v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Aug. 04, 2018
shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name Cato Corp
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255
Document Type 10-Q
Document Period End Date Aug. 04, 2018
Amendment Flag false
Current Fiscal Year End Date --08-04
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers No
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2
Common Class A [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 22,909,058
Common Class B [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 1,763,652