Document and Entity Information Document - shares
 3 Months Ended
May 02, 2020
Jul. 17, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Document Transition Report false  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-0037077  
Entity Registrant Name J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001166126  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-30  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Entity File Number 1-15274  
Document Period End Date May 02, 2020  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   322,382,095
Entity Small Business false  
City Area Code 972  
Local Phone Number 431-1000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Address, Address Line One 6501 Legacy Drive  
Entity Address, City or Town Plano  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 75024 - 3698  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | Common Stock of 50 cents par value    
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock of 50 cents par value  
Trading Symbol *  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights    
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Preferred Stock Purchase Rights  
Trading Symbol *  
Security Exchange Name NYSE