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Retirement and Postemployment Benefits (Net Period Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) and Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | $ 65 | $ 66 | $ 96
Interest cost | 168 | 174 | 194
Expected return on plan assets | (231) | (228) | (258)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 10 | 8 | 7
Actuarial (gain) loss | 69 | 50 | 84
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) prior to settlements and termination benefits | 81 | 70 | 123
Settlements | 1 | 3 | 0
Termination benefits | 1 | 0 | 0
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | 83 | 73 | 123
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Divestiture | 0 | 0 | (353)
Settlement | (1) | (3) | 0
Net (gain) loss | 27 | 253 | 63
Prior service costs (credit) | (1) | 15 | 18
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | (10) | (8) | (7)
Actuarial gain (loss) | (69) | (50) | (85)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (54) | 207 | (364)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 29 | 280 | (241)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
OCI | (53) | 236 | (269)
Regulatory assets/liabilities | (1) | (29) | (95)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (54) | 207 | (364)
Estimated Amounts to be Amortized From AOCI and Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs in the Next Fiscal Period (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 10 |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 86 |  |
Total | 96 |  |
Amortization from Balance Sheet: [Abstract] |  |  |
AOCI | 28 |  |
Regulatory assets/liabilities | 68 |  |
Total | 96 |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | 59 | 53 | 71
Pension Plan [Member] | U.K. [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | 76 | 69 | 79
Interest cost | 178 | 235 | 314
Expected return on plan assets | (514) | (504) | (523)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 0 | 0 | 0
Actuarial (gain) loss | 144 | 138 | 158
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) prior to settlements and termination benefits | (116) | (62) | 28
Settlements | 0 | 0 | 0
Termination benefits | 0 | 0 | 0
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | (116) | (62) | 28
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Divestiture | 0 | 0 | 0
Settlement | 0 | 0 | 0
Net (gain) loss | 346 | 7 | 508
Prior service costs (credit) | 0 | 0 | 0
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | 0 | 0 | 0
Actuarial gain (loss) | (144) | (138) | (158)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 202 | (131) | 350
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 86 | (193) | 378
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 202 | (131) | 350
Estimated Amounts to be Amortized From AOCI and Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs in the Next Fiscal Period (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 0 |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 152 |  |
Total | 152 |  |
Amortization from Balance Sheet: [Abstract] |  |  |
AOCI | 152 |  |
Regulatory assets/liabilities | 0 |  |
Total | 152 |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | (151) | (95) | (21)
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | 7 | 7 | 11
Interest cost | 23 | 26 | 26
Expected return on plan assets | (22) | (22) | (26)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | (1) | 0 | 1
Actuarial (gain) loss | 1 | 1 | 0
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) prior to settlements and termination benefits | 8 | 12 | 12
Settlements | 0 | 0 | 0
Termination benefits | 0 | 0 | 0
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | 8 | 12 | 12
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Divestiture | 0 | 0 | (6)
Settlement | 0 | 0 | 0
Net (gain) loss | (28) | 9 | (9)
Prior service costs (credit) | 8 | 0 | 0
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | 1 | (1) | (1)
Actuarial gain (loss) | (1) | (1) | 0
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (20) | 7 | (16)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (12) | 19 | (4)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
OCI | (25) | 7 | 12
Regulatory assets/liabilities | 5 | 0 | (28)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (20) | 7 | (16)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 5 | 7 | 8
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 5 years |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 5 years |  |
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 12 | 10 | 15
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | 0 | 1 | 0
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | 11 | 6 | 9
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | (11) | (6) | (9)
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | 24 | 23 | 26
Interest cost | 68 | 71 | 68
Expected return on plan assets | (92) | (91) | (88)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 8 | 8 | 7
Actuarial (gain) loss | 31 | 21 | 37
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | $ 39 | $ 32 | $ 50
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Net (gain) loss | $ 30 | $ 119 | $ 20
Prior service costs (credit) | 7 | 0 | 19
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | (8) | (8) | (7)
Actuarial gain (loss) | (32) | (21) | (37)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (3) | 90 | (5)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 36 | 122 | 45
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
OCI | 33 | 42 | 4
Regulatory assets/liabilities | (36) | 48 | (9)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (3) | 90 | (5)
Estimated Amounts to be Amortized From AOCI and Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs in the Next Fiscal Period (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 9 |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 39 |  |
Total | 48 |  |
Amortization from Balance Sheet: [Abstract] |  |  |
AOCI | 11 |  |
Regulatory assets/liabilities | 37 |  |
Total | 48 |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 28 | $ 24 | $ 37
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Qualified Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Settlements | $ 5 |  |
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | 4 | $ 5 | $ 5
Interest cost | 9 | 9 | 9
Expected return on plan assets | (7) | (6) | (6)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 1 | 3 | 3
