Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 71,702	$ 65,522
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	95	(398)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities	19,002	70,495
Pension loss amortization	340	362
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,437	70,459
Comprehensive income	91,139	135,981
Non-controlling interest expense (income)	198	148
Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc	$ 90,941	$ 135,833