| Document and Entity Information | May 19, 2022 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | May 19, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | THE CATO CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000018255 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A - Common Stock, par value $.033 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CATO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity File Number | 1-31340 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity TaxIdentification 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
