Common and Preferred Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

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)	2019		2018		2017
Basic income per common share:
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	$	421,231	$	433,542	$	319,383
Less preferred stock dividends	9,000		9,000		9,000
Net income available to common shareholders	412,231		424,542		310,383
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock	4,019		4,558		3,848
Net income allocated to common stock	$	408,212	$	419,984	$	306,535
Weighted average common shares outstanding	113,784		116,352		116,375
Basic income per common share	$	3.59	$	3.61	$	2.63
Diluted income per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$	412,231	$	424,542	$	310,383
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock	4,012		4,547		3,838
Net income allocated to common stock	$	408,219	$	419,995	$	306,545
Weighted average common shares outstanding	113,784		116,352		116,375
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	282		361		410
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	114,066		116,713		116,785
Diluted income per common share	$	3.58	$	3.60	$	2.62

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)	2019		2018		2017
Shares outstanding at January 1	111,129		106,615		101,461
Issuance of stock:
Awards and sales under employee and director plans	329		416		403
5% stock dividend	5,359		5,305		5,078
Other purchases of treasury stock	(4,670	)	(1,194	)	(315	)
Other	(15	)	(13	)	(12	)
Shares outstanding at December 31	112,132		111,129		106,615