Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 89,059		$ 83,193
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	(21,359)		55,435
Reclassification Adjustments Included in Earnings [Abstract]
Interest revenue, Investment securities, Taxable securities	(1,148)		(1,788)
Interest Expense, Subordinated Debt	52		52
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	247		3,722
Gain on available for sale securities, net	(4,855)		(4,331)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	(27,063)		53,090
Income tax benefit (expense)	10,526	[1]	(20,651)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(16,537)		32,439
Comprehensive income	72,522		115,632
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	1,095		(422)
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 71,427		$ 116,054

[1] Calculated using a 39% effective tax rate.