Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 87,853	$ 85,459	$ 270,508	$ 221,920
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	46,064	33,810	86,098	97,753
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1,104)	(11,300)	5,684	20,723
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized and included in earnings	(7,899)	(16,620)	(32,380)	(26,834)
Amortization of unrealized gain on investment securities transferred from available for sale	(2,009)	0	(5,430)	0
Other comprehensive income before income taxes	37,260	28,490	53,972	91,642
Income tax expense	(14,057)	(11,174)	20,558	35,910
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	23,203	17,316	33,414	55,732
Comprehensive income	111,056	102,775	303,922	277,652
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	471	358	1,882	3,038
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 110,585	$ 102,417	$ 302,040	$ 274,614