Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 76,062	$ 87,853	$ 245,009		$ 270,508
Other comprehensive income before income taxes: [Abstract]
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	(35,839)	46,064	(240,384)		86,098
Reclassification adjustments included in earnings [Abstract]
Interest revenue, Investment securities, Taxable securities	(696)	(2,009)	(2,717)		(5,430)
Interest expense, Subordinated debentures	85	68	209		399
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	1,509	1,104	2,308		5,684
Gain on available for sale securities, net	(478)	(7,967)	(9,086)		(32,779)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	(35,419)	37,260	(249,670)		53,972
Income tax benefit (expense)	13,779	(14,057)	97,124	[1]	(20,558)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(21,640)	23,203	(152,546)		33,414
Comprehensive income	54,422	111,056	92,463		303,922
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	324	471	1,376		1,882
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 54,098	$ 110,585	$ 91,087		$ 302,040

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