v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
May 04, 2019
Feb. 02, 2019
May 05, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Cato Corp    
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date May 04, 2019    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --02-01    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
Entity Public Float   $ 557,163,226  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Small Business false    
Common Class A [Member]      
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)     23,006,397
Common Class B [Member]      
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)     1,763,652