| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?> |
<FilingSummary> |
| <Version> 3.8.0.1 </Version> |
| <ProcessingTime/> |
| <ReportFormat> html </ReportFormat> |
| <ContextCount> 681 </ContextCount> |
| <ElementCount> 632 </ElementCount> |
| <EntityCount> 1 </EntityCount> |
| <FootnotesReported> true </FootnotesReported> |
| <SegmentCount> 186 </SegmentCount> |
| <ScenarioCount> 0 </ScenarioCount> |
| <TuplesReported> false </TuplesReported> |
| <UnitCount> 4 </UnitCount> |
| <MyReports> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R1.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Document and Entity Information </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Cover </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 1 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R2.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Income </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 2 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R3.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 3 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R4.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1003001 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Parenthetical </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Parenthetical </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 4 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R5.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheets </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 5 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R6.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1004501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 6 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R7.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Equity </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Equity </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 7 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R8.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1006000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Statements </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 8 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R9.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2101100 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of significant accounting policies </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 9 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R10.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2102100 - Disclosure - Discontinued operations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Discontinued operations </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 10 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R11.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2103100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and other intangible assets </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 11 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R12.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2104100 - Disclosure - Regulatory assets and liabilities </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Regulatory assets and liabilities </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 12 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R13.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2105100 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurements </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 13 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R14.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2106100 - Disclosure - Debt </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/Debt </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Debt </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 14 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R15.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2107100 - Disclosure - Asset retirement obligations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Asset retirement obligations </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 15 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R16.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2108100 - Disclosure - Preferred stocks </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PreferredStocks </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Preferred stocks </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 16 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R17.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2109100 - Disclosure - Common stock </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CommonStock </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Common stock </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 17 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R18.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2110100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/StockBasedCompensation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Stock-Based Compensation </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 18 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R19.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2111100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IncomeTaxes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 19 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R20.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2112100 - Disclosure - Cash flow information </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CashFlowInformation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Cash flow information </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 20 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R21.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2113100 - Disclosure - Business segment data </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BusinessSegmentData </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Business segment data </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 21 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R22.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2114100 - Disclosure - Employee benefit plans </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Employee benefit plans </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 22 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R23.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2115100 - Disclosure - Jointly owned facilities </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/JointlyOwnedFacilities </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Jointly owned facilities </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 23 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R24.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2116100 - Disclosure - Regulatory matters </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/RegulatoryMatters </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Regulatory matters </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 24 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R25.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2117100 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and contingencies </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 25 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R26.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2119100 - Disclosure - Quarterly data </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/QuarterlyData </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly data </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 26 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R27.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2120100 - Disclosure - Exploration and production activities (Unaudited) (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ExplorationAndProductionActivitiesUnauditedNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Exploration and production activities (Unaudited) (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Notes </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 27 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R28.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2121100 - Schedule - Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ScheduleICondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 28 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R29.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2122100 - Schedule - Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ScheduleIiConsolidatedValuationAndQualifyingAccounts </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 29 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R30.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2201201 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 30 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R31.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2205201 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 31 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R32.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2213201 - Disclosure - Business segment data Business segment data (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BusinessSegmentDataBusinessSegmentDataPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Business segment data Business segment data (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 32 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R33.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2301302 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 33 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R34.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2302301 - Disclosure - Discontinued operations (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Discontinued operations (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 34 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R35.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2303301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 35 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R36.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2304301 - Disclosure - Regulatory assets and liabilities (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Regulatory assets and liabilities (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 36 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R37.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2305302 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 37 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R38.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2306301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DebtTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Debt (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 38 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R39.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2307301 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 39 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R40.