Income Tax Expense

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Income Tax Expense [Abstract]

Income Tax Expense

NOTE 10.  INCOME TAX EXPENSE

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 56.5	$ 63.6	$ 71.6	$ 95.9
Income tax expense	25.9	21.4	37.8	34.7
Effective tax rate	45.8%	33.6%	52.8%	36.2%

The effective tax rate for the second quarter and first six months of 2013 was higher than the comparable period of 2012, primarily due to the provision of valuation allowances reducing deferred tax assets generated during the period related to increased losses of certain foreign affiliates and other items.  In certain foreign jurisdictions, we are in a net operating loss carryforward position and the related deferred tax assets are subject to a full valuation allowance.  Therefore, any pretax losses in those jurisdictions do not generate a corresponding income tax benefit.

We do not expect to record any material changes during 2013 to unrecognized tax benefits that were claimed on tax returns covering tax years ending on or before December 31, 2012. 

As of June  30, 2013, we consider foreign unremitted earnings to be permanently reinvested.