Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Note 9 — Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Benefit costs for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans are shown below.  The funding policy and assumptions disclosed in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K are expected to continue unchanged throughout 2012.

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
(in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost — benefits earned during the period	$	3,679		$	3,387		$	90		$	82
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	8,499			8,865			96			98
Expected return on plan assets	(10,913		)	(10,072		)	—			—
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	59			61			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	384			519			(160		)	(187		)
Recognized actuarial net (gain) or loss	7,065			5,856			(76		)	(111		)
Settlement loss	3,084			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	11,857		$	8,616		$	(50	)	$	(118	)

In addition, defined contribution benefit plans expense was $5.6 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.