Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) 10-Q 5 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORP
Trading Symbol	CPK
Entity Central Index Key	19,745
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,308,467

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Revenues
Regulated Energy	$ 89,216	$ 109,582
Unregulated Energy	57,080	60,499
Total Operating Revenues	146,296	170,081
Operating Expenses
Regulated Energy cost of sales	34,905	57,129
Unregulated Energy and other cost of sales	34,024	35,234
Operations	27,159	26,945
Maintenance	2,479	2,703
Depreciation and amortization	7,503	6,975
Other taxes	3,846	3,587
Total Operating Expenses	109,916	132,573
Operating Income	36,380	37,508
Other (Expense) Income, net	(34)	133
Interest charges	2,650	2,448
Income Before Income Taxes	33,696	35,193
Income taxes	13,329	14,084
Net Income	$ 20,367	$ 21,109
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (shares)	15,286,842	14,604,841
Diluted (shares)	15,331,912	14,656,310
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.45
Diluted (in dollars per share)	1.33	1.44
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2875	$ 0.27

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 20,367	$ 21,109
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax of $(8) and $(7), respectively	(12)	(10)
Net gain, net of tax of $67 and $62, respectively	101	92
Cash Flow Hedges, net of tax:
Unrealized loss on commodity contract cash flow hedges, net of tax of $- and $17, respectively	0	26
Total Other Comprehensive Income	89	108
Comprehensive Income	$ 20,456	$ 21,217

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost, tax	$ (8)	$ (7)
Net gain, tax	67	62
Unrealized loss on commodity contract cash flow hedges, tax	$ 0	$ 17

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment
Regulated Energy	$ 850,041	$ 842,756
Unregulated Energy	147,221	145,734
Other businesses and eliminations	19,430	18,999
Total property, plant and equipment	1,016,692	1,007,489
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(222,650)	(215,313)
Plus: Construction work in progress	87,187	62,774
Net property, plant and equipment	881,229	854,950
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,315	2,855
Accounts receivable (less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $684 and $909, respectively)	44,434	41,007
Accrued revenue	12,331	12,452
Propane inventory, at average cost	5,412	6,619
Other inventory, at average cost	4,289	3,803
Regulatory assets	6,451	8,268
Storage gas prepayments	1,213	3,410
Income taxes receivable	16,260	24,950
Prepaid expenses	4,982	7,146
Mark-to-market energy assets	0	153
Other current assets	1,688	1,044
Total current assets	100,375	111,707
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
Goodwill	15,070	14,548
Other intangible assets, net	2,128	2,222
Investments, at fair value	3,674	3,644
Regulatory assets	76,934	77,519
Receivables and other deferred charges	2,574	2,831
Total deferred charges and other assets	100,380	100,764
Total Assets	1,081,984	1,067,421
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, par value $0.4867 per share (authorized 25,000,000 shares)	7,449	7,432
Additional paid-in capital	190,389	190,311
Retained earnings	182,165	166,235
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,751)	(5,840)
Deferred compensation obligation	2,221	1,883
Treasury stock	(2,221)	(1,883)
Total stockholders’ equity	374,252	358,138
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	148,602	149,006
Total capitalization	522,854	507,144
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	9,163	9,151
Short-term borrowing	172,742	173,397
Accounts payable	36,299	39,300
Customer deposits and refunds	27,039	27,173
Accrued interest	3,021	1,311
Dividends payable	4,400	4,390
Accrued compensation	4,107	10,014
Regulatory liabilities	9,313	7,365
Mark-to-market energy liabilities	423	433
Other accrued liabilities	7,942	7,059
Total current liabilities	274,449	279,593
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	197,416	192,600
Regulatory liabilities	42,946	43,064
Environmental liabilities	8,843	8,942
Other pension and benefit costs	32,848	33,481
Deferred investment tax credits and other liabilities	2,628	2,597
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	$ 284,681	$ 280,684
Other commitments and contingencies
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 1,081,984	$ 1,067,421

Condensed Consolidated Balance6

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 684	$ 909
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.4867	$ 0.4867
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net Income	$ 20,367	$ 21,109
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	7,503	6,975
Depreciation and accretion included in other costs	1,646	1,689
Deferred income taxes, net	4,326	(496)
Realized (gain) loss on commodity contracts/sale of assets/investments	479	(840)
Unrealized loss on investments/commodity contracts	18	21
Employee benefits and compensation	380	300
Share-based compensation	649	537
Other, net	24	4
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and accrued revenue	(3,738)	(8,014)
Propane inventory, storage gas and other inventory	3,073	5,337
Regulatory assets/liabilities, net	3,941	16,507
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,358	2,500
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(1,604)	350
Income taxes receivable	8,841	21,753
Customer deposits and refunds	(134)	(2,890)
Accrued compensation	(5,943)	(5,262)
Other assets and liabilities, net	1,242	2,753
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,428	62,333
Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment expenditures	(36,847)	(25,482)
Proceeds from sales of assets	51	198
Environmental expenditures	(99)	(49)
Net cash used in investing activities	(36,895)	(25,333)
Financing Activities
Common stock dividends	(4,204)	(3,763)
Issuance of stock for Dividend Reinvestment Plan	195	217
Change in cash overdrafts due to outstanding checks	(1,501)	(2,191)
Net borrowing (repayment) under line of credit agreements	839	(19,269)
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligation	(402)	(398)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,073)	(25,404)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	460	11,596
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Beginning of Period	2,855	4,574
Cash and Cash Equivalents—End of Period	$ 3,315	$ 16,170

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Deferred Compensation [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	[1]		14,588,711
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 300,322	$ 7,100	$ 156,581	$ 142,317	$ (5,676)	$ 1,258	$ (1,258)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income		41,140			41,140
Other comprehensive loss		(164)				(164)
Dividend declared ($1.1325 per share)		(17,222)			(17,222)
Retirement savings plan and dividend reinvestment plan (shares)			43,275
Retirement savings plan and dividend reinvestment plan		2,235	$ 21	2,214
Common stock issued in acquisition (shares)			592,970
Common stock issued in acquisition		30,165	$ 289	29,876
Share-based compensation (shares)	[1],[2],[3]		45,703
Share-based compensation and tax benefit	[2],[3]	1,662	$ 22	1,640
Treasury stock activities		0					625	(625)
Ending Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	[1]		15,270,659
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2015		358,138	$ 7,432	190,311	166,235	(5,840)	1,883	(1,883)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income		20,367			20,367
Other comprehensive loss		89				89
Dividend declared ($0.2875 per share) and dividend reinvestment plan (shares)			6,787
Dividend declared ($0.2875 per share) and dividend reinvestment plan		(4,057)	$ 3	377	(4,437)
Share-based compensation (shares)	[1],[2],[3]		27,522
Share-based compensation and tax benefit	[2],[3]	(285)	$ 14	(299)
Treasury stock activities		0					338	(338)
Ending Balances (shares) at Mar. 31, 2016	[1]		15,304,968
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2016		$ 374,252	$ 7,449	$ 190,389	$ 182,165	$ (5,751)	$ 2,221	$ (2,221)
[1]	Includes 75,959 and 70,631 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, held in a Rabbi Trust related to our Deferred Compensation Plan.
[2]	Includes amounts for shares issued for Directors’ compensation.
[3]	The shares issued under the SICP are net of shares withheld for employee taxes. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2015, we withheld 12,031 and 12,620 shares, respectively, for taxes.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2875	$ 1.1325
Deferred compensation plan held Rabbi Trust (shares)	75,959	70,631
Shares issued under the performance incentive plan withheld for employee taxes (shares)	12,031	12,620

Summary of Accounting Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Accounting Policies	Summary of Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation References in this document to the “Company,” “Chesapeake Utilities,” “we,” “us” and “our” are intended to mean Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, its divisions and/or its subsidiaries, as appropriate in the context of the disclosure. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and GAAP. In accordance with these rules and regulations, certain information and disclosures normally required for audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Due to the seasonality of our business, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. Revenue and earnings are typically greater during the first and fourth quarters, when consumption of energy is highest due to colder temperatures. We reclassified certain amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications are considered immaterial to the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements. FASB Statements and Other Authoritative Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Interest - Imputation of Interest (ASC 835-30) - In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . This standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. ASU 2015-03 became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and we applied the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption of this standard, debt issuance costs totaling $323,000 and $333,000 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, previously presented as other deferred charges, a non-current asset, are now presented as a deduction from long-term debt, net of current maturities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASC 350-40) - In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. Under the new standard, unless a software arrangement includes specific elements enabling customers to possess and operate software on platforms other than that offered by the cloud-based provider, the cost of such arrangements is to be accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. ASU 2015-05 became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and has been applied on a prospective basis. The standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations for the quarter. Debt Issuance Costs (ASC 835-30) - In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements . This standard clarifies treatment of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements that were not specifically addressed in ASU 2015-03. Issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements may be treated as an asset and amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU 2015-15 became effective for us on January 1, 2016. The standard did not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. Business Combinations (ASC 805) - In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments . The standard eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement-period adjustment (including the impact of prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. ASU 2015-16 was effective for our interim and annual financial statements issued after January 1, 2016 and was adopted on a prospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASC 740) - In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires all deferred assets and liabilities along with any related valuation allowance to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet for our annual financial statements beginning January 1, 2017 and for our interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2018; however, early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis and adjusted the December 31, 2015 balance sheet, by eliminating the current deferred income taxes asset and decreasing noncurrent deferred income taxes liability by $831,000 . Recent Accounting Standards Yet to be Adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, as well as across industries and capital markets. The standard contains principles that entities will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and when it is recognized. On July 9, 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal to defer the implementation of this standard by one year. For public entities, this standard is effective for 2018 interim and annual financial statements. We are assessing the impact this standard may have on our financial position and results of operations. Inventory (ASC 330) - In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory. Under this guidance, inventories are required to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less costs associated with completion, disposal and transportation. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for our interim and annual financial statements issued beginning January 1, 2017; however, early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be adopted on a prospective basis. We are assessing the impact this standard may have on our financial position and results of operations. Leases (ASC 842) - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides updated guidance regarding accounting for leases. This update requires a lessee to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for our annual and interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. This update will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are evaluating the effect of this update on our financial position and results of operations. Compensation (ASC 718) - In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for our annual and interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2017, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments included in this update are to be applied prospectively except for changes impacting the presentation of the cash flow statement that can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. We are evaluating the effect of this update on our financial position and results of operations.

