| Cover | Mar. 02, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 2, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-31993 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-1655321 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1800 Hughes Landing Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | The Woodlands |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77380 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 214-0800 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | STRL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000874238 |
