| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 05, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | SHOE CARNIVAL, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000895447 |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 5, 2021 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 0-21360 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-1736614 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7500 East Columbia Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Evansville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 47715 |
| City Area Code | 812 |
| Local Phone Number | 867-6471 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SCVL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
