| Cover | Nov. 02, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 2, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-10356 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CRAWFORD & COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000025475 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-0506554 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | GA |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5335 Triangle Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Peachtree Corners |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30092 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 300-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock — $1.00 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | CRD-A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Class B [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B Common Stock — $1.00 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | CRD-B |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
