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Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]  
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

We maintain both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering our domestic employees and the employees of our subsidiaries. We also have a funded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan related to a former business in the United Kingdom that has no active employees. The plans base benefits payable on years of service and/or final average salary. We base our funding policies for the pension plans on actuarially determined cost methods allowable under IRS regulations and statutory requirements in the UK.

In addition to the pension plans, we have other post-retirement plans that provide health care, life insurance, and other benefits for certain retired domestic employees who meet established criteria. Most domestic employees that retire with immediate benefits under our pension plan are eligible for health care and life insurance benefits. The other post-retirement plans are either contributory or noncontributory, depending on various factors.

During 2015, we offered an early retirement program for certain eligible employees, effective in 2016. This program provided enhanced benefits to the employees that elected to participate and provided the option for employees to receive their pension benefits as a lump sum payment or as an annuity. Special termination benefits of $9.0 million resulting from this program were recognized as a one-time expense in 2015. In 2016, we recorded a settlement accounting expense of $6.1 million attributable to lump sum payments elected by eligible retirees as part of the program.

We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our plans. The following tables show pension obligations, plan assets, and other post-retirement obligations as of December 31 (in millions):
 
 
 
 
2016 Pension
Benefits
 
2015 Pension
Benefits
 
2016 Retiree
Health
and Life
 
2015 Retiree
Health
and Life
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
475.0

 
$
502.7

 
$
35.0

 
$
40.8

Service cost
6.1

 
7.4

 
0.2

 
0.2

Interest cost
15.3

 
19.6

 
0.9

 
1.3

Plan amendments
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2.5
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
18.3

 
(22.6
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(3.6
)
Benefits paid
(44.5
)
 
(36.9
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(2.9
)
Special termination benefits
—

 
7.3

 
—

 
1.7

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(5.8
)
 
(2.5
)
 
—

 
—

Benefit obligation at end of year
$
464.4

 
$
475.0

 
$
30.3

 
$
35.0

Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
416.1

 
456.9

 
—

 
—

Actual return on plan assets
45.8

 
(4.6
)
 
—

 
—

Effect of exchange rate changes
(6.1
)
 
(2.2
)
 
—

 
—

Company contributions
2.2

 
2.9

 
2.8

 
2.9

Benefits paid
(44.5
)
 
(36.9
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(2.9
)
Plan assets at end of year
$
413.5

 
$
416.1

 
$
—

 
$
—

Funded Status at end of year   
$
(50.9
)
 
$
(58.9
)
 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
(35.0
)
Amount Recognized
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Liabilities and Other Assets (net)
$
(50.9
)
 
$
(58.9
)
 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
(35.0
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss (gain)
144.1

 
163.3

 
(2.9
)
 
(0.2
)
Prior service credit
(0.1
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(2.0
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)
144.0

 
162.2

 
(4.7
)
 
(2.2
)
Total recognized
$
93.1

 
$
103.3

 
$
(35.0
)
 
$
(37.2
)
After-tax amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
90.0

 
$
101.3

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
(1.4
)


The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans was $441.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $449.4 million at December 31, 2015.

The following table shows our pension plans that have a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31 (in millions):
 
2016
 
2015
Projected benefit obligations
$
430.8

 
$
438.3

Fair value of plan assets
378.8

 
378.6



The following table shows our pension plans that have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31 (in millions):
 
2016
 
2015
Accumulated benefit obligations
$
126.4

 
$
412.6

Fair value of plan assets
94.4

 
378.6



The following table shows the components of net periodic cost (benefit) for the year ended December 31 (in millions):

 
 
 
 
2016
Pension
Benefits
 
2015
Pension
Benefits
 
2014
Pension
Benefits
 
2016
Retiree Health and Life
 
2015
Retiree Health and Life
 
2014
Retiree Health and Life
Service cost
$
6.1

 
$
7.4

 
$
5.9

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

Interest cost
15.3

 
19.6

 
20.7

 
0.9

 
1.3

 
1.6

Expected return on plan assets
(25.6
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(28.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlement accounting adjustment
6.1