Calculation of Earnings Per Sha

Calculation of Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Earnings Per Share	Calculation of Earnings Per Share Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except shares and per share data) Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Share: Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 Weighted average shares outstanding 15,286,842 14,604,841 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 1.33 $ 1.45 Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Share: Reconciliation of Numerator: Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 Reconciliation of Denominator: Weighted shares outstanding—Basic 15,286,842 14,604,841 Effect of dilutive securities: Share-based compensation 45,070 51,469 Adjusted denominator—Diluted 15,331,912 14,656,310 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 1.33 $ 1.44

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Gatherco Acquisition On April 1, 2015, we completed the merger with Gatherco, in which Gatherco merged with and into Aspire Energy, our then newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary. Aspire Energy is an unregulated natural gas infrastructure company with approximately 2,500 miles of pipeline systems in 40 counties throughout Ohio. The majority of Aspire Energy’s margin is derived from long-term supply agreements with Columbia Gas of Ohio and Consumers Gas Cooperative which together serve more than 20,000 end-use customers. Aspire Energy sources gas primarily from 300 conventional producers. Aspire Energy also provides gathering and processing services necessary to maintain quality and reliability to its wholesale markets. At closing, we issued 592,970 shares of our common stock, valued at $30.2 million based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE on April 1, 2015. In addition, we paid $27.5 million in cash and assumed $1.7 million of existing outstanding debt, which we paid off on the same date. We also acquired $6.8 million of cash on hand at closing. (in thousands) Net Purchase Price Chesapeake Utilities common stock $ 30,164 Cash 27,494 Acquired debt 1,696 Aggregate amount paid in the acquisition 59,354 Less: cash acquired (6,806 ) Net amount paid in the acquisition $ 52,548 The merger agreement provided for additional contingent cash consideration to Gatherco's shareholders of up to $15.0 million based on a percentage of revenue generated from potential new gathering opportunities over five years. We incurred $1.3 million in transaction costs associated with this merger, $514,000 of which was expensed during 2015. Transaction costs were included in operations expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. The revenue and net income from this acquisition for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , included in our condensed consolidated statements of income, were $7.9 million and $1.7 million , respectively. This acquisition was accretive to earnings per share in the first full year of operations, generating $0.03 in additional earnings per share. The purchase price allocation of the Gatherco acquisition is as follows: Purchase price (in thousands) Allocation Purchase price $ 57,658 Property plant and equipment 53,203 Cash 6,806 Accounts receivable 3,629 Income taxes receivable 3,163 Other assets 425 Total assets acquired 67,226 Long-term debt 1,696 Deferred income taxes 13,409 Accounts payable 3,837 Other current liabilities 745 Total liabilities assumed 19,687 Net identifiable assets acquired 47,539 Goodwill $ 10,119 The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill reflects the value paid primarily for opportunities for growth in a new, strategic geographic area. All of the goodwill from this acquisition was recorded in the Unregulated Energy segment and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. In December 2015 and during the first quarter of 2016, we adjusted the allocation of the purchase price based on additional information available. The adjustments resulted in a change in the fair value of property, plant and equipment, deferred income tax liabilities, inventory, income taxes receivable and other current liabilities. Goodwill from the merger decreased from $11.1 million to $10.1 million after incorporating these adjustments. The allocation of the purchase price and valuation of assets are final. The valuation of additional contingent cash consideration may be adjusted as additional information becomes available. Other acquisitions On May 7, 2015, we purchased certain propane distribution assets used to serve 253 customers in Citrus County, Florida for approximately $242,000 . In connection with this acquisition, we recorded $186,000 in intangible assets related to a non-compete agreement and the customer list to be amortized over six and 10 years, respectively. The remaining purchase price was allocated to property, plant and equipment and accounts receivable. The revenue and net income from this acquisition that were included in our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were not material.

Rates and Other Regulatory Acti

Rates and Other Regulatory Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities	Rates and Other Regulatory Activities Our natural gas and electric distribution operations in Delaware, Maryland and Florida are subject to regulation by their respective PSC; Eastern Shore, our natural gas transmission subsidiary, is subject to regulation by the FERC; and Peninsula Pipeline, our intrastate pipeline subsidiary, is subject to regulation by the Florida PSC. Chesapeake Utilities' Florida natural gas distribution division and FPU’s natural gas and electric distribution operations continue to be subject to regulation by the Florida PSC as separate entities. Delaware Rate Case Filing: On December 21, 2015, our Delaware division filed an application with the Delaware PSC for a base rate increase and certain other changes to its tariff. We proposed an increase of $4.7 million , or nearly ten percent , in our revenue requirement based on the test period ending March 31, 2016. We also proposed new service offerings to promote growth and a revenue decoupling mechanism for residential and small commercial customers. A decision on the application is expected during the fourth quarter of 2016. Pending the decision, the Delaware division increased rates on an interim basis by $2.5 million effective February 19, 2016. These rates, which are subject to refund, represent a five percent increase over current rates. Maryland Sandpiper Rate Case Filing: On December 1, 2015, Sandpiper filed an application with the Maryland PSC for a base rate increase and certain other changes to its tariff. We proposed an increase of $950,000 , or five percent , in our revenue requirement, based on the test period ended December 31, 2015. We also proposed a stratification of rate classes, based on cost of service, and a revenue-decoupling mechanism for residential and small commercial customers. A decision on the application is expected during the third quarter of 2016. Florida On September 1, 2015, FPU’s electric division filed to recover the cost of the proposed Florida Power & Light Company interconnect project through FPU's annual Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery Clause filing. The interconnect project will enable FPU's electric division to negotiate a new power purchase agreement that will mitigate fuel costs for its Northeast division. This action was approved by the Florida PSC at its Agenda Conference held on December 3, 2015. On January 22, 2016, the Office of Public Counsel filed an appeal of the Florida PSC's decision with the Florida Supreme Court. Legal briefs have been filed, but no decision has been reached at this time. On February 2, 2016, FPU’s natural gas division filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of an amendment to its existing transportation agreement with the City of Lake Worth, located in Palm Beach County, Florida. The amendment allows the city to resell natural gas distributed by FPU to the city’s compressed natural gas station. The city will then resell the natural gas, after compression, to its customers. The amendment to the transportation agreement was approved by the Florida PSC at its Agenda Conference held April 5, 2016. Eastern Shore White Oak Mainline Expansion Project: On November 21, 2014, Eastern Shore submitted an application to the FERC seeking authorization to construct, own and operate certain expansion facilities designed to provide 45,000 Dts/d of firm transportation service to an industrial customer in Kent County, Delaware. Eastern Shore proposes to construct approximately 7.2 miles of 16 -inch diameter pipeline looping in Chester County, Pennsylvania and 3,550 horsepower of additional compression at Eastern Shore’s existing Delaware City Compressor Station in New Castle County, Delaware. On January 22, 2015, the FERC issued a notice of intent to prepare an environmental assessment for this project. In February, April and May 2015, Eastern Shore filed environmental data in response to comments regarding evaluation of alternate routes for a segment of the pipeline route in the vicinity of the Kemblesville, Pennsylvania Historic District. On June 2, 2015, a field meeting was conducted to review the proposed route and alternate routes. In response to comments received from the National Park Service and other stakeholders, the FERC requested that Eastern Shore conduct an additional investigation in relation to Eastern Shore's existing right-of-way. On July 9, 2015, the FERC issued a 30-day public scoping notice in advance of issuing an environmental assessment in order to solicit comments from the public regarding construction of the Kemblesville loop. On August 18, 2015, Eastern Shore submitted supplemental information to the FERC regarding the results of its investigation of the Kemblesville loop. On November 18, 2015, Eastern Shore filed an amendment to this application, which indicated the preferred pipeline route. On February 10, 2016 the FERC issued a notice to prepare an environmental assessment and will combine both the White Oak Mainline Expansion project and System Reliability Project into a single assessment. The environmental assessment was issued on April 25, 2016, with the FERC's 90-day authorization decision to be issued on July 24, 2016. On March 28, 2016, subsequent to the issuance of the schedule, FERC issued another environmental data request concerning the United States Department of Agriculture and an agricultural conservation easement on a tract of land where the White Oak Mainline Project would install a portion of the pipeline in its existing right-of way. On April 4, 2016, Eastern Shore responded to the data request. System Reliability Project: On May 22, 2015, Eastern Shore submitted an application to the FERC seeking authorization to construct, own and operate approximately 10.1 miles of 16 -inch pipeline looping and auxiliary facilities in New Castle and Kent Counties, Delaware and a new compressor at its existing Bridgeville compressor station in Sussex County, Delaware. Eastern Shore further proposes to reinforce critical points on its pipeline system. The total project will benefit all of Eastern Shore’s customers by modifying the pipeline system to respond to severe operational conditions experienced during actual winter peak days in 2014 and 2015. Since the project is intended to improve system reliability, Eastern Shore requested a predetermination of rolled-in rate treatment for the costs of the project. On June 8, 2015, the FERC filed a notice of the application, and the comment period ended on June 29, 2015. Two interested parties filed comments and protests with the FERC. Eastern Shore has filed answers to the comments and protests from the two parties. On September 4, 2015, the FERC issued a notice of intent to prepare an environmental assessment, and Eastern Shore responded to the FERC Staff's environmental data requests. On February 10, 2016, the FERC issued a notice combining the System Reliability Project and White Oak Mainline Expansion project into a single environmental assessment. On March 2, 2016, the FERC issued a revised notice rescheduling the issuance of the combined environmental assessment to April 25, 2016, with the 90-day authorization decision to be issued on July 24, 2016. TETLP Capacity Expansion Project: On October 13, 2015, Eastern Shore submitted an application to the FERC to make certain measurement and related improvements at its TETLP interconnect facilities, which would enable Eastern Shore to increase natural gas receipts from TETLP by 53,000 Dts/d, for a total capacity of 160,000 Dts/d. On December 22, 2015, the FERC authorized Eastern Shore to proceed with the project. On March 11, 2016, the capacity expansion project was placed into service.

