Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 318,931		$ 354,124		$ 289,824
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	(275,945)		66,197		47,287
Reclassification adjustments included in earnings [Abstract]
Interest revenue, Investment securities, Taxable securities	(3,210)		(6,601)		(1,357)
Interest expense, Subordinated debentures	262		453		304
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(2,308)		(7,351)		(23,507)
Gain on available for sale securities, net	(10,720)		(33,845)		(34,144)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	(287,305)		33,555		35,597
Federal and state income tax	(111,762)	[1]	12,614	[1]	14,457	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(175,543)		20,941		21,140
Comprehensive income	143,388		375,065		310,964
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	2,322		2,933		3,949
Comprehensive income attributable to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 141,066		$ 372,132		$ 307,015

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