Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company has various noncancellable operating leases for buildings, office space and equipment. Rent expense was $12,745, $11,398 and $13,464 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable leases in years 2015 through 2019 are $7,686, $4,639, $1,939, $1,316 and $1,392, respectively, and $10,400 thereafter. The rental expense and minimum rental commitments of leases with step rent provisions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Product Warranties

The Company provides product warranties in connection with the sale of certain products. From time to time, the Company is subject to customer claims with respect to product warranties. Product warranty liabilities were not material as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Income Taxes

On April 16, 2013, the United States Tax Court rendered an unfavorable decision in the matter Barnes Group Inc. and Subsidiaries v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (“Tax Court Decision”). The Tax Court rejected the Company's objections and imposed penalties. The case involved IRS proposed adjustments of approximately $16,500, plus a 20% penalty and interest for the tax years 1998, 2000 and 2001.

The case arose out of an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit for the tax years 2000 through 2002. The adjustment relates to the federal taxation of foreign income of certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company filed an administrative protest of these adjustments. In the third quarter of 2009, the Company was informed that its protest was denied and a tax assessment was received from the Appeals Office of the IRS. Subsequently, in November 2009, the Company filed a petition against the IRS in the United States Tax Court, contesting the tax assessment. A trial was held and all briefs were filed in 2012. In April 2013 the Tax Court Decision was then issued rendering an unfavorable decision against the Company and imposing penalties. As a result of the unfavorable Tax Court Decision, the Company recorded an additional tax charge during 2013 for $16,428.

In November 2013, the Company made a cash payment of approximately $12,700 related to tax, interest and penalties and utilized a portion of its net operating losses. The Company also submitted a notice of appeal of the Tax Court Decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The Company filed its opening brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on February 13, 2014 and presented its oral arguments on October 1, 2014.

On November 5, 2014, the Second Circuit upheld the Tax Court Decision.  The Company has decided not to litigate this matter further.