Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 83,193	$ 64,766
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	55,435	1,441
Other -than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	3,722	4,599
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized and included in earnings	(1,788)	(4,819)
Amortization of unrealized gain on investment securities transferred from available for sale	(4,279)	0
Other comprehensive income before income taxes	53,090	1,221
Income tax expense	20,651	747
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	32,439	474
Comprehensive income	115,632	65,240
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	(422)	(8)
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 116,054	$ 65,248