The Cato Corporation (CATO) 10-Q 31 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

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	18,255
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	May 5, 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	2,018
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

Condensed Consolidated Income S

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements Of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Revenues
Retail sales	$ 236,025,000	$ 237,655,000
Other Revenue (principally finance charges, late fees and layaway charges)	2,275,000	2,086,000
Total revenues	238,300,000	239,741,000
COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	142,287,000	145,783,000
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	65,959,000	63,780,000
Depreciation	4,224,000	5,060,000
Interest and other income	754,000	942,000
Cost and expenses, net	211,716,000	213,681,000
Income before income taxes	26,584,000	26,060,000
Income tax expense	3,173,000	3,827,000
Net income	$ 23,411,000	$ 22,233,000
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.94	$ 0.85
Diluted earnings per share	0.94	0.85
Dividends per share	$ 0.33	$ 0.33
Comprehensive income
Net income	$ 23,411,000	$ 22,233,000
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income taxes	(392,000)	433,000
Comprehensive Income	$ 23,019,000	$ 22,666,000

Condensed Consolidated Income 3

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements Of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxParentheticalDisclosuresAbstract
Tax Effect of Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Available-For-Sale Securities	$ (122,000)	$ (122,000)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,481,000	$ 78,047,000
Short-term investments	147,133,000	118,836,000
Restricted Cash	3,630,000	3,217,000
Restricted Short term Investments	104,000	505,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	37,065,000	28,018,000
Merchandise inventories	107,892,000	121,535,000
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses	11,550,000	22,322,000
Total Current Assets	378,855,000	372,480,000
Property and equipment - net	105,504,000	109,368,000
DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent	12,692,000	12,570,000
Other assets	21,423,000	21,658,000
Total Assets	518,474,000	516,076,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	69,100,000	82,605,000
Accrued expenses	56,047,000	52,825,000
Accrued Bonus	4,014,000	2,971,000
Accrued income taxes	1,772,000	680,000
Total Current Liabilities	130,933,000	139,081,000
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities (primarily deferred rent)	46,295,000	50,642,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $100 par value per share, 100,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	841,000	832,000
Additional paid-in capital	100,749,000	99,948,000
Retained earnings	240,369,000	225,894,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(713,000)	(321,000)
Total Stockholders' Equity	341,246,000	326,353,000
Liabilities And Stockholders Equity	518,474,000	516,076,000
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	783,000	774,000
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	$ 58,000	$ 58,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current	$ 852,000	$ 1,148,000
Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred Stock Shares Issued	0	0
CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 75,111,000	$ 81,264,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 23,411,000	$ 22,233,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	4,224,000	5,060,000
Provision For Doubtful Accounts	(70,000)	54,000
Purchase premium and premium amortization	181,000	661,000
Share Based Compensation	592,000	449,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	1,015,000
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	84,000	246,000
Impairment of Leasehold	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	(8,977,000)	(2,015,000)
Merchandise inventories	13,643,000	13,897,000
Prepaid and other assets	10,805,000	936,000
Accrued income taxes	1,092,000	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(13,357,000)	(26,932,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,628,000	15,604,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(675,000)	(3,446,000)
Purchase of short-term investments	(36,208,000)	(9,770,000)
Sales of short-term investments	7,908,000	32,704,000
Payments to Acquire Projects	(91,000)	(654,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Investment Projects	(4,000)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(29,062,000)	18,834,000
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid	(8,186,000)	(8,677,000)
Repurchase of common stock	(760,000)	(20,464,000)
Proceeds from lines of credit	0	21,000,000
Payments to lines of credit	0	21,000,000
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	228,000	207,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation financing activities	0	0
Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised	0	95,000
Net cash provided used in financing activities	(8,718,000)	(28,839,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(6,152,000)	5,599,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	81,264,000	49,618,000
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash	(1,000)	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	75,111,000	55,217,000
Change in Accrued PPE	403,000	999,000
Change in Accrued Treasury Stock	$ 0	$ 231,000

General - Notes to Financial St

General - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
General Dsiclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Account Policies	NOTE 1 - GENERAL : The condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 5, 2018 and for the thirteen-week period ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 have been prepared from the accounting records of The Cato Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), and all amounts shown are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement have be en included. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The results of the interim period may not be indicative of the results expected for the entire year. The interim financial statements should be read in conjuncti on with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018 . Amounts as of February 3, 2018 have been derived from the audited balance sheet, but do not inc lude all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. On May 24, 2018 , the Board of Directors maintained the quarterly dividend at $0.33 per share . Subsequent to May 5, 2018 , the Company repurchased 78,500 shares for $1,407,519 .

