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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 27.5% and 27.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective income tax rates were 27.9% and 25.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the reduction in the effective tax rate versus the comparable period in 2015 was due to various discrete benefits recognized in the period, which were partially offset by a lower repatriation benefit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase in the effective tax rate versus the comparable period in 2015 was due to the lapping of discrete benefits recognized in 2015 relating to certain foreign taxes becoming eligible to be claimed as credits in the United States and a lower repatriation benefit in the current year, which were partially offset by a more favorable geographic mix of taxable earnings in 2016.
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 statutes of limitations.  Within the next twelve months, the Company believes that the resolution of certain federal, foreign and state and local tax examinations are reasonably possible and that a change in estimate may occur. While such a change may be significant, it is not possible to provide a range of the potential change until the examinations progress further or the related statutes of limitation expire. The Company has effectively settled its U.S. federal income tax obligations through 2008, with the exception of transfer pricing issues which are settled through 2011. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.