Condensed Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Premises, net	$ 11,562	$ 9,988
Other assets	4,094	13,553
Total assets	1,748,640	1,615,833
LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	6,355	6,038
Subordinated notes	20,619	20,619
Long-term debt	8,415	12,676
Total liabilities	1,596,263	1,475,658
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	3,000	3,000
Additional paid-in capital	20,067	18,971
Retained earnings	129,740	117,950
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(430)	254
Total stockholders' equity	152,377	140,175	$ 123,625	$ 134,587
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,748,640	1,615,833
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Cash	13,775	8,792	$ 6,705	$ 6,999
Investment in West Bank	159,038	149,980
Investment in West Bancorporation Capital Trust I	619	619
Premises, net	7,898	6,652
Other assets	355	7,632
Total assets	181,685	173,675
LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	274	205
Subordinated notes	20,619	20,619
Long-term debt	8,415	12,676
Total liabilities	29,308	33,500
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	3,000	3,000
Additional paid-in capital	20,067	18,971
Retained earnings	129,740	117,950
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(430)	254
Total stockholders' equity	152,377	140,175
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 181,685	$ 173,675