Inventories and natural gas in storage

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale	$	133,477	$	116,399	$	115,268
Asphalt oil	40,781		26,682		30,360
Natural gas in storage (current)	29,084		29,974		20,950
Materials and supplies	23,563		20,778		18,650
Merchandise for resale	15,954		15,346		14,905
Other	27,434		23,376		26,450
Total	$	270,293	$	232,555	$	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 September 30, 2018 and 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively.