Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. - Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Common dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.72	$ 0.72
CPP Preferred stock dividend rate	0.0500	0.0500	0.0500
SBLF preferred stock dividend rate	0.0340
Income tax expense on change in unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities	$ 4,411	$ (3,919)	$ 6,266