Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) 10-K 9 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 01, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	STERLING CONSTRUCTION CO INC
Entity Central Index Key	874,238
Trading Symbol	strl
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		25,051,045
Entity Public Float			$ 116,433,206
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,785	$ 4,426
Contracts receivable, including retainage	84,132	82,112
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	32,705	26,905
Inventories	3,708	2,535
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	7,130	12,930
Other current assets	5,448	6,013
Total current assets	175,908	134,921
Property and equipment, net	68,127	73,475
Goodwill	54,820	54,820
Other assets, net	2,968	2,949
Total assets	301,823	266,165
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	67,097	58,959
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	64,100	30,556
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,845	4,856
Income taxes payable	78	67
Accrued compensation	5,322	5,977
Other current liabilities	6,150	3,896
Total current liabilities	146,592	104,311
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,549	15,324
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings	45,230	50,438
Other long-term liabilities	362	338
Total long-term liabilities	47,141	66,100
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Sterling stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 28,000,000 shares authorized, 24,987,306 and 19,753,170 shares issued	250	198
Additional paid in capital	208,922	188,147
Retained deficit	(101,738)	(92,500)
Total Sterling common stockholders’ equity	107,434	95,845
Noncontrolling interests	656	(91)
Total equity	108,090	95,754
Total liabilities and equity	$ 301,823	$ 266,165

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	28,000,000	28,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	24,987,306	19,753,170

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 690,123	$ 623,595	$ 672,230
Cost of revenues	(646,269)	(594,642)	(639,809)
Gross profit	43,854	28,953	32,421
General and administrative expenses	(38,623)	(41,880)	(36,897)
Other operating (expense) income, net	(9,960)	(1,460)	252
Operating loss	(4,729)	(14,387)	(4,224)
Interest income	33	460	754
Interest expense	(2,628)	(3,012)	(1,123)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(240)
Loss before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,324)	(17,179)	(4,593)
Income tax expense	(88)	(7)	(632)
Net loss	(7,412)	(17,186)	(5,225)
Noncontrolling owners’ interests in earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures	(1,826)	(3,216)	(4,556)
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders before noncontrolling interest revaluation	(9,238)	(20,402)	(9,781)
Revaluation of a noncontrolling interest due to a new agreement		(18,774)
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)
Net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.40)	$ (2.02)	$ (0.54)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing per share amounts:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	23,140	19,375	18,064

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity	1,826	3,216	4,556
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Realized loss from settlement of derivatives		107	137
Change in the effective portion of unrealized loss in fair market value of derivatives		(6)	(355)
Comprehensive loss	$ (7,412)	$ (35,859)	$ (5,443)

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	16,658
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 167	$ 190,926	$ (62,317)	$ 117	$ 3,901	$ 132,794
Net (loss) income			(9,781)		4,556	(5,225)
Other comprehensive loss				(218)		(218)
Stock issued upon option exercises (in shares)	4
Stock issued upon option exercises		12				12
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	41
Stock-based compensation		849				849
Distribution to owners					(994)	(994)
Stock issued in equity offering, net of expense (in shares)	2,100
Stock issued in equity offering, net of expense	$ 21	14,025				14,046
Other		(115)			(1)	(116)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	18,803
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 188	205,697	(72,098)	(101)	7,462	141,148
Net (loss) income			(39,176)		3,216	(35,960)
Other comprehensive loss				101		101
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	1,046
Stock-based compensation	$ 11	1,593				1,604
Distribution to owners					(3,402)	(3,402)
Other	$ (1)	(369)				(370)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	19,753
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 198	188,147	(92,500)		(91)	95,754
Reclassification and revaluation of noncontrolling interest		(18,774)	18,774		(7,367)	(7,367)
Other (in shares)	(96)
Net (loss) income			(9,238)		1,826	(7,412)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	79
Stock-based compensation		1,810				1,810
Distribution to owners					(1,079)	(1,079)
Stock issued in equity offering, net of expense (in shares)	5,175
Stock issued in equity offering, net of expense	$ 52	19,090				19,142
Other		(125)				(125)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	24,987
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 250	$ 208,922	$ (101,738)		$ 656	$ 108,090
Other (in shares)	(20)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)
Plus: Noncontrolling owners’ interests in earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures	1,826	3,216	4,556
Net loss	(7,412)	(35,960)	(5,225)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,048	16,529	18,348
Revaluation of noncontrolling interest due to a new agreement		18,774
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(367)	(1,479)	(995)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,810	1,604	849
Loss on extinguishment of debt		240
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Contracts receivable	(2,020)	(3,216)	(1,651)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(5,800)	6,498	(21,719)
Inventories	(1,173)	4,866	(1,212)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	5,800	(3,777)	(3,035)
Income tax receivable		1,419	4,784
Other assets	595	8,127	3,692
Accounts payable	8,138	(7,834)	5,192
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	33,544	4,907	(5,927)
Accrued compensation and other liabilities	544	(3,147)	(2,504)
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings	(5,208)	1,418	(1,110)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	44,499	8,969	(10,513)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(10,888)	(8,086)	(13,509)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,714	8,543	6,078
Restricted cash		(4,945)
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,174)	(4,488)	(7,431)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cumulative daily drawdowns – Credit Facility	19,000	126,970	330,338
Cumulative daily repayments – Credit Facility	(19,000)	(161,571)	(303,545)
Cumulative drawdowns – equipment-based revolver	(15,871)	14,550
Cumulative repayments – equipment-based revolver		(14,550)
Cash received from equipment-based term loan		20,000
Repayments under long-term obligations – equipment-based term loan and other		(3,217)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners	(1,079)	(3,402)	(1,191)
Net proceeds from stock issued	19,142		14,046
Deferred loan costs		(1,309)
Other	(158)	(369)	(733)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,034	(22,898)	38,915
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	38,359	(18,417)	20,971
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,426	22,843	1,872
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	42,785	4,426	22,843
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	2,628	2,889	1,075
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	72	547	1
Non-cash items:
Revaluation of noncontrolling interests		(26,141)
Transportation and construction equipment acquired through financing arrangements	$ 740	$ 2,662	$ 3,159