Actuarial (gain) loss | 0 | (1) | 0
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | $ 7 | $ 10 | $ 11
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Net (gain) loss | $ (14) | $ 6 | $ (15)
Prior service costs (credit) | 8 | 0 | 0
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | (1) | (3) | (3)
Actuarial gain (loss) | 0 | 1 | 0
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (7) | 4 | (18)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | 0 | 14 | (7)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
OCI | (2) | 2 | (2)
Regulatory assets/liabilities | (5) | 2 | (16)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (7) | 4 | (18)
Estimated Amounts to be Amortized From AOCI and Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs in the Next Fiscal Period (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 1 |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 0 |  |
Total | 1 |  |
Amortization from Balance Sheet: [Abstract] |  |  |
AOCI | 0 |  |
Regulatory assets/liabilities | 1 |  |
Total | 1 |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 5 | $ 6 | $ 8
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | KU [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ (2) | $ (2) | $ (1)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | 2 | 2 | 1
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | LGE [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | (4) | (3) | (4)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | 4 | 3 | 4
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | 7 | 5 | 3
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | (7) | (5) | (3)
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits): [ Abstract] |  |  |
Service cost | 1 | 1 | 1
Interest cost | 13 | 15 | 14
Expected return on plan assets | (22) | (21) | (20)
Amortization of: |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 5 | 4 | 3
Actuarial (gain) loss | 9 | 7 | 11
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) | $ 6 | $ 6 | $ 9
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ (4) | $ (3) | $ (4)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross: [Abstract] |  |  |
Net (gain) loss | (9) | 22 | 8
Prior service costs (credit) | 7 | 0 | 10
Amortization of: [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service (cost) credit | (5) | (4) | (3)
Actuarial gain (loss) | (9) | (7) | (11)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (16) | 11 | 4
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (10) | 17 | 13
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities | (16) | 11 | 4
Estimated Amounts to be Amortized From AOCI and Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Costs in the Next Fiscal Period (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Prior service cost (credit) | 5 |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 9 |  |
Total | 14 |  |
Amortization from Balance Sheet: [Abstract] |  |  |
Total | 14 |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 8 | $ 8 | $ 12
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ 4 | $ 3 | $ 4
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] | Qualified Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Settlements | 5 |  |
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] | LKE [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs Allocated to Subsidiary by Sponsor (Numeric) [Abstract] |  |  |
Costs allocated to subsidiary by plan sponsors | $ 5 | $ 4 | $ 5
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ (4) | $ (3) | $ (4)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 3 | $ 3 | $ 4
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ 4 | $ 3 | $ 4
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] | LKE [Member] |  |  |
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs Allocated to Subsidiary by Sponsor (Numeric) [Abstract] |  |  |
Costs allocated to subsidiary by plan sponsors | $ 3 | $ 3 | $ 4
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | U.S. [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ (2) | $ (2) | $ (1)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 4 | $ 5 | $ 9
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ 2 | $ 2 | $ 1
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] |  |  |
Amortization of: |  |  |
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ (2) | $ (2) | $ (1)
Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits) Charged to Operating Expense or Regulatory Assets, Excluding Amounts Charged to Construction and Other Non-expense Accounts (Details) [Abstract] |  |  |
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts | $ 1 | $ 2 | $ 2
Amortization period for the deferred recovery of a regulatory asset | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years
Deferred recovery of the difference between pension costs calculated with pension accounting policy and pension cost using 15 year amortization period | $ 2 | $ 2 | $ 1

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- Definition The pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets or liabilities as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The net gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets or liabilities that is a reclassification adjustment of other comprehensive income as a result of being recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the period. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The amount of net gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets or liabilities attributed to the sale, liquidation, spin-off or other divestiture of a corporate division or subsidiary. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The amount of net (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets or liabilities as a result of an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Examples of transactions that constitute a settlement include (a) making lump-sum cash payments to plan participants in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and (b) purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts to cover vested benefits. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition Amount of cost (credit) included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit) for fiscal year following most recent annual statement of financial position. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (s) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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