Organization and Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Organization and Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and nature of business: West Bancorporation, Inc. operates in the commercial banking industry through its wholly-owned subsidiary, West Bank. West Bank is a state chartered bank and has its main office in West Des Moines, Iowa, with seven additional offices located in the Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan area, one office located in Iowa City, Iowa, one office located in Coralville, Iowa, and one office located in Rochester, Minnesota. As used herein, the term "Company" refers to West Bancorporation, Inc., or if the context dictates, West Bancorporation, Inc. and its subsidiary. Significant accounting policies: Accounting estimates and assumptions: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the fair value and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of financial instruments and the allowance for loan losses. Consolidation policy: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, West Bank, West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owned an interest in a limited liability company that was sold in the fourth quarter of 2015), and West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC (a community development partnership that was liquidated during the third quarter of 2014 because the underlying loan matured). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, the Company owns an unconsolidated subsidiary, West Bancorporation Capital Trust I (the Trust), which was formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the Trust are recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and are not consolidated. Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified, with no effect on net income, comprehensive income or stockholder's equity, to conform with current period presentation. Segment information: An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. The Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment, which is banking. The banking segment generates revenue through interest and fees on loans, service charges on deposit accounts, interest on investment securities, fees for trust services and other miscellaneous banking related activities. This segment includes the Company, West Bank, and related elimination entries between the two, as the Company's operation is similar to that of West Bank. Comprehensive income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (OCI). OCI consists of the net change in unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investment securities available for sale, including the noncredit-related portion of unrealized gains (losses) of OTTI securities and the effective portion of the change in fair value of derivative instruments. OCI also includes the amortization of derivative termination costs and the amortization of unrealized gains on investment securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity. Cash and cash equivalents and cash flows: For statement of cash flow purposes, the Company considers cash, due from banks and federal funds sold to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash inflows and outflows from loans and deposits are reported on a net basis. Investment securities: Investment securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Investment securities that may be sold for general liquidity needs, in response to market interest rate fluctuations, implementation of asset-liability management strategies, funding loan demand, changes in securities prepayment risk or other similar factors are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of deferred income taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis based on amortized cost. The amortized cost of debt securities classified as held to maturity or available for sale is adjusted for accretion of discounts to maturity and amortization of premiums over the estimated average life of each security or, in the case of callable securities, through the first call date, using the effective yield method. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income. Interest income on securities is recognized using the interest method according to the terms of the investment security. The Company evaluates each of its investment securities whose value has declined below amortized cost to determine whether the decline in fair value is OTTI. When determining whether an investment security is OTTI, management assesses the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer and other qualitative factors, as well as whether: (a) it has the intent to sell the security, and (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery. In instances when a determination is made that an OTTI exists but management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated repayment or maturity, the OTTI is separated into: (a) the amount of the total OTTI related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the security (the credit loss); and (b) the amount of the total OTTI related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized as a charge to earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in OCI. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security with OTTI before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. Federal Home Loan Bank stock: West Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to 0.12 percent of total assets plus 4.00 percent of outstanding advances from the FHLB and the outstanding principal balance of loans issued through the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program (MPF). No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The Company evaluates this asset for impairment on a quarterly basis and determined there was no impairment. All shares of FHLB stock are issued and redeemed at par value. Loans: Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unamortized loan fees and costs, with interest income recognized on the interest method based upon those outstanding loan balances. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Loans are reported by the portfolio segments identified and are analyzed by management on this basis. All loan policies identified below apply to all segments of the loan portfolio. Delinquencies are determined based on the payment terms of the individual loan agreements. The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make all payments pursuant to contractual terms. Unless considered collectible, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, if accrued in the current year, or charged to the allowance for loan losses, if accrued in the prior year. Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. A loan is classified as troubled debt restructured (TDR) when the Company separately concludes that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession is granted that would not otherwise be considered. Concessions may include a restructuring of the loan terms to alleviate the burden of the borrower's cash requirements, such as an extension of the payment terms beyond the original maturity date or a change in the interest rate charged. TDR loans with extended payment terms are accounted for as impaired until performance is established. A change to the interest rate would change the classification of a loan to a TDR loan if the restructured loan yields a rate that is below a market rate for that of a new loan with comparable risk. TDR loans with below market rates are considered impaired until fully collected. TDR loans may also be reported as nonaccrual or past due 90 days if they are not performing per the restructured terms. Based upon its ongoing assessment of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the Company maintains a Watch List, which includes loans classified as Doubtful, Substandard and Watch according to West Bank's classification criteria. These loans involve the anticipated potential for payment defaults or collateral inadequacies. A loan on the Watch List is considered impaired when management believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses. Allowance for loan losses: The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience. This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, the review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers' ability to pay. Loans are charged off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon. The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that meet the definition of impaired. The general component covers the remaining loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as