Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies: Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Timberland Bancorp, Inc. (“Timberland Bancorp”); its wholly owned subsidiary, Timberland Bank (the “Bank”); and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Timberland Service Corp. (collectively, “the Company”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Timberland Bancorp is a bank holding company which operates primarily through its subsidiary, the Bank. The Bank was established in 1915 and, through its 22 branches located in Grays Harbor, Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, King and Lewis counties in Washington State, attracts deposits from the general public, and uses those funds, along with other borrowings, primarily to provide residential real estate, construction, commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans to borrowers primarily in western Washington.
Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation	Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S.")(“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the banking industry.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the determination of OTTI in the estimated fair value of MBS, the valuation of MSRs, the valuation of OREO and the valuation of goodwill for potential impairment.
Reclassification Policy	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 fiscal year presentation with no change to previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.
Operating Segment Policy	Segment Reporting The Company has one reportable operating segment which is defined as community banking in western Washington under the operating name “Timberland Bank.”
U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Purchase Program	Preferred Stock Sold in Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP") Capital Purchase Program ("CPP") On December 23, 2008, the Company received $16.64 million from the U.S. Treasury Department ("Treasury") as a part of the Treasury's CPP, which was established as part of the TARP. The Company sold 16,641 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A ("Series A Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share and a related warrant to purchase 370,899 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $6.73 per share (subject to anti-dilution adjustments) at any time through December 23, 2018. The Series A Preferred Stock paid a 5.0% dividend through December 20, 2013, the date of its redemption. The proceeds received in connection with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock were allocated between the preferred stock and warrant based on their relative fair values on the date of issuance. As a result, the preferred stock's initial recorded value was at a discount from the liquidation value or stated value. The discount from the liquidation value was accreted to the expected/actual redemption date and charged to retained earnings. This accretion was recorded using the level-yield method. On November 13, 2012, the Company’s outstanding 16,641 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were sold by the Treasury as part of Treasury's efforts to manage and recover its investments under the TARP. While the sale of this preferred stock to new owners did not result in any proceeds to the Company and did not change the Company’s capital position or accounting for these securities, it did eliminate restrictions put in place by the Treasury on TARP recipients. On June 12, 2013, the Treasury sold the warrant to purchase up to 370,899 shares of the Company’s common stock to private investors. The sale of the warrant to new owners did not result in any proceeds to the Company and did not change the Company's capital position or accounting for the warrant. During the year ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased and retired 4,576 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock for $4.32 million; a $255,000 discount from its liquidation value. The discount from liquidation value on the repurchased shares was recorded as an increase to retained earnings. On December 20, 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining 12,065 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock at the liquidation value of $12.07 million.
MBS and Other Investments	Investment Securities Securities are classified upon acquisition as either held to maturity or available for sale. Securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reflected at amortized cost. Securities classified as available for sale are reflected at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects. Premiums and discounts are amortized to earnings using the interest method over the contractual life of the securities. Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method. In estimating whether there are any OTTI losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) the impact of changes in market interest rates and (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Declines in the fair value of individual securities available for sale that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings when identified. The fair value of the security then becomes the new cost basis. For individual securities which the Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other than temporary decline in the fair value of the security related to: (1) credit loss is recognized in earnings and (2) market or other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Credit loss is recorded if the present value of cash flows is less than the amortized cost. For individual securities which the Company intends to sell or more likely than not will not recover all of its amortized cost, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s cost basis and its fair value at the consolidated balance sheet date. For individual securities for which credit loss has been recognized in earnings, interest accruals and amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are suspended when the credit loss is recognized. Interest received after accruals have been suspended is recognized on a cash basis.
