19. Commitments and contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

19. Commitments and contingencies

19. Commitments and contingencies

a. Contingency related to outstanding penalties

The Company has provided for potential US penalties of $250,000 due to noncompliance with the filing of certain required returns. The actual liability may be higher due to interest and penalties assessed by these taxing authorities.

b. Other

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries enter into legal disputes in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes there are no material legal or administrative matters pending that are likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on its business or results of operations.