delinquency trends, loan growth, economic elements and local market conditions. These same policies are applied to all segments of loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations. Premises and equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The straight-line method of depreciation and amortization is used for calculating expense. The estimated useful lives of premises and equipment range up to 40 years for buildings, up to 10 years for furniture and equipment, and the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements. Other real estate owned: Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value is determined by management by obtaining appraisals or other market value information at least annually. Any write-downs in value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management by obtaining updated appraisals or other market value information. Any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the updated fair value less estimated selling cost. Net costs related to the holding of properties are included in noninterest expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no other real estate owned. Trust assets: Assets held by West Bank in fiduciary or agency capacities, other than trust cash on deposit at West Bank, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company, as such assets are not assets of West Bank. The Company managed or administered accounts with assets totaling $251,767 as of December 31, 2016, compared to assets totaling $209,920 as of December 31, 2015. Bank-owned life insurance: The carrying amount of bank-owned life insurance consists of the initial premium paid, plus increases in cash value, less the carrying amount associated with any death benefit received. Death benefits paid in excess of the applicable carrying amount are recognized as income. Increases in cash value and the portion of death benefits recognized as income are exempt from income taxes. Derivatives: The Company uses derivative financial instruments (which consist of interest rate swaps) to assist in its interest rate risk management. All derivatives are measured and reported at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as other assets or other liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash flow hedging relationships, which were derivatives to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. To qualify for hedge accounting, the Company must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and on a quarterly basis throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in OCI, net of deferred taxes, and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. Stock-based compensation: The West Bancorporation, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan) was approved by the stockholders in 2012 as a means to attract, retain and reward selected participants. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period using the fair value of the award at the time of the grant. The restricted stock unit (RSU) participants do not have dividend rights prior to vesting, so the fair value of nonvested RSUs is equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date, reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the vesting period. The Company currently assumes no projected forfeitures on its stock-based compensation, since all RSUs are expected to vest and no forfeitures have occurred as of December 31, 2016. Deferred compensation: The West Bancorporation, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan) was adopted effective January 1, 2013, to provide certain individuals with additional deferral opportunities in planning for retirement. Eligible participants, including directors and key officers of the Company, may choose to voluntarily defer receipt of a portion of their respective cash compensation. The Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan intended to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2016, no individuals had chosen to participate in the Plan. Transfer of financial assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Income taxes: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax expense is generally allocated as if the Company and its subsidiary file separate income tax returns. Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, capital loss, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and is not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. Management does not believe the Company has any material uncertain tax positions to disclose. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as other noninterest expense in the consolidated income statements. Earnings per common share: Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company's outstanding RSUs were vested. The dilutive effect was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all stock-based awards were exercised and the hypothetical proceeds from exercise were used by the Company to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, were included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation. Current accounting developments: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has assessed the impact of this guidance and does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. For public companies, this update was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance required a balance sheet reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs, which did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update enhances the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information by updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other changes, the update requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, and clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entities' other deferred tax assets. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in the update supersedes the requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The update will require business entities to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the leased asset for the lease term. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The update simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance also allows an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or account for forfeitures as they occur. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Portions of the amended guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method, and others require prospective application. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326). The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial assets. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount of financial assets. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price rather than being reported as a credit loss expense. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. Off-balance-sheet arrangements such as commitments to extend credit, guarantees, and standby letters of credit that are not considered derivatives under ASC 815 and are not unconditionally cancellable are also within the scope of this update. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments in this update earlier as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity will apply the amendments in this update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently planning for the implementation of this accounting standard. It is too early to assess the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this update provide guidance for eight specific cash flow classification issues for which current guidance is unclear or does not exist, thereby reducing diversity in practice. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. This update simplifies the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new guidance states that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. For public companies, the update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Organization and Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and nature of business: West Bancorporation, Inc. operates in the commercial banking industry through its wholly-owned subsidiary, West Bank. West Bank is a state chartered bank and has its main office in West Des Moines, Iowa, with seven additional offices located in the Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan area, one office located in Iowa City, Iowa, one office located in Coralville, Iowa, and one office located in Rochester, Minnesota. As used herein, the term "Company" refers to West Bancorporation, Inc., or if the context dictates, West Bancorporation, Inc. and its subsidiary.