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2308301 - Disclosure - Preferred Stocks (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PreferredStocksTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Preferred Stocks (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 40 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R41.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2310301 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 41 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R42.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2311301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 42 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R43.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2312301 - Disclosure - Cash flow information (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CashFlowInformationTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Cash flow information (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 43 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R44.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2313302 - Disclosure - Business segment data (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BusinessSegmentDataTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Business segment data (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 44 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R45.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2314301 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 45 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R46.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2315301 - Disclosure - Jointly owned facilities (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/JointlyOwnedFacilitiesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Jointly owned facilities (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 46 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R47.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2317301 - Disclosure - Commitment and Contingencies Disclosure (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CommitmentAndContingenciesDisclosureTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitment and Contingencies Disclosure (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 47 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R48.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2319301 - Disclosure - Quarterly data (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/QuarterlyDataTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly data (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 48 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R49.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401403 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/AccountsReceivableAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 49 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R50.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401404 - Disclosure - Inventories and natural gas in storage (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/InventoriesAndNaturalGasInStorageDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Inventories and natural gas in storage (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 50 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R51.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401405 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, plant and equipment (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 51 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R52.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401406 - Disclosure - Impairment of long-lived assets (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Impairment of long-lived assets (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 52 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R53.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401407 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GoodwillDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 53 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R54.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401408 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Revenue recognition (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 54 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R55.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401409 - Disclosure - Percentage-of-completion method (Details 7) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PercentageOfCompletionMethodDetails7 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Percentage-of-completion method (Details 7) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 55 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R56.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401410 - Disclosure - Natural gas costs recoverable or refundable through rate adjustments (Details 8) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NaturalGasCostsRecoverableOrRefundableThroughRateAdjustmentsDetails8 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Natural gas costs recoverable or refundable through rate adjustments (Details 8) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 56 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R57.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401411 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Details 9) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails9 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income taxes (Details 9) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 57 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R58.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401412 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per common share (Details 10) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareDetails10 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Earnings (loss) per common share (Details 10) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 58 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R59.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401413 - Disclosure - New accounting standards (Details 11) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsDetails11 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> New accounting standards (Details 11) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 59 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R60.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401414 - Disclosure - Comprehensive income (loss) (Details 12) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails12 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Comprehensive income (loss) (Details 12) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 60 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R61.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2401415 - Disclosure - Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (Details 13) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails13 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (Details 13) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 61 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R62.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402402 - Disclosure - Pronghorn (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PronghornDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Pronghorn (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 62 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R63.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402403 - Disclosure - Major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MajorClassesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 63 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R64.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402404 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling interest (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Noncontrolling interest (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 64 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R65.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402405 - Disclosure - Major classes of assets and liabilities (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MajorClassesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Major classes of assets and liabilities (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 65 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R66.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402406 - Disclosure - Major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MajorClassesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 66 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R67.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402407 - Disclosure - Taxes and operating loss carryforwards (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/TaxesAndOperatingLossCarryforwardsDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Taxes and operating loss carryforwards (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 67 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R68.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402408 - Disclosure - Impairment fair value, ceiling test and transactions costs (Details 7) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ImpairmentFairValueCeilingTestAndTransactionsCostsDetails7 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Impairment fair value, ceiling test and transactions costs (Details 7) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 68 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R69.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402409 - Disclosure - Business exit costs (Details 8) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BusinessExitCostsDetails8 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Business exit costs (Details 8) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 69 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R70.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402410 - Disclosure - Derivative instruments gains and losses on derivative instruments (Details 9) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGainsAndLossesOnDerivativeInstrumentsDetails9 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Derivative instruments gains and losses on derivative instruments (Details 9) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 70 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R71.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2402411 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of income and expenses (Details 10) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ReconciliationOfIncomeAndExpensesDetails10 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Reconciliation of income and expenses (Details 10) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 71 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R72.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2403402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 72 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R73.