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Valuation and qualifying accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | $ 321,074 | $ 325,099 | $ 331,237
Additions | 45,009 | 50,928 | 70,722
Deductions | (59,280) | (54,896) | (58,663)
Translation | (32,835) | (57) | (18,197)
Balance at end of period | 273,968 | 321,074 | 325,099
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 21,467 | 16,367 | 12,768
Additions | 6,064 | 6,386 | 5,367
Deductions | (1,860) | (1,244) | (1,647)
Translation | (132) | (42) | (121)
Balance at end of period | 25,539 | 21,467 | 16,367
Allowance for doubtful accounts | Accounts Receivable |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 19,791 |  |
Balance at end of period | 24,999 | 19,791 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | Other Receivables |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 1,676 |  |
Balance at end of period | 540 | 1,676 |
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 271,651 | 290,620 | 297,891
Additions | 13,107 | 8,382 | 36,778
Deductions | (37,718) | (27,515) | (24,967)
Translation | (27,120) | 164 | (19,082)
Balance at end of period | 219,920 | 271,651 | 290,620
Provision For Contingencies [Member] |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 27,956 | 18,112 | 20,578
Additions | 25,838 | 36,160 | 28,577
Deductions | (19,702) | (26,137) | (32,049)
Translation | (5,583) | (179) | 1,006
Balance at end of period | 28,509 | 27,956 | 18,112
Legal Reserve Accrual |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Additions | 23,995 | 36,160 | 28,577
Legal Reserve Settlements |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Deductions | (19,702) | (25,427) | (20,554)
Legal Reserve Reclassifications |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Additions | 1,843 |  |
Deductions | $ 0 | $ (710) | $ (11,495)

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