EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover certain U.S., Canadian, German, and United Kingdom employees and which provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service of the employee. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the plans. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans summarized by U.S. and international components. Obligations and Funded Status U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation Obligation at beginning of year $ (50,154 ) $ (47,090 ) $ (219,225 ) $ (170,931 ) Service cost (381 ) (334 ) (2,015 ) (2,138 ) Interest cost (1,914 ) (2,070 ) (7,091 ) (8,102 ) Employee contributions — — (503 ) (385 ) Plan curtailments and amendments — — — 473 Benefits paid 3,628 5,083 8,028 7,616 Acquisition — — — (39,381 ) Actuarial gain (loss) 2,701 (5,743 ) 3,084 (23,335 ) Effect of currency rate changes — — 22,411 16,958 Obligation at end of year $ (46,120 ) $ (50,154 ) $ (195,311 ) $ (219,225 ) Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 41,503 $ 42,980 $ 182,254 $ 156,705 Actual return on plan assets (235 ) 3,606 6,572 17,363 Employer contributions — — 6,746 6,036 Employee contributions — — 503 385 Benefits paid (3,628 ) (5,083 ) (8,028 ) (7,616 ) Acquisition — — — 23,444 Effect of currency rate changes — — (19,978 ) (14,063 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 37,640 $ 41,503 $ 168,069 $ 182,254 Funded status Fair value of plan assets $ 37,640 $ 41,503 $ 168,069 $ 182,254 Benefit obligations (46,120 ) (50,154 ) (195,311 ) (219,225 ) Funded status $ (8,480 ) $ (8,651 ) $ (27,242 ) $ (36,971 ) Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Noncurrent assets $ — $ — $ 5,554 $ 2,424 Current liabilities — — (362 ) (398 ) Noncurrent liabilities (8,480 ) (8,651 ) (32,434 ) (38,997 ) Net amount recognized $ (8,480 ) $ (8,651 ) $ (27,242 ) $ (36,971 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of: Initial net obligation $ — $ — $ (275 ) $ (449 ) Prior service cost (11 ) (13 ) (80 ) (157 ) Net actuarial loss (23,305 ) (24,665 ) (41,782 ) (49,180 ) Net amount recognized $ (23,316 ) $ (24,678 ) $ (42,137 ) $ (49,786 ) The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for the U.S. pension plans was $45.2 million and $49.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for the international pension plans was $190.2 million and $213.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of Plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ (46,120 ) $ (50,154 ) $ (195,311 ) $ (143,121 ) Accumulated benefit obligation (45,201 ) (49,303 ) (190,188 ) (138,443 ) Fair value of plan assets 37,640 41,503 168,069 104,232 Information for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation $ (46,120 ) $ (50,154 ) $ (135,168 ) $ (151,920 ) Fair value of plan assets 37,640 41,503 102,372 112,526 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 380 $ 334 $ 432 $ 2,015 $ 2,138 $ 2,035 Interest cost 1,914 2,070 1,960 7,091 8,102 6,661 Expected return on plan assets (2,168 ) (2,476 ) (2,977 ) (9,591 ) (9,646 ) (8,418 ) Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost 3 23 62 212 248 270 Amortization of net loss 1,062 2,197 3,180 2,379 2,768 3,107 Settlement and curtailment losses recognized — — — — (390 ) 3,655 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,191 $ 2,148 $ 2,657 $ 2,106 $ 3,220 $ 7,310 Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2015 are as follows: In thousands U.S. International Net gain (loss) arising during the year $ 297 $ 65 Effect of exchange rates — 4,954 Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost 3 — Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss 1,062 2,379 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,362 $ 7,398 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income $ (2,553 ) $ (9,504 ) The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed. U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.21 % 3.95 % 4.70 % 3.56 % 3.48 % 4.43 % Expected return on plan assets 5.70 % 5.70 % 6.20 % 5.81 % 5.79 % 6.07 % Rate of compensation increase 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.10 % 3.59 % The discount rate is based on settling the pension obligation with high grade, high yield corporate bonds, and the rate of compensation increase is based on actual experience. The expected return on plan assets is based on historical performance as well as expected future rates of return on plan assets considering the current investment portfolio mix and the long-term investment strategy. As of December 31, 2015 the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2016 . In thousands U.S. International Net transition obligation $ — $ 150 Prior service cost 3 26 Net actuarial loss 914 2,287 $ 917 $ 2,463 Pension Plan Assets The Company has established formal investment policies for the assets associated with our pension plans. Objectives include maximizing long-term return at acceptable risk levels and diversifying among asset classes. Asset allocation targets are based on periodic asset liability study results which help determine the appropriate investment strategies. The investment policies permit variances from the targets within certain parameters. The plan assets consist primarily of equity security funds, debt security funds, and temporary cash and cash equivalent investments. The assets held in these funds are generally actively managed and are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date. Generally, all plan assets