Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 02, 2013
Entity Registrant Name	SHOE CARNIVAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000895447
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--02-02
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,471,910
Entity Public Float			$ 318,661,438