Inventories and natural gas in storage

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

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, 2019		September 30, 2018		December 31, 2018
	(In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale	$	143,157	$	133,477	$	139,681
Asphalt oil	39,269		40,781		54,741
Materials and supplies	25,696		23,563		23,611
Merchandise for resale	23,902		15,954		22,552
Natural gas in storage (current)	32,164		29,084		22,117
Other	21,869		27,434		24,607
Total	$	286,057	$	270,293	$	287,309

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 $48.2 million, $47.8 million and $48.5 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, and December 31, 2018, respectively.