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2403403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 73 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R74.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2404402 - Disclosure - Regulatory assets and liabilities (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/RegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Regulatory assets and liabilities (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 74 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R75.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405403 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements insurance contracts (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInsuranceContractsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements insurance contracts (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 75 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R76.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405404 - Disclosure - Available-for-sale securities (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Available-for-sale securities (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 76 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R77.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405405 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 77 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R78.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405406 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value measurements (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 78 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R79.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406402 - Disclosure - Credit facilities (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CreditFacilitiesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Credit facilities (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 79 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R80.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406403 - Disclosure - Long-term borrowings (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/LongTermBorrowingsDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Long-term borrowings (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 80 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R81.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406404 - Disclosure - Long-term debt outstanding (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/LongTermDebtOutstandingDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Long-term debt outstanding (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 81 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R82.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406405 - Disclosure - Schedule of debt maturities (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ScheduleOfDebtMaturitiesDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule of debt maturities (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 82 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R83.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2407402 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 83 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R84.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2408402 - Disclosure - Preferred Stocks (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PreferredStocksDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Preferred Stocks (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 84 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R85.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2409401 - Disclosure - Common stock (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CommonStockDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Common stock (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 85 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R86.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2410402 - Disclosure - Stock based compensation plans (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Stock based compensation plans (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 86 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R87.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2410403 - Disclosure - Stock awards (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/StockAwardsDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Stock awards (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 87 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R88.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2410404 - Disclosure - Performance share awards (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PerformanceShareAwardsDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Performance share awards (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 88 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R89.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411402 - Disclosure - Components of income before income taxes from continuing operations (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxesFromContinuingOperationsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Components of income before income taxes from continuing operations (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 89 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R90.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411403 - Disclosure - Income tax expense (benefit) (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income tax expense (benefit) (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 90 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R91.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411404 - Disclosure - Tax reform (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/TaxReformDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Tax reform (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 91 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R92.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411405 - Disclosure - Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 92 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R93.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411406 - Disclosure - Carryforwards (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CarryforwardsDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Carryforwards (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 93 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R94.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411407 - Disclosure - Deferred tax reconciliation (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DeferredTaxReconciliationDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Deferred tax reconciliation (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 94 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R95.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411408 - Disclosure - Income tax expense (benefit) statutory rate versus actual rate (Details 7) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitStatutoryRateVersusActualRateDetails7 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income tax expense (benefit) statutory rate versus actual rate (Details 7) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 95 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R96.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2411409 - Disclosure - Unrecognized tax benefits (Details 8) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails8 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Unrecognized tax benefits (Details 8) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 96 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R97.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2412402 - Disclosure - Cash flow information (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CashFlowInformationDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Cash flow information (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 97 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R98.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2413403 - Disclosure - Business segment data (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BusinessSegmentDataDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Business segment data (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 98 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R99.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414402 - Disclosure - Change in benefit obligations and plan assets (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ChangeInBenefitObligationsAndPlanAssetsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Change in benefit obligations and plan assets (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 99 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R100.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414403 - Disclosure - Benefit obligations in excess of plan assets (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/BenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Benefit obligations in excess of plan assets (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 100 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R101.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414404 - Disclosure - Components of net periodic benefit cost (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Components of net periodic benefit cost (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 101 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R102.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414405 - Disclosure - Estimated net loss and prior service credit (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EstimatedNetLossAndPriorServiceCreditDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Estimated net loss and prior service credit (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 102 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R103.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414406 - Disclosure - Weighted average assumptions (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/WeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Weighted average assumptions (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 103 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R104.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414407 - Disclosure - Expected rate of return (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ExpectedRateOfReturnDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Expected rate of return (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 104 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R105.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414408 - Disclosure - Health care rate assumptions and cost trend rate (Details 7) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/HealthCareRateAssumptionsAndCostTrendRateDetails7 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Health care rate assumptions and cost trend rate (Details 7) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 105 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R106.