Common and Preferred Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary Of Components Used To Calculate Basic And Diluted Income Per Share

(In thousands, except per share data)	2018		2017		2016
Basic income per common share:
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	$	433,542	$	319,383	$	275,391
Less preferred stock dividends	9,000		9,000		9,000
Net income available to common shareholders	424,542		310,383		266,391
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock	4,558		3,848		3,698
Net income allocated to common stock	$	419,984	$	306,535	$	262,693
Weighted average common shares outstanding	110,812		110,833		110,505
Basic income per common share	$	3.79	$	2.77	$	2.38
Diluted income per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$	424,542	$	310,383	$	266,391
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock	4,547		3,838		3,692
Net income allocated to common stock	$	419,995	$	306,545	$	262,699
Weighted average common shares outstanding	110,812		110,833		110,505
Net effect of the assumed exercise of stock-based awards -- based on the treasury stock method using the average market price for the respective periods	343		391		295
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	111,155		111,224		110,800
Diluted income per common share	$	3.78	$	2.76	$	2.37

Schedule Of Activity In The Outstanding Shares Of The Company's Common Stock

The table below shows activity in the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock during the past three years. Shares in the table below are presented on an historical basis and have not been restated for the annual 5% stock dividends.

	Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Shares outstanding at January 1	106,615		101,461		97,226
Issuance of stock:
Awards and sales under employee and director plans	416		403		397
5% stock dividend	5,305		5,078		4,831
Other purchases of treasury stock	(1,194	)	(315	)	(959	)
Other	(13	)	(12	)	(34	)
Shares outstanding at December 31	111,129		106,615		101,461