Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 77,043		$ 89,059
Other comprehensive income before income taxes: [Abstract]
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	54,613		(21,359)
Reclassification adjustments included in earnings [Abstract]
Interest revenue, Investment securities, Taxable securities	(403)		(1,148)
Interest expense, Subordinated debentures	83		52
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	0		247
Gain on available for sale securities, net	(1,240)		(4,855)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	53,053		(27,063)
Federal and state income taxes	(20,635)	[1]	10,526	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	32,418		(16,537)
Comprehensive income	109,461		72,522
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	453		1,095
Comprehensive income attributed to BOK Financial Corp. shareholders	$ 109,008		$ 71,427

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