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414409 - Disclosure - Fair value - pension (Details 8) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValuePensionDetails8 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value - pension (Details 8) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 106 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R107.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414410 - Disclosure - Fair value - other postretirement (Details 9) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FairValueOtherPostretirementDetails9 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair value - other postretirement (Details 9) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 107 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R108.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414411 - Disclosure - Estimated future benefit payments and subsidies (Details 10) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAndSubsidiesDetails10 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Estimated future benefit payments and subsidies (Details 10) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 108 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R109.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414412 - Disclosure - Nonqualified defined benefit plan (Details 11) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NonqualifiedDefinedBenefitPlanDetails11 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Nonqualified defined benefit plan (Details 11) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 109 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R110.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414413 - Disclosure - Defined contribution plans (Details 12) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/DefinedContributionPlansDetails12 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Defined contribution plans (Details 12) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 110 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R111.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414414 - Disclosure - Multiemployer plans (Details 13) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MultiemployerPlansDetails13 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Multiemployer plans (Details 13) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 111 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R112.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2414415 - Disclosure - Multiemployer other postretirement and defined contribution plans (Details 14) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MultiemployerOtherPostretirementAndDefinedContributionPlansDetails14 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Multiemployer other postretirement and defined contribution plans (Details 14) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 112 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R113.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2415402 - Disclosure - Jointly owned facilities (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/JointlyOwnedFacilitiesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Jointly owned facilities (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 113 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R114.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416401 - Disclosure - IPUC (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/IpucDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> IPUC (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 114 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R115.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416402 - Disclosure - MNPUC (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MnpucDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> MNPUC (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 115 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R116.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416403 - Disclosure - MTPSC (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/MtpscDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> MTPSC (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 116 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R117.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416404 - Disclosure - NDPSC (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NdpscDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> NDPSC (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 117 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R118.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416405 - Disclosure - OPUC (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/OpucDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> OPUC (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 118 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R119.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416406 - Disclosure - WUTC (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/WutcDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> WUTC (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 119 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R120.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2416407 - Disclosure - FERC (Details 7) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/FercDetails7 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> FERC (Details 7) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 120 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R121.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417402 - Disclosure - Litigation (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/LitigationDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Litigation (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 121 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R122.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417403 - Disclosure - Enviromental matters (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/EnviromentalMattersDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Enviromental matters (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 122 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R123.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417404 - Disclosure - Operating leases (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/OperatingLeasesDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Operating leases (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 123 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R124.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417405 - Disclosure - Purchase commitments (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/PurchaseCommitmentsDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Purchase commitments (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 124 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R125.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417406 - Disclosure - Guarantees (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/GuaranteesDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Guarantees (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 125 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R126.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417407 - Disclosure - Variable interest entities (Details 6) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails6 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Variable interest entities (Details 6) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 126 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R127.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2419402 - Disclosure - Quarterly financial information (Unaudited) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly financial information (Unaudited) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 127 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R128.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421401 - Schedule - Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 128 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R129.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421402 - Schedule - Condensed Balance Sheets (Details 3) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsDetails3 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Condensed Balance Sheets (Details 3) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 129 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R130.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421403 - Schedule - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details 4) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails4 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details 4) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 130 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R131.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421404 - Schedule - Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details 5) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/NotesToCondensedFinancialStatementsDetails5 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details 5) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 131 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report instance="a2017form10-k.htm"> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R132.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2422401 - Schedule - Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details 2) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.mdu.com/role/ScheduleIiConsolidatedValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails2 </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details 2) </ShortName> |
| | | <MenuCategory> Uncategorized </MenuCategory> |
| | | <Position> 132 </Position> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <LongName> All Reports </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Book </ReportType> |
| | | <ShortName> All Reports </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | </MyReports> |
| <InputFiles> |
| | <File doctype="10-K" original="a2017form10-k.htm"> a2017form10-k.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex12.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex21.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex23.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex31a.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex31b.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex32.htm </File> |
| | <File> a2017ex95.htm </File> |
| | <File> mdu-20171231.xsd </File> |
| | <File> mdu-20171231_cal.xml </File> |
| | <File> mdu-20171231_def.xml </File> |
| | <File> mdu-20171231_lab.xml </File> |
| | <File> mdu-20171231_pre.xml </File> |
| | </InputFiles> |
| <SupplementalFiles/> |
| <BaseTaxonomies> |
| | <BaseTaxonomy> http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31 </BaseTaxonomy> |
| | <BaseTaxonomy> http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31 </BaseTaxonomy> |
| | </BaseTaxonomies> |
| <HasPresentationLinkbase> true </HasPresentationLinkbase> |
| <HasCalculationLinkbase> true </HasCalculationLinkbase> |
| </FilingSummary> |