Significant accounting policies:

Accounting estimates and assumptions: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the fair value and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of financial instruments and the allowance for loan losses.

Consolidation policy: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, West Bank, West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owned an interest in a limited liability company that was sold in the fourth quarter of 2015), and West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC (a community development partnership that was liquidated during the third quarter of 2014 because the underlying loan matured). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, the Company owns an unconsolidated subsidiary, West Bancorporation Capital Trust I (the Trust), which was formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the Trust are recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and are not consolidated.

Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified, with no effect on net income, comprehensive income or stockholder's equity, to conform with current period presentation.

Segment information: An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. The Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment, which is banking. The banking segment generates revenue through interest and fees on loans, service charges on deposit accounts, interest on investment securities, fees for trust services and other miscellaneous banking related activities. This segment includes the Company, West Bank, and related elimination entries between the two, as the Company's operation is similar to that of West Bank.

Comprehensive income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (OCI). OCI consists of the net change in unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investment securities available for sale, including the noncredit-related portion of unrealized gains (losses) of OTTI securities and the effective portion of the change in fair value of derivative instruments. OCI also includes the amortization of derivative termination costs and the amortization of unrealized gains on investment securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity.

Cash and cash equivalents and cash flows: For statement of cash flow purposes, the Company considers cash, due from banks and federal funds sold to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash inflows and outflows from loans and deposits are reported on a net basis.

Investment securities: Investment securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Investment securities that may be sold for general liquidity needs, in response to market interest rate fluctuations, implementation of asset-liability management strategies, funding loan demand, changes in securities prepayment risk or other similar factors are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of deferred income taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis based on amortized cost.

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as held to maturity or available for sale is adjusted for accretion of discounts to maturity and amortization of premiums over the estimated average life of each security or, in the case of callable securities, through the first call date, using the effective yield method. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income. Interest income on securities is recognized using the interest method according to the terms of the investment security.

The Company evaluates each of its investment securities whose value has declined below amortized cost to determine whether the decline in fair value is OTTI. When determining whether an investment security is OTTI, management assesses the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer and other qualitative factors, as well as whether: (a) it has the intent to sell the security, and (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery. In instances when a determination is made that an OTTI exists but management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated repayment or maturity, the OTTI is separated into: (a) the amount of the total OTTI related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the security (the credit loss); and (b) the amount of the total OTTI related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized as a charge to earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in OCI. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security with OTTI before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock: West Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to 0.12 percent of total assets plus 4.00 percent of outstanding advances from the FHLB and the outstanding principal balance of loans issued through the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program (MPF). No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The Company evaluates this asset for impairment on a quarterly basis and determined there was no impairment. All shares of FHLB stock are issued and redeemed at par value.

Loans: Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unamortized loan fees and costs, with interest income recognized on the interest method based upon those outstanding loan balances. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Loans are reported by the portfolio segments identified and are analyzed by management on this basis. All loan policies identified below apply to all segments of the loan portfolio.

Delinquencies are determined based on the payment terms of the individual loan agreements. The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make all payments pursuant to contractual terms. Unless considered collectible, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, if accrued in the current year, or charged to the allowance for loan losses, if accrued in the prior year. Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

A loan is classified as troubled debt restructured (TDR) when the Company separately concludes that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession is granted that would not otherwise be considered. Concessions may include a restructuring of the loan terms to alleviate the burden of the borrower's cash requirements, such as an extension of the payment terms beyond the original maturity date or a change in the interest rate charged. TDR loans with extended payment terms are accounted for as impaired until performance is established. A change to the interest rate would change the classification of a loan to a TDR loan if the restructured loan yields a rate that is below a market rate for that of a new loan with comparable risk. TDR loans with below market rates are considered impaired until fully collected. TDR loans may also be reported as nonaccrual or past due 90 days if they are not performing per the restructured terms.

