Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ 1,406	$ (21,602)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling owners’ interests included in equity	1,520	678
Net income attributable to noncontrolling owners’ interests included in liabilities		288
Add /(deduct) other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Realized gain from sale of available-for-sale securities		(309)
Change in unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities		(498)
Realized gain from settlement of derivatives	(30)	(2)
Change in the effective portion of unrealized gain in fair market value of derivatives	(29)	(88)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 2,867	$ (21,533)

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Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to the noncontrolling interest included in equity in order to derive to the portion attributable to the parent.

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Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to the noncontrolling interest included in liabilities in order to derive to the portion attributable to the parent.

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This item represents the difference between the gross realized gains and losses realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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The difference between the book value and the sale price of options, swaps, futures, forward contracts, and other derivative instruments. This element refers to the gain (loss) included in earnings.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges and an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

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Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, of unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities.

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