Earnings Per Share - Notes to F

Earnings Per Share - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE: Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 260 – Earnings Per Share requires dual presentation of basic and diluted Earnings Per Share (“ EPS ”) on the face of all income statements for all entities with complex capital structures. The Company has presented one basic EPS and one diluted EPS amount for all common shares in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehens ive Income . While the Company’s certificate of incorporation provides the right for the Board of Directors to declare dividends on Class A shares without declaration of commensurate dividends on Class B shares, the Company has historically paid the same d ividends to both Class A and Class B shareholders and the Board of Directors has resolved to continue this practice. Accordingly, the Company’s allocation of income for purposes of the EPS computation is the same for Class A and Class B shares and the EPS amounts reported herein are applicable to both Class A and Class B shares. Basic EPS is computed as net income less earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Dilute d EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Numerator Net earnings $ 23,411 $ 22,233 Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards (561) (464) Net earnings available to common stockholders $ 22,850 $ 21,769 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 24,201,545 25,735,978 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 24,201,545 25,735,978 Net income per common share Basic earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.85 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.85

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDisclosure[Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	NOTE 3 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME : T he following tables set forth information regarding the reclassification out of A ccumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands) for the three months ended May 5, 2018 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a) Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (321) Other comprehensive income before reclassification (392) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (b) - Net current-period other comprehensive income (392) Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (713) (a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI"). (b) Includes $0 impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was $0.	NOTE 3 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME : T he following tables set forth information regarding the reclassification out of A ccumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands) for the three months ended May 5, 2018 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a) Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (321) Other comprehensive income before reclassification (392) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (b) - Net current-period other comprehensive income (392) Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (713) (a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI"). (b) Includes $0 impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was $0.

Financing Arrangements - Notes

Financing Arrangements - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Financing Arrangements [Abstract]
Financing Arrangements	NOTE 4 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS: As of May 5, 2018 , the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement to borrow $35.0 million less the balance of any revocable letters of credit as discussed below . The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2019 . The credit agreement contains various financial covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance as of May 5, 2018 . There were no borrowings out standing under this credit facility at May 5, 2018 or February 3, 2018 . The weighted average interest rate under the credit facility was zero at May 5, 2018 due to no borrowings outstanding at the end of the quarter. At May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 , the Company had no outstanding revocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

Reportable Segment Information

Reportable Segment Information - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Reportable Segment Information [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Information	NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION: The Company has determined that it has four operating segments, as defined under ASC 280-10, including Cato, It’s Fashion, Versona and Credit. As outlined in ASC 280-10, the Company has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit. The Company has aggregated its three retail operating segments, including e-commerce, based on the aggregation criteria outlined in ASC 2 80-10, which states that two or more operating segments may be aggregated into a single reportable segment if aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280-10, which require the segments to have similar economic characteristi cs, products, production processes, clients and methods of distribution. The Company’s retail operating segments have similar economic characteristics and similar operating, financial and competitive risks. They are similar in nature of product, as the y all offer women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. Merchandise inventory for the Company’s retail operating segments is sourced from the same countries and some of the same vendors, using similar production processes. Merchandise for the Company’s opera ting segments is distributed to retail stores in a similar manner through the Company’s single distribution center and is subsequently distributed to clients in a similar manner. The Company operates its women’s fashion specialty retail stores in 33 states as of May 5, 2018 , principally in the southeastern United States . The Company offers its own credit card to its customers and all credit authorizations, payment processing and collection efforts are performed by a separate subsidiary of t he Company. The following schedule summarizes certain segment information (in thousands): Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 Retail Credit Total Revenues $237,334 $966 $238,300 Depreciation 4,218 6 4,224 Interest and other income (754) - (754) Income before taxes 25,942 642 26,584 Capital expenditures 675 - 675 Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 Retail Credit Total Revenues $238,642 $1,099 $239,741 Depreciation 5,048 12 5,060 Interest and other income (942) - (942) Income before taxes 25,619 441 26,060 Capital expenditures 3,446 - 3,446 Retail Credit Total Total assets as of May 5, 2018 $475,945 $42,529 $518,474 Total assets as of February 3, 2018 469,652 46,424 516,076 The following schedule summarizes the direct expenses of the credit segment which are reflected in S elling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands): The Company evaluates segment performance based on income before taxes. The Company does not allocate certain corporate expenses or income taxes to the credit segment. Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 Bad debt expense $ - $ 54 Payroll 197 221 Postage 123 137 Other expenses (2) 234 Total expenses $ 318 $ 646

