ASSOCIATE (EMPLOYEE) BENEFIT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

ASSOCIATE (EMPLOYEE) BENEFIT PLANS

9. ASSOCIATE (EMPLOYEE) BENEFIT PLANS

Postretirement Benefits

We share certain costs of providing health and life insurance benefits to retired Associates (and their eligible dependents). Substantially all Associates may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for us.

We account for our obligations under the provisions of FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”) (Formerly SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions). ASC 715 requires that the costs of these benefits be recognized over an Associate’s active working career. Disclosures are in accordance with ASC 715.

The following disclosures of the net periodic benefit cost components of postretirement benefits were measured at January 1, 2012 and 2011:

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
(In Thousands)
Service cost	$	72	$	52	$	216	$	156
Interest cost		44		41		131		125
Amortization of transition obligation		15		15		45		45
Net loss recognition		17		8		51		24
Net periodic benefit cost	$	148	$	116	$	443	$	350