are considered Level 2 based on the fair value valuation hierarchy (See Note 18 “Fair Value Measurement” included herein). Plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension Plan Assets Equity security funds $ 20,275 $ 20,696 $ 87,321 $ 99,715 Debt security funds and other 16,441 20,034 77,173 78,510 Cash and cash equivalents 924 773 3,575 4,029 Fair value of plan assets $ 37,640 $ 41,503 $ 168,069 $ 182,254 The U.S., Canadian and German pension plans have a target asset allocation of 50% equity securities and 50% debt securities. The United Kingdom plan has a target asset allocation of 62.5% equity securities and 37.5% debt securities. Investment policies are determined by the respective Plan’s Pension Committee and set forth in its Investment Policy. Rebalancing of the asset allocation occurs on a quarterly basis. Cash Flows The Company’s funding methods are based on governmental requirements and differ from those methods used to recognize pension expense. The Company expects to contribute $6.2 million to the international plans and does not expect to make a contribution to the U.S. plans during 2016 . Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows: In thousands U.S. International Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 3,399 $ 6,939 2017 3,519 7,261 2018 3,388 7,487 2019 3,394 7,733 2020 3,372 7,854 2021 through 2025 15,820 42,040 Post Retirement Benefit Plans In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company has provided certain unfunded postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for a portion of North American employees. The Company is not obligated to pay health care and life insurance benefits to individuals who had retired prior to 1990. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all post retirement plans. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s post retirement benefit plans summarized by U.S. and international components. Obligations and Funded Status U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation Obligation at beginning of year $ (31,872 ) $ (25,860 ) $ (3,905 ) $ (3,871 ) Service cost (9 ) (29 ) (38 ) (47 ) Interest cost (1,233 ) (1,155 ) (128 ) (173 ) Plan amendments 16,140 — — — Benefits paid 1,478 978 125 66 Actuarial gain (loss) 2,537 (5,806 ) 37 (238 ) Effect of currency rate changes — — 619 358 Obligation at end of year $ (12,959 ) $ (31,872 ) $ (3,290 ) $ (3,905 ) Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — $ — $ — Employer contributions 1,478 978 125 162 Benefits paid (1,478 ) (978 ) (125 ) (162 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — $ — $ — Funded status Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — $ — $ — Benefit obligations (12,959 ) (31,872 ) (3,290 ) (3,905 ) Funded status $ (12,959 ) $ (31,872 ) $ (3,290 ) $ (3,905 ) U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Current liabilities $ (1,197 ) $ (1,305 ) $ (181 ) $ (212 ) Noncurrent liabilities (11,762 ) (30,567 ) (3,109 ) (3,693 ) Net amount recognized $ (12,959 ) $ (31,872 ) $ (3,290 ) $ (3,905 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of: Initial net obligation $ — $ — $ — $ — Prior service credit 22,837 8,993 21 32 Net actuarial (loss) gain (22,202 ) (26,096 ) 351 422 Net amount recognized $ 635 $ (17,103 ) $ 372 $ 454 During 2015, the Company amended its medical plan that amongst other things, provided the participants with HRA funding contributions. The change resulted in a $16.1 million decrease to the accumulated project benefit obligation. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost U.S. International In thousands 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 9 $ 29 $ 47 $ 38 $ 47 $ 48 Interest cost 1,233 1,155 1,113 129 173 172 Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost (2,295 ) (2,730 ) (2,689 ) (7 ) (8 ) (211 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 1,356 1,330 1,634 (30 ) (141 ) (93 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ 303 $ (216 ) $ 105 $ 130 $ 71 $ (84 ) Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2015 are as follows: In thousands U.S. International Prior service credit $ 16,140 $ — Net loss arising during the year 2,537 37 Effect of exchange rates — (72 ) Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost (2,295 ) (7 ) Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain) 1,356 (30 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 17,738 $ (72 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 17,435 $ (202 ) The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is based on settling the pension obligation with high grade, high yield corporate bonds. U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.95 % 3.95 % 4.70 % 3.80 % 3.96 % 4.60 % As of December 31, 2015 the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2016 . In thousands U.S. International Prior service cost (2,294 ) (7 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) 1,355 (30 ) $ (939 ) $ (37 ) The assumed health care cost trend rate for the U.S. plans grades from an initial rate of 6.60% to an ultimate rate of 4.50% by 2027 and for international plans from 6.62% to 4.50% by 2027 . A 1.0% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate will increase the service and interest cost components of the expense recognized for the U.S. and international post-retirement plans by approximately $189,000 and $14,000 , respectively, for 2015, and increase the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by approximately $46,000 and $228,000 , respectively. A 1.0% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate will decrease the service and interest cost components of the expense recognized for the U.S. and international post-retirement plans by approximately $158,000 and $13,000 , respectively, for 2015, and decrease the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by approximately $42,000 and $206,000 , respectively. Cash Flows Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows: In thousands U.S. International Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 1,197 $ 181 2017 1,104 180 2018 1,078 188 2019 1,049 200 2020 1,023 204 2021 through 2025 4,609 1,209 Defined Contribution Plans The Company also participates in certain defined contribution plans and multiemployer pension plans. Costs recognized under these plans are summarized as follows: For the year ended In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans $ 2,584 $ 2,405 $ 2,678 401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans 21,399 19,925 17,291 Total $ 23,983 $ 22,330 $ 19,969 The 401(k) savings plan is a participant directed defined contribution plan that holds shares of the Company’s stock as one of the investment options. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the plan held on behalf of its participants about 632,523 shares with a market value of $45.0 million , and 670,322 shares with a market value of $58.2 million , respectively. Additionally, the Company has stock option based benefit and other plans further described in Note 13. The Company contributes to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under collective bargaining agreements that cover certain of its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in such plans are different from the risks of single-employer plans. Assets contributed to a multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer ceases to contribute to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. If the Company ceases to have an obligation to contribute to the multi-employer plan in which it had been a contributing employer, it may be required to pay to the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan and on the history of the Company’s participation in the plan prior to the cessation of its obligation to contribute. The amount that an employer that has ceased to have an obligation to contribute to a multi-employer plan is required to pay to the plan is referred to as a withdrawal liability. The Company’s participation in multi-employer plans for the year ended December 31, 2015 is outlined in the table below. For plans that are not individually significant to the Company, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate. Pension Protection FIP/ Contributions by Expiration RP Status Surcharge Collective Pension Fund EIN/PN (a) 2013 2012 Implemented (c) 2015 2014 2013 (d) Agreements Idaho Operating Engineers- EIN # 91-6075538 Green Green No $ 1,820 (1 ) $ 1,745 (1 ) $ 2,154 (1 ) No 6/30/2018 Employers Pension Trust Fund Plan# 001 Automobile Mechanics' Local No 701 Union and EIN # 36-6042061 Red Red Yes (2) $ 764 $ 660 $ 524 Yes (3) 12/11/2017 Industry Pension Plan Plan # 001 Total Contributions $ 2,584 $ 2,405 $ 2,678 (1) The Company’s contribution represents more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan. (2) The Pension Fund’s board adopted a Funding Improvement Plan on October 21, 2015, continuing the existing plan which increased the weekly pension fund contribution rates by $75 with corresponding decreases to the weekly welfare fund contribution rates until December 31, 2017. (3) Critical status triggered a 5% surcharge on employer contributions effective June 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, this surcharge increases to 10% . The surcharge ended on October 21, 2015 when the rehabilitation plan commenced. (a) The “EIN / PN” column provides the Employer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number assigned to a plan by the Internal Revenue Service. (b) The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available for 2013 and 2012 is for plan years that ended in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The zone status is based on information provided to the Company and other participating employers by each plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. A plan in the “red” zone has been determined to be in “critical status”, based on criteria established under the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and is generally less than 65% funded. A plan in the “yellow” zone has been determined to be in “endangered status”, based on criteria established under the Code, and is generally less than 80% funded. A plan in the “green” zone has been determined to be neither in “critical status” nor in “endangered status”, and is generally at least 80% funded. (c) The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a Funding Improvement Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “yellow” zone, or a Rehabilitation Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “red” zone, is pending or has been implemented as of the end of the plan year that ended in 2015 . (d) The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether the Company’s contribution rate for 2015 included an amount in addition the contribution rate specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as imposed by a plan in “critical status”, in accordance with the requirements of the Code. |