Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BOK FINANCIAL CORP ET AL
Entity Central Index Key	0000875357
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 1,500,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	68,369,705
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012