XML 26 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Mar. 02, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Entity Registrant Name STERLING CONSTRUCTION CO INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000874238    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 207,831,243
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   16,322,912  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011