Environmental Commitments and C

Environmental Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Environmental Commitments and Contingencies	Environmental Commitments and Contingencies We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control. These laws and regulations require us to remove or remediate at current and former operating sites the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of specified substances. MGP Sites We have participated in the investigation, assessment or remediation of, and have exposures at seven former MGP sites. Those sites are located in Salisbury, Maryland, Seaford, Delaware and Winter Haven, Key West, Pensacola, Sanford and West Palm Beach, Florida. We have also been in discussions with the MDE regarding another former MGP site located in Cambridge, Maryland. As of March 31, 2016 , we had approximately $10.0 million in environmental liabilities, representing our estimate of the future costs associated with all of FPU’s MGP sites in Florida, which include the Key West, Pensacola, Sanford and West Palm Beach sites. FPU has approval to recover, from insurance and from customers through rates, up to $14.0 million of its environmental costs related to all of its MGP sites, approximately $10.2 million of which has been recovered as of March 31, 2016 , leaving approximately $3.8 million in regulatory assets for future recovery of environmental costs from FPU’s customers. In addition to the FPU MGP sites, we had $353,000 in environmental liabilities at March 31, 2016 related to Chesapeake Utilities' MGP sites in Salisbury, Maryland and Winter Haven, Florida, representing our estimate of future costs associated with these sites. As of March 31, 2016 , we had approximately $58,000 in regulatory and other assets for future recovery through Chesapeake Utilities' rates. During the first quarter of 2015, we established $273,000 in environmental liabilities related to Chesapeake Utilities' MGP site in Seaford, Delaware, representing our estimate of future costs associated with this site, and recorded a regulatory asset for the same amount for probable future recovery through Chesapeake Utilities' rates via our environmental rider. On February 23, 2016, the Delaware PSC approved an environmental surcharge for the recovery of Chesapeake Utilities' environmental expenses associated with the Seaford site for the period of October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015. Chesapeake Utilities will file for recovery of its expenses incurred between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016 by October 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016 , we had approximately $186,000 in environmental liabilities and $269,000 in regulatory and other assets related to this site. Environmental liabilities for all of our MGP sites are recorded on an undiscounted basis based on the estimate of future costs provided by independent consultants. We continue to expect that all costs related to environmental remediation and related activities, including any potential future remediation costs for which we do not currently have approval for regulatory recovery, will be recoverable from customers through rates. West Palm Beach, Florida Remedial options are being evaluated to respond to environmental impacts to soil and groundwater at and in the immediate vicinity of a parcel of property owned by FPU in West Palm Beach, Florida, where FPU previously operated a MGP. FPU is implementing a remedial plan approved by the FDEP for the east parcel of the West Palm Beach site, which includes installation of monitoring test wells, sparging of air into the groundwater system and extraction of vapors from the subsurface. The Start-Up and Monitoring Report, dated November 30, 2015, was submitted for review and comment. A letter dated January 6, 2016, was received from FDEP, which provided minor comments. On January 12, 2016, FDEP conducted a facility inspection and found no problems or deficiencies. We expect that similar remedial actions will ultimately be implemented for other portions of the site. Estimated costs of remediation for the West Palm Beach site range from approximately $4.5 million to $15.4 million , including costs associated with the relocation of FPU’s operations at this site, which is necessary to implement the remedial plan, and any potential costs associated with future redevelopment of the properties. We continue to expect that all costs related to these activities will be recoverable from customers through rates. Sanford, Florida FPU is the current owner of property in Sanford, Florida, which was a former MGP site that was operated by several other entities before FPU acquired the property. FPU was never an owner or an operator of the MGP at this site. In January 2007, FPU and the Sanford Group signed a Third Participation Agreement, which provides for the funding of the final remedy approved by the EPA for the site. FPU’s share of remediation costs under the Third Participation Agreement is set at five percent of a maximum of $13.0 million , or $650,000 . As of March 31, 2016 , FPU has paid $650,000 to the Sanford Group escrow account for its entire share of the funding requirements. In December 2014, the EPA issued a preliminary close-out report, documenting the completion of all physical remedial construction activities at the Sanford site. Groundwater monitoring and statutory five-year reviews to ensure performance of the approved remedy will continue on this site. The total cost of the final remedy is estimated to be over $20.0 million , which includes long-term monitoring and the settlement of claims asserted by two adjacent property owners to resolve damages that the property owners allege they have incurred and will incur as a result of the implementation of the EPA-approved remediation. In settlement of these claims, members of the Sanford Group, which in this instance does not include FPU, have agreed to pay specified sums of money to the parties. FPU has refused to participate in the funding of the third-party settlement agreements based on its contention that it did not contribute to the release of hazardous substances at the site giving rise to the third-party claims. FPU has advised the other members of the Sanford Group that it is unwilling at this time to agree to pay any sum in excess of the $650,000 committed by FPU in the Third Participation Agreement. As of March 31, 2016 , FPU’s remaining remediation expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs, are estimated to be $24,000 . However, we are unable to determine, to a reasonable degree of certainty, whether the other members of the Sanford Group will accept FPU’s asserted defense to liability for costs exceeding $13.0 million to implement the final remedy for this site, as provided in the Third Participation Agreement, or will pursue a claim against FPU for a sum in excess of the $650,000 that FPU has paid under the Third Participation Agreement. No such claims have been made as of March 31, 2016 . Key West, Florida FPU formerly owned and operated a MGP in Key West, Florida. Field investigations performed in the 1990s identified limited environmental impacts at the site, which is currently owned by an unrelated third party. In 2010, after 17 years of regulatory inactivity, FDEP observed that some soil and groundwater standards were exceeded and requested implementation of additional soil and groundwater fieldwork. The scope of work is limited to the installation of two additional monitoring wells and periodic monitoring of the new and existing wells. The two additional monitoring wells were installed in November 2011, and groundwater monitoring began in December 2011. The first semi-annual report from the monitoring program was issued in May 2012. The data from the June 2012 and September 2012 monitoring events were submitted to the FDEP on October, 2012. FDEP responded on October 9, 2012 that, based on the data, NAM appears to be an appropriate remedy for the site. In October 2012, FDEP issued a RAP approval order, which requires a limited semi-annual monitoring program. The most recent groundwater-monitoring event was conducted in March of 2016. Natural Attenuation Default criteria were met at all locations sampled. Although the duration of the FDEP-required limited NAM cannot be determined with certainty, we anticipate that total costs to complete the remedial action will not exceed $50,000 . The annual cost to conduct the limited NAM program is not expected to exceed $8,000 . Pensacola, Florida FPU formerly owned and operated a MGP in Pensacola, Florida, which was subsequently owned by Gulf Power. Portions of the site are now owned by the City of Pensacola and the FDOT. In October 2009, FDEP informed Gulf Power that it would approve a conditional No Further Action determination for the site with the requirement for institutional and engineering controls. On June 16, 2014, FDEP issued a draft memorandum of understanding between FDOT and FDEP to implement site closure with approved institutional and engineering controls for the site. We anticipate that FPU’s share of remaining legal and cleanup costs will not exceed $5,000 Winter Haven, Florida The Winter Haven site is located on the eastern shoreline of Lake Shipp, in Winter Haven, Florida. Pursuant to a consent order entered into with FDEP, we are obligated to assess and remediate environmental impacts at this former MGP site. Groundwater monitoring results have shown a continuing reduction in contaminant concentrations from the sparging system, which has been in operation since 2002. On September 12, 2014, FDEP issued a letter approving shutdown of the sparging operations on the northern portion of the site, contingent upon continued semi-annual monitoring. Groundwater monitoring results on the southern portion of this site indicate that natural attenuation default criteria continue to be exceeded. Plans to modify the monitoring network on the southern portion of the site in order to collect additional data to support the development of a remedial plan were specified in a letter to FDEP, dated October 17, 2014. The well installation and abandonment program was implemented in October 2014, and documentation was reported in the next semi-annual RAP implementation status report, submitted on January 8, 2015. FDEP approved the plan to expand the bio-sparging operations in the southern portion of the site, and additional sparge points were installed and connected to the operating system in the first quarter of 2016. Although specific remedial actions for the site have not yet been identified, we estimate that future remediation costs for the subsurface soils and groundwater at the site should not exceed $443,000 , which includes an estimate of $100,000 to implement additional actions, such as institutional controls, at the site. We continue to believe that the entire amount will be recoverable from customers through rates. FDEP previously indicated that we could also be required to remediate sediments along the shoreline of Lake Shipp, immediately west of the site. Based on studies performed to date, and our recent meeting with FDEP, we believe that corrective measures for lake sediments are not warranted and will not be required by FDEP. Therefore, we have not recorded a liability for sediment remediation. Salisbury, Maryland We have substantially completed remediation of a site in Salisbury, Maryland, where it was determined that a former MGP caused localized groundwater contamination. In February 2002, the MDE granted permission to permanently decommission the systems used for remediation and to discontinue all on-site and off-site well monitoring, except for one well, which is being maintained for periodic product monitoring and recovery. We anticipate that the remaining costs of the one remaining monitoring well will not exceed $5,000 annually. We cannot predict at this time when the MDE will grant permission to permanently decommission the one remaining monitoring well. Seaford, Delaware In a letter dated December 5, 2013, the DNREC notified us that it would be conducting a facility evaluation of a former MGP site in Seaford, Delaware. In a report issued in January 2015, the DNREC provided the evaluation, which found several compounds within the groundwater and soil that require further investigation. We submitted an application to the DNREC on April 2, 2015, which was approved on September 17, 2015, to enter this site into the voluntary cleanup program. A remedial investigation was conducted in December 2015, and a draft remedial investigation report was submitted to the DNREC on March 7, 2016. We anticipate submitting the final report, based on comments from the DNREC during the second quarter of 2016. We estimate the cost of potential remedial actions, based on the findings of the DNREC report, to be between $273,000 and $465,000 . We also believe these costs will be recoverable from customers through rates. Cambridge, Maryland We are discussing with the MDE a former MGP site located in Cambridge, Maryland. The outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time; therefore, we have not recorded an environmental liability for this location. Ohio We have also completed the investigation, assessment and remediation of eight natural gas pipeline facilities in Ohio that Aspire Energy acquired from Gatherco pursuant to the merger. The costs incurred to date associated with remediation activities for these facilities, is approximately $1.4 million . Pursuant to the merger agreement, an escrow was established to fund certain claims by Chesapeake Utilities and Aspire Energy for indemnification by Gatherco, including environmental claims. Gatherco's indemnification obligations for environmental matters apply to remediation costs in excess of $431,250 and are capped at $1.7 million . We have submitted our request for reimbursement to the escrow agent.

