401k's - Protected or not?

[Life_is_Good]

Hello All -

I'm wondering what happens to a 401k if the employer goes belly up? I'm talking about a mid sized corporation. For bank deposits there is the FDIC. For Pensions there is the PBGC.

When I retired early, I left my 401K at the old employer. It continues to grow and I see no reason to roll it into an IRA at this time unless I feel the firm may experience financial hardships.

Is there any Federal protection for 401k's similar to the protections listed above?