Cover Page	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	333-192954
Entity Registrant Name	OGLETHORPE POWER CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	GA
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-1211925
Entity Address, Address Line One	2100 East Exchange Place
Entity Address, City or Town	Tucker
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30084-5336
City Area Code	770
Local Phone Number	270-7600
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0
Entity Central Index Key	0000788816
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3