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Note 3 - Construction Joint Ventures (Detail) - Summary of joint venture condensed balance sheet information included as part of consolidated financial statements: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total combined:
Current assets	$ 149,243	$ 164,758
Less current liabilities	78,124	77,274
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in net assets of construction joint ventures	9,450	11,005
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total combined:
Current assets	75,414	92,102
Less current liabilities	(45,606)	(48,002)
Net assets	29,808	44,100
Backlog	190,627	213,924
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	68,873	77,222
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in net assets of construction joint ventures	$ 9,450	$ 11,005

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Amounts due from minority-owned entities in which the reporting entity shares joint control with another party or group, due within 1 year (or 1 business cycle). Also, includes the entity's equity in minority-owned joint ventures.

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Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived assets under construction that include construction costs to date on capital projects that have not been completed and assets being constructed that are not ready to be placed into service.

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Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer.

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