13)	Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was (16.0)% and 32.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013, which was a benefit, was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate due to certain tax incentives realized by the Company related to the year ended December 31, 2012, and recognized as discrete events in the quarter. These incentives were reinstated retroactively under The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law on January 2, 2013, and reduced the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 by approximately 47%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and the related income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to 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.

At March 31, 2013, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties, was approximately $41,134. At December 31, 2012, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties, was approximately $40,674. The net increase from December 31, 2012 was attributable to an increase in reserves for existing uncertain tax positions. If these benefits were recognized in a future period, the timing of which is not estimable, the net unrecognized tax benefit of $20,038, excluding interest and penalties, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate as of March 31, 2013. 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1,771 and $1,571, 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 open tax years through 2009 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The statute of limitations in the Company’s other tax jurisdictions remain open between fiscal year 2006 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 and inherently includes subjectivity. 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 revises estimates or settles or otherwise resolves the underlying matters.