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Note 6 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details) - Noncontrolling Venture Partner Share (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 114,485	$ 164,758
Less current liabilities	(105,799)	(77,274)
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	6,118	11,005
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Current assets	51,329	92,102
Less current liabilities	(64,531)	(48,002)
Net assets	(13,202)	44,100
Backlog	101,014	213,924
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	30,652	77,222
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	$ 6,118	$ 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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The net of assets and liabilities.

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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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