Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 276,854	$ 266,975	$ 262,784
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	(341)	(518)	(412)
Net unrealized gains on other securities	(22,422)	(31,517)	60,007
Change in pension loss	1,268	2,412	(7,233)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,495)	(29,623)	52,362
Comprehensive income	255,359	237,352	315,146
Non-controlling interest expense	1,463	3,245	1,030
Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	$ 253,896	$ 234,107	$ 314,116