2.4.0.840901 - Disclosure - Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Expense) (Details)truefalseIn Millions, unless otherwise specifiedfalse1false USDfalsefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2false USDfalsefalse$Duration_4_29_2012_To_7_28_2012http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2012-04-29T00:00:002012-07-28T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3false USDfalsefalse$Duration_2_3_2013_To_8_3_2013http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-02-03T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4false USDfalsefalse$Duration_1_29_2012_To_7_28_2012http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2012-01-29T00:00:002012-07-28T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$1false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse3400000034USD$falsetruefalse2truefalsefalse5800000058USD$falsetruefalse3truefalsefalse6800000068USD$falsetruefalse4truefalsefalse116000000116USD$falsetruefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)2false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse5false USDtruefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00falsefalseRetirement Benefit Plans Total [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Retirement Benefit Plans Total [Member]3false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse1900000019USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2400000024USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3900000039USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse4700000047USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Service cost4false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse5400000054USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6700000067USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse108000000108USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse132000000132USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Interest cost5false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-85000000-85USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-95000000-95USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-170000000-170USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-189000000-189USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Expected return on plan assets6false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse4400000044USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6300000063USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse8800000088USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse127000000127USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of acruarial loss/(gain)7false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3000000-3USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1000000-1USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-7000000-7USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)8false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse3200000032USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5600000056USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6400000064USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse110000000110USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)9false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse9false USDtruefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00falsefalsePrimary and Supplemental Pension Plan Total [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Primary and Supplemental Pension Plan Total [Member]10false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse1900000019USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2400000024USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3900000039USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse4700000047USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Service cost11false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse5400000054USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6600000066USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse108000000108USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse131000000131USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Interest cost12false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-85000000-85USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-95000000-95USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-170000000-170USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-189000000-189USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Expected return on plan assets13false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse4400000044USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6300000063USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse8800000088USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse127000000127USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of acruarial loss/(gain)14false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse20000002USD$falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse30000003USD$falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)15false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse3400000034USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5800000058USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6800000068USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse116000000116USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)16false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse13false USDtruefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_jcp_BenefitsPlanPrimaryPlanMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00falsefalsePrimary Pension Plan [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldijcp_BenefitsPlanPrimaryPlanMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Primary Pension Plan [Member]17false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse1900000019USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2300000023USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3900000039USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse4600000046USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Service cost18false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse5100000051USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6200000062USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse102000000102USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse124000000124USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Interest cost19false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-85000000-85USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-95000000-95USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-170000000-170USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-189000000-189USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Expected return on plan assets20false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse3800000038USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5800000058USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse7600000076USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse116000000116USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of acruarial loss/(gain)21false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse20000002USD$falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse30000003USD$falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)22false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse2500000025USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4800000048USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5000000050USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse9700000097USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)23false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse17false USDtruefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_jcp_BenefitsSupplementalPlanMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00falsefalseSupplemental Pension Plans [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldijcp_BenefitsSupplementalPlanMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Supplemental Pension Plans [Member]24false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001USD$falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse10000001USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Service cost25false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse30000003USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse40000004USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse60000006USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse70000007USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Interest cost26false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse60000006USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000005USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1200000012USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1100000011USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of acruarial loss/(gain)27false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse90000009USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1000000010USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1800000018USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1900000019USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)28false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse21false USDtruefalse$Duration_5_5_2013_To_8_3_2013_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001166126duration2013-05-05T00:00:002013-08-03T00:00:00falsefalsePostretirement Health and Welfare Plan [Member]us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Postretirement Health and Welfare Plan [Member]29false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001USD$falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse10000001USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Interest cost30false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-2000000-2USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3000000-3USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-4000000-4USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-7000000-7USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 false2Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)31false 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse-2000000-2USD$falsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-2000000-2USD$falsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-4000000-4USD$falsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-6000000-6USD$falsetruefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28361610&loc=d3e1928-114920 true2Net periodic plan expense/(income)falseRetirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Expense) (Details) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.jcpenney.net/role/DisclosureRetirementBenefitPlansNetPeriodicExpenseDetails431