Stockholders' Equity (Stock Warrant) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 13, 2011
Jan. 28, 2012
Class of Warrant or Right, Title of Security Warrants or Rights Outstanding On June 13, 2011, prior to his employment, we entered into a warrant purchase agreement with Ronald B. Johnson pursuant to which Mr. Johnson made a personal investment in the Company by purchasing a warrant to acquire approximately 7.3 million shares of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. common stock for a purchase price of approximately $50 million at a mutually determined fair value of $6.89 per share.  
Class of Warrant or Right, Reason for Issuing to Nonemployees personal investment in the Company  
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights 7.3  
Stock warrant issued $ 50 $ 50
Stock Warrant, Exercise Price 29.92  
Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights Exercisable Jun. 13, 2017  
Expected term 7.5 years  
Expected volatility 37.00%  
Risk-free interest rate 2.47%  
Expected dividend yield 2.67%  
Warrant Purchase Agreement Using Monte Carlo Simulation, Methodology and Assumptions Valuation Method. The fair value of the stock warrant was determined on the date of the warrant purchase agreement using a Monte Carlo simulation method that reflected the impact of the key features of the warrant using different simulations and probability weighting. Expected Term. The expected term was determined based on the maturity determined period that both parties expect the warrant to be outstanding. Expected Volatility. The expected volatility was based on implied volatility. Risk-free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate was based on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the date of the agreement with the same maturity as the expected warrant term. Expected Dividend Yield. The dividend assumption was based on expectations about the Company's dividend policy.  
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
    
Stock warrant issued   $ 50