Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHUGACH ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION INC
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Central Index Key	0000878004
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Amendment Flag	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | shares	0
Entity Public Float | $	$ 0