Stock Based Compensation - Note

Stock Based Compensation - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments Abstract
Stock Based Compensation	NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION: As of May 5, 2018 , the Company had three long-term compensation plans pursuant to which stock-based compensation was outstanding or could be granted. The Company’s 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan is for the granting of options to officers and key employees. As of May 5, 2018 , there were no available stock options for grant. The 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan and 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan are for the granting of various forms of equity-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options for grant, to officers, directors and key employees. Effective May 23, 2013, shares for grant were no longer available under the 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan. The following table presents the number of options and shares of restricted stock initially authorized and available for grant under each of the plans as of May 5, 2018 : 1987 2004 2013 Plan Plan Plan Total Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized 5,850,000 1,350,000 1,500,000 8,700,000 Options and/or restricted stock available for grant: May 5, 2018 - - 513,554 513,554 In accordance with ASC 718 , the fair value of current restricted stock awards is estimated on the date of grant based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods. As of May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 , there was $16,019,000 and $11,727,000 , respectively, of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which h ad a remaining weight ed-a verage vesting period of 2.9 years and 2.0 years , respectively. The total fair value of the shares recognized as compensation expense during the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $547,000 compared to $408,000 for the three months ended April 29, 2017 . These expenses are classified as a component of S elling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income . The following summary shows the changes in the shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding during the three months ended May 5, 2018 : Weighted Average Number of Grant Date Fair Shares Value Per Share Restricted stock awards at February 3, 2018 595,179 $ 30.33 Granted 349,643 16.08 Vested (139,669) 29.87 Forfeited or expired (7,302) 30.63 Restricted stock awards at May 5, 2018 797,851 $ 24.16 The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible full-time employees to purchase a limited number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock during each semi-annual offering period at a 15% discount through payroll deductions. During the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 , the Company sold 19,763 and 11,215 shares to employees at an average discount of $2.04 and $3.27 per share, respectively, under the Employee Stock Purch ase Plan. The compensation expense recognized for the 15% discount given under the Employee Stock Purchas e Plan was approximately $40,000 and $37,000 for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 , respectively . The se expenses ar e classified as a component of S elling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Value Measurements - Notes

Fair Value Measurements - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures Text Block	NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table s set forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value (in t housands) as of May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 : Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable May 5, 2018 Assets Inputs Inputs Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: State/Municipal Bonds $ 90,261 $ - $ 90,261 $ - Corporate Bonds 47,267 - 47,267 - U.S. Treasury Notes 4 4 - - Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance 8,867 - - 8,867 Asset-backed Securities (ABS) 7,775 - 7,775 - Corporate Equities 732 732 - - Certificates of Deposit 501 501 - - Total Assets $ 155,407 $ 1,237 $ 145,303 $ 8,867 Liabilities: Deferred Compensation (8,738) - - (8,738) Total Liabilities $ (8,738) $ - $ - $ (8,738) The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in corporate bonds and tax-exempt and taxable governmental debt securities held in managed accounts with underlying ratings of A or better at May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 . The state, municipal and corporate bonds have contractual maturities which range from 10 days to 29.0 years. The U.S. Treasury Notes and Certificates of Deposit have contractual maturities which range fr om six months to nine months . These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as Short-term investments, Restricted cash and investments and Other assets on the accompanying Cond ensed Consolidated Balance Sheets . These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Ad ditionally, at May 5, 2018 , the Company had $0.7 million of corpor ate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.9 million . At February 3, 2018 , the Company had $0.8 million of corporate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.9 million . All of these assets are recorded within Other a ssets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Level 1 category securities are measured at fair value using quoted active market prices. Level 2 investment securities include corporate and municipal bonds for which quoted prices may not be available on active exchanges for identical instruments. Their fair value is principally based on market values determined by management with assistance of a third-party pricing service. Since quoted prices in active ma rkets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined by the pricing service using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other factor s. Deferred compensation plan assets consist of life insurance policies. These life insurance policies are valued based on the cash surrender value of the insurance contract, which is determined based on such factors as the fair value of the underlying as sets and discounted cash flow and are therefore classified within L evel 3 of the valu ation hierarchy. The L evel 3 liability associated with the life insurance policies represents a deferred compensation obligation, the value of which is tracked via underly ing insurance funds. These funds are designed to mirror existing mutual funds and money market funds that are observable and actively traded. Cash surrend er values are provided by third parties and reviewed for reasonableness by the Company. The following tables summarize the change in fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured using Level 3 inputs as of May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 ( dollars in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Asset Inputs (Level 3) Cash Surrender Value Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ 8,900 Redemptions - Additions 183 Total gains or (losses) Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) (216) Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ 8,867 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Liability Inputs (Level 3) Deferred Compensation Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (8,951) Redemptions - Additions 3 Total (gains) or losses Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) 210 Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (8,738) Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Asset Inputs (Level 3) Cash Surrender Value Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 $ 7,973 Redemptions - Additions - Total gains or (losses) Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) 122 Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at April 29, 2017 $ 8,095 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Liability Inputs (Level 3) Deferred Compensation Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 $ (7,649) Redemptions - Additions (125) Total (gains) or losses Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) (185) Ending Balance at April 29, 2017 $ (7,959)	Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable February 3, 2018 Assets Inputs Inputs Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: State/Municipal Bonds $ 95,983 $ - $ 95,983 $ - Corporate Bonds 22,535 - 22,535 - U.S. Treasury Notes 404 404 - - Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance 8,900 - - 8,900 Asset-backed Securities (ABS) 318 - 318 - Corporate Equities 798 798 - - Certificates of Deposit 100 100 - - Total Assets $ 129,038 $ 1,302 $ 118,836 $ 8,900 Liabilities: Deferred Compensation (8,951) - - (8,951) Total Liabilities $ (8,951) $ - $ - $ (8,951)

