Document and Entity Information Document In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	WEST BANCORPORATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001166928
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,403,882