Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015
Mar. 16, 2015
Aug. 02, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name J C PENNEY CO INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001166126    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --02-02    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Jan. 31, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   305,120,922  
Trading Symbol jcp    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 2,930,303,291