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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (35,900)	$ 19,087	$ 23,704
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity	261	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in liabilities	935	7,137	1,824
Add /(deduct) other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Realized (gain) / loss from available-for-sale securities	(1)	25	(337)
Net change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	779	(404)	579
Realized loss from settlement of derivatives	72	0	0
Net change in the effective portion of unrealized loss in fair market value of derivatives	(217)	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (34,071)	$ 25,845	$ 25,770

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Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to the noncontrolling interest included in equity in order to derive to the portion attributable to the parent.

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Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to the noncontrolling interest included in liabilities in order to derive to the portion attributable to the parent.

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The net unrealized/realized holding gain (loss) on available for sale securities.

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This item represents the difference between the gross realized gains and losses realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The difference between the book value and the sale price of options, swaps, futures, forward contracts, and other derivative instruments. This element refers to the gain (loss) included in earnings.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

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