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Notes to Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an effective date for a new leasing standard that will require substantially all leases to be recorded on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for the Company’s first quarter of its 2019 fiscal year; early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is assessing what impacts this new standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and e xpects assets and liabilities to increase.

Income Tax - Notes to the Finan

Income Tax - Notes to the Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES: The Company had an effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 of 11.9% compared to an effective tax rate of 14.7% for the first quarter of 2017 . The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), specifically the reduction of the U.S. federal statutory rate to 21%, a higher proportion of income being generated in jurisdictions with lower tax rat es, and ongoing savings from tax initiatives. Our estimated annual effective tax rate for the current year includes the impact of the new tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”). We continue evaluating the accounting policy election for deferred taxes under GILTI.

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Notes to the Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: The Company is, from time to time, involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including litigation regarding the merchandise that we sell, litigation regarding intellectual property, litigation instituted by persons injured upon premises under our control, litigation with respect to various employment matters, including alleged discrimination and wage and hour litigation, and litigation with present or former employees. The Company ha s approximately $9.3 million in accrued litigation expense at May 5, 2018 . Although such litigation is routine and incidental to the conduct of our business, as with any business of our size with a significant number of employees and significant merchandise sales, such litigation could result in large monetary awards. Based on information currently available, management does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from current pending litigation will have a material adv erse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. However, given the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in one or more such matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, resu lts of operations and cash flows in any particular reporting period. We accrue for these matters when the liability is deemed probable and reasonably estimable.

Revenue Recognition Footnote

Revenue Recognition Footnote	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
RevenueRecognitionAndDeferredRevenue[Abstract]
Revenue Recogntion	NOTE 11 – REVENUE RECOGNITION: On February 3, 2018 , the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts which were pending as of February 3 , 2018 . Financial results included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended May 5, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior year amounts have not been restated and continue to be reported in accordance with ASC 605 , “Revenue Recognition” (“Topic 605”). As a result of adopting Topic 606, the Company did not adjust opening retained earnings. The Company recognizes sales at the point of purchase when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the p urchase, generally with cash or credit. Sales from purchases made with Cato credit, gift cards and layaway sales from stores are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. E-commerce sales are recorded when the risk of loss is tra nsferred to the customer. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. Layaway sales are recorded as deferred revenue until the customer takes possession or forfeits the merchandise. Gift cards do not have expiration da tes. A provision is made for estimated merchandise returns based on sales volumes and the Company’s experience; actual returns have not varied materially from historical amounts. A provision is made for estimated write-offs associated with sales made with the Company’s proprietary credit card. Amounts related to shipping and handling billed to customers in a sales transaction are classified as Other revenue and the costs related to shipping product to customers (billed and accrued) are classified as Cost o f goods sold. The Company offers its own proprietary credit card to customers. All credit activity is performed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. None of the credit card receivables are secured. The Company estimated uncollectible amounts of $2 25,000 and $254,000 for the periods ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively, on sales purchased by the Company’s proprietary credit card of $7 .0 million and $6.7 million for the periods ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. The fo llowing table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands): Balance as of May 5, 2018 February 3, 2018 Proprietary Credit Card Receivables, net $ 16,752 $ 16,857 Gift Card Liability $ 5,811 $ 7,565

