226	1,234	3,695	3,703
Net income attributable to common shareholders, diluted	$ 4,864	$ 4,540	$ 12,107	$ 11,672
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic	24,550	24,690	24,639	24,690
Weighted-average number of dilutive securities (shares)	0	0	0	0
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted	24,550	24,690	24,639	24,690
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.49	$ 0.47

Net Income Attributable to Sh38

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Antidilutive Securities) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Shares underlying stock options excluded
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of (Loss) Earnings Per Share
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share (shares)		729	50	692	70
Performance stock grants excluded because performance conditions had not been met
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of (Loss) Earnings Per Share
Shares excluded from diluted earnings per share (shares)	[1]	201	895	201	895
[1]	Compensation cost is recognized for these performance stock grants based on expected achievement rates; however, no consideration is given to these performance stock grants when calculating earnings per share until the performance measurements have been achieved.

Net Income Attributable to Sh39

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Weighted Average Shares Issued) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under Non-Employee Director Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	9,000	2,000	99,000	121,000
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	102,000	119,000	102,000	119,000
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under the U.K. ShareSave Scheme
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	4,000	10,000	63,000	151,000
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under the International Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	8,000	7,000	8,000	7,000
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under the Executive Stock Bonus Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	0	13,000	107,000	17,000
Class A Non-Voting | CRD-A issued under the 2016 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	75,000	0	137,000	0
Class B Voting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement
Stock issued during period (shares)	0	0	0	0

Net Income Attributable to Sh40

Net Income Attributable to Shareholders of Crawford & Company per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 29, 2017	Aug. 31, 2014
Class A Non-Voting
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Shares repurchased (shares)	193,527	0	549,847	0
Average cost (usd per share)	$ 7.77		$ 8.19
Class B Voting
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Shares repurchased (shares)	127,100	0	175,588	0
Average cost (usd per share)	$ 8.87		$ 8.89
Repurchase Authorization 2014 | Common Stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (shares)						2,000,000
Repurchase Authorization 2014 | Class A Non-Voting
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Shares repurchased (shares)	75,000
Repurchase Authorization 2014 | Class B Voting
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Shares repurchased (shares)	74,890
Repurchase Authorization 2017 | Common Stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (shares)					2,000,000
Number of shares remaining to be repurchased (shares)	1,829,263		1,829,263

Accumulated Other Comprehensi41

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Rollforward of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 176,004	$ 167,194	$ 159,264	[1]	$ 141,501	$ 126,088	$ 124,351	$ 159,264	[1]	$ 124,351
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		8,739	2,403	2,661		(1,924)	8,005	(276)	13,803		5,805
Ending balance		192,040	176,004	167,194		149,391	141,501	126,088	192,040		149,391
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(31,234)		(33,449)		(19,817)		(24,347)	(33,449)		(24,347)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		7,000				(4,194)			9,215		336
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		0				0			0		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		7,000				(4,194)			9,215		336
Ending balance		(24,234)	(31,234)			(24,011)	(19,817)		(24,234)		(24,011)
Retirement liabilities
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[2]	(174,791)		(178,324)		(194,002)		(198,284)	(178,324)		(198,284)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	[2]	0				0			0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	[2]	1,745				2,171			5,278		6,453
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	[2]	1,745				2,171			5,278		6,453
Ending balance	[2]	(173,046)	(174,791)			(191,831)	(194,002)		(173,046)		(191,831)
AOCL attributable to shareholders of Crawford & Company
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(206,025)	(208,298)	(211,773)		(213,819)	(222,293)	(222,631)	(211,773)		(222,631)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		7,000				(4,194)			9,215		336
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		1,745				2,171			5,278		6,453
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		8,745	2,273	3,475		(2,023)	8,474	338	14,493		6,789
Ending balance		$ (197,280)	$ (206,025)	$ (208,298)		$ (215,842)	$ (213,819)	$ (222,293)	$ (197,280)		$ (215,842)
[1]	Derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet
[2]	Retirement liabilities reclassified to net income are related to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 5, "Defined Benefit Pension Plans" for additional details.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Assets:
Debt instrument, variable interest rate duration between resets	90 days
Cash and cash equivalents | Measured on a recurring basis
Assets:
Money market funds	$ 10,127	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1 | Measured on a recurring basis
Assets:
Money market funds	10,127	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2 | Measured on a recurring basis
Assets:
Money market funds	0	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3 | Measured on a recurring basis
Assets:
Money market funds	$ 0	[1]
[1]	The fair values of the money market funds were based on recently quoted market prices and reported transactions in an active marketplace. Money market funds are included in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Cash and cash equivalents."

