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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jan. 12, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jan. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Settlements/curtailments |  |  | $ (800)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments |  |  |  |
Total net pension benefits cost | (1,458)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost |  | 16,669us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost |  |  |  |
United States Pension Plan of US Entity |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate |  |  |  |  |  | 5.14%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 4.97%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Pension Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | 1,979us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 2,841us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Interest cost | 9,564us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 8,169us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Expected return on assets | (11,082)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | (10,205)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Actuarial loss | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 15,432alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [1] |  |  |
Amortization of prior service benefit | 30us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | (273)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Total net pension benefits cost | 491us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 15,964us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Postretirement Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | 66us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 54us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Interest cost | 668us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 760us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Expected return on assets | (65)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | (85)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Amortization of prior service benefit | (24)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | (24)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Settlements/curtailments | (2,594)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [2] | 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Total net pension benefits cost | (1,949)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 705us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | United States Pension Plan of US Entity |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation |  |  |  |  | 39,126us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Fair value of plan assets |  |  |  |  | 29,314us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Funded status |  |  |  |  | (9,812)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Discount rate |  |  |  |  | 4.09%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Expected return on plan assets |  |  |  |  | 6.03%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Rate of compensation increase |  |  |  |  | 0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Foreign Pension Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation |  |  |  |  | 417,312us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Fair value of plan assets |  |  |  |  | 110,289us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Funded status |  |  |  |  | $ (307,023)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Discount rate |  |  |  |  | 2.36%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Expected return on plan assets |  |  |  |  | 5.78%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Rate of compensation increase |  |  |  |  | 2.79%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis = alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
[1] | In connection with a realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which resulted in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for our U.S. defined benefit plan which covers non-represented employees and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these two plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for all of our domestic pension plans was 4.97% compared to 5.14% at December 31, 2013. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) of $15.4 million in the first quarter of 2014 related to these two plans.
[2] | We assumed responsibility for one domestic OPEB plan in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood which covered a small number of active employees and retirees. This plan was terminated in the first quarter of 2015 and provisions were made for the affected employees and retirees to receive benefits under an existing plan. A gain of $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of this plan.

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- Definition Mark-to-market adjustments for the gain or losses occurring on pension or postretirement plans during the year, and any mark-to-market true-up or other adjustments. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Prior Service Cost -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177896 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the 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 (k)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition Expected rate of compensation increases (for pay-related plans). + 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 (k)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512046 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition 1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date. + 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 (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904 + Details
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- Definition An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets. + 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 (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 50 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49178875&loc=d3e12355-114930 + Details
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- Definition The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Will normally be the same as the net Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet, Total. + 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 (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919 + Details
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- Definition The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. + 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)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. + 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 (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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- Definition The amount of net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost as a result of an event that significantly reduces the expected years of future service of present employees or eliminates for a significant number of employees the accrual of defined benefits for some or all of their future services. + 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)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Plan Curtailment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6520938 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 15 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7577095&loc=d3e8001-114927 + Details
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- Definition The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the 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)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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