Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11. Income Taxes The effective tax rates for continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 28.8% and 29.6%, respectively. Excluding favorable net discrete items in each period, the effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 29.3% and 30.7%, respectively. These discrete items principally resulted from the conclusion of certain state and international tax audits. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2015, the Company generated a capital loss for tax purposes on the sale of Datamax O'Neil, which resulted in a tax benefit of $8.6 million. This benefit is expected to be utilized in 2015. Dover and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S., including various state and local returns, and in other foreign jurisdictions. We believe adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties. The Company is routinely audited by taxing authorities in its filing jurisdictions, and a number of these audits are currently underway. We believe that within the next twelve months uncertain tax positions may be resolved and statutes of limitations will expire, which could result in a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits of approximately zero to $28.7 million, of which a portion will be reported as discontinued operations.

Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

11. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 28.8% and 29.6%, respectively. Excluding favorable net discrete items in each period, the effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 29.3% and 30.7%, respectively. These discrete items principally resulted from the conclusion of certain state and international tax audits.

Additionally, in the first quarter of 2015, the Company generated a capital loss for tax purposes on the sale of Datamax O'Neil, which resulted in a tax benefit of $8.6 million. This benefit is expected to be utilized in 2015.

Dover and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S., including various state and local returns, and in other foreign jurisdictions. We believe adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties. The Company is routinely audited by taxing authorities in its filing jurisdictions, and a number of these audits are currently underway. We believe that within the next twelve months uncertain tax positions may be resolved and statutes of limitations will expire, which could result in a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits of approximately zero to $28.7 million, of which a portion will be reported as discontinued operations.