Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 99,461	$ 71,695	$ 182,654	$ 136,461
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	(15,401)	62,502	40,034	63,943
Other –than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	858	4,824	4,580	9,423
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized and included in earnings	(20,202)	(5,395)	(24,481)	(10,214)
Amortization of unrealized gain on investment securities transferred from available for sale	(1,633)	0	(3,421)	0
Other comprehensive income before income taxes	(36,378)	61,931	16,712	63,152
Income tax expense	14,150	(23,989)	(6,501)	(24,736)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	(22,228)	37,942	10,211	38,416
Comprehensive income	77,233	109,637	192,865	174,877
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	1,833	2,688	1,411	2,680
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 75,400	$ 106,949	$ 191,454	$ 172,197