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Note 3 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details) - Summary of joint venture condensed income statement information included as part of consolidated financial statements: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Total combined:
Revenues	$ 185,935	$ 205,283	$ 430,320	$ 472,418
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total combined:
Revenues	39,085	121,107	97,961	336,317
Income (loss) before tax	(175)	35,349	(8,578)	55,648
Sterling’s proportionate share:
Revenues	16,447	21,238	39,842	59,123
Income (loss) before tax	$ (23)	$ 3,686	$ (4,116)	$ 7,022

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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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688



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-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

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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

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

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Amount after tax of income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling shareholder, unit holder, partner, or other equity holder of a joint venture.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

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Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688



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