EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Components of net pension expense were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(In thousands)
Pension Benefits
Company-administered plans:
Service cost	$	3,032		3,201
Interest cost	21,469			19,752
Expected return on plan assets	(22,676		)	(25,834	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss	7,610			7,372
Prior service cost	179			145
	9,614			4,636
Union-administered plans	2,457			2,346
Net pension expense	$	12,071		6,982
Company-administered plans:
U.S.	$	11,473		7,357
Non-U.S.	(1,859		)	(2,721	)
	9,614			4,636
Union-administered plans	2,457			2,346
Net pension expense	$	12,071		6,982

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we contributed $8 million to our pension plans. In 2019, the expected total contributions to our pension plans are approximately $34 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, 2019 and 2018.