| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORP |
| Local Phone Number | 734-6799 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000019745 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11590 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 51-0064146 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 909 Silver Lake Boulevard |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dover |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DE |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19904 |
| City Area Code | 302 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock - par value per share $0.4867 |
| Trading Symbol | CPK |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