FHLB Stock	FHLB Stock The Company, as a member of the FHLB, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of its outstanding home loans or 5% of advances from the FHLB. No ready market exists for this stock, and it has no quoted market value. However, redemption of this stock has historically been at par value. The Company's investment in FHLB stock is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company evaluates its FHLB stock for impairment as needed. The Company's determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared with the capital stock amount and the length of time any decline has persisted; (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB; (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB; and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB. The FHLB has recently announced it has entered into an agreement to merge with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Although the agreement is still in process and has not yet been finalized and approved by certain regulatory agencies, management expects that the pending merger will positively affect the Company's recoverability of its investment in FHLB stock and continue to allow the Bank to obtain borrowings consistent with historical FHLB funding practices. Based on its evaluation, the Company determined that there was no impairment of FHLB stock at September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Loans Held For Sale	Loans Held for Sale Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are stated in the aggregate at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale. The gain or loss is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the recorded value of the loans, including any remaining unamortized deferred loan origination fees.
Loans Receivable	Loans Receivable Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by the undisbursed portion of construction loans in process, deferred loan origination fees and the allowance for loan losses.
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans	Troubled Debt Restructured Loans A troubled debt restructured loan is a loan for which the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a significant concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The loan terms which have been modified or restructured due to a borrower’s financial difficulty, include but are not limited to: a reduction in the stated interest rate; an extension of the maturity at an interest rate below current market rates; a reduction in the face amount of the debt; a reduction in the accrued interest; or re-amortizations, extensions, deferrals and renewals. Troubled debt restructured loans are considered impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment.
Impaired Loans	Impaired Loans A loan is generally considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the original or modified terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is considered collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less any prior liens, and when applicable, less estimated selling costs. For impaired loans that are not collateral dependent, impairment is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. The categories of non-accrual loans and impaired loans overlap, although they are not identical. The Company considers all circumstances regarding the loan and borrower on an individual basis when determining whether an impaired loan should be placed on non-accrual status, such as the financial strength of the borrower, the estimated collateral value, reasons for the delay, payment record, the amount past due and the number of days past due.
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level sufficient to provide for estimated loan losses based on evaluating known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The allowance is provided based upon management's comprehensive analysis of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. These factors include changes in the amount and composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency levels, actual loan loss experience, current economic conditions, and a detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectability may not be assured. The detailed analysis includes methods to estimate the fair value of loan collateral and the existence of potential alternative sources of repayment. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are deemed impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value less selling costs (if applicable), or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the recorded value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and classified loans that are not evaluated individually for impairment and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. The Company's historical loss experience is determined by evaluating the average net charge-offs over the most recent economic cycle, but not to exceed six years. Qualitative factors are determined by loan type and allow management to adjust reserve levels to reflect the current general economic environment and portfolio performance trends including recent charge-off trends. Allowances are provided based on management’s continuing evaluation of the pertinent factors underlying the quality of the loan portfolio, including changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, current economic conditions, collateral values, geographic concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, specific industry conditions, the duration of the current business cycle and regulatory requirements and expectations. The appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is estimated based upon these factors and trends identified by management at the time consolidated financial statements are prepared. In accordance with GAAP, a loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts (principal and interest) due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, may be collectively evaluated for impairment. When a loan has been identified as being impaired, the amount of the impairment is measured by using discounted cash flows, except when, as an alternative, the current estimated fair value of the collateral, reduced by estimated costs to sell (if applicable), or observable market price is used. The valuation of real estate collateral is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in future periods because of changes in economic conditions. Management considers third-party appraisals, as well as independent fair market value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling real estate in determining the estimated fair value of particular properties. In addition, as certain of these third-party appraisals and independent fair market value assessments are only updated periodically, changes in the values of specific properties may have occurred subsequent to the most recent appraisals. Accordingly, the amounts of any such potential changes and any related adjustments are generally recorded at the time such information is received. When the measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (including accrued interest and net deferred loan origination fees or costs), impairment is recognized by creating or adjusting an allocation of the allowance for loan losses and uncollected accrued interest is reversed against interest income. If ultimate collection of principal is in doubt, all cash receipts on impaired loans are applied to reduce the principal balance. A provision for loan losses is charged against operations and is added to the allowance for loan losses based on a quarterly comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to certain loan categories based on the relative risk characteristics, asset classifications and actual loss experience of the loan portfolio. While management has allocated the allowance for loan losses to various loan portfolio segments, the allowance is general in nature and is available for the loan portfolio in its entirety. The ultimate recovery of all loans is susceptible to future market factors beyond the Company’s control. These factors may result in losses or recoveries differing significantly from those provided in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has experienced a significant decline in valuations for some real estate collateral since October 2008. If real estate values decline further and as updated appraisals are received on collateral for impaired loans, the Company may need to increase the allowance for loan losses appropriately. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, 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.
