EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Components of net pension expense were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Pension Benefits
Company-administered plans:
Service cost	$	3,249		3,400
Interest cost	21,489			22,240
Expected return on plan assets	(22,478		)	(23,085	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss	8,450			7,965
Prior service cost	145			—
	10,855			10,520
Union-administered plans	2,502			2,322
Net pension expense	$	13,357		12,842
Company-administered plans:
U.S.	$	11,311		11,175
Non-U.S.	(456		)	(655	)
	10,855			10,520
Union-administered plans	2,502			2,322
Net pension expense	$	13,357		12,842

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we contributed $3.7 million to our pension plans. In 2017, the expected total contributions to our pension plans are approximately $23.7 million. We also maintain other postretirement benefit plans that are not reflected in the above table. The amount of postretirement benefit expense was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2017.