| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 15, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 15, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001166126 |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2019 |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-15274 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | Common Stock of 50 cents par value [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock of 50 cents par value |
| Trading Symbol | JCP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | JCP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