Interest on Loans and Loan Fees	Interest on Loans and Loan Fees Interest on loans is accrued daily based on the principal amount outstanding. Generally, the accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due or when they are past due 90 days as to either principal or interest (based on contractual terms), unless they are well secured and in the process of collection. In determining whether a borrower may be able to meet payments as they become due, management considers circumstances such as the financial strength of the borrower, the estimated collateral value, reasons for the delays in payments, payment record, the amounts past due and the number of days past due. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual status or charged off is reversed against interest income. Subsequent collections on a cash basis are applied proportionately to past due principal and interest, unless collectability of principal is in doubt, in which case all payments are applied to principal. Loans are returned to accrual status when the loan is deemed current, and the collectability of principal and interest is no longer doubtful, or, in the case of one- to four-family loans, when the loan is less than 90 days delinquent. The Company charges fees for originating loans. These fees, net of certain loan origination costs, are deferred and amortized to income, on the level-yield basis, over the loan term. If the loan is repaid prior to maturity, the remaining unamortized deferred loan origination fee is recognized in income at the time of repayment.
MSRs	MSRs The Company holds rights to service loans that it has originated and sold to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). MSRs are capitalized at estimated fair value when acquired through the origination of loans that are subsequently sold with the servicing rights retained and are amortized to servicing income on loans sold approximately in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The value of MSRs at the date of the sale of loans is estimated based on the discounted present value of expected future cash flows using key assumptions for servicing income and costs and prepayment rates on the underlying loans. The estimated fair value is periodically evaluated for impairment by comparing actual cash flows and estimated future cash flows from the servicing assets to those estimated at the time the servicing assets were originated. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on current market rates of interest. For purposes of measuring impairment, the MSRs must be stratified by one or more predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans. The Company stratifies its capitalized MSRs based on product type and term of the underlying loans. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount, if any, by which the amortized cost of the MSRs exceeds their fair value. Impairment, if deemed temporary, is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the recorded amount.
BOLI	BOLI BOLI policies are recorded at their cash surrender value less applicable cash surrender charges. Income from BOLI is recognized when earned.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill is initially recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is analyzed annually for impairment. An annual review is performed during the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the recorded goodwill is impaired. If the estimated fair value of the Company’s sole reporting unit exceeds the recorded value of the reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is necessary. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. Step one estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the Company's sole reporting unit, the Bank, under step one exceeds the recorded value of the reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and no further analysis is necessary. If the estimated fair value of the Company's sole reporting unit is less than the recorded value, then a step two test test, which calculates the fair value of assets and liabilities to calculate an implied value of goodwill, is performed. Step one of the goodwill impairment test estimated the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing a discounted cash flow income approach analysis, a public company market approach analysis, a merger and acquisition market approach analysis and a trading price market approach analysis in order to derive an enterprise value for the Company. The discounted cash flow income approach analysis uses a reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and cash flows and discounts them using a rate that reflects current market conditions. The projection uses management's estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period including growth rates in loans and deposits, estimates of future expected changes in net interest margins and cash expenditures. Key assumptions used by the Company in its discounted cash flow model (income approach) included an annual growth rate that ranged from 3.00% to 5.10%, an annual deposit growth rate that ranged from 2.80% to 4.00% and a return on assets that ranged from 0.70% to 1.00%. In addition to the above projections of estimated operating results, key assumptions used to determine the fair value estimate under the approach were the discount rate of 13.6% and the residual capitalization rate of 10.6%. The discount rate used was the cost of equity capital. The cost of equity capital was