 
7.3

 
—

 
—

 
1.7

 
—

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized prior service credit
(1.0
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)
10.5

 
14.8

 
11.3

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Net periodic cost
$
11.4

 
$
22.3

 
$
8.5

 
$
0.6

 
$
2.9

 
$
1.5



We amortize the unrecognized prior service credit using a straight-line method over the average remaining service period of the employees we expect to receive benefits under the plan. We amortize the unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain), which is subject to certain averaging conventions, over the average remaining service period of active employees.

The following table shows the amounts we expect to recognize as components of net periodic cost in 2017 from amounts recorded in accumulated comprehensive loss (gain) as of December 31, 2016 (in millions):
 
2017
 
Pension Benefits
 
Retiree Health and Life
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)
$
9.1

 
$
(0.3
)
Unrecognized prior service credit
—

 
(0.2
)





We use the following assumptions to measure the benefit obligation, compute the expected long-term return on assets, and measure the periodic cost for our defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31:
 
2016
 
2015
Domestic defined benefit pension plans
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate — salaried funded and unfunded plans
4.22
%
 
4.46
%
Discount rate — hourly funded plan
4.30
%
 
4.51
%
Rate of compensation increases — salaried funded and unfunded plans
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
Rate of compensation increases — hourly funded plans
N/A

 
N/A

Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate — salaried funded and unfunded plans
4.47
%
 
4.05
%
Discount rate — hourly funded plan
4.52
%
 
4.10
%
Expected return on plan assets — salaried funded plan
6.80
%
 
6.50
%
Expected return on plan assets — hourly funded plan
6.75
%
 
6.35
%
Rate of compensation increases — salaried funded and unfunded plans
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
Rate of compensation increases — hourly funded plan
N/A

 
N/A

Foreign defined benefit pension plan
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate
2.60
%
 
3.60
%
Rate of pension-in-payment increases
3.20
%
 
3.00
%
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.60
%
 
3.20
%
Expected return on plan assets
4.80
%
 
4.80
%
Rate of pension-in-payment increases
3.00
%
 
2.90
%
Other post-retirement benefit plans
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate - salaried health
3.78
%
 
3.96
%
Discount rate - hourly health
4.09
%
 
4.11
%
Discount rate - salaried life insurance
4.18
%
 
4.40
%
Discount rate - hourly life insurance
3.83
%
 
4.04
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
N/A

Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
Discount rate - salaried health
3.94
%
 
3.65
%
Discount rate - hourly health
4.31
%
 
3.85
%
Discount rate - salaried life insurance
4.41
%
 
4.00
%
Discount rate - hourly life insurance
4.06
%
 
3.70
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
N/A



We calculate the present value of expected future pension and post-retirement cash flows as of the measurement date using a discount rate. We base the discount rate on yields for high-quality, long-term bonds with durations similar to that of our projected benefit obligation. We base the expected return on our plan assets on current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. We routinely review our historical returns along with current market conditions to ensure our expected return assumption is reasonable and appropriate.
 
2016
 
2015
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at December 31
 
 
 
Health care cost trend assumed for next year
 
 
 
Medical claims - pre age 65
6.60
%
 
7.00
%
Medical claims - post age 65
5.80
%
 
6.00
%
Prescription drugs claims - pre age 65
9.30
%
 
10.00
%
Prescription drugs claims - post age 65
9.80
%
 
10.50
%
Rate to which the cost trend is expected to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
 
 
 
Medical claims
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
Prescription drugs claims
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
Year that rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
 
 
 
Medical claims
2022

 
2022

Prescription drugs claims
2024

 
2024



The health care cost trend, which is based on projected growth rates for medical and prescription drug claims, has an effect on our other post-retirement benefit costs and obligations. The following table shows the effects of a one percentage point change in the health care cost trend rate on service and interest costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2016 (in millions) :
 
