Net Periodic Benefit Cost

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]

Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

9.       Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Nine Months Ended
		December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
		2012		2011		2012		2011
Service costs	$	623	$	846	$	1,869	$	2,537
Interest cost		2,481		2,507		7,443		7,521
Expected return on plan assets		(2,803)		(2,689)		(8,410)		(8,065)
Net amortization		1,558		1,004		4,675		3,012
Curtailment (see below)		-		-		-		1,172
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,859	$	1,668	$	5,577	$	6,177

The Company currently plans to contribute approximately $10,400,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2013.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit postretirement plans (in thousands):

		Three months ended				Nine Months Ended
		December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
		2012		2011		2012		2011
Interest cost	$	78	$	120	$	234	$	359
Amortization of plan net losses		36		82		107		246
Net periodic postretirement cost	$	114	$	202	$	341	$	605

During the nine months endedDecember 31, 2011, the Company completed negotiations with one of its labor unions which resulted in an amendment to one of its pension plans. The Company recorded within cost of products sold for the nine months ended December 31, 2011a curtailment charge of $1,172,000 resulting from the amendment.

For additional information on the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012.