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Valuation Allowances on Deferred Tax Assets (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Valuation Allowances on Deferred Tax Assets [Text Block]
Valuation Allowances on Deferred Tax Assets
As of March 31, 2016, we had $99.3 million of deferred tax assets related to domestic and foreign net operating losses that are available to reduce future taxable income. In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
In performing this analysis as of March 31, 2016 in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, we assessed the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit the use of deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated is the projected cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016. Such objective negative evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective positive evidence, such as projections for taxable income in future years. Due to the continued downturn in our industry, we expect to be in a net deferred tax asset position by the end of 2016, and as a result, we may recognize a benefit only to the extent that reversals of deferred income tax liabilities are expected to generate income tax expense in each relevant jurisdiction in future periods which would offset our deferred tax assets. 
Our domestic net operating losses have a 20 year carryforward period and can be used to offset future domestic taxable income until their expiration, beginning in 2030, with the latest expiration in 2033. However, we determined that a valuation allowance should be recorded against some of the benefit expected to be generated in 2016. The valuation allowance has been factored into the estimated annual tax rate to be applied throughout 2016, and is the primary factor causing our effective tax rate to be significantly lower than the statutory rate of 35%. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as projected future taxable income.
The foreign net operating losses have an indefinite carryforward period. However, as a result of the conditions leading to the impairment of our assets in Colombia during 2015 and the continued industry downturn, we have a valuation allowance that fully offsets our $17.3 million of foreign deferred tax assets at March 31, 2016.