Retiree Benefits

The components of the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits expense recognized are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	Quarter Ended						Quarter Ended
(in thousands)	July 26, 2013			July 27, 2012			July 26, 2013			July 27, 2012
Service cost	$	2,848		$	2,748		$	270		$	220
Interest cost	19,524			20,620			292			302
Expected return on assets	(25,604		)	(24,612		)	(106		)	(57		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	153			327			17			13
Actuarial loss (gain)	7,264			8,415			(208		)	(272		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,185		$	7,498		$	265		$	206



	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)	July 26, 2013			July 27, 2012			July 26, 2013			July 27, 2012
Service cost	$	8,543		$	13,223		$	812		$	720
Interest cost	58,571			61,863			876			1,028
Expected return on assets	(76,812		)	(73,812		)	(320		)	(237		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	458			980			52			39
Actuarial loss (gain)	21,793			25,247			(625		)	(870		)
Curtailment loss	—			1,077			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	12,553		$	28,578		$	795		$	680

The actuarial loss (gain) arises from differences in estimates and actual experiences for certain assumptions including changes in discount rate and expected return on assets. Through July 26, 2013, we have contributed $115.4 million to our defined benefit employee pension plans in fiscal 2013 and we plan to contribute approximately $140.0 million to $160.0 million for the full fiscal year.

On February 28, 2012 a modification was made to the Joy Global Pension Plan to freeze benefits for all salaried and non-bargained hourly participants effective May 1, 2012. We recorded a curtailment charge of $1.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 in conjunction with the freeze.