Inventories and natural gas in storage

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories and natural gas in storage

Inventories and natural gas in storage

Natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations is generally carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, or cost using the last-in, first-out method. All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The portion of the cost of natural gas in storage expected to be used within one year was included in inventories. Inventories on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale	$	123,053	$	120,392	$	115,268
Asphalt oil	61,647		50,538		30,360
Materials and supplies	19,493		22,074		18,650
Merchandise for resale	16,378		16,546		14,905
Natural gas in storage (current)	10,936		11,282		20,950
Other	26,285		29,777		26,450
Total	$	257,792	$	250,609	$	226,583

The remainder of natural gas in storage, which largely represents the cost of gas required to maintain pressure levels for normal operating purposes, was included in deferred charges and other assets - other and was $47.8 million, $49.5 million and $49.3 million at March 31, 2018 and 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively.