| Pension And Postretirement Benefits | NOTE 12. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Substantially all of our U.S. management employees hired before January 1, 2015 are covered by one of our noncontributory pension programs . The vast majority of domestic nonmanagement employees, including those hired after 2015, also participate in our noncontributory pension programs. Management participants generally receive benefits under either cash balance pension programs that include annual or monthly credits based on salary as well as interest credits, or a traditional pension formula (i.e., a stated percentage of employees’ adjusted career income). Nonmanagement employees’ pension benefits are generally calculated using one of two fo rmulas: a flat dollar amount applied to years of service according to job classification or a cash balance plan with negotiated annual pension band credits as well as interest credits. Most nonmanagement employees can elect to receive their pension benefit s in either a lump sum payment or an annuity. We also provide a variety of medical, dental and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as active employees ear n these benefits. Obligations and Funded Status For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the “projected benefit obligation,” the actuarial present value, as of our December 31 measurement date, of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered to that date. The amount of benefit to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life of employees and their beneficiaries an d average years of service rendered. It is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels. For postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the “accumulated postretirement benefit obligati on,” the actuarial present value as of measurement date of all future benefits attributed under the terms of the postretirement benefit plan to employee service. The following table presents the change in the projected benefit obligation for the years en ded December 31 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 56,183 $ 55,464 $ 26,027 $ 27,898 Service cost - benefits earned during the period 1,128 1,112 138 192 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,936 1,980 809 972 Amendments 48 (206) (1,807) (600) Actuarial (gain) loss 3,696 1,485 630 (529) Special termination benefits 3 - 1 - Benefits paid (3,705) (3,614) (1,739) (1,941) Plan transfers 5 (38) - 35 Benefit obligation at end of year $ 59,294 $ 56,183 $ 24,059 $ 26,027 The following table presents the change in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 and the plans’ funded status at December 31 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 42,610 $ 42,195 $ 5,921 $ 6,671 Actual return on plan assets 5,987 3,123 607 407 Benefits paid 1 (3,705) (3,614) (1,055) (1,156) Contributions 566 910 500 - Plan transfers and other 5 (4) - (1) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3 45,463 42,610 5,973 5,921 Unfunded status at end of year 2 $ (13,831) $ (13,573) $ (18,086) $ (20,106) 1 At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from AT&T cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances. 2 Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) and applicable regulations. 3 Net assets available for pension benefits were $54,618 at December 31, 2017 and $51,087 at December 31, 2016 and include the preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC discussed below, which was valued at $9,155 and $8,477, respectively. In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest was valued at $9,155 at December 31, 2017. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which will be distributed quarterly in equal amounts and will be accounted for as contributions. We distributed $560 to th e trust during 2017. So long as we make the distributions, we will have no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend, or repurchase shares. This preferred equity interest is a plan asset under ERISA and is recognized as such in the plan’s separate f inancial statements. However, because the preferred equity interest is not unconditionally transferable to an unrelated party (see Note 14), it is not reflected in plan assets in our consolidated financial statements and instead has been eliminated in cons olidation. The preferred equity interest is not transferable by the trust except through its put and call features. In September 2017, AT&T notified the trust and the fiduciary of the preferred equity interest that AT&T committed that it would not exercise its call option of the preferred interest until at least September 9, 2022. At the time of the contribution of the preferred equity interest, we made an additional cash contribution of $175 and agreed to annual cash contributions of $175 no later than t he due date for our federal income tax return for each of 2014, 2015 and 2016. During 2016, we accelerated the final contribution and completed our obligation with a $350 cash payment to the trust. These contributions combined with our existing pension ass ets are in excess of 90% of the pension obligation at December 31, 2017. As noted above, this preferred equity interest represents a plan asset of our pension trust, which is recognized in the separate financial statements of our pension plan as a qualifi ed plan asset for funding purposes. The following table presents a reconciliation of our pension plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the Company with the net assets available for benefits included in the separate financial st atements of the pension plan at December 31: 2017 2016 Plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements $ 45,463 $ 42,610 Preferred equity interest in Mobility 9,155 8,477 Net assets available for benefits $ 54,618 $ 51,087 Amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are listed below : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1 $ - $ - $ (1,585) $ (1,644) Employee benefit obligation 2 (13,831) (13,573) (16,501) (18,462) Net amount recognized $ (13,831) $ (13,573) $ (18,086) $ (20,106) 1 Included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities." 