Earnings Per Share - (Tables)

Earnings Per Share - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Numerator Net earnings $ 23,411 $ 22,233 Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards (561) (464) Net earnings available to common stockholders $ 22,850 $ 21,769 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 24,201,545 25,735,978 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 24,201,545 25,735,978 Net income per common share Basic earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.85 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.85

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDisclosure[Abstract]
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table Text Block	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a) Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (321) Other comprehensive income before reclassification (392) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (b) - Net current-period other comprehensive income (392) Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (713) (a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI"). (b) Includes $0 impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was $0.	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a) Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (321) Other comprehensive income before reclassification (392) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (b) - Net current-period other comprehensive income (392) Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (713) (a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI"). (b) Includes $0 impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was $0.

Reportable Segment Informatio20

Reportable Segment Information - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Reportable Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 Retail Credit Total Revenues $237,334 $966 $238,300 Depreciation 4,218 6 4,224 Interest and other income (754) - (754) Income before taxes 25,942 642 26,584 Capital expenditures 675 - 675 Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 Retail Credit Total Revenues $238,642 $1,099 $239,741 Depreciation 5,048 12 5,060 Interest and other income (942) - (942) Income before taxes 25,619 441 26,060 Capital expenditures 3,446 - 3,446 Retail Credit Total Total assets as of May 5, 2018 $475,945 $42,529 $518,474 Total assets as of February 3, 2018 469,652 46,424 516,076 Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 Bad debt expense $ - $ 54 Payroll 197 221 Postage 123 137 Other expenses (2) 234 Total expenses $ 318 $ 646

Stock Based Compensation - Plan

Stock Based Compensation - Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments Abstract
Stock Based Compensation Plans	1987 2004 2013 Plan Plan Plan Total Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized 5,850,000 1,350,000 1,500,000 8,700,000 Options and/or restricted stock available for grant: May 5, 2018 - - 513,554 513,554

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock O

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock Outstanding - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments Abstract
Schedule Of Changes In Restricted Stock Outstanding	Weighted Average Number of Grant Date Fair Shares Value Per Share Restricted stock awards at February 3, 2018 595,179 $ 30.33 Granted 349,643 16.08 Vested (139,669) 29.87 Forfeited or expired (7,302) 30.63 Restricted stock awards at May 5, 2018 797,851 $ 24.16

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets at Fairvalue - (Tables)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable May 5, 2018 Assets Inputs Inputs Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: State/Municipal Bonds $ 90,261 $ - $ 90,261 $ - Corporate Bonds 47,267 - 47,267 - U.S. Treasury Notes 4 4 - - Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance 8,867 - - 8,867 Asset-backed Securities (ABS) 7,775 - 7,775 - Corporate Equities 732 732 - - Certificates of Deposit 501 501 - - Total Assets $ 155,407 $ 1,237 $ 145,303 $ 8,867 Liabilities: Deferred Compensation (8,738) - - (8,738) Total Liabilities $ (8,738) $ - $ - $ (8,738)	Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable February 3, 2018 Assets Inputs Inputs Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: State/Municipal Bonds $ 95,983 $ - $ 95,983 $ - Corporate Bonds 22,535 - 22,535 - U.S. Treasury Notes 404 404 - - Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance 8,900 - - 8,900 Asset-backed Securities (ABS) 318 - 318 - Corporate Equities 798 798 - - Certificates of Deposit 100 100 - - Total Assets $ 129,038 $ 1,302 $ 118,836 $ 8,900 Liabilities: Deferred Compensation (8,951) - - (8,951) Total Liabilities $ (8,951) $ - $ - $ (8,951)