Other Commitments and Contingen

Other Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Commitments and Contingencies	Other Commitments and Contingencies Natural Gas, Electric and Propane Supply Our natural gas, electric and propane distribution operations have entered into contractual commitments to purchase natural gas, electricity and propane from various suppliers. The contracts have various expiration dates. For our Delaware and Maryland natural gas distribution divisions, we have a contract with an unaffiliated energy marketing and risk management company to manage a portion of their natural gas transportation and storage capacity, which expires on March 31, 2017. In May 2013, Sandpiper entered into a capacity, supply and operating agreement with EGWIC to purchase propane over a six -year term. Approximately three years remain under this contract. Sandpiper's current annual commitment is estimated at approximately 6.5 million gallons. Sandpiper has the option to enter into either a fixed per-gallon price for some or all of the propane purchases or a market-based price utilizing one of two local propane pricing indices. Also in May 2013, Sharp entered into a separate supply and operating agreement with EGWIC. Under this agreement, Sharp has a commitment to supply propane to EGWIC over a six -year term. Approximately three years remain under this contract. Sharp's current annual commitment is estimated at approximately 6.5 million gallons. The agreement between Sharp and EGWIC is separate from the agreement between Sandpiper and EGWIC, and neither agreement permits the parties to set off the rights and obligations specified in one agreement against those specified in the other agreement. Chesapeake Utilities' Florida natural gas distribution division has firm transportation service contracts with FGT and Gulfstream. Pursuant to a capacity release program approved by the Florida PSC, all of the capacity under these agreements has been released to various third parties, including PESCO. Under the terms of these capacity release agreements, Chesapeake Utilities is contingently liable to FGT and Gulfstream, should any party that acquired the capacity through release fail to pay the capacity charge. In May 2015, PESCO renewed contracts to purchase natural gas from various suppliers. The total monthly purchase commitment ranges from 9,982 to 13,423 Dts/d for a one-year term. PESCO is obtaining and reviewing proposals from suppliers and anticipates executing new agreements before the existing agreements expire. FPU’s electric fuel supply contracts require FPU to maintain an acceptable standard of creditworthiness based on specific financial ratios. FPU’s agreement with JEA requires FPU to comply with the following ratios based on the results of the prior 12 months: (a) total liabilities to tangible net worth less than 3.75 times, and (b) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.5 times. If FPU fails to comply with either of these ratios, it has 30 days to cure the default or, if the default is not cured, to provide an irrevocable letter of credit. FPU’s electric fuel supply agreement with Gulf Power requires FPU to meet the following ratios based on the average of the prior six quarters: (a) funds from operations interest coverage ratio (minimum of 2 times), and (b) total debt to total capital (maximum of 65 percent ). If FPU fails to meet either of these ratios, it has to provide the supplier a written explanation of actions taken, or proposed to be taken, to become compliant. Failure to comply with the ratios specified in the Gulf Power agreement could also result in FPU having to provide an irrevocable letter of credit. As of March 31, 2016 , FPU was in compliance with all of the requirements of its fuel supply contracts. Corporate Guarantees The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to issue corporate guarantees securing obligations of our subsidiaries and to obtain letters of credit securing our obligations, including the obligations of our subsidiaries. The maximum authorized liability under such guarantees and letters of credit is $65.0 million . We have issued corporate guarantees to certain vendors of our subsidiaries, the largest of which are for Xeron and PESCO. These corporate guarantees provide for the payment of propane and natural gas purchases in the event that Xeron or PESCO defaults. Neither subsidiary has ever defaulted on its obligations to pay its suppliers. The liabilities for these purchases are recorded when incurred. The aggregate amount guaranteed at March 31, 2016 was $48.7 million , with the guarantees expiring on various dates through March 2017 . Chesapeake Utilities also guarantees the payment of FPU’s first mortgage bonds. The maximum exposure under the guarantee is the outstanding principal plus accrued interest balances. The outstanding principal balances of FPU’s first mortgage bonds approximate their carrying values (see Note 14 , Long-Term Debt , for further details). We issued letters of credit totaling $8.1 million related to the electric transmission services for FPU's northwest electric division, the firm transportation service agreement between TETLP and our Delaware and Maryland divisions and to our current and previous primary insurance carriers. These letters of credit have various expiration dates through March 2017. There have been no draws on these letters of credit as of March 31, 2016 . We do not anticipate that the letters of credit will be drawn upon by the counterparties, and we expect that the letters of credit will be renewed to the extent necessary in the future. Tax-related Contingencies We are subject to various audits and reviews by the federal, state, local and other governmental authorities regarding income taxes and taxes other than income. As of March 31, 2016 , we maintained a liability of $50,000 related to unrecognized income tax benefits and $196,000 related to contingencies for taxes other than income. As of December 31, 2015 , we maintained a liability of $50,000 related to unrecognized income tax benefits and $ 310,000 related to contingencies for taxes other than income. Other We are involved in certain other legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. We are also involved in certain legal and administrative proceedings before various governmental agencies concerning rates. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these proceedings will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We use the management approach to identify operating segments. We organize our business around differences in regulatory environment and/or products or services, and the operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (our Chief Executive Officer) in order to make decisions about resources and to assess performance. The segments are evaluated based on their pre-tax operating income. Our operations comprise two reportable segments: • Regulated Energy . The Regulated Energy segment includes natural gas distribution, natural gas transmission and electric distribution operations. All operations in this segment are regulated, as to their rates and services, by the PSC having jurisdiction in each operating territory or by the FERC in the case of Eastern Shore. • Unregulated Energy. The Unregulated Energy segment includes propane distribution and wholesale marketing operations, and natural gas marketing operations, which are unregulated as to their rates and services. Effective April 1, 2015, this segment includes Aspire Energy, whose services include natural gas gathering, processing, transportation and supply (See Note 3, Acquisitions , regarding the acquisition of Gatherco). Also included in this segment are other unregulated energy services, such as energy-related merchandise sales and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. The remainder of our operations is presented as “Other businesses and eliminations”, which consists of unregulated subsidiaries that own real estate leased to Chesapeake Utilities, as well as certain corporate costs not allocated to other operations. The following table presents financial information about our reportable segments: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers Regulated Energy segment $ 88,894 $ 109,292 Unregulated Energy segment 57,402 60,789 Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers $ 146,296 $ 170,081 Intersegment Revenues (1) Regulated Energy segment $ 322 $ 290 Unregulated Energy segment 113 207 Other businesses 226 221 Total intersegment revenues $ 661 $ 718 Operating Income Regulated Energy segment $ 24,319 $ 22,182 Unregulated Energy segment 11,936 15,229 Other businesses and eliminations 125 97 Total operating income 36,380 37,508 Other (Expense) income, net (34 ) 133 Interest 2,650 2,448 Income before Income Taxes 33,696 35,193 Income taxes 13,329 14,084 Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 (1) All significant intersegment revenues are billed at market rates and have been eliminated from consolidated operating revenues. (in thousands) March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Identifiable Assets Regulated Energy segment $ 879,878 $ 872,065 Unregulated Energy segment 178,723 171,840 Other businesses and eliminations 23,383 23,516 Total identifiable assets $ 1,081,984 $ 1,067,421 Our operations are entirely domestic.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Defined benefit pension and postretirement plan items, unrealized gains (losses) of our propane swap agreements, call options and natural gas futures contracts, designated as commodity contracts cash flow hedges, are the components of our accumulated comprehensive income (loss). The following tables present the changes in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . All amounts are presented net of tax. Defined Benefit Commodity Pension and Contracts Postretirement Cash Flow Plan Items Hedges Total (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 $ (5,580 ) $ (260 ) $ (5,840 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (283 ) (283 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 89 283 372 Net current-period other comprehensive income 89 — 89 As of March 31, 2016 $ (5,491 ) $ (260 ) $ (5,751 ) Defined Benefit Commodity Pension and Contracts Postretirement Cash Flow Plan Items Hedges Total (in thousands) As of December 31, 2014 $ (5,643 ) $ (33 ) $ (5,676 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (7 ) (7 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 82 33 115 Net prior-period other comprehensive income 82 26 108 As of March 31, 2015 $ (5,561 ) $ (7 ) $ (5,568 ) The following table presents amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . Deferred gains or losses for our commodity contracts cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings upon settlement. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan items: Prior service cost (1) $ 20 $ 17 Net loss (1) (168 ) (154 ) Total before income taxes (148 ) (137 ) Income tax benefit 59 55 Net of tax $ (89 ) $ (82 ) Gains and losses on commodity contracts cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements (2) $ (322 ) $ — Call options (2) — (55 ) Natural gas futures (2) (149 ) — Total before income taxes (471 ) (55 ) Income tax benefit 188 22 Net of tax (283 ) (33 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (372 ) $ (115 ) (1) These amounts are included in the computation of net periodic costs (benefits). See Note 9 , Employee Benefit Plans , for additional details. (2) These amounts are included in the effects of gains and losses from derivative instruments. See Note 12, Derivative Instruments , for additional details. Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan items is included in operations expense, and gains and losses on propane swap agreements and call options are included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. The income tax benefit is included in income tax expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Net periodic benefit costs for our pension and post-retirement benefits plans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are set forth in the following table: Chesapeake Pension Plan FPU Pension Plan Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake Postretirement Plan FPU Medical Plan For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Interest cost $ 105 $ 102 $ 630 $ 626 $ 23 $ 23 $ 11 $ 11 $ 14 $ 15 Expected return on plan assets (131 ) (135 ) (701 ) (777 ) — — — — — — Amortization of prior service cost — — — — — 2 (20 ) (19 ) — — Amortization of net loss 104 90 128 114 22 25 18 17 — 2 Net periodic cost (benefit) 78 57 57 (37 ) 45 50 9 9 14 17 Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset — — 191 190 — — — — 2 2 Total periodic cost $ 78 $ 57 $ 248 $ 153 $ 45 $ 50 $ 9 $ 9 $ 16 $ 19 We expect to record pension and postretirement benefit costs of approximately $1.6 million for 2016. Included in these costs is $769,000 related to continued amortization of the FPU pension regulatory asset, which represents the portion attributable to FPU’s regulated energy operations for the changes in funded status that occurred, but were not recognized, as part of net periodic benefit costs prior to the FPU merger in 2009. This was deferred as a regulatory asset by FPU prior to the merger, to be recovered through rates pursuant to a previous order by the Florida PSC. The unamortized balance of this regulatory asset was $2.7 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The amortization included in pension expense is also being added to a net periodic loss of $802,000 , which will increase our total expected benefit costs to $1.6 million . Pursuant to a Florida PSC order, FPU continues to record as a regulatory asset a portion of the unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs related to its regulated operations after the FPU merger. The portion of the unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs related to FPU’s unregulated operations and Chesapeake Utilities' operations is recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss. The following table presents the amounts included in the regulatory asset and accumulated other comprehensive loss that were recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Chesapeake FPU Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake FPU Total (in thousands) Prior service cost (credit) $ — $ — $ — $ (20 ) $ — $ (20 ) Net loss 104 128 22 18 — 272 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost $ 104 $ 128 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 252 Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) $ 104 $ 24 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 148 Recognized from regulatory asset — 104 — — — 104 Total $ 104 $ 128 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 252 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Chesapeake Pension Plan FPU Pension Plan Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake Postretirement Plan FPU Medical Plan Total (in thousands) Prior service cost (credit) $ — $ — $ 2 $ (19 ) $ — $ (17 ) Net loss 90 114 25 17 2 248 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost $ 90 $ 114 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 231 Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) $ 90 $ 22 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ — $ 137 Recognized from regulatory asset — 92 — — 2 94 Total $ 90 $ 114 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 231 (1) See Note 8 , Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss . During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we contributed $104,000 to the Chesapeake Pension Plan and $337,000 to the FPU Pension Plan. We expect to contribute a total of $508,000 and $1.6 million to the Chesapeake Pension Plan and FPU Pension Plan, respectively, during 2016, which represent the minimum annual contribution payments required. The Chesapeake SERP, the Chesapeake Postretirement Plan and the FPU Medical Plan are unfunded and are expected to be paid out of our general funds. Cash benefits paid under the Chesapeake SERP for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , were $38,000 . We expect to pay total cash benefits of approximately $151,000 under the Chesapeake Pension SERP in 2016. Cash benefits paid under the Chesapeake Postretirement Plan, primarily for medical claims for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , were $21,000 . We estimate that approximately $82,000 will be paid for such benefits under the Chesapeake Postretirement Plan in 2016. Cash benefits paid under the FPU Medical Plan, primarily for medical claims for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , were $38,000 . We estimate that approximately $149,000 will be paid for such benefits under the FPU Medical Plan in 2016.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The investment balances at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , consisted of the following: (in thousands) March 31, December 31, Rabbi trust (associated with the Deferred Compensation Plan) $ 3,654 $ 3,626 Investments in equity securities 20 18 Total $ 3,674 $ 3,644 We classify these investments as trading securities and report them at their fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we recorded a net unrealized loss of $18,000 and a net unrealized gain of $104,000 , respectively, in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of income related to these investments. For the investment in the Rabbi Trust, we also have recorded an associated liability, which is included in other pension and benefit costs in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted each month for the gains and losses incurred by the investments in the Rabbi Trust.