Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 69,808	$ 75,323	$ 135,330	$ 137,337
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings	0	149	(398)	21
Net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities	31,139	(43,483)	101,634	(14,137)
Pension loss amortization	356	406	718	812
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	31,495	(42,928)	101,954	(13,304)
Comprehensive income	101,303	32,395	237,284	124,033
Non-controlling interest expense (income)	(85)	970	63	1,929
Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc	$ 101,388	$ 31,425	$ 237,221	$ 122,104