Associate (Employee) Benefit Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Associate Benefit Plans3

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure Text Block

12. ASSOCIATE (EMPLOYEE) BENEFIT PLANS

Postretirement Benefits

We share certain costs of providing health and life insurance benefits to retired Associates (and their eligible dependents). Substantially all Associates may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for us.

We account for our obligations under the provisions of FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”) (Formerly SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions). ASC 715 requires that the costs of these benefits be recognized over an Associate's active working career. Disclosures are in accordance with ASC 715.

The following disclosures of the net periodic benefit cost components of postretirement benefits were measured at January 1, 2011 and 2010:

		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2011		2010		2011		2010
(In Thousands)
Service cost		$	52	$	43	$	156	$	128
Interest cost			41		38		125		114
Amortization of transition obligation			15		15		45		45
Net loss recognition			8		3		24		9
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	116	$	99	$	350	$	296