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Our non-employee directors and key employees are granted share-based awards through our SICP. We record these share-based awards as compensation costs over the respective service period for which services are received in exchange for an award of equity or equity-based compensation. The compensation cost is based primarily on the fair value of the shares awarded, using the estimated fair value of each share on the date it was granted and the number of shares to be issued at the end of the service period. The table below presents the amounts included in net income related to share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Awards to non-employee directors $ 165 $ 150 Awards to key employees 484 387 Total compensation expense 649 537 Less: tax benefit (261 ) (217 ) Share-based compensation amounts included in net income $ 388 $ 320 Non-employee Directors Shares granted to non-employee directors are issued in advance of the directors’ service periods and are fully vested as of the grant date. We record a prepaid expense equal to the fair value of the shares issued and amortize the expense equally over a service period of one year. In May 2015, each of our non-employee directors received an annual retainer of 1,207 shares of common stock under the SICP for service as a director through the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. At March 31, 2016 , there was $55,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards. This expense will be recognized over the directors' remaining service periods ending April 30, 2016. Key Employees The table below presents the summary of the stock activity for awards to key employees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Fair Value Outstanding— December 31, 2015 110,398 $ 38.34 Granted 46,571 $ 61.50 Vested (39,553 ) $ 31.79 Expired (2,325 ) $ 42.25 Outstanding— March 31, 2016 115,091 $ 49.26 In February 2016, our Board of Directors granted awards of 46,571 shares of common stock to key employees under the SICP. The shares granted in February 2016 are multi-year awards that will vest at the end of the three -year service period ending December 31, 2018. All of these stock awards are earned based upon the successful achievement of long-term goals, growth and financial results, which comprise both market-based and performance-based conditions or targets. The fair value of each performance-based condition or target is equal to the market price of our common stock on the grant date of each award. For the market-based conditions, we used the Black-Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of each market-based award granted. At March 31, 2016 , the aggregate intrinsic value of the SICP awards granted to key employees was $7.2 million . At March 31, 2016 , there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these awards, which is expected to be recognized during 2016 through 2018.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments We use derivative and non-derivative contracts to engage in trading activities and manage risks related to obtaining adequate supplies and the price fluctuations of natural gas, electricity and propane. Our natural gas, electric and propane distribution operations have entered into agreements with suppliers to purchase natural gas, electricity and propane for resale to their customers. Aspire Energy has entered into contracts with producers to secure natural gas to meet its obligations. Purchases under these contracts typically either do not meet the definition of derivatives or are considered “normal purchases and sales” and are accounted for on an accrual basis. Our propane distribution and natural gas marketing operations may also enter into fair value hedges of their inventory or cash flow hedges of their future purchase commitments in order to mitigate the impact of wholesale price fluctuations. As of March 31, 2016 , our natural gas and electric distribution operations did not have any outstanding derivative contracts. Hedging Activities in 2016 Beginning in October 2015, PESCO entered into natural gas futures contracts associated with the purchase and sale of natural gas to specific customers. These contracts expire within two years and we have accounted for them as cash flow hedges. There is no ineffective portion of these hedges. At March 31, 2016 , PESCO had a total of 6,723 Dts/d hedged under natural gas futures contracts, with a liability fair value of $423,000 . The change in fair value of the natural gas futures contracts is recorded as unrealized gain/loss in other comprehensive income (loss). Hedging Activities in 2015 In March, May and June 2015, Sharp paid a total of $143,000 to purchase put options to protect against a decline in propane prices and related potential inventory losses associated with 2.5 million gallons for the propane price cap program in the 2015-2016 heating season. We exercised the put options as propane prices fell below the strike prices of $0.4950 , $0.4888 and $0.4500 per gallon in December 2015 through February 2016 and $0.4200 per gallon in January through March 2016. We received $239,000 representing the difference between the market prices and the strike prices during those months. We accounted for the put options as fair value hedges. In March, May and June 2015, Sharp entered into swap agreements to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in wholesale propane index prices associated with 2.5 million gallons purchased in December 2015 through March 2016. Under these swap agreements, Sharp would have received the difference between the index prices (Mont Belvieu prices in December 2015 through March 2016) and the swap prices, which ranged from $0.5200 to $0.5950 per gallon, for each swap agreement, to the extent the index prices exceeded the swap prices. If the index prices were lower than the swap prices, Sharp would pay the difference. These swap agreements essentially fixed the price of the 2.5 million gallons that we purchased during this period. We accounted for the swap agreements as cash flow hedges. Sharp paid $484,000 , representing the difference between the index prices and swap prices during those months of the swap agreements. Commodity Contracts for Trading Activities Xeron engages in trading activities using forward and futures contracts. These contracts are considered derivatives and have been accounted for using the mark-to-market method of accounting. Under this method, the trading contracts are recorded at fair value, and the changes in fair value of those contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses in the statements of income for the period of change. As of March 31, 2016 , we had the following outstanding trading contracts, which we accounted for as derivatives: Quantity in Estimated Market Weighted Average At March 31, 2016 Gallons Prices Contract Prices Forward Contracts Sale 630,000 $ 0.4425 $ 0.4425 Purchase 631,000 $ 0.4413 $ 0.4422 Estimated market prices and weighted average contract prices are in dollars per gallon. All contracts expire by the end of the second quarter of 2016. Xeron entered into master netting agreements with two counterparties to mitigate exposure to counterparty credit risk. The master netting agreements enable Xeron to net these two counterparties' outstanding accounts receivable and payable, which are presented on a gross basis in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2016 , Xeron had no accounts receivable or accounts payable balances to offset with these two counterparties. At December 31, 2015 , Xeron had a right to offset $431,000 of accounts payable with these two counterparties. At December 31, 2015 , Xeron did not have outstanding accounts receivable with these two counterparties. The following tables present information about the fair value and related gains and losses of our derivative contracts. We did not have any derivative contracts with a credit-risk-related contingency. The fair values of the derivative contracts recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , are as follows: Asset Derivatives Fair Value As Of (in thousands) Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Forward contracts Mark-to-market energy assets $ — $ 1 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Put options Mark-to-market energy assets 152 Total asset derivatives $ — $ 153 Liability Derivatives Fair Value As Of (in thousands) Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Forward contracts Mark-to-market energy liabilities $ — $ 1 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements Mark-to-market energy liabilities — 323 Natural gas futures contracts Mark-to-market energy liabilities 423 109 Total liability derivatives $ 423 $ 433 The effects of gains and losses from derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated financial statements are as follows: Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives: Location of Gain For the Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) (Loss) on Derivatives 2016 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Realized gain on forward contracts (1) Revenue $ 187 $ 277 Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts (1) Revenue 1 (125 ) Propane swap agreements Cost of sales — 18 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Put /Call options Cost of sales 73 506 Put /Call options (2) Propane Inventory — (3 ) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements Cost of sales (364 ) — Propane swap agreements Other Comprehensive Loss — (12 ) Call options Cost of sales — (81 ) Natural gas futures contracts Cost of sales 149 — Natural gas futures contracts Other Comprehensive Loss (462 ) — Total $ (416 ) $ 580 (1) All of the realized and unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts represents the effect of trading activities on our condensed consolidated statements of income. (2) As a fair value hedge with no ineffective portion, the unrealized gains and losses associated with this call option are recorded in cost of sales, offset by the corresponding change in the value of propane inventory (hedged item), which is also recorded in cost of sales. The amounts in cost of sales offset to zero, and the unrealized gains and losses of this put option effectively changed the value of propane inventory.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are the following: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques requiring inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity). Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value measurements, by level, within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Using: As of March 31, 2016 Fair Value Quoted- Prices- in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant- Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Assets: Investments—equity securities $ 20 $ 20 $ — $ — Investments—guaranteed income fund $ 525 $ — $ — $ 525 Investments—mutual funds and other $ 3,129 $ 3,129 $ — $ — Mark-to-market energy assets, incl. put options and swap agreements $ — $ — $ — $ — Liabilities: Mark-to-market energy liabilities incl. swap agreements $ 423 $ — $ 423 $ — Fair Value Measurements Using: As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Quoted- Prices- in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant- Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Assets: Investments—equity securities $ 18 $ 18 $ — $ — Investments—guaranteed income fund $ 279 $ — $ — $ 279 Investments—mutual funds and other $ 3,347 $ 3,347 $ — $ — Mark-to-market energy assets, incl. put/call options $ 153 $ — $ 153 $ — Liabilities: Mark-to-market energy liabilities, incl. swap agreements $ 433 $ — $ 433 $ — The following valuation techniques were used to measure fair value assets in the tables above on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Level 1 Fair Value Measurements: Investments - equity securities — The fair values of these trading securities are recorded at fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Investments - mutual funds and other — The fair values of these investments, comprised of money market and mutual funds, are recorded at fair value based on quoted net asset values of the shares. Level 2 Fair Value Measurements: Mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities — These forward contracts are valued using market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets. Propane put/call options, swap agreements and natural gas futures contracts – The fair value of the propane put/call options, swap agreements and natural gas futures contracts are measured using market transactions for similar assets and liabilities in either the listed or OTC markets. Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: Investments- guaranteed income fund —The fair values of these investments are recorded at the contract value, which approximates their fair value. The following table sets forth the summary of the changes in the fair value of Level 3 investments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 279 $ 287 Purchases and adjustments 2 (5 ) Transfers 242 (3 ) Investment income 2 1 Ending Balance $ 525 $ 280 Investment income from the Level 3 investments is reflected in other income (expense) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. At March 31, 2016 , there were no non-financial assets or liabilities required to be reported at fair value. We review our non-financial assets for impairment at least on an annual basis, as required. Other Financial Assets and Liabilities Financial assets with carrying values approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value include accounts payable and other accrued liabilities and short-term debt. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is measured using the comparable value in the active market and approximates its carrying value (Level 1 measurement). The fair value of short-term debt approximates the carrying value due to its short maturities and because interest rates approximate current market rates (Level 3 measurement). At March 31, 2016 , long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding a capital lease obligation, had a carrying value of $153.6 million . This compares to a fair value of $171.4 million , using a discounted cash flow methodology that incorporates a market interest rate based on published corporate borrowing rates for debt instruments with similar terms and average maturities, and with adjustments for duration, optionality, and risk profile. At December 31, 2015 , long-term debt, including the current maturities but excluding a capital lease obligation, had a carrying value of $153.7 million , compared to the estimated fair value of $165.1 million . The valuation technique used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt would be considered a Level 3 measurement.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Our outstanding long-term debt is shown below: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 FPU secured first mortgage bonds (1) : 9.08% bond, due June 1, 2022 $ 7,975 $ 7,973 Uncollateralized senior notes: 6.64% note, due October 31, 2017 5,455 5,455 5.50% note, due October 12, 2020 10,000 10,000 5.93% note, due October 31, 2023 24,000 24,000 5.68% note, due June 30, 2026 29,000 29,000 6.43% note, due May 2, 2028 7,000 7,000 3.73% note, due December 16, 2028 20,000 20,000 3.88% note, due May 15, 2029 50,000 50,000 Promissory notes 168 238 Capital lease obligation 4,490 4,824 Total long-term debt 158,088 158,490 Less: current maturities (9,163 ) (9,151 ) Less: debt issuance costs (323 ) (333 ) Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 148,602 $ 149,006 (1) FPU secured first mortgage bonds are guaranteed by Chesapeake Utilities. Shelf Agreement On October 8, 2015, we entered into a Shelf Agreement with Prudential. Under the terms of the Shelf Agreement, we may request that Prudential purchase, over the next three years , up to $150.0 million of our Shelf Notes at a fixed interest rate and with a maturity date not to exceed 20 years from the date of issuance. Prudential is under no obligation to purchase any of the Shelf Notes. The interest rate and terms of payment of any series of Shelf Notes will be determined at the time of purchase. We currently anticipate the proceeds from the sale of any series of Shelf Notes will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of short-term borrowing and/or repayment of outstanding indebtedness and financing capital expenditures on future projects; however, actual use of such proceeds will be determined at the time of a purchase, and each request for purchase with respect to a series of Shelf Notes will specify the exact use of the proceeds. The Shelf Agreement sets forth certain business covenants to which we are subject when any Shelf Note is outstanding, including covenants that limit or restrict us and our subsidiaries from incurring indebtedness and incurring liens and encumbrances on any of our property.