2 Included in "Postemployment benefit obligation." The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans represents the actuarial present value of benefits based on employee service and compensation as of a certain date and does not include an assumption about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $ 57,488 at December 31, 2017 , and $ 54,538 at December 31, 2016 . Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Periodic Benefit Costs Our combined net pension and postretirement cost (credit) recognized in our consolidated statements of income was $1 55 , $ 303 and $ (2,821) for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement cost (benefit) is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in other income (expense) – net. Service costs are eli gible for capitalization as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded. Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 1,128 $ 1,112 $ 1,212 $ 138 $ 192 $ 222 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,936 1,980 1,902 809 972 967 Expected return on assets (3,134) (3,115) (3,317) (319) (355) (421) Amortization of prior service credit (123) (103) (103) (1,466) (1,277) (1,278) Actuarial (gain) loss 844 1,478 (373) 342 (581) (1,632) Net pension and postretirement cost (credit) $ 651 $ 1,352 $ (679) $ (496) $ (1,049) $ (2,142) Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the after-tax changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI and the after-tax prior service credits that were amortized from OCI into net periodic benefit costs: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 575 $ 512 $ 575 $ 5,089 $ 5,510 $ 6,257 Prior service (cost) credit (30) 128 1 1,120 372 45 Amortization of prior service credit (76) (65) (64) (907) (793) (792) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (106) 63 (63) 213 (421) (747) Balance at end of year $ 469 $ 575 $ 512 $ 5,302 $ 5,089 $ 5,510 The estimated prior service credits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $ 119 ($ 90 net of tax) for pension and $ 1,558 ($ 1,175 net of tax) for postretirement benefits. Assumptions In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postretirement benefit cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average discount rate for determining benefit obligation at December 31 3.80 % 4.40 % 4.60 % 3.70 % 4.30 % 4.50 % Discount rate in effect for determining service cost 1 4.60 % 4.90 % 4.60 % 4.60 % 5.00 % 4.60 % Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost 1 3.60 % 3.70 % 3.30 % 3.40 % 3.60 % 3.30 % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.75 % 7.75 % 7.75 % 5.75 % 5.75 % 5.75 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net cost (benefit) 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 1 Weighted -average discount rate in effect from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017 was 4.70% for service costs and 3.50% for interest costs, and, from May 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 was 4.50% for service cost and 3.30% for interest cost. We recognize gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations immediately in our operating results. These gains and losses are measured annually as of December 31 and accordingly will be recorded during the fourth quarter, unless earlier remeasurements are required. During the second quarter of 2017, a substantive plan change involving the frequency of considering potential health reimbursement account credit increases was communicated to our retirees, which triggered a remeasurem ent of our postretirement benefit obligation. Discount Rate Our assumed weighted-average discount rate for pension and postretirement benefits of 3.80% and 3.70% respectively, at December 31, 2017 , reflects the hypothetical rate at which the projected be nefit obligation could be effectively settled or paid out to participants. We determined our discount rate based on a range of factors, including a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds av ailable at the measurement date and corresponding to the related expected durations of future cash outflows. These bonds were all rated at least Aa3 or AA- by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, denominated in U.S. dollars, a nd neither callable, convertible nor index linked. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 , we decreased our pension discount rate by 0.60%, resulting in an increase in our pension plan benefit obliga tion of $ 4,609 and decreased our postretirement discount rate 0.60%, resulting in an increase in our postretirement benefit obligation of $ 1,605 . For the year en ded December 31, 2016 , we decreased our pension discount rate by 0.20%, resulting in an increase in our pension plan benefit obligation of $2,189 and decreased our postretirement discount rates by 0.20%, resulting in an increase in our postretireme nt benefit obligation of $906. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest components of net periodic benefit costs for pension and other postretirement benefits. Under this approach, we apply discounting using in dividual spot rates from a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligations and service cost cas h flows. The service cost component relates to the active participants in the plan, so the relevant cash flows on which to apply the yield curve are considerably longer in duration on average than the total projected benefit obligation cash flows, which al so include benefit payments to retirees. Interest cost is computed by multiplying each spot rate by the corresponding discounted projected benefit obligation cash flows. The full yield curve approach reduces any actuarial gains and losses based upon intere st rate expectations (e.g., built-in gains in interest cost in an upward sloping yield curve scenario), or gains and losses merely resulting from the timing and magnitude of cash outflows associated with our benefit obligations. Neither the annual measurem ent of our total benefit obligations nor annual net benefit cost is affected by the full yield curve approach. Expected Long-Term Rate of Return In 2018, our expected long-term rate of return is 7.00% on pension plan assets and 5.75% on postretirement plan assets. Our expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets was adjusted to 7.00% for 2018 from 7.75% for 2017 to reflect future plans to shift portfolio allocations to increase the share of fixed income investments and updated capital market assumptions. Our long-term rates of return reflect the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. In setting the long-term assumed rate of return, management considers capital markets future expectations, the asset mix of the plans’ investment and average historical asset return. Actual long-term returns can, in relatively stable markets, also serve as a factor in determining future expectations. We consider many factors that include, but are not limited to, historical returns on plan assets, current market information on long-term returns (e.g., long-term bond rates) and current and target asset allocations between asset categories. The target asset allocation is determined based on consultations with external investment advisers. If all other factors were to remain unchanged, we expect that a 0.50 % decrease in the expected long-term rate of return would cause 2018 co mbined pension and postretirement cost to increase $244. However, any differences in the rate and actual returns will be included with the actuarial gain or loss recorded in the fourth quarter when our plans are remeasured . Composite Rate of Compensation Increase Our expected composite rate of compensation increase cost of 3.00 % in 2017 and 2016 reflects the long-term average rate of salary increases. Mortality Tables At December 31, 2017, we updated our assume d mortality rates to reflect our best estimate of future mortality, which decreased our pension obligation by $355 and our postretirement obligations by $95. At December 31, 2016, we updated our assumed mortality rates, which decreased our pension obligati on by $793 and our postretirement obligations by $227. Healthcare Cost Trend Our healthcare cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Based on historical experi ence, updated expectations of healthcare industry inflation and recent prescription drug cost experience, our 2018 assumed annual healthcare prescription drug cost trend for non-Medicare eligible participants will decrease to our ultimate trend rate of 4.5 0%, in 2018 and for prescription drug cost for Medicare-eligible participants and medical cost for eligible participants will remain at an assumed annual and ultimate trend rate of 4.50%. This change in assumption decreased our obligation by $39. In 2017, our assumed annual healthcare prescription drug cost trend rate for non-Medicare eligible participants was 6.50%, trending to our ultimate trend rate of 4.50% in 2025. Medicare-eligible retirees who receive access to retiree health insurance coverage throu gh a private insurance marketplace are not subject to assumed healthcare trend. In addition to the healthcare cost trend in 2017, we assumed an annual 2.50 % growth in administrative expenses and an annual 3.00 % gro wth in dental claims. A one percentage-point change in the assumed combined medical and dental cost trend rate would have the following effects: One Percentage- One Percentage- Point Increase Point Decrease Increase (decrease) in total of service and interest cost components $ 34 $ (30) Increase (decrease) in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 401 (360) Plan Assets Plan assets consist primarily of private and public equity, government and corporate bonds, and real assets (real estate and natural resources). The asset allocations of the pension plans are maintained to meet ERISA requirements. Any plan contributions, as determined by ERISA regulations, are made to a pension trust for the benefit of plan participants. As part of our voluntary contribution of the Mobility preferred equity interest, we will contribute $560 of cash distributions during 2018. We do not have significant ERISA required contributions to our pension plans for 2018. We maintain VEBA trusts to partially fund postretirement benefits; however, there are no ERISA or regulatory requirements that these postretirement benefit plans be fu nded annually. In 2017, we made a voluntary contribution of $500 to one of our VEBA trusts. The principal investment objectives are to ensure the availability of funds to pay pension and postretirement benefits as they become due under a broad range of fu ture economic scenarios, maximize long-term investment return with an acceptable level of risk based on our pension and postretirement obligations, and diversify broadly across and within the capital markets to insulate asset values against adverse experie nce in any one market. Each asset class has broadly diversified characteristics. Substantial biases toward any particular investing style or type of security are sought to be avoided by managing the aggregation of all accounts with portfolio benchmarks. As set and benefit obligation