Some companies, like Continental, offer both 401(k) and traditional "defined-benefit" pensions.

Today, defined-benefit pensions are dwindling across industries, as companies force retirees and active workers to pick up part of their health costs.

They've also moved away from providing long-term job security or traditional defined-benefit pensions.

With the fall in the stock market we now see that a secure, defined-benefit pension has its merits after all.

A spokeswoman said that despite the change, the company was "still committed to defined-benefit pensions."

Milliman surveyed the 100 largest American companies that offer traditional, defined-benefit pensions to their workers.

Further, like many other companies, we do provide for retirement security through an excellent defined-benefit pension.

Second, more truth-in-accounting is likely to accelerate the trend away from defined-benefit pensions.

Some local governments do not offer defined-benefit pensions but may offer a defined contribution plan.

Many companies dislike defined-benefit pensions because such plans are highly regulated and put all the investment risk on the company.