Short-Term Borrowing

Short-Term Borrowing	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Short-term Borrowing [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowing	Short-Term Borrowing On October 8, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement with the Lenders for a $150.0 million Revolver for a term of five years subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Revolver will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayments of short-term borrowings, working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Borrowings under the Revolver will bear interest at: (i) the LIBOR Rate plus an applicable margin of 1.25 percent or less, with such margin based on total indebtedness as a percentage of total capitalization, both as defined by the Credit Agreement, or (ii) the base rate plus 0.25 percent or less. Interest will be payable quarterly, and the Revolver is subject to a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility. We may extend the expiration date for up to two years on any anniversary date of the Revolver, with such extension subject to the Lenders' approval. We may also request the Lenders to increase the Revolver to $200.0 million , with any increase at the sole discretion of each Lende r. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had borrowed $40.0 million and $35.0 million , respectively, under the Revolver.

Summary of Accounting Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation References in this document to the “Company,” “Chesapeake Utilities,” “we,” “us” and “our” are intended to mean Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, its divisions and/or its subsidiaries, as appropriate in the context of the disclosure. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and GAAP. In accordance with these rules and regulations, certain information and disclosures normally required for audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Due to the seasonality of our business, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. Revenue and earnings are typically greater during the first and fourth quarters, when consumption of energy is highest due to colder temperatures. We reclassified certain amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications are considered immaterial to the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	FASB Statements and Other Authoritative Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Interest - Imputation of Interest (ASC 835-30) - In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . This standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. ASU 2015-03 became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and we applied the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption of this standard, debt issuance costs totaling $323,000 and $333,000 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, previously presented as other deferred charges, a non-current asset, are now presented as a deduction from long-term debt, net of current maturities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASC 350-40) - In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. Under the new standard, unless a software arrangement includes specific elements enabling customers to possess and operate software on platforms other than that offered by the cloud-based provider, the cost of such arrangements is to be accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. ASU 2015-05 became effective for us on January 1, 2016, and has been applied on a prospective basis. The standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations for the quarter. Debt Issuance Costs (ASC 835-30) - In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements . This standard clarifies treatment of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements that were not specifically addressed in ASU 2015-03. Issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements may be treated as an asset and amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU 2015-15 became effective for us on January 1, 2016. The standard did not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. Business Combinations (ASC 805) - In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments . The standard eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement-period adjustment (including the impact of prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. ASU 2015-16 was effective for our interim and annual financial statements issued after January 1, 2016 and was adopted on a prospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASC 740) - In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires all deferred assets and liabilities along with any related valuation allowance to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet for our annual financial statements beginning January 1, 2017 and for our interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2018; however, early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis and adjusted the December 31, 2015 balance sheet, by eliminating the current deferred income taxes asset and decreasing noncurrent deferred income taxes liability by $831,000 . Recent Accounting Standards Yet to be Adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, as well as across industries and capital markets. The standard contains principles that entities will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and when it is recognized. On July 9, 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal to defer the implementation of this standard by one year. For public entities, this standard is effective for 2018 interim and annual financial statements. We are assessing the impact this standard may have on our financial position and results of operations. Inventory (ASC 330) - In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory. Under this guidance, inventories are required to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less costs associated with completion, disposal and transportation. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for our interim and annual financial statements issued beginning January 1, 2017; however, early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be adopted on a prospective basis. We are assessing the impact this standard may have on our financial position and results of operations. Leases (ASC 842) - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides updated guidance regarding accounting for leases. This update requires a lessee to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for our annual and interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. This update will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are evaluating the effect of this update on our financial position and results of operations. Compensation (ASC 718) - In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for our annual and interim financial statements beginning January 1, 2017, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments included in this update are to be applied prospectively except for changes impacting the presentation of the cash flow statement that can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. We are evaluating the effect of this update on our financial position and results of operations.

Calculation of Earnings Per S26

Calculation of Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except shares and per share data) Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Share: Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 Weighted average shares outstanding 15,286,842 14,604,841 Basic Earnings Per Share $ 1.33 $ 1.45 Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Share: Reconciliation of Numerator: Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 Reconciliation of Denominator: Weighted shares outstanding—Basic 15,286,842 14,604,841 Effect of dilutive securities: Share-based compensation 45,070 51,469 Adjusted denominator—Diluted 15,331,912 14,656,310 Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 1.33 $ 1.44

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tabl

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Merger Consideration paid [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) Net Purchase Price Chesapeake Utilities common stock $ 30,164 Cash 27,494 Acquired debt 1,696 Aggregate amount paid in the acquisition 59,354 Less: cash acquired (6,806 ) Net amount paid in the acquisition $ 52,548
Purchase price allocation [Table Text Block]	Purchase price (in thousands) Allocation Purchase price $ 57,658 Property plant and equipment 53,203 Cash 6,806 Accounts receivable 3,629 Income taxes receivable 3,163 Other assets 425 Total assets acquired 67,226 Long-term debt 1,696 Deferred income taxes 13,409 Accounts payable 3,837 Other current liabilities 745 Total liabilities assumed 19,687 Net identifiable assets acquired 47,539 Goodwill $ 10,119

Acquisitions Purchase Price All

Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Purchase price (in thousands) Allocation Purchase price $ 57,658 Property plant and equipment 53,203 Cash 6,806 Accounts receivable 3,629 Income taxes receivable 3,163 Other assets 425 Total assets acquired 67,226 Long-term debt 1,696 Deferred income taxes 13,409 Accounts payable 3,837 Other current liabilities 745 Total liabilities assumed 19,687 Net identifiable assets acquired 47,539 Goodwill $ 10,119

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment	The following table presents financial information about our reportable segments: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers Regulated Energy segment $ 88,894 $ 109,292 Unregulated Energy segment 57,402 60,789 Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers $ 146,296 $ 170,081 Intersegment Revenues (1) Regulated Energy segment $ 322 $ 290 Unregulated Energy segment 113 207 Other businesses 226 221 Total intersegment revenues $ 661 $ 718 Operating Income Regulated Energy segment $ 24,319 $ 22,182 Unregulated Energy segment 11,936 15,229 Other businesses and eliminations 125 97 Total operating income 36,380 37,508 Other (Expense) income, net (34 ) 133 Interest 2,650 2,448 Income before Income Taxes 33,696 35,193 Income taxes 13,329 14,084 Net Income $ 20,367 $ 21,109 (1) All significant intersegment revenues are billed at market rates and have been eliminated from consolidated operating revenues. (in thousands) March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Identifiable Assets Regulated Energy segment $ 879,878 $ 872,065 Unregulated Energy segment 178,723 171,840 Other businesses and eliminations 23,383 23,516 Total identifiable assets $ 1,081,984 $ 1,067,421

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Defined Benefit Commodity Pension and Contracts Postretirement Cash Flow Plan Items Hedges Total (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 $ (5,580 ) $ (260 ) $ (5,840 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (283 ) (283 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 89 283 372 Net current-period other comprehensive income 89 — 89 As of March 31, 2016 $ (5,491 ) $ (260 ) $ (5,751 ) Defined Benefit Commodity Pension and Contracts Postretirement Cash Flow Plan Items Hedges Total (in thousands) As of December 31, 2014 $ (5,643 ) $ (33 ) $ (5,676 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (7 ) (7 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 82 33 115 Net prior-period other comprehensive income 82 26 108 As of March 31, 2015 $ (5,561 ) $ (7 ) $ (5,568 )
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan items: Prior service cost (1) $ 20 $ 17 Net loss (1) (168 ) (154 ) Total before income taxes (148 ) (137 ) Income tax benefit 59 55 Net of tax $ (89 ) $ (82 ) Gains and losses on commodity contracts cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements (2) $ (322 ) $ — Call options (2) — (55 ) Natural gas futures (2) (149 ) — Total before income taxes (471 ) (55 ) Income tax benefit 188 22 Net of tax (283 ) (33 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (372 ) $ (115 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Chesapeake Pension Plan FPU Pension Plan Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake Postretirement Plan FPU Medical Plan For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 (in thousands) Interest cost $ 105 $ 102 $ 630 $ 626 $ 23 $ 23 $ 11 $ 11 $ 14 $ 15 Expected return on plan assets (131 ) (135 ) (701 ) (777 ) — — — — — — Amortization of prior service cost — — — — — 2 (20 ) (19 ) — — Amortization of net loss 104 90 128 114 22 25 18 17 — 2 Net periodic cost (benefit) 78 57 57 (37 ) 45 50 9 9 14 17 Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset — — 191 190 — — — — 2 2 Total periodic cost $ 78 $ 57 $ 248 $ 153 $ 45 $ 50 $ 9 $ 9 $ 16 $ 19 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Chesapeake FPU Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake FPU Total (in thousands) Prior service cost (credit) $ — $ — $ — $ (20 ) $ — $ (20 ) Net loss 104 128 22 18 — 272 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost $ 104 $ 128 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 252 Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) $ 104 $ 24 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 148 Recognized from regulatory asset — 104 — — — 104 Total $ 104 $ 128 $ 22 $ (2 ) $ — $ 252 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Chesapeake Pension Plan FPU Pension Plan Chesapeake SERP Chesapeake Postretirement Plan FPU Medical Plan Total (in thousands) Prior service cost (credit) $ — $ — $ 2 $ (19 ) $ — $ (17 ) Net loss 90 114 25 17 2 248 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost $ 90 $ 114 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 231 Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) $ 90 $ 22 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ — $ 137 Recognized from regulatory asset — 92 — — 2 94 Total $ 90 $ 114 $ 27 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 231

Investments Investments (Tables

Investments Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments schedule [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) March 31, December 31, Rabbi trust (associated with the Deferred Compensation Plan) $ 3,654 $ 3,626 Investments in equity securities 20 18 Total $ 3,674 $ 3,644

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Shares awarded to non-employee directors [Line Items]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	The table below presents the amounts included in net income related to share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Awards to non-employee directors $ 165 $ 150 Awards to key employees 484 387 Total compensation expense 649 537 Less: tax benefit (261 ) (217 ) Share-based compensation amounts included in net income $ 388 $ 320
Award to key employees [Member]
Shares awarded to non-employee directors [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity	The table below presents the summary of the stock activity for awards to key employees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Fair Value Outstanding— December 31, 2015 110,398 $ 38.34 Granted 46,571 $ 61.50 Vested (39,553 ) $ 31.79 Expired (2,325 ) $ 42.25 Outstanding— March 31, 2016 115,091 $ 49.26

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Trading Contracts	Quantity in Estimated Market Weighted Average At March 31, 2016 Gallons Prices Contract Prices Forward Contracts Sale 630,000 $ 0.4425 $ 0.4425 Purchase 631,000 $ 0.4413 $ 0.4422 Estimated market prices and weighted average contract prices are in dollars per gallon. All contracts expire by the end of the second quarter of 2016.
Fair Values of Derivative Contracts Recorded in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	air values of the derivative contracts recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , are as follows: Asset Derivatives Fair Value As Of (in thousands) Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Forward contracts Mark-to-market energy assets $ — $ 1 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Put options Mark-to-market energy assets 152 Total asset derivatives $ — $ 153 Liability Derivatives Fair Value As Of (in thousands) Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Forward contracts Mark-to-market energy liabilities $ — $ 1 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements Mark-to-market energy liabilities — 323 Natural gas futures contracts Mark-to-market energy liabilities 423 109 Total liability derivatives $ 423 $ 433
Effects of Gains and Losses from Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	The effects of gains and losses from derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated financial statements are as follows: Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives: Location of Gain For the Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) (Loss) on Derivatives 2016 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Realized gain on forward contracts (1) Revenue $ 187 $ 277 Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts (1) Revenue 1 (125 ) Propane swap agreements Cost of sales — 18 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Put /Call options Cost of sales 73 506 Put /Call options (2) Propane Inventory — (3 ) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Propane swap agreements Cost of sales (364 ) — Propane swap agreements Other Comprehensive Loss — (12 ) Call options Cost of sales — (81 ) Natural gas futures contracts Cost of sales 149 — Natural gas futures contracts Other Comprehensive Loss (462 ) — Total $ (416 ) $ 580

