Note 9 - Postretirement Medical Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

9.Postretirement Medical Benefits

Prior to 2003, the Company provided lifetime medical and dental benefits upon retirement for certain employees meeting the eligibility requirements as of December 31, 1989 (Plan 1). During 2003, the Company implemented an additional postretirement health insurance program (Plan 2). Under Plan 2, any employee meeting the service requirement of 20 years of full time service to the Company and is at least age 55 years of age upon retirement is eligible to continue their health insurance coverage. Under both plans, retirees not yet eligible for Medicare have coverage identical to the coverage offered to active employees. Under both plans, Medicare-eligible retirees are provided with a Medicare Advantage plan. The Company pays 100% of the cost of Plan 1. The Company and the retirees each pay 50% of the cost under Plan 2. Both plans are unfunded.

The following disclosures of the net periodic benefit cost components of Plan 1 and Plan 2 were measured at January 1, 2014 and 2013.

Three months ended March 31, (In thousands)	2014			2013
Service cost	$	121		$	157
Interest cost		142			138
Recognized prior service cost		52			64
Recognized net actuarial gain		(16	)		-
Net periodic benefit cost	$	299		$	359

The Company expects benefit payments of $340 thousand for 2014, of which $66 thousand have been made during the first three months of 2014.