Provision for Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Each year the company files hundreds of tax returns in the various national, state and local income taxing jurisdictions in which it operates. These tax returns are subject to examination and possible challenge by the tax authorities. Positions challenged by the tax authorities may be settled or appealed by the company. As a result, there is an uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the company’s financial statements in accordance with accounting for income taxes and accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. It is reasonably possible that changes to the company's global unrecognized tax benefits could be significant; however, due to the uncertainty regarding the timing of completion of audits and possible outcomes, a current estimate of the range of increases or decreases that may occur within the next twelve months cannot be made.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the company recognized a tax benefit of $57, as well as a $50 pre-tax benefit on associated accrued interest reversals, related to a reduction in the company's unrecognized tax benefits due to the closure of various tax statutes of limitations. Income from continuing operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a tax benefit of $53 and a pre-tax benefit of $47 for accrued interest reversals (recorded in other income, net). Loss from discontinued operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017 includes a tax benefit of $4 and a pre-tax benefit of $3 for the accrued interest reversal.