Document and Entity Information Document (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 06, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	WEST BANCORPORATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001166928
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,403,882
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 149,817,000