Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders - Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (2,257)	$ (7,328)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)	25,022	19,760
Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted (in shares)	25,022	19,760
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.37)

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders - Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2016

Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders

$ (2,257)

$ (7,328)

Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)

25,022

19,760

Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted (in shares)

25,022

19,760

Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in dollars per share)

$ (0.09)

$ (0.37)