forecasting studies are conducted periodically, generally every two to three years, or when significant changes have occurred in market conditions, benefits, participant demographics or funded status. Decisions regarding investme nt policy are made with an understanding of the effect of asset allocation on funded status, future contributions and projected expenses. The plans’ weighted-average asset targets and actual allocations as a percentage of plan assets, including the notio nal exposure of future contracts by asset categories at December 31, are as follows: Pension Assets Postretirement (VEBA) Assets Target 2017 2016 Target 2017 2016 Equity securities: Domestic 20 % - 30 % 23 % 24 % 13 % - 23 % 18 % 22 % International 10 % - 20 % 16 15 10 % - 20 % 15 19 Fixed income securities 35 % - 45 % 41 39 35 % - 45 % 40 38 Real assets 6 % - 16 % 10 11 0 % - 6 % 1 1 Private equity 4 % - 14 % 10 11 0 % - 7 % 2 2 Other 0 % - 5 % - - 20 % - 30 % 24 18 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % At December 31, 2017 , AT&T securities represented less than 0.5 % of assets held by our pension trust and 4 % of assets (primarily common stock) held by our VEBA trusts included in these financial statements. Investment Valuation Investments are stated at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability at the measurement date. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are val ued at the last reported sales price on the final business day of the year. If no sale was reported on that date, they are valued at the last reported bid price. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricin g models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Shares of registered investment companies are valued based on quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of shares held at year-end. Other comming led investment entities are valued at quoted redemption values that represent the net asset values of units held at year-end which management has determined approximates fair value. Real estate and natural resource direct investments are valued at amounts based upon appraisal reports. Fixed income securities valuation is based upon observable prices for comparable assets, broker/dealer quotes (spreads or prices), or a pricing matrix that derives spreads for each bond based on external market data, includin g the current credit rating for the bonds, credit spreads to Treasuries for each credit rating, sector add-ons or credits, issue-specific add-ons or credits as well as call or other options. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded as of the trade d ate. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the basis of average cost. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Non-interest bearing cash and overdrafts are valu ed at cost, which approximates fair value. Fair Value Measurements See Note 10 for a discussion of fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following tables set forth by level, within the fa ir value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2017 : Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 96 $ - $ - $ 96 Interest bearing cash 7 20 - 27 Foreign currency contracts - 2 - 2 Equity securities: Domestic equities 9,441 - 4 9,445 International equities 4,967 1 - 4,968 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 479 - 479 Mortgage-backed securities - 765 - 765 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 170 - 170 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 284 - 284 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 48 9,720 2 9,770 Government and municipal bonds - 5,618 - 5,618 Real estate and real assets - - 2,287 2,287 Securities lending collateral 8 2,240 - 2,248 Receivable for variation margin 6 - - 6 Assets at fair value 14,573 19,299 2,293 36,165 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (497) (4) - (501) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 14,076 $ 19,295 $ 2,293 $ 35,664 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,493 Real estate funds 2,340 Commingled funds 5,142 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 11,975 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,176) Total Plan Net Assets $ 45,463 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 603 $ 725 $ - $ 1,328 Foreign currencies 8 - - 8 Equity securities: Domestic equities 857 9 - 866 International equities 600 - - 600 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 39 2 41 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 53 2 55 Mortgage backed securities - 271 - 271 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 91 1 92 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 456 - 456 Government and municipal bonds - 439 - 439 Securities lending collateral - 120 - 120 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,068 $ 2,203 $ 5 $ 4,276 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 102 Real estate funds 41 Commingled funds 1,750 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,893 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (196) Total Plan Net Assets $ 5,973 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ 1 $ 40 $ 2,273 $ 2,314 Realized gains (losses) 1 - (73) (72) Unrealized gains (losses) (2) 1 216 215 Transfers in - - 25 25 Transfers out - (32) - (32) Purchases 5 - 157 162 Sales (1) (7) (311) (319) Balance at end of year $ 4 $ 2 $ 2,287 $ 2,293 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 26 $ 26 Transfers out (15) (15) Purchases 2 2 Sales (8) (8) Balance at end of year $ 5 $ 5 The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2016 : Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 94 $ - $ - $ 94 Interest bearing cash - 77 - 77 Foreign currency contracts - 7 - 7 Equity securities: Domestic equities 8,299 - - 8,299 International equities 4,389 - 5 4,394 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 399 - 399 Mortgage-backed securities - 838 - 838 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 208 - 208 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 269 - 269 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 75 8,442 40 8,557 Government and municipal bonds 80 4,889 - 4,969 Real estate and real assets - - 2,273 2,273 Securities lending collateral 207 1,977 - 2,184 Receivable for variation margin 8 - - 8 Purchased options - 1 - 1 Assets at fair value 13,152 17,107 2,318 32,577 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (643) (7) (4) (654) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 12,509 $ 17,100 $ 2,314 $ 31,923 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,648 Real estate funds 2,392 Commingled funds 5,721 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 12,761 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,074) Total Plan Net Assets $ 42,610 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 175 $ 593 $ - $ 768 Foreign currencies 6 - - 6 Equity securities: Domestic equities 1,240 9 - 1,249 International equities 834 - - 834 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 33 4 37 Commercial mortgage-backed securities - 108 13 121 Mortgage-backed securities - 193 - 193 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 32 2 34 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 422 7 429 Government and municipal bonds 20 466 - 486 Securities lending collateral - 128 - 128 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,275 $ 1,984 $ 26 $ 4,285 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 118 Real estate funds 61 Commingled funds 1,667 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,846 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (210) Total Plan Net Assets $ 5,921 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 : Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ - $ 44 $ 2,062 $ 2,106 Realized gains (losses) - (17) (103) (120) Unrealized gains (losses) 3 19 377 399 Transfers in (4) - 77 73 Transfers out - (2) - (2) Purchases 3 - 65 68 Sales (1) (4) (205) (210) Balance at end of year $ 1 $ 40 $ 2,273 $ 2,314 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 15 $ 15 Realized gains (losses) (2) (2) Unrealized gains (losses) 2 2 Transfers in 16 16 Sales (5) (5) Balance at end of year $ 26 $ 26 Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected benefit payments are estimated using the same assumptions used in determining our benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 . Because benefit payments will depend on future employment and compensation levels ; average years employed ; average life spans ; and payment elections, among other factors, changes in any of these assumptions could significantly affect these expected amounts. The following table provides expected benefit payments under our pension and post retirement plans: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2018 $ 4,633 $ 1,751 2019 4,191 1,719 2020 4,180 1,707 2021 4,149 1,692 2022 4,063 1,670 Years 2023 - 2027 19,653 7,267 Supplemental Retirement Plans We also provide certain senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. While these plans are unfunded, we have assets in a designated nonbankruptcy remote trust that are independently managed and used to provide for these benefits. These plans include supplemental pension benefits as well as compensation-deferral plans, some of which include a corresponding match by us based on a percentage of the co mpensation deferral. We use the same significant assumptions for the composite rate of compensation increase in determining our projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postemployment benefit cost. Our discount rates of 3.70% at December 31, 2 017 and 4.20% at December 31, 2016 were calculated using the same methodologies used in calculating the discount rate for our qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans. The following tables provide the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets at December 31 and the components of the supplemental retirement pension benefit cost. The net amounts are recorded as “Other noncurrent liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides information for our su pplemental retirement plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31 : 2017 2016 Projected benefit obligation $ (2,344) $ (2,378) Accumulated benefit obligation (2,285) (2,314) Fair value of plan assets - - The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net Periodic Benefit Cost 2017 2016 2015 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 13 $ 12 $ 9 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 77 83 77 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) (1) 1 Actuarial (gain) loss 126 72 (36) Net supplemental retirement pension cost $ 215 $ 166 $ 51 Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 2017 2016 2015 Prior service (cost) credit $ 1 $ 1 $ (1) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) (1) 1 Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (net of tax) $ - $ - $ - The estimated prior service credit for our supplemental retirement plan benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $ (1) . Deferred compensation expense was $ 138 in 2017 , $ 148 in 2016 and $ 122 in 2015 . Our deferred compensation liability, included in “Other noncurre nt liabilities,” was $ 1,310 at December 31, 2017 , and $ 1,273 at December 31, 2016 . Contributory Savings Plans We maintain contributory savings plans that cover substantially all employee s. Under the savings plans, we match in cash or company stock a stated percentage of eligible employee contributions, su |