Fair Value Measurments - Level

Fair Value Measurments - Level 3 Roll (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Level 3 Reconciliation	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Asset Inputs (Level 3) Cash Surrender Value Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ 8,900 Redemptions - Additions 183 Total gains or (losses) Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) (216) Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ 8,867 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Liability Inputs (Level 3) Deferred Compensation Beginning Balance at February 3, 2018 $ (8,951) Redemptions - Additions 3 Total (gains) or losses Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) 210 Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at May 5, 2018 $ (8,738) Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Asset Inputs (Level 3) Cash Surrender Value Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 $ 7,973 Redemptions - Additions - Total gains or (losses) Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) 122 Included in other comprehensive income - Ending Balance at April 29, 2017 $ 8,095 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Liability Inputs (Level 3) Deferred Compensation Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 $ (7,649) Redemptions - Additions (125) Total (gains) or losses Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets) (185) Ending Balance at April 29, 2017 $ (7,959)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018
RevenueRecognitionAndDeferredRevenue[Abstract]
us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock	Balance as of May 5, 2018 February 3, 2018 Proprietary Credit Card Receivables, net $ 16,752 $ 16,857 Gift Card Liability $ 5,811 $ 7,565

General - Notes to Financial 26

General - Notes to Financial Statements - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
General Dsiclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Declared Dividend	$ 0.33	$ 0.33
Repurchase of common stock	$ 760,000	$ 20,464,000
Net income	23,411,000	22,233,000
Dividends paid	$ 8,186,000	8,677,000
Income Tax Uncertainties Change In Income Tax Expense		(1,500,000)
Income Tax Uncertainties Change In Other Noncurrent Liabilities		(2,500,000)
Income Tax Uncertainties Change In Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes		$ (1,000,000)

Earnings Per Share - (Details)

Earnings Per Share - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Net income	$ 23,411,000	$ 22,233,000
Earnings Allocated to Non-Vesting Equity Awards	(561,000)	(464,000)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$ 22,850,000	$ 21,769,000
Basic Weighted-Average common shares outstanding	24,201,545	25,735,978
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options	0	0
Dilluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	24,201,545	25,735,978
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.94	$ 0.85
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.94	$ 0.85

Changes in Accumulated Other 28

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ (321,000)
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax	(392,000)	$ 436,000
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net Of Tax	0	(3,000)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income taxes	(392,000)	433,000
Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ (713,000)
ChangeInUnrealizedGainsOnAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		(321,000)
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax		(392,000)
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net Of Tax		0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income taxes		(392,000)
Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		$ (713,000)

Changes in Accumulated Other 29

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)	$ 3,173,000	$ 3,827,000
Reclassified Accumulated Unrealized Gains and Losses
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
Interest and Other Income		0	$ (6,000)
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)		$ 0	$ (3,000)

Financing Arrangements - (Detai

Financing Arrangements - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Feb. 03, 2018
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Outstanding Borrowings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
RevolvingCreditFacilityMember [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility Outstanding Borrowings	$ 0	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019

Reportable Segment Informatio31

Reportable Segment Information - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Feb. 03, 2018	Jan. 28, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 238,300,000	$ 239,741,000
Depreciation	4,224,000	4,224,000
Interest and other income	754,000	942,000
Total Assets	518,474,000			$ 516,076,000
Capital expenditures	675,000	3,446,000
Income Before Taxes	26,584,000	26,584,000
ReportableSegmentsMemberRetail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	237,334,000	237,334,000	$ 238,642,000
Depreciation	4,218,000	4,218,000	5,048,000
Interest and other income	(754,000)	(754,000)	(942,000)
Total Assets	475,945,000			469,652,000	$ 469,652,000
Capital expenditures	(675,000)	(3,446,000)
Income Before Taxes	25,942,000	25,942,000	25,619,000
ReportableSegmentsMemberCredit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	966,000	966,000	1,099,000
Depreciation	6,000	6,000	12,000
Interest and other income	0	0	0
Total Assets	42,529,000			$ 46,424,000	$ 46,424,000
Capital expenditures	0	0
Income Before Taxes	$ 642,000	$ 642,000	$ 441,000

Direct Expenses of Credit Segme

Direct Expenses of Credit Segment in SGA - (Details) - ReportableSegmentsMemberCredit [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Bad debt expense	$ 0	$ 0
Labor and Related Expense	197,000	197,000
Postage Expense	123,000	123,000
Other Expenses	$ (2,000)	$ (2,000)