 
One Percentage Point
Increase
 
One Percentage Point
Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost
$
—

 
$
—

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
1.1

 
(1.0
)


Our investment policies require that asset allocations of domestic and foreign funded pension plans be maintained at certain targets. The following table shows our weighted-average asset allocations of our domestic funded pension plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and current target asset allocation for 2017, by asset category:
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Assets at
December 31
 
Target
 
2016
 
2015
Asset Category
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
52.0
%
 
52.0
%
 
50.2
%
Debt securities
44.0
%
 
42.2
%
 
44.4
%
Real estate
4.0
%
 
5.0
%
 
5.4
%
Cash
—
%
 
0.8
%
 
—
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%


The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocations of our foreign funded pension plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and current target asset allocation for 2017, by asset category:
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Assets at
December 31
 
Target
 
2016
 
2015
Asset Category
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
36.8
%
 
37.7
%
 
36.8
%
Debt securities
63.2
%
 
62.3
%
 
63.2
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%


The following tables set forth the fair value of our pension plan assets as of December 31 (in millions):
 
Total
December 31
2016
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investment funds
$
3.1

 
$
3.1

 
$
—

 
$
—

Common stock collective funds (1)
210.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income collective trust funds (1)
151.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate collective trust funds (1)
18.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fund (1)
29.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
413.5

 
$
3.1

 
$
—

 
$
—


 
Total
December 31
2015
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investment funds
$
1.6

 
$
1.6

 
$
—

 
$
—

Common stock


 


 


 
 
US equities
11.4

 
11.4

 
—

 
—

International equities
1.2

 
1.2

 
—

 
—

Common stock collective funds (1)
190.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income collective trust funds (1)
160.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate collective trust funds (1)
20.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fund (1)
30.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
416.1

 
$
14.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

_______
(1)
In accordance with the relevant accounting standards, these investments are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and, as a result, are not recorded in the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Short-term investment funds

We value short-term investment funds based on the closing net asset values (NAV) quoted by the funds. The NAV represents the unitized fair values of the underlying securities held by the trusts, which are traded in an active market. Short-term investment funds are highly liquid investments in obligations of the US Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities, and the related money market instruments. The short-term investment funds have no unfunded commitments, restrictions on redemption frequency, or advance notice periods required for redemption. The fund seek to provide safety of principal, daily liquidity, and a competitive yield over the long term.

Common stock

We value common stock traded in an active market at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the plan year.

Common stock and fixed income collective trust funds

We value common stock and fixed income collective trusts based on the closing NAV prices quoted by the funds. The NAV prices are the unitized fair values of the underlying securities held by the trusts, which are traded in an active market. None of the collective trusts have unfunded commitments, restrictions on redemption frequency, or advance notice periods required for redemption. The investment objective of each of the common stock funds is long-term total return through capital appreciation and current income. The fixed income funds are each designed to deliver safety and stability by preserving principal and accumulated earnings.

Real estate collective trust funds

We value real estate collective trust funds based on the NAV provided by the funds' administrators, which are the unitized fair values of the underlying US commercial real estate investments held by the funds. An independent appraisal determines the fair values of the real estate properties. Redemptions from the real estate funds are available with either 45 or 60 day notice prior to the end of a quarter. A lack of liquidity in the funds may limit or delay redemptions. The investment objective of the real estate funds, which are diversified by location and property type, is long-term return through property appreciation, current income, and timely sales.

Loan fund

The loan fund is a limited liability company (LLC) and is valued using the NAV. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the LLC, less its liabilities, multiplied times the ownership interest of the LLC. As of December 31, 2016, the GATX Master Trust held investments in one LLC. Generally, capital may be withdrawn as of the last day of the month upon written notice given on no later than 30 days prior to the withdrawal date. The investment manager may determine in its discretion to allow withdrawals on any such other date. The LLC fund seeks to achieve risk-adjusted total returns by buying and selling investments that are anticipated to have a primarily bank loan focus. Investments will be primarily in debt securities of midsize and large capitalizations. The Plan is allocated 100% of the interest that the GATX Corporation Master Trust holds. There are no unfunded commitments.

