Document and Entity Information Document - shares
 9 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2020
Dec. 04, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2020  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 1-15274  
Entity Registrant Name J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-0037077  
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  
City Area Code 972  
Local Phone Number 431-1000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   322,897,689
Entity Central Index Key 0001166126  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-30  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false