based on the capital asset pricing model ("CAPM"), modified to account for a small stock premium. The small stock premium represents the additional return required by investors for small stocks based on the Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 2013 Yearbook. Beyond the approximate five-year forecast period, residual free cash flows were estimated to increase at a constant rate into perpetuity. These cash flows were converted to a residual value using an appropriate residual capitalization rate. The residual capitalization rate was equal to the discount rate minus the expected long-term growth rate of cash flows. Based on historical results, the economic climate, the outlook for the industry and management's expectations, a long-term growth rate of 3.0% was estimated. The public company market approach analysis estimates the fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to those of the Company. Key assumptions used by the Company included the selection of comparable public companies and performance ratios. In applying the public company analysis, the Company selected eight publicly traded institutions based on similar lines of business, markets, growth prospects, risks and firm size. The performance ratios included price to earnings (last twelve months), price to earnings (current year to date), price to book value, price to tangible book value and price to deposits. The merger and acquisition market approach analysis estimates the fair value by using merger and acquisition transactions involving companies that are similar in nature to the Company. Key assumptions used by the Company included the selection of comparable merger and acquisition transactions and valuation ratios to be used. The analysis used banks located in Washington or Oregon that were acquired after January 1, 2012. The valuation ratios from these transactions for price to earnings and price to tangible book value were then used to derive an estimated fair value of the Company. The trading price market approach analysis used the closing market price at May 30, 2014 of the Company's common stock, traded on the NASDAQ Global Market to determine the market value of total equity capital. A key assumption used by the Company in the public company market approach analysis and the trading price market approach analysis was the application of a control premium. The Company's common stock is thinly traded and therefore management believes the trading price reflects a discount for illiquidity. In addition, the trading price of the Company's common stock reflects a minority interest value. To determine the fair market value of a majority interest in the Company's stock, premiums were calculated and applied to the indicated values. Therefore, a control premium was applied to the results of the public company market approach analysis and the trading price market approach analysis because the initial value conclusion was based on minority interest transactions. Merger and acquisition studies were analyzed to conclude that the difference between the acquisition price and a company's stock price prior to acquisition indicates, in part, the price effect of a controlling interest. Based on the evaluation of merger and acquisition studies, a control premium of 25% was used. The Company performed its fiscal year 2014 goodwill impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 with the assistance of a third-party firm specializing in goodwill impairment valuations for financial institutions. The third-party analysis was conducted as of May 31, 2014 and the step one test concluded that the reporting unit's fair value was more than its recorded value and, therefore, step two of the analysis was not necessary. Accordingly, the recorded value of goodwill as of May 31, 2014 was not impaired. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of goodwill impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in the expected future cash flows; a sustained significant decline in the Company's stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; adverse assessment or action by a regulator; and unanticipated competition. Key assumptions used in the annual goodwill impairment test are highly judgmental and include: selection of comparable companies, amount of control premium, projected cash flows and discount rate applied to projected cash flows. Any change in these indicators or key assumptions could have a significant negative impact on the Company's financial condition, impact the goodwill impairment analysis or cause the Company to perform a goodwill impairment analysis more frequently than once per year.
CDI	CDI The CDI is amortized to non-interest expense using an accelerated method over a ten-year period.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings and improvements - five to 40 years; furniture and equipment - three to seven years; and automobiles - five years. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in earnings.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, consisting of premises and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the recorded amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the recorded amount of the assets exceeds the discounted recovery amount or estimated fair value of the assets. No events or changes in circumstances have occurred during the years ended September 30, 2014 or 2013 that would cause management to evaluate the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived assets.