Stock Based Compensation - Pl33

Stock Based Compensation - Plans - (Details)	May 05, 2018shares
1987 Plan
Authorized And Available For Grant [Line Items]
Options And/Or Restrcited Stock Initially Authorized	5,850,000
Options And Or Restricted Stock Available For Grant	0
2004 Plan
Authorized And Available For Grant [Line Items]
Options And/Or Restrcited Stock Initially Authorized	1,350,000
Options And Or Restricted Stock Available For Grant	0
2013 Plan
Authorized And Available For Grant [Line Items]
Options And/Or Restrcited Stock Initially Authorized	1,500,000
Options And Or Restricted Stock Available For Grant	513,554,000

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock34

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock Outstanding - (Details) - 2004 Plan - Restricted Stock - Class A Common Stock - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Restricted Stock Awards Beginning Balance	595,179,000
Restricted Stock Awards Granted	349,643,000	349,643
Restricted Stock Awards Vested	(139,669,000)	(139,669)
Restricted Stock Awards Foreited	(7,302,000)	(7,302)
Restricted Stock Awards Ending Balance	797,851,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity InstrumentsOtherThan Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share - Beginning Balance	$ 30,330
Granted Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	16,080	$ 16.08
Vested Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	29,870	29.87
Forfeited Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	30,630	$ 30.63
Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share - Ending Balance	$ 24,160

Stock Based Compensation Additi

Stock Based Compensation Additional - (Details) - Class A Common Stock - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Feb. 03, 2018
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$ 16,019,000,000		$ 11,727,000,000
Remaining Weighted-Average Vesting Period	2 years 10 months 24 days		2 years 2 months 12 days
Compensation Expense	$ 547,000,000	$ 547,000
Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	0
Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Options Granted	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Sold	19,763,000	19,763
Compensation Expense	$ 40,000,000	$ 40,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Share Purchase Discount	$ 2.04	$ 2.04

Weighted Average Option Rollfor

Weighted Average Option Rollforward - (Details)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018shares
Stock Options | Class A Common Stock
shareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward
Options Granted	0

Fair Value Measurements - Ass37

Fair Value Measurements - Assets at Fairvalue - (Details) - USD ($)	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0
Level 2 | Deferred Compensation
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 3 | Deferred Compensation
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(8,738,000)	(8,951,000)
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	90,261,000	95,983,000
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	47,267,000	22,535,000
Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
US Treasury Notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	4,000	404,000
US Treasury Notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
US Treasury Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Equities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	732,000	798,000
Corporate Equities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Equities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Certificates of Deposit | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	501,000	100,000
Certificates of Deposit | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Certificates of Deposit | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Asset Backed Securities (ABS) | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Asset Backed Securities (ABS) | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	7,775,000	318,000
Asset Backed Securities (ABS) | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale Securities	0	0
Cash Surrender Value - Life Insurance | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value - Life Insurance | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value - Life Insurance | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 8,867,000	$ 8,900,000

Fair Value Measurements - Level

Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 Roll - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Deferred Compensation
FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Begining Balance	$ (8,951,000)	$ (8,951,000)
Redemptions	0	0
Additions	3,000	3,000
Losses (Gains) Included In Earnings	210,000	210,000
Ending Balance	(8,738,000)	(8,738,000)
Cash Surrender Value - Life Insurance
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(8,951,000)	8,900,000
Redemptions	0	0
Additions	183,000	183,000
Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	216,000	216,000
Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income	0	0
Ending Balance	$ (8,738,000)	$ 8,095,000

Income Tax (Details)

Income Tax (Details)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract
Effective Income Tax Rate	11.90%	11.90%

Effective Tax Rate (Details)

Effective Tax Rate (Details)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
effectiveincometaxratecontinuing
Effective Income Tax Rate	11.90%	11.90%

Commitments and Contingencies41

Commitments and Contingencies - (Details)	May 05, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss	$ 9,300,000

Revenue Recognition Disclosure

Revenue Recognition Disclosure Table - (Details) - USD ($)	May 05, 2018	Feb. 03, 2018
RevenueRecognitionAndDeferredRevenue[Abstract]
Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Net	$ 16,752,000	$ 16,857,000
Gift Card Liability	$ 5,811,000	$ 7,565,000

Revenue Recognition Cato Credit

Revenue Recognition Cato Credit Card - (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
RevenueRecognitionAndDeferredRevenue[Abstract]
Proprietary Cedit Card Uncollectable amounts	$ 225,000	$ 254,000
Proprietary Credit Card Sales	$ 7,000,000	$ 6,700,000