Note 3 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details) - Summary of Joint Venture Condensed Balance Sheet Information Included as Part of Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total combined:
Current assets	$ 127,094	$ 114,485
Less current liabilities	102,018	105,799
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in net assets of construction joint ventures	11,196	6,118
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total combined:
Current assets	45,036	51,329
Less current liabilities	(64,340)	(64,531)
Net assets	(19,304)	(13,202)
Backlog	84,905	101,014
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	26,946	30,652
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in net assets of construction joint ventures	$ 11,196	$ 6,118

Note 3 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details) - Summary of Joint Venture Condensed Balance Sheet Information Included as Part of Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Total combined:

Current assets

$ 127,094

$ 114,485

Less current liabilities

102,018

105,799

Sterling’s receivables from and equity in net assets of construction joint ventures

11,196

6,118