Balance Sheet Offsetting Balance Sheet Offsetting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Offsetting [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 10,457	$ 12,980
Derivative Asset, Amount Offset by Liabiilty	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Asset, Net	10,457cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeAssetNet	12,980cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeAssetNet
Securities purchased under agreements to resell, net	1,050,000	1,150,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	10,948	13,329
Derivative Liability, Amount Offset by Asset	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Liability, Net	10,948cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeLiabilityNet	13,329cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeLiabilityNet
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	1,858,678	1,321,763
Derivative Subject to Master Netting Agreement [Member]
Balance Sheet Offsetting [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	10,209	11,579
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Asset, Net	10,209	11,579
Derivative Asset, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(251)	(1,299)
derivatve asset, fair value of collateral	0	(338)
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	9,958	9,942
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	10,454	12,962
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Liability, Net	10,454	12,962
Derivative Liability, Not Offset, Policy Election Deduction	(251)	(1,299)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value of Collateral	(8,738)	(9,063)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,465	2,600
Derivative Not Subject to Master Netting Agreement [Member]
Balance Sheet Offsetting [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	248	1,401
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Asset, Net	248	1,401
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	494	367
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Fair Value of Derivative Liability, Net	494	367
Resale agreement [Member]
Balance Sheet Offsetting [Line Items]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Gross	1,500,000	1,450,000
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Liability	450,000	300,000
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	1,049,370	1,150,000
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Amount Offset Against Collateral	630	0
Repurchase agreement [Member]
Balance Sheet Offsetting [Line Items]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Gross	2,308,678	1,621,763
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Asset	(450,000)	(300,000)
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	1,858,678	1,321,763
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Amount Offset Against Collateral	$ 0	$ 0

Name:	cbsh_BalanceSheetOffsettingLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of the liability offset against the fair value of gross derivative assets on the balance sheet.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_DerivativeAssetAmountOffsetByLiabiilty
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of the asset offset against the fair value of gross derivative liabilities on the balance sheet.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_DerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetByAsset
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of securities received as collateral against derivative assets.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_DerivatveAssetFairValueOfCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair Value of Derivative Asset, Net

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeAssetNet
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair Value of Derivative Liability, Net

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_FairValueofDerivativeLiabilityNet
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding loaned in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the sale and repurchase of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price. Reflects the net of Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell gross assets and liabilities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNet
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding borrowed in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the purchase and resale of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price. Reflects the net of Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase gross liabilities and assets.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbsh_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseNet
Namespace Prefix:	cbsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of liability associated with financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226003-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, elected not to be offset, deducted from derivative assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226016-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)(1)(i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226000-175313

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value, after offset of derivative liability, of financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, before offset against an obligation to return collateral under a master netting arrangement. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226008-175313

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226006-175313

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41678-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value, after offset of derivative asset, of financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, elected not to be and before offset against a right to receive collateral under a master netting arrangement. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226008-175313

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226006-175313

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41678-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of asset associated with financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of securities pledged as collateral against derivative liabilities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226013-175313

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueOfCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, elected not to be offset, deducted from derivative liabilities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding loaned in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the purchase and resale of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price offset against an obligation to return collateral. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226016-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against securities purchased under agreement to resell.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226016-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding loaned in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the purchase and resale of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of liability associated with funds outstanding loaned in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the purchase and resale of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of funds outstanding loaned in the form of a security resale agreement between the entity and another party for the purchase and resale of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price, not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 22

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226052-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding borrowed in the form of a security repurchase agreement between the entity and another party for the sale and repurchase of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price offset against a right to receive collateral. Includes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226016-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of asset associated with funds outstanding borrowed in the form of a security repurchase agreement between the entity and another party for the sale and repurchase of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of right to receive securities collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36459792&loc=SL20226016-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before effects of master netting arrangements, of funds outstanding borrowed in the form of a security repurchase agreement between the entity and another party for the sale and repurchase of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of funds outstanding borrowed in the form of a security repurchase agreement between the entity and another party for the sale and repurchase of identical or substantially the same securities at a date certain for a specified price, not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=cbsh_DerivativeNotSubjectToMasterNettingAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=cbsh_DerivativeSubjectToMasterNettingAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=cbsh_RepurchaseAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=cbsh_ResaleAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: