Note 2 - Acquisitions and Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Detail) - The amounts of JBC’s and Myers’ revenues and earnings included in the Company’s consolidated statements: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
JBC [Member]
Revenues	$ 12,303
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders	245
Myers [Member]
Revenues	7,153
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders	170
JBC and Myers [Member]
Revenues	475,906
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders	$ 19,596