Note 1 - Summary of Business an

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Business Summary Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (“Sterling” or “the Company”), a Delaware corporation, is a leading heavy civil construction company that specializes in the building and reconstruction of transportation and water infrastructure projects in Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, California, Hawaii and other states in which there are construction opportunities. Its transportation infrastructure projects include highways, roads, bridges, airfields, ports and light rail. Its water infrastructure projects include water, wastewater and storm drainage systems. Sterling owns equity interests in the following subsidiaries: Texas Sterling Construction Co. (“TSC”); Road and Highway Builders, LLC (“RHB”); Road and Highway Builders Inc. (“RHB Inc.”); Road and Highway Builders of California, Inc. (“RHBCa”); RHB Properties, LLC (“RHBP”); Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC (“RLW”); Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co., LP (“RLWLP”); J. Banicki Construction, Inc.(“JBC”); Myers & Sons Construction, L.P. (“Myers”); and Sterling Hawaii Asphalt (“SHA”). TSC, RHB, RHBCa, RLW, JBC and Myers perform construction contracts, RHB Inc. produces aggregates from a leased quarry, primarily for use by RHB, and SHA produces asphalt for use by RHB and has minimal sales to third Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries and construction joint ventures in which the Company has a greater than 50% 50%. 4 Where the Company is a noncontrolling joint venture partner, and otherwise not required to consolidate the joint venture entity, its share of the operations of such construction joint venture is accounted for on a pro rata basis in the consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures”) in the consolidated balance sheets. This method is an acceptable modification of the equity method of accounting which is a common practice in the construction industry. Refer to Note 5 Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the Company must determine whether each entity, including joint ventures in which it participates, is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). This determination focuses on identifying which owner or joint venture partner, if any, has the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity disproportionate to its interest in the entity, which could have the effect of requiring the Company to consolidate the entity in which we have a noncontrolling variable interest. Refer to Note 6 Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain of the Company’s accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from construction contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, the valuation of long-term assets (including goodwill), and income taxes. Management continually evaluates all of its estimates and judgments based on available information and experience; however, actual results could differ from these estimates. Revenue Recognition The Company is a general contractor which engages in various types of heavy civil construction projects principally for public (government) owners. Credit risk is minimal with public owners since the Company ascertains that funds have been appropriated by the governmental project owner prior to commencing work on such projects. While most public contracts are subject to termination at the election of the government entity, in the event of termination the Company is entitled to receive the contract price for completed work and reimbursement of termination-related costs. Credit risk with private owners is minimized because of statutory mechanics liens, which give the Company high priority in the event of lien foreclosures following financial difficulties of private owners. Refer to Note 16 Our contracts generally take 12 36 one two Revenues are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the ratio of costs incurred up to a given date to estimated total costs for each contract. This cost-to-cost measure is used because management considers it to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontract and other costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect salaries and wages, equipment repairs and depreciation, insurance and payroll taxes. Administrative and general expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those changes arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements may Changes in estimated revenues and gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2016 $6.3 $0.27 December 31, 2015 $9.7 $0.50 December 31, 2014 $9.1 $0.50 Change orders are modifications of an original contract that effectively change the existing provisions of the contract without adding new provisions or terms. Change orders may may The Company considers unapproved change orders to be contract variations for which we have a change of scope for which we believe we are contractually entitled to additional price but a price change associated with the scope change has not yet been agreed upon with the customer. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated cost to complete the contracts and are treated as project costs as incurred. The Company recognizes revenue equal to costs incurred on unapproved change orders when realization of price approval is probable. Unapproved change orders involve the use of estimates, and it is reasonably possible that revisions to the estimated costs and recoverable amounts may The Company considers claims to be amounts in excess of agreed contract prices that we seek to collect from our customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs. Claims are included in the calculation of revenue when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined to the extent costs are incurred. To support these requirements, the existence of the following items must be satisfied: 1. 2. 3. 