Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 261,117	$ 271,439	$ 259,623
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains subsequent to initial OTTI recognition	958	7,566	3,214
Net unrealized gains on other securities	(138,960)	24,126	48,287
Change in pension loss	11,389	(5,886)	(4,308)
Other comprehensive income	(126,613)	25,806	47,193
Comprehensive income	134,504	297,245	306,816
Non-controlling interest expense	156	2,110	3,280
Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	$ 134,348	$ 295,135	$ 303,536