Net Periodic Benefit Cost

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]

Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

9.       Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Six Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2012		2011		2012		2011
Service costs	$	613	$	845	$	1,226	$	1,691
Interest cost		2,469		2,507		4,938		5,014
Expected return on plan assets		(2,803)		(2,688)		(5,606)		(5,376)
Net amortization		1,497		1,004		2,995		2,008
Curtailment (see below)		-		-		-		1,172
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,776	$	1,668	$	3,553	$	4,509

The Company currently plans to contribute approximately $10,400,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2013.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit postretirement plans (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Six Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2012		2011		2012		2011
Interest cost		78		120		156		239
Amortization of plan net losses		36		82		72		164
Net periodic postretirement cost	$	114	$	202	$	228	$	403

During the six months endedSeptember 30, 2011, the Company completed negotiations with one of its labor unions which resulted in an amendment to one of its pension plans. The Company recorded within cost of products sold for the six months ended September 30, 2011a curtailment charge of $1,172,000 resulting from the amendment.

For additional information on the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012.