EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of net periodic benefit cost

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

	Three months ended   June 30,						Six months ended   June 30,
($ in thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Pension plans:
Service cost	$	3,708		$	3,545		$	7,568		$	7,185
Interest cost	2,800			2,544			5,595			5,069
Expected return on plan assets	(5,191		)	(4,840		)	(10,382		)	(9,680		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	913			1,083			1,821			2,122
Amortization of prior service cost	5			7			10			15
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,235		$	2,339		$	4,612		$	4,711
Postretirement benefit plans:
Service cost	$	340		$	318		$	681		$	636
Interest cost	570			554			1,140			1,108
Expected return on plan assets	(1,078		)	(1,056		)	(2,156		)	(2,112		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	343			373			686			747
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,788		)	(2,834		)	(5,577		)	(5,669		)
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(2,613	)	$	(2,645	)	$	(5,226	)	$	(5,290	)