Note 7. Employee Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7.   Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	993		$	969		$	17		$	14
Interest cost	1,017			1,028			19			19
Expected return on plan assets	(1,145		)	(1,370		)	—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	100			101			11			11
Amortization of net (gain) loss	707			220			(7		)	(11		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,672		$	948		$	40		$	33

The increased service costs in 2012 versus 2011 were driven primarily by higher staffing and compensation levels.

We expect to contribute $2.0 million to the pension plans during 2012.  As of March 31, 2012, the company has made no contributions.