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Income Taxes
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 31.2% and 28.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective income tax rates were 30.9% and 30.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. While the Company did experience a more favorable mix of earnings for each of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, the effective tax rate for each of these periods was higher than the comparable prior year period due primarily to the recognition of discrete benefits relating to additional export incentives and the conclusion of tax examinations in certain jurisdictions during the three months ended June 30, 2012.
The Company conducts operations in multiple countries and, as a result, is subjected to tax examinations in various jurisdictions, including the United States.  Uncertain tax positions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted after considering facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits, developments in case law and closing of statute of limitations.  The Company has effectively settled its U.S. federal income tax obligations through 2008. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. audits by taxing authorities for years through 2002.  It is possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit with respect to the Company's uncertain tax positions may change within the next twelve months. An estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made until the issues are further developed, the examinations close, or the statutes expire.