Note 7 - Construction Joint Ventures - Construction Joint Ventures, Partner Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total current assets	$ 26,893	$ 17,312
Less current liabilities	(51,181)	(49,371)
Net assets	(24,288)	(32,059)
Backlog	125,850	35,113
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	60,947	11,748
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	9,469	12,930
Total current assets	200,064	134,921
Less current liabilities	(159,430)	(104,311)
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	$ 9,469	$ 12,930