Based upon its ongoing assessment of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the Company maintains a Watch List, which includes loans classified as Doubtful, Substandard and Watch according to West Bank's classification criteria. These loans involve the anticipated potential for payment defaults or collateral inadequacies. A loan on the Watch List is considered impaired when management believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for loan losses: The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience. This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, the review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers' ability to pay. Loans are charged off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.

The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that meet the definition of impaired. The general component covers the remaining loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as delinquency trends, loan growth, economic elements and local market conditions. These same policies are applied to all segments of loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Premises and equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The straight-line method of depreciation and amortization is used for calculating expense. The estimated useful lives of premises and equipment range up to 40 years for buildings, up to 10 years for furniture and equipment, and the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements.

Other real estate owned: Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Fair value is determined by management by obtaining appraisals or other market value information at least annually. Any write-downs in value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management by obtaining updated appraisals or other market value information. Any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the updated fair value less estimated selling cost. Net costs related to the holding of properties are included in noninterest expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no other real estate owned.

Trust assets: Assets held by West Bank in fiduciary or agency capacities, other than trust cash on deposit at West Bank, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company, as such assets are not assets of West Bank. The Company managed or administered accounts with assets totaling $251,767 as of December 31, 2016, compared to assets totaling $209,920 as of December 31, 2015.

Bank-owned life insurance: The carrying amount of bank-owned life insurance consists of the initial premium paid, plus increases in cash value, less the carrying amount associated with any death benefit received. Death benefits paid in excess of the applicable carrying amount are recognized as income. Increases in cash value and the portion of death benefits recognized as income are exempt from income taxes.

Derivatives: The Company uses derivative financial instruments (which consist of interest rate swaps) to assist in its interest rate risk management. All derivatives are measured and reported at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as other assets or other liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash flow hedging relationships, which were derivatives to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. To qualify for hedge accounting, the Company must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and on a quarterly basis throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in OCI, net of deferred taxes, and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction.

Stock-based compensation: The West Bancorporation, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan) was approved by the stockholders in 2012 as a means to attract, retain and reward selected participants. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period using the fair value of the award at the time of the grant. The restricted stock unit (RSU) participants do not have dividend rights prior to vesting, so the fair value of nonvested RSUs is equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date, reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the vesting period. The Company currently assumes no projected forfeitures on its stock-based compensation, since all RSUs are expected to vest and no forfeitures have occurred as of December 31, 2016.

Deferred compensation: The West Bancorporation, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan) was adopted effective January 1, 2013, to provide certain individuals with additional deferral opportunities in planning for retirement. Eligible participants, including directors and key officers of the Company, may choose to voluntarily defer receipt of a portion of their respective cash compensation. The Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan intended to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2016, no individuals had chosen to participate in the Plan.

Transfer of financial assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Income taxes: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax expense is generally allocated as if the Company and its subsidiary file separate income tax returns. Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, capital loss, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and is not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. Management does not believe the Company has any material uncertain tax positions to disclose.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as other noninterest expense in the consolidated income statements.

Earnings per common share: Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company's outstanding RSUs were vested. The dilutive effect was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all stock-based awards were exercised and the hypothetical proceeds from exercise were used by the Company to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, were included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation.

Current accounting developments: In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has assessed the impact of this guidance and does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. For public companies, this update was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and was applied retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance required a balance sheet reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs, which did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update enhances the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information by updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other changes, the update requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, and clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entities' other deferred tax assets. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in the update supersedes the requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The update will require business entities to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the leased asset for the lease term. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The update simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance also allows an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or account for forfeitures as they occur. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Portions of the amended guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method, and others require prospective application. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326). The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial assets. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount of financial assets. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price rather than being reported as a credit loss expense. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. Off-balance-sheet arrangements such as commitments to extend credit, guarantees, and standby letters of credit that are not considered derivatives under ASC 815 and are not unconditionally cancellable are also within the scope of this update. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments in this update earlier as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity will apply the amendments in this update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently planning for the implementation of this accounting standard. It is too early to assess the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this update provide guidance for eight specific cash flow classification issues for which current guidance is unclear or does not exist, thereby reducing diversity in practice. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. This update simplifies the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new guidance states that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. For public companies, the update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.