Fair Value of Financial Instr35

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value measurements, by level, within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Using: As of March 31, 2016 Fair Value Quoted- Prices- in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant- Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Assets: Investments—equity securities $ 20 $ 20 $ — $ — Investments—guaranteed income fund $ 525 $ — $ — $ 525 Investments—mutual funds and other $ 3,129 $ 3,129 $ — $ — Mark-to-market energy assets, incl. put options and swap agreements $ — $ — $ — $ — Liabilities: Mark-to-market energy liabilities incl. swap agreements $ 423 $ — $ 423 $ — Fair Value Measurements Using: As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Quoted- Prices- in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant- Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Assets: Investments—equity securities $ 18 $ 18 $ — $ — Investments—guaranteed income fund $ 279 $ — $ — $ 279 Investments—mutual funds and other $ 3,347 $ 3,347 $ — $ — Mark-to-market energy assets, incl. put/call options $ 153 $ — $ 153 $ — Liabilities: Mark-to-market energy liabilities, incl. swap agreements $ 433 $ — $ 433 $ —
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Investments	The following table sets forth the summary of the changes in the fair value of Level 3 investments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 279 $ 287 Purchases and adjustments 2 (5 ) Transfers 242 (3 ) Investment income 2 1 Ending Balance $ 525 $ 280

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Long-Term Debt	Our outstanding long-term debt is shown below: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 FPU secured first mortgage bonds (1) : 9.08% bond, due June 1, 2022 $ 7,975 $ 7,973 Uncollateralized senior notes: 6.64% note, due October 31, 2017 5,455 5,455 5.50% note, due October 12, 2020 10,000 10,000 5.93% note, due October 31, 2023 24,000 24,000 5.68% note, due June 30, 2026 29,000 29,000 6.43% note, due May 2, 2028 7,000 7,000 3.73% note, due December 16, 2028 20,000 20,000 3.88% note, due May 15, 2029 50,000 50,000 Promissory notes 168 238 Capital lease obligation 4,490 4,824 Total long-term debt 158,088 158,490 Less: current maturities (9,163 ) (9,151 ) Less: debt issuance costs (323 ) (333 ) Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 148,602 $ 149,006 (1) FPU secured first mortgage bonds are guaranteed by Chesapeake Utilities.

Summary of Accounting policie37

Summary of Accounting policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current		$ 831
Less: debt issuance costs	$ (323)	$ (333)

Calculation of Earnings Per S38

Calculation of Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Share:
Net Income	$ 20,367	$ 21,109	$ 41,140
Weighted shares outstanding (shares)	15,286,842	14,604,841
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.45
Reconciliation of Numerator:
Net Income	$ 20,367	$ 21,109	$ 41,140
Reconciliation of Denominator:
Weighted shares outstanding - Basic (shares)	15,286,842	14,604,841
Effect of dilutive securities:
Share-based compensation (shares)	45,070	51,469
Adjusted denominator-Diluted (shares)	15,331,912	14,656,310
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.44

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May. 07, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)mi	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs					$ (514)
Revenues			$ 146,296	$ 170,081
Net income			$ 20,367	$ 21,109	41,140
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 1.33	$ 1.44
Goodwill			$ 15,070		14,548
Gatherco [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of pipeline miles | mi		2,500
Number of counties served		40
Number of producers served		300
Number of customers served		20,000
Purchase price			$ 57,658
Shares of common stock issued at closing (shares) | shares			592,970
Common stock issued at closing		$ 30,200	$ 30,164
Cash paid		27,500	27,494
Long-term debt		1,696	1,696
Cash acquired		6,800	6,806
Additional contingent cash consideration			$ 15,000
Period for revenue generated from potential new gathering opportunities			5 years
Transaction costs					$ (1,300)
Revenues			$ 7,900
Net income			$ 1,676
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.03
Goodwill		$ 11,100	$ 10,119
Propane Distribution [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of customers served	253
Purchase price	$ 242
Intangible assets	$ 186
Minimum [Member] | Propane Distribution [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period			6 years
Maximum [Member] | Propane Distribution [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period			10 years

Acquisitions - Purchase Conside

Acquisitions - Purchase Considerations (Details) - Gatherco [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Chesapeake Utilities common stock	$ 30,200	$ 30,164
Cash	27,500	27,494
Acquired debt	1,696	1,696
Purchase price		57,658
Less: cash acquired	$ (6,800)	(6,806)
Gross [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price		59,354
Net [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price		$ 52,548

Acquisitions - Gatherco purchas

Acquisitions - Gatherco purchase price allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 15,070	$ 14,548
Gatherco [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	57,658
Property plant and equipment	53,203
Cash	6,806		$ 6,800
Accounts receivable	3,629
Income taxes receivable	3,163
Other assets	425
Total assets acquired	67,226
Long-term debt	1,696		1,696
Deferred income taxes	13,409
Accounts payable	3,837
Other current liabilities	745
Total liabilities assumed	19,687
Net identifiable assets acquired	47,539
Goodwill	$ 10,119		$ 11,100

Rates and Other Regulatory Ac42

Rates and Other Regulatory Activities - Additional Information (Detail)	Feb. 19, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 13, 2015dekatherm / d	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016dekatherm / dinmi
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Interim Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $	$ 2,500,000
Public Utilities Interim Requested Rate Increase (Decrease) Percentage	5.00%
DELAWARE
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $		$ 4,700,000
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage		10.00%
MARYLAND
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $				$ 950,000
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage				5.00%
Eastern Shore [Member]
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Volume The Expansion Project Is Expected to Provide | dekatherm / d			53,000
Total Capacity After Pipeline Improvements | dekatherm / d			160,000
White Oak Lateral Mainline Expansion [Member] | Eastern Shore [Member]
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Volume The Expansion Project Is Expected to Provide | dekatherm / d					45,000
Number of pipeline miles | mi					7.2
Lateral diamater of pipeline to be installed | in					16
Horsepower Of Additional Compression					3,550
System Reliability Project [Member] | Eastern Shore [Member]
Rates and Other Regulatory Activities [Line Items]
Number of pipeline miles | mi					10.1
Lateral diamater of pipeline to be installed | in					16

Environmental Commitments and43

Environmental Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)siteclaim	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Company's exposure in number of former Manufactured Gas Plant Sites | site	7
Environmental liabilities	$ 8,843,000		$ 8,942,000
Amount paid for funding requirements	99,000	$ 49,000
Seaford [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental liabilities	273,000
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	186,000
Regulatory Assets	269,000
Estimated costs of remediation range, minimum	273,000
Estimated costs of remediation range, maximum	465,000
Winter Haven Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental remediation expense	443,000
Additional remediation costs	100,000
Salisbury Maryland [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum Costs Of Monitoring Well	5,000
West Palm Beach Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated costs of remediation range, minimum	4,500,000
Estimated costs of remediation range, maximum	15,400,000
Sanford Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated costs of remediation range, maximum	13,000,000
Cost of remedy for settlements of claims	$ 20,000,000
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number | claim	2
Environmental remediation expense	$ 24,000
Key West Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Period Of Regulatory Inactivity	17 years
Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost	$ 50,000
Aspire Energy [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number Of Environmental Sites | site	8
Cost of remedy for settlements of claims	$ 1,400,000
Minimum Environmental Remediation Expenditures	431,250
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	1,700,000
FPU [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental liabilities	10,000,000
Approval of recovery of environmental costs	14,000,000
Environmental costs recovered	10,200,000
FPU [Member] | Sanford Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated costs of remediation range, maximum	$ 650,000
Environmental remediation expense percent	5.00%
FPU [Member] | Manufactured Gas Plant [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	$ 3,800,000
Chesapeake [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental liabilities	353,000
Regulatory Assets	58,000
Maximum [Member] | Key West Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost	8,000
Maximum [Member] | Pensacola Florida [Member]
Environmental Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost	$ 5,000

Other Commitments and Conting44

Other Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)dekatherm / dgal	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years to purchase propane under contract	6 years
Remaining contract term	3 years
Estimated current annual commitment | gal	6.5
Monthly purchase commitment, minimum | dekatherm / d	9,982
Monthly purchase commitment, maximum | dekatherm / d	13,423
Total liabilities to tangible net worth minimum times	3.75
Fixed charge coverage ratio minimum times	1.5
Time to cure ratio	30 days
Funds from operations interest coverage ratio minimum times	2
Total debt to capital maximum	0.65
Maximum authorized liability under such guarantees and letters of credit	$ 65,000
Aggregate guaranteed amount	48,700
Draws on letters of credit	8,100
Liability related to unrecognized income tax benefits	50	$ 50
Liability related to contingencies for taxes other than income	$ 196	$ 310

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		$ 146,296	$ 170,081
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		146,296	170,081
Operating Income
Total operating income		36,380	37,508
Other income, net of other expenses		(34)	133
Interest		2,650	2,448
Income Before Income Taxes		33,696	35,193
Income taxes		13,329	14,084
Net Income		20,367	21,109	$ 41,140
Identifiable Assets
Total identifiable assets		1,081,984		1,067,421
Regulated Energy [Member]
Operating Income
Total operating income		24,319	22,182
Identifiable Assets
Total identifiable assets		879,878		872,065
Unregulated Energy [Member]
Operating Income
Total operating income		11,936	15,229
Identifiable Assets
Total identifiable assets		178,723		171,840
Other [Member]
Identifiable Assets
Total identifiable assets		23,383		$ 23,516
Other and eliminations [Member]
Operating Income
Total operating income		125	97
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		146,296	170,081
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		146,296	170,081
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers [Member] | Regulated Energy [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		88,894	109,292
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		88,894	109,292
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers [Member] | Unregulated Energy [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		57,402	60,789
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers		57,402	60,789
Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	661	718
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	661	718
Intersegment Revenues [Member] | Regulated Energy [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	322	290
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	322	290
Intersegment Revenues [Member] | Unregulated Energy [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	113	207
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	113	207
Intersegment Revenues [Member] | Other [Member]
Operating Revenues, Unaffiliated Customers
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	226	221
Intersegment Revenues
Total operating revenues, unaffiliated customers	[1]	$ 226	$ 221
[1]	(1) All significant intersegment revenues are billed at market rates and have been eliminated from consolidated operating revenues.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (5,840)	$ (5,676)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(283)	(7)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	372	115
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	89	108
Ending balance	(5,751)	(5,568)
UnrealizedGainsLossesFromDefinedBenefitPensionAndPostretirementPlanItems [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(5,580)	(5,643)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(89)	82
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	89	82
Ending balance	(5,491)	(5,561)
Accumulated (Gain) Loss from Commodity Contracts Cash Flows Hedges [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(260)	(33)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(283)	(7)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(283)	(33)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	26
Ending balance	$ (260)	$ (7)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi47

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassifications of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Amortization of pension and postretirement items:
Tax benefit		$ (13,329)	$ (14,084)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Amortization of pension and postretirement items:
Net of tax		(372)	(115)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Amortization of pension and postretirement items:
Prior service cost	[1]	20	17
Net loss	[1]	168	154
Total before tax		(148)	(137)
Tax benefit		59	55
Net of tax		(89)	(82)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated (Gain) Loss from Commodity Contracts Cash Flows Hedges [Member]
Amortization of pension and postretirement items:
Total before tax		(471)	(55)
Tax benefit		188	22
Net of tax		(283)	(33)
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Adjustments AOCI Swap Agreements	[2]	(322)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	[2]	0	(55)
Natural Gas Futures [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated (Gain) Loss from Commodity Contracts Cash Flows Hedges [Member]
Amortization of pension and postretirement items:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax		$ (149)	$ 0
[1]	These amounts are included in the computation of net periodic costs (benefits). See Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.
[2]	(2) These amounts are included in the effects of gains and losses from derivative instruments. See Note 12, Derivative Instruments, for additional details.

