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Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies  
Contingencies

17.   Contingencies

        The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings, regulatory investigations and claims incident to the normal conduct of business, which may include proceedings that are specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices within the industries in which we operate. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and on the results of operations in a particular quarter or year.

        The Company accrues an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These amounts are not reduced by amounts that may be recovered under insurance or claims against third parties, but undiscounted receivables from insurers or other third parties may be accrued separately. The Company regularly revises such accruals in light of new information. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and that are significant, the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and, where feasible, an estimate of the possible loss. For purposes of our litigation contingency disclosures, "significant" includes material matters as well as other items that management believes should be disclosed. Management judgment is required related to contingent liabilities and the outcome of litigation because both are difficult to predict.