during the years ended december 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the statute of limitations on certain unrecognized tax benefits lapsed and certain positions were effectively settled , which resulted in a decrease of $ 3.2 million , $ 3.5 million and $ 5.3 million , respectively , in the liability for uncertain tax benefits , all of which reduced the income tax provision . the company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense to the tax provision of $ 9.2 million , $ 3.2 million and $ 6