v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jul. 29, 2017
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 Jul. 29, 2017
Amendment Flag false
Current Fiscal Year End Date --07-29
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 2017
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) 23,276,248
Common Class B [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 1,755,601