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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
(6) Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 35.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to an effective rate of 39.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The 2014 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income, and a deemed repatriation. The 35.5% effective tax rate in the quarter was slightly higher than the United States Federal statutory rate of 35%, and we currently expect an annual effective tax rate of approximately 37%, due primarily to the French business tax, repatriations, valuation allowances and other permanent items.
 
We recorded an income tax expense at an effective rate of 37.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to an effective rate of 41.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The 2014 rate was favorably impacted by a change in the overall mix of earnings, primarily an increase to non-U.S. income, and a deemed repatriation. The 37.9% effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was higher than the United States Federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to the French business tax, repatriations, valuation allowances and other permanent items.

As of September 30, 2014, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $33.8. We had related tax benefits of $1.9, and the net amount of $31.9 would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized. As of December 31, 2013, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits related to various tax jurisdictions, including interest and penalties, of $32.3. We had related tax benefits of $1.9 for a net amount of $30.4. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
 
We conduct business globally and, as a result, we are routinely audited by the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Generally, the tax years that remain subject to tax examination are 2009 through 2013 for our major operations in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. As of September 30, 2014, we are subject to tax audits in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Spain. We believe that the resolution of these audits will not have a material impact on earnings.