Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefits

9. The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other post-retirement benefit programs reflected in consolidated results are shown below:

	Pension Benefits for Three Months Ended September 30						Other Post-Retirement Benefits for Three Months Ended September 30
(In Thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	(1,028	)	$	(919	)	$	(17	)	$	(15	)
Interest cost		(3,236	)		(3,202	)		(88	)		(105	)
Expected return on plan assets		4,709			5,123			-			-
Amortization of prior service costs, gains or losses and net transition asset		(2,529	)		(1,612	)		74			65
Curtailment charge		(99	)		-			-			-
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(2,183	)	$	(610	)	$	(31	)	$	(55	)

	Pension Benefits for Nine Months Ended September 30						Other Post-Retirement Benefits for Nine Months Ended September 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	(2,743	)	$	(2,521	)	$	(43	)	$	(41	)
Interest cost		(9,813	)		(9,768	)		(289	)		(296	)
Expected return on plan assets		14,331			15,336			-			-
Amortization of prior service costs, gains or losses and net transition asset		(7,782	)		(4,769	)		180			198
Curtailment charge		(99	)		-			-			-
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(6,106	)	$	(1,722	)	$	(152	)	$	(139	)

     We contributed $0.2 million to our pension plans for continuing operations in 2011, and our contributions are expected to be approximately $2.3 million in 2012, which is $3.0 million lower than previously expected. We fund our other post-retirement benefits (life insurance and health benefits) on a claims-made basis, which were $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.