Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

7. Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits (including health care and life insurance benefits) to qualified retired employees. Net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans consisted of the following:

	Pension benefits						Other postretirement benefits
	Three months ended March 31
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	5,100			6,050			150			200
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		17,250			15,126			675			675
Expected return on plan assets		(22,925	)		(21,875	)		—			—
Amortization of prior service credit		(1,650	)		(1,650	)		(350	)		(350	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,350			10,400			—			100
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,125			8,051			475			625

Expense incurred in connection with the Company’s defined contribution pension and retirement savings plans totaled $15,732,000 and $15,755,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.