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	$ 270,551	$ 277,286	$ 807,065	$ 836,863
Reimbursements	16,115	18,101	43,103	47,101
Total revenues	286,666	295,387	850,168	883,964
Net corporate interest expense	(2,524)	(2,262)	(6,674)	(7,553)
Restructuring and special charges	(1,431)	(1,488)	(8,818)	(7,431)
Income before income taxes	16,892	19,955	$ 46,435	49,168
Number of operating segments (segments) | segment			4
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Total segment operating earnings	28,130	33,229	$ 77,837	89,289
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Unallocated corporate and shared (costs) and credits, net	(4,078)	(6,947)	(6,333)	(17,454)
Net corporate interest expense	(2,524)	(2,262)	(6,674)	(7,553)
Stock option expense	(468)	(176)	(1,342)	(403)
Restructuring and special charges	(1,431)	(1,488)	(8,818)	(7,431)
U.S. Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	63,052	56,530	184,843	173,969
U.S. Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	63,052	56,530	184,843	173,969
Total segment operating earnings	9,537	9,354	26,187	27,943
International | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	110,784	120,950	331,019	360,425
Total segment operating earnings	10,165	13,460	29,682	31,867
Broadspire
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	76,683	76,676	231,544	227,975
Broadspire | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	76,683	76,676	231,544	227,975
Total segment operating earnings	8,240	8,263	24,235	23,497
Garden City Group | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Revenues before reimbursements	20,032	23,130	59,659	74,494
Total segment operating earnings	188	2,152	(2,267)	5,982
Customer Relationships and Trade Names | Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit from Segment to Consolidated
Amortization of customer-relationship intangible assets	$ (2,737)	$ (2,401)	$ (8,235)	$ (7,280)

Segment Information (Revenues B

Segment Information (Revenues By Major Service Line) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	$ 270,551	$ 277,286	$ 807,065	$ 836,863
U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	63,052	56,530	184,843	173,969
Broadspire
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	76,683	76,676	231,544	227,975
Claims Field Operations | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	22,596	21,657	65,965	62,363
Technical Services | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	7,990	7,127	22,123	21,056
Catastrophe Services | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	12,016	9,198	33,806	35,153
Subtotal U.S. Claims Services | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	42,602	37,982	121,894	118,572
Contractor Connection | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	18,270	18,548	56,611	55,397
WeGoLook | U.S. Services
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	2,180	0	6,338	0
Medical Management Services | Broadspire
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	40,395	41,149	121,754	121,433
Workers' Compensation, Disability and Liability Claims Management | Broadspire
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	32,656	32,028	99,245	95,910
Risk Management Information Services | Broadspire
Revenue from External Customer
Revenues before reimbursements	$ 3,632	$ 3,499	$ 10,545	$ 10,632

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Letter of Credit
Loss Contingencies
Letters of credit outstanding amount	$ 14,470

Restructuring and Special Cha46

Restructuring and Special Charges (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Special Charges
Restructuring and special charges	$ 1,431,000	$ 1,488,000	$ 8,818,000	$ 7,431,000
Restructuring charges incurred	1,431,000	1,361,000	8,818,000	6,531,000
Implementation and phase-in of the Centers
Restructuring and Special Charges
Restructuring charges incurred	91,000	775,000	314,000	3,177,000
Restructuring and integration costs
Restructuring and Special Charges
Restructuring charges incurred	741,000	586,000	7,457,000	2,189,000
Asset impairments and lease termination costs
Restructuring and Special Charges
Restructuring charges incurred	599,000	0	1,047,000	1,165,000
Special Charges
Restructuring and Special Charges
Legal and professional fees	$ 0	$ (127,000)	$ 0	$ (900,000)

Restructuring and Special Cha47

Restructuring and Special Charges (Rollforward of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 8,506		$ 7,157
Additions	1,431	$ 1,361	8,818	$ 6,531
Adjustments to accruals	(300)		(1,556)
Cash payments	(3,359)		(8,141)
Ending balance	6,278		6,278
Deferred rent
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,241		3,066
Additions	348		348
Adjustments to accruals	(300)		(1,125)
Cash payments	0		0
Ending balance	2,289		2,289
Accrued compensation and related costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,196		1,525
Additions	734		7,567
Adjustments to accruals	0		0
Cash payments	(2,733)		(5,895)
Ending balance	3,197		3,197
Accounts payable
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0		617
Additions	101		195
Adjustments to accruals	0		0
Cash payments	(81)		(792)
Ending balance	20		20
Other accrued liabilities
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,069		1,949
Additions	248		708
Adjustments to accruals	0		(431)
Cash payments	(545)		(1,454)
Ending balance	$ 772		$ 772

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Wells Fargo Bank	Oct. 11, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, coverage ratio	1.10
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Capital Stock Of Company's And Guarantor's present and future domestic subsidiaries | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, guarantee obligation, percentage of stock	1
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Credit Facility | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 450,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Letter Of Credit Subfacility | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 200,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.30%
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Minimum | Base Rate | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	0.30%
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, leverage ratio	4.25
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum | Senior Loans | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, leverage ratio	3.25
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.10%
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum | Base Rate | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.10%
Original Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, coverage ratio		1.25
Original Credit Agreement | Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity		$ 400,000,000
Original Credit Agreement | Letter Of Credit Subfacility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity		$ 100,000,000
Original Credit Agreement | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		1.50%
Original Credit Agreement | Minimum | Base Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		0.50%
Original Credit Agreement | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		2.25%
Original Credit Agreement | Maximum | Base Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		1.25%