OREO and Other Repossessed Assets	OREO and Other Repossessed Assets OREO and other repossessed assets consist of properties or assets acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure, and are recorded initially at the estimated fair value of the properties less estimated costs of disposal. When the property is acquired, any excess of the loan balance over the estimated net realizable value is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Costs relating to development and improvement of the properties or assets are capitalized, while costs relating to holding the properties or assets are expensed. The valuation of real estate collateral is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in future periods because of changes in economic conditions. Management considers third-party appraisals, as well as independent fair market value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling real estate, in determining the estimated fair value of particular properties. In addition, as certain of these third-party appraisals and independent fair market value assessments are only updated periodically, changes in the values of specific properties may have occurred subsequent to the most recent appraisals. Accordingly, the amounts of any such potential changes and any related adjustments are generally recorded at the time such information is received.
Transfers of Financial Assets	Transfers 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 (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) 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 (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The Bank provides for income taxes separately and remits to (receives from) Timberland Bancorp amounts currently due (receivable). Deferred federal income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities, and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. These temporary differences will result in differences between income (loss) for tax purposes and income (loss) for financial reporting purposes in future years. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision (benefit) for income taxes. Valuation allowances are established to reduce the net recorded amount of deferred tax assets if it is determined to be more likely than not that all or some portion of the potential deferred tax asset will not be realized. With respect to accounting for uncertainty in incomes taxes, a tax provision is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. The Company is no longer subject to United States federal income tax examination by tax authorities for years ended on or before September 30, 2010.
ESOP	ESOP The Bank sponsors a leveraged ESOP that is accounted for in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, the debt of the ESOP is recorded as other borrowed funds of the Bank, and the shares pledged as collateral are reported as unearned shares issued to the ESOP in the consolidated balance sheets. The debt of the ESOP is payable to Timberland Bancorp and is therefore eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. As shares are released from collateral, compensation expense is recorded equal to the average market price of the shares for the period, and the shares become available for net income per common share calculations. Dividends paid on unallocated shares reduce the Company’s cash contributions to the ESOP.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows The Company considers amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets’ captions “Cash and due from financial institutions,” and “Interest-bearing deposits in banks,” all of which mature within ninety days, to be cash equivalents for purposes of reporting cash flows. Cash flows from loans, deposits, FHLB advances and repurchase agreements are reported net in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest-bearing deposits in banks as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 included deposits with the FRB of $55,445,000 and $72,955,000, respectively. The Company also maintains balances in correspondent bank accounts which, at times, may exceed FDIC insurance limits of $250,000. Management believes that its risk of loss associated with such balances is minimal due to the financial strength of the FRB and the correspondent banks.
Advertising	Advertising Costs for advertising and marketing are expensed as incurred.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures compensation cost for all stock-based awards based on the grant-date fair value of the stock-based awards and recognizes compensation cost over the service period of stock-based awards. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of stock grants under the MRDP was equal to the fair value of the shares at the grant date.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without considering any dilutive items. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents for items that are dilutive, net of shares assumed to be repurchased using the treasury stock method at the average share price for the Timberland Bancorp's common stock during the period. The 5% dividend and related accretion for the amount of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock outstanding for the respective year was deducted from net income, and the discount on the redemption of Series A Preferred Stock was added to net income in computing net income to common shareholders. Common stock equivalents arise from assumed conversion of outstanding stock options and the outstanding warrant to purchase common stock. Shares owned by the Bank’s ESOP that have not been allocated are not considered to be outstanding for the purpose of computing net income per common share.
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Chairman of the Board of the Bank and Timberland Bancorp is a member of the law firm that provides general counsel to the Company. Legal and other fees paid to this law firm for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $179,000, $166,000 and $203,000, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exits. The ASU clarifies when it is appropriate for an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date; however, retrospective application is also permitted. Adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. The ASU clarifies when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of the real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU 2014-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The ASU can be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. Adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The ASU implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The ASU addresses the classification of foreclosed loans that are either fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. ASU 2014-14 clarifies that upon foreclosure of fully or partially guaranteed loans which are guaranteed under government programs and meet certain conditions, the creditor will be required to reclassify the previously existing mortgage loan to a separate other receivable from the guarantor, measured at the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) that it expects to collect from the guarantor. ASU 2014-14 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 for public organizations. Adoption of ASU 2014-14 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.