Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	BON TON STORES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000878079
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 141.9
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			17,266,317
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			2,951,490