Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,142	$ 16,371
Short-term investments	49,211	44,855
Contracts receivable, including retainage	70,815	74,875
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	20,592	16,509
Inventories	3,731	1,922
Deferred tax asset, net	1,803	1,302
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	11,005	6,057
Other current assets	4,459	2,132
Total current assets	164,758	164,023
Property and equipment, net	102,308	83,429
Goodwill	54,820	54,050
Long-term deferred tax, asset, net	2,973	828
Other assets, net	6,651	1,501
Total assets	331,510	303,831
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	47,796	34,428
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	18,918	18,583
Current maturities of long-term debt	73	573
Income taxes payable		2,013
Accrued compensation	4,909	5,329
Current obligation for noncontrolling owners’ interest in subsidiaries and joint ventures	2,887
Other current liabilities	2,691	8,359
Total current liabilities	77,274	69,285
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	24,201	263
Other long-term liabilities	2,728	2,597
Total long-term liabilities	26,929	2,860
Obligations for noncontrolling owners’ interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures	14,721	16,848
Sterling stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 19,000,000 shares authorized, 16,495,216 and 16,321,116 shares issued	165	163
Additional paid in capital	197,067	196,143
Retained earnings	12,220	16,509
Accumulated other comprehensive income	696	496
Total Sterling common stockholders’ equity	210,148	213,311
Noncontrolling interests	2,438	1,527
Total equity	212,586	214,838
Total liabilities and equity	$ 331,510	$ 303,831