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	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total combined:
Current assets	$ 181,439	$ 114,485
Less current liabilities	127,739	105,799
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	10,621	6,118
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total combined:
Current assets	30,360	51,329
Less current liabilities	(50,834)	(64,531)
Net assets	(20,474)	(13,202)
Backlog	60,999	101,014
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	17,679	30,652
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	$ 10,621	$ 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

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Total combined:

Current assets

$ 181,439

$ 114,485

Less current liabilities

127,739

105,799

Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures

10,621

6,118