The primary investing objective of the pension plans is to provide benefits to plan participants and their beneficiaries. To achieve this goal, we invest in a diversified portfolio of equities, debt, and real estate investments to maximize return and to keep long-term investment risk at a reasonable level. Equity investments are diversified across US and non-US stocks, growth and value stocks, and small cap and large cap stocks. Debt securities are predominately investments in long-term, investment-grade corporate bonds. Real estate investments include investments in funds that are diversified by location and property type.

On a timely basis, but not less than twice a year, we formally review pension plan investments to ensure we adhere to investment guidelines and our stated investment approach. Our review also evaluates the reasonableness of our investment decisions and risk positions. We compare our investments' performance to indices and peers to determine if investment performance has been acceptable.

In 2017, we expect to contribute approximately $5.7 million to our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. Additional contributions to the domestic funded pension plans will depend on investment returns on plan assets and actuarial experience.

The following table shows benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, we expect the plans to pay (in millions):

 
Funded Plans
 
Unfunded Plans
 
Retiree Health and Life
2017
$
27.0

 
$
2.5

 
$
3.2

2018
27.0

 
2.6

 
3.0

2019
27.2

 
3.2

 
2.7

2020
27.5

 
3.5

 
2.5

2021
27.6

 
3.6

 
2.3

Years 2022-2026
142.0

 
19.2

 
9.9

 
$
278.3

 
$
34.6

 
$
23.6



In addition to our defined benefit plans, we have two 401(k) retirement plans available to substantially all salaried employees and certain other employee groups. We may contribute to the plans as specified by their respective terms and as our board of directors determines. Contributions to our 401(k) retirement plans were $1.8 million for 2016, $1.9 million for 2015, and $1.8 million for 2014.

Multiemployer Plans

Most of the shipboard personnel at ASC participate in various multiemployer benefit plans that provide pension, health care, and post-retirement and other benefits to active and retired employees. Unlike single employer plans, we do not recognize plan assets or obligations for multiemployer plans on our balance sheet. Rather, we recognize our contributions to the plans as marine operating expenses. The amounts we contribute are based on the number of crew hours worked, which depends on the number of vessels deployed and aggregate operating days in a particular year. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single employer plans in the following aspects:

•
Assets contributed by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;
•
If a participating employer fails to make its required contributions, any unfunded obligations of the plan may be the responsibility of the remaining participating employers; and
•
If an employer chooses to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, the plan may require the withdrawing company to make additional contributions.
The following table shows our contributions to multiemployer benefit plans for the years indicated (in millions):
Multiemployer Plans
 

EIN and Pension Plan Number
 
Pension Protection Act Zone Status
 
GATX Contributions
 
Collective Bargaining Agreement Expiration Date
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
American Maritime Officers Pension Plan (1)(2)
 
13-1969709-001
 
Endangered-Yellow
 
$
1.2

 
$
1.4

 
$
1.5

 
January 15, 2017
Other multiemployer post-retirement plans
 
 
 
 
 
5.9

 
6.8

 
7.0

 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
$
7.1

 
$
8.2

 
$
8.5

 
 

_______
(1)
Our contributions represented more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan during each year and no surcharge was imposed for any year. The actuary for the American Maritime Officers Pension Plan certified that the plan is in endangered status (i.e. “yellow zone” as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006) for the plan year beginning October 1, 2013, because it has funding or liquidity problems, or both. A rehabilitation plan, as defined by the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, was instituted under which certain adjustable benefits were reduced or eliminated, and we are required to contribute at a negotiated rate per day worked by each employee.
(2)
ASC reached a tentative agreement with the American Maritime Officers ("AMO") management in February 2017. The new agreement, which would expire in January 2021, must now be ratified by the AMO members.