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Note 3 - Construction Joint Ventures (Detail) - Summary of joint venture condensed income statement information included as part of consolidated financial statements: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Total combined:
Revenues	$ 111,035	$ 98,425
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total combined:
Revenues	24,874	90,374
Income before tax	(4,399)	8,562
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest:
Revenues	9,078	15,916
Income before tax	$ (2,216)	$ 1,413

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- Definition

The aggregate revenue from building and real estate development, which may include improvements (such as drainage, utilities, grading and subdividing) to a parcel of land, and general contracting services during the reporting period.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

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-Section S99

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Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

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-Section S99

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Amount of net Income or Loss for the period allocated to noncontrolling shareholders, unit holders, partners, or other equity holders in joint ventures included in the entity's consolidated financial statements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688



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