Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 28, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-49677
Entity Registrant Name	WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	IA
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-1230603
Entity Address, Address Line One	1601 22nd Street
Entity Address, City or Town	West Des Moines
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	50266
City Area Code	(515)
Local Phone Number	222-2300
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, no par value
Trading Symbol	WTBA
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,554,846
Entity Central Index Key	0001166928
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31