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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
13)   Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 17.8% and (16.0)%, respectively. The primary reason the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and related income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate was due to the discrete release of income tax reserves related to the effective settlement of a foreign tax examination. The geographic mix of income and profits earned by the Company’s international subsidiaries being taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate also had a significant impact on the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013, and related tax benefit were lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate due to certain tax incentives realized by the Company, and recognized as discrete events in the quarter. These incentives were reinstated under The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law on January 2, 2013.

At March 31, 2014, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties, was approximately $42,794. At December 31, 2013, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties, was approximately $47,684. The net decrease from December 31, 2013 was primarily attributable to a release in reserves for uncertain tax positions due to the effective settlement of a foreign tax examination in the current quarter. As of March 31, 2014, if these benefits were recognized in a future period, the timing of which is not estimable, the net unrecognized tax benefit of $20,536, excluding interest and penalties, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company accrues interest expense and, if applicable penalties, for any uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties are classified as a component of income tax expense. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1,863 and $2,159, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. federal tax filings for tax years 2007 through 2009 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. As a result, the U.S. statute of limitations remains open between tax years 2007 through present. However, carryforward amounts from prior years may still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities if they are used in a future period. The statute of limitations for the Company’s tax filings in other jurisdictions varies between fiscal years 2007 through present.

While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could materially differ from the Company’s accrued positions as a result of uncertain and complex application of tax regulations. Additionally, the recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits include estimates and judgment by management. Accordingly, the Company may record additional provisions or benefits due to U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax-related matters in the future as it obtains new information or settles or otherwise resolves the underlying matters.