v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Oct. 29, 2016
USD ($)
shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name Cato Corp
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255
Document Type 10-Q
Document Period End Date Oct. 29, 2016
Amendment Flag false
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-29
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers No
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3
Entity Public Float | $ $ 796,035,939
Common Class A [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 25,092,156
Common Class B [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 1,751,576