v3.26.1
Document and Entity Information
 3 Months Ended
May 02, 2026
shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date May 02, 2026
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 1-31340
Entity Registrant Name THE CATO CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation State Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 56-0484485
Entity Address Address Line 1 8100 Denmark Road
Entity Address City Or Town Charlotte
Entity Address State Or Province NC
Entity Address Postal Zip Code 28273-5975
City Area Code 704
Local Phone Number 554-8510
Security 12b Title Class A - Common Stock, par value $.033 per share
Trading Symbol CATO
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business true
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-30
Amendment Flag false
Class A Common Stock [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding 18,195,206
Class B Common Stock [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding 1,763,652