v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
May 05, 2018
Apr. 29, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Cato Corp  
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date May 05, 2018  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --05-05  
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 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Common Class A [Member]    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)   23,354,243
Common Class B [Member]    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)   1,755,601