Employee Benefit Plans (Detail)

Employee Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost	$ (20)	$ (17)
Amortization of net loss	272	248
Florida Public Utilities Company Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	14	15
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net loss	0	2
Net periodic cost (benefit)	14	17
Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset	2	2
Total periodic cost	16	19
Chesapeake Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	11	11
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(20)	(19)
Amortization of net loss	18	17
Net periodic cost (benefit)	9	9
Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset	0	0
Total periodic cost	9	9
Chesapeake Pension SERP [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	23	23
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	2
Amortization of net loss	22	25
Net periodic cost (benefit)	45	50
Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset	0	0
Total periodic cost	45	50
Florida Public Utilities Company Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	630	626
Expected return on plan assets	(701)	(777)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net loss	128	114
Net periodic cost (benefit)	57	(37)
Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset	191	190
Total periodic cost	248	153
Chesapeake Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	105	102
Expected return on plan assets	(131)	(135)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net loss	104	90
Net periodic cost (benefit)	78	57
Amortization of pre-merger regulatory asset	0	0
Total periodic cost	$ 78	$ 57

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected pension and postretirement benefit costs	$ 1,600
Expected amortization of pre merger regulatory asset	769
Florida Public Utilities Company Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	14	$ 17
Contribution to pension plan	38
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	149
Chesapeake Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	9	9
Contribution to pension plan	21
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	82
Chesapeake Pension SERP [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	45	50
Contribution to pension plan	38
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	151
Consolidated [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(802)
Chesapeake Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	78	57
Contribution to pension plan	104
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	508
Florida Public Utilities Company Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unamortized balance of regulatory asset	2,700		$ 2,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	57	$ (37)
Contribution to pension plan	337
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$ 1,600

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Included in Regulatory Asset and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/Loss Recognized as Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		$ (20)	$ (17)
Net loss		272	248
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	148	137
Recognized from regulatory asset		104	94
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		252	231
Chesapeake Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		0	0
Net loss		104	90
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	104	90
Recognized from regulatory asset		0	0
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		104	90
Florida Public Utilities Company Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		0	0
Net loss		128	114
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	24	22
Recognized from regulatory asset		104	92
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		128	114
Chesapeake Pension SERP [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		0	2
Net loss		22	25
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	22	27
Recognized from regulatory asset		0	0
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		22	27
Chesapeake Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		(20)	(19)
Net loss		18	17
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	(2)	(2)
Recognized from regulatory asset		0	0
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		(2)	(2)
Florida Public Utilities Company Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Prior service cost (credit)		0	0
Net loss		0	2
Recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	0	0
Recognized from regulatory asset		0	2
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost		$ 0	$ 2
[1]	(1) See Note 8, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Unrealized gain, net of other expenses	$ (18)	$ 104

Investments - Schedule of Inves

Investments - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments schedule [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	$ 3,674	$ 3,644
Rabbi Trust Associated With Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Investments schedule [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	3,654	3,626
Equity Securities [Member]
Investments schedule [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	$ 20	$ 18

Share-Based Compensation - Shar

Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Amounts Included in Net Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 649	$ 537
Less: tax benefit	(261)	(217)
Share-Based Compensation amounts included in net income	388	320
Awards to non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	165	150
Award to key employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 484	$ 387

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Activity under the SICP (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Granted (shares)	1,207
Award to key employees [Member]
Number of Shares
Outstanding - December 31, 2015 (shares)	110,398
Granted (shares)	46,571
Vested (shares)	(39,553)
Expired (shares)	(2,325)
Outstanding - March 31, 2016 (shares)	115,091
Weighted Average Fair Value
Outstanding - December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 38.34
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	61.50
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	31.79
Expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	42.25
Outstanding - March 31, 2016 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 49.26

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted awards (shares) | shares	1,207
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 3,300
Awards to non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization of expense equally over a service period	1 year
Unrecognized compensation expense related to the awards to non-employee directors	$ 55
Award to key employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted awards (shares) | shares	46,571
Vesting period	3 years
Intrinsic value of the SICP awards	$ 7,200

Derivative Instruments - Outsta

Derivative Instruments - Outstanding Trading Contracts (Details) - Forward Contracts [Member] gal in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016$ / galgal
Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Quantity In Gallons | gal	630
Weighted Average Contract Prices	0.4425
Sales [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Market Prices	0.4425
Sales [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Market Prices	0.4425
Purchase [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Quantity In Gallons | gal	631
Weighted Average Contract Prices	0.4422
Purchase [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Market Prices	0.4413
Purchase [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Market Prices	0.4413

Derivative Instruments - Additi

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)Counterparty	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)dekatherm / dCounterparty$ / galgal
Derivative [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 423	$ 433
Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | gal		2.5
Cash Paid On Derivative Settlement	500
Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | gal		2.5
Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities		$ 143
Cash Received On Derivative Settlement	$ 239
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number Of Counterparties With Master Repurchase Agreements | Counterparty	2	2
Accounts Payable Subject To Master Netting Arrangement		$ 400
Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Natural Gas Futures Nonmonetary Notional Amount Volume | dekatherm / d		6,723
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current		$ 423
Mark To Market Energy Liabilities [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 423	109
Mark To Market Energy Liabilities [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	0	323
Mark To Market Energy Liabilities [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 0	1
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral		$ 152
Strike Price 2 [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Strike Price Per Gallon For The Propane Swap Agreements | $ / gal		0.5950
Strike Price 4 [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Strike Price Per Gallon For The Propane Swap Agreements | $ / gal		0.5200
Put Option Strike Price 1 [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | $ / gal		0.4950
Put Option Strike Price 2 [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | $ / gal		0.4888
Put Option Strike Price 3 [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | $ / gal		0.4500
Put Option Strike Price 4 [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Price Risk Option Strike Price | $ / gal		0.4200

Derivative Instruments - Fair V

Derivative Instruments - Fair Values of Derivative Contracts Recorded in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 423	$ 433
Energy Marketing Contracts Assets, Current	0	153
Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contracts Assets, Current	$ 0	1
Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contracts Assets, Current
Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Put Option [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral		152
Mark To Market Energy Assets [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current		423
Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 0	1
Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	0	323
Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Energy Marketing Contract Liabilities, Current	$ 423	$ 109

Derivative Instruments - Effect

Derivative Instruments - Effects of Gains and Losses from Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		$ (416)	$ 580
Revenue [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on derivatives	[1]	1	(125)
Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0	18
Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		0	(81)
Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		(364)
Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Put/Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		73	506
Cost of Sales [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on derivatives		149	0
Inventories [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Put/Call Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on derivatives		0	(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Propane Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on derivatives		0	(12)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Derivatives designated as fair value hedges [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on derivatives		(462)	0
Options [Member] | Revenue [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		$ 187	$ 277
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjg0OTAxODlhMmE5MzQwMmFiNzgxMGRmZTQ4ZjE5ZmMxfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246RENCN0NBOTI2RDJENTk5MTgxNzg5QTA1QTdEMTEyMTYM}

Fair Value of Financial Instr60

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Investments	$ 3,674	$ 3,644
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	20	18
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Mark-to-market energy liabilities	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Investments in guaranteed income fund [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	20	18
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Investments - other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	3,129	3,347
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Mark To Market Energy Assets Including Put Option [Member]
Assets:
Mark-to-market energy assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Mark-to-market energy liabilities	423	433
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investments in guaranteed income fund [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investments - other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mark To Market Energy Assets Including Put Option [Member]
Assets:
Mark-to-market energy assets	0	153
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member]
Assets:
Mark-to-market energy assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investments in guaranteed income fund [Member]
Assets:
Investments	525	279
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investments - other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Mark-to-market energy liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Mark-to-market energy liabilities	423	433
Recurring [Member] | Investments in guaranteed income fund [Member]
Assets:
Investments	525	279
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	20	18
Recurring [Member] | Investments - other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	3,129	3,347
Recurring [Member] | Mark To Market Energy Assets Including Put Option [Member]
Assets:
Mark-to-market energy assets	$ 0	$ 153

Fair Value of Financial Instr61

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 279	$ 287
Purchases and adjustments	2	(5)
Transfers	242	(3)
Investment Income	2	1
Ending Balance	$ 525	$ 280

Fair Value of Financial Instr62

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term debt including current maturities	$ 153.6	$ 153.7
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 171.4	$ 165.1

Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Lo

Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		$ 153,600	$ 153,700
Capital lease obligation		4,490	4,824
Total Long-term debt		158,088	158,490
Less: current maturities		(9,163)	(9,151)
Less: debt issuance costs		(323)	(333)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities		148,602	149,006
9.08% bond, due June 1, 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	[1]	7,975	7,973
6.64% note, due October 31, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		5,455	5,455
5.50% note, due October 12, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		10,000	10,000
5.93% note, due October 31, 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		24,000	24,000
5.68% note, due June 30, 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		29,000	29,000
Uncollateralized Senior Notes Due On May Two Thousand Twenty Eight [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		7,000	7,000
Uncollateralized Senior Note Two Due on December Two Thousand Twenty Eight [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		20,000	20,000
Uncollateralized Senior Notes Due On Two Thousand Twenty Nine [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		50,000	50,000
Promissory note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		$ 168	$ 238
[1]	FPU secured first mortgage bonds are guaranteed by Chesapeake Utilities.

Long-Term Debt - Outstanding 64

Long-Term Debt - Outstanding Long-Term Debt- Supplemental Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
9.08% bond, due June 1, 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	9.08%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 1, 2022
6.64% note, due October 31, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	6.64%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 31, 2017
5.50% note, due October 12, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 12, 2020
5.93% note, due October 31, 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	5.93%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 31, 2023
5.68% note, due June 30, 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	5.68%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 30, 2026
Uncollateralized Senior Notes Due On May Two Thousand Twenty Eight [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	6.43%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 2, 2028
Uncollateralized Senior Note Two Due on December Two Thousand Twenty Eight [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	3.73%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Dec. 16, 2028
Uncollateralized Senior Notes Due On Two Thousand Twenty Nine [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest percentage	3.88%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 15, 2029

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] - Shelf Notes [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Period to purchase	3 years
Senior notes	$ 150
Maturity date term	20 years

Short-Term Borrowing (Details)

Short-Term Borrowing (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 08, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Expiration period	5 years
Expiration period from anniversary (up to)		2 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 200,000,000
Uncommitted Line Of Credit Facility One [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit		$ 40,000,000	$ 35,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate		125.00%
Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate		25.00%