4. may The Company has projects where we are in the process of negotiating, or awaiting final approval of, unapproved change orders and claims with our customers. The Company is proceeding with its contractual rights to recoup additional costs incurred from its customers based on completing work associated with change orders with pending change order pricing or claims related to significant changes in scope which resulted in substantial delays and additional costs in completing the work. Unapproved change order and claim information has been provided to our customers and negotiations with the customers are ongoing. If additional progress with an acceptable resolution is not reached, legal action may Based upon our review of the provisions of our contracts, specific costs incurred and other related evidence supporting the unapproved change orders, claims and our entitled unpaid project price, together with the views of the Company’s outside claim consultants, we concluded that including the unapproved change order, claim and entitled unpaid project price amounts of $2.2 $9.2 $3.9 December 31, 2016, $1.6 $5.2 $3.9 December 31, 2015, We expect these matters will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial statements. However, unapproved change order and claim amounts are subject to negotiations which may The asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed on these contracts and will be billed at a later date, usually due to contract terms. In addition, revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims is also included when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined. The liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized on these contracts. Reclassification Certain amounts in prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in the year ended December 31, 2016. Financial Instruments The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company’s financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash used as collateral for a letter of credit and restricted cash maintained in an escrow account, short-term and long-term contracts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, a revolving loan (the “Revolving Loan”) with Nations Fund I, LLC and Nations Equipment Finance, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lender (“Nations”), a term loan (the “Term Loan”) with Nations (combined, the “Equipment-based Facility”), and an earn-out liability related to the acquisition of JBC. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term contracts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their liquidity and/or short-term nature. The recorded value of the long-term contract receivable was based on the amount of future cash flows discounted using the creditor’s borrowing rate and such recorded value approximated fair value. The Company provides credit in the normal course of business, principally to public (government) owners, and performs ongoing credit evaluations, as deemed necessary, but generally does not require collateral to support such receivables. In an effort to reduce its credit exposure, as well as accelerate its cash flows, in August 2015, $7.1 $1.4 December 31, 2015. The Company has an earn-out agreement with JBC’s former owner. This earn-out liability is classified as a Level 3 December 31, 2017. 2016, $1.2 2015, December 31, 2015. The Company has the Revolving Loan and the Term Loan and also has long-term notes payable of $2.7 December 31, 2016 3 5 3.12% 6.92% 9). 10). In order to assess the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, the Company uses the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP which prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into the following three Level 1 Level 2 1) Level 3 For each financial instrument, the Company uses the highest priority level input that is available in order to appropriately value that particular instrument. In certain instances, Level 1 2 3 Contracts Receivable Contracts receivable are generally based on amounts billed to the customer. At December 31, 2016 2015, $23.4 $19.8 December 31, 2016 2015, Many of the contracts under which the Company performs work contain retainage provisions. Retainage refers to that portion of billings made by the Company but held for payment by the customer pending satisfactory completion of the project. Unless reserved, the Company assumes that all amounts retained by customers under such provisions are fully collectible. Retainage on active contracts is classified as a current asset regardless of the term of the contract and is generally collected within one There are certain contracts that are completed in advance of full payment. When the receivable will not be collected within our normal operating cycle, we consider it a long-term contract receivable and it is recorded in “Other assets, net” in our balance sheet. In August 2015, December 31, 2015. 4.25% $0.2 $0.4 December 31, 2015 2014, Contracts receivable are written off based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer, when such treatment is warranted. There was no bad debt expense recorded in 2016 2014 2015. At year-end, the Company performs a review of outstanding contracts receivable, historical collection information and existing economic conditions to determine if there are potential uncollectible receivables. At December 31, 2016 2015, zero As is customary, we have agreed to indemnify our bonding company for all losses incurred by it in connection with bonds that are issued, and we have granted our bonding company a security interest in certain assets, including accounts receivable, as collateral for such obligation. Inventories The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market as determined by the average cost method. Inventories at December 31, 2016 2015 $3.7 $2.5 third Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation and amortizations are as follows: Buildings (in years) 39 Construction equipment (in years) 5 - 15 Land improvements (in years) 5 - 15 Office furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 - 10 Leasehold improvements (in years or lease period, if shorter) 3 - 10 Transportation equipment (in years) 5 Depreciation expense was $15.7 $16.2 $18.2 2016, 2015 2014, Leases We lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business. Our leases have varying terms. Some may Equipment under Capital Leases The Company’s policy is to account for capital leases, which transfer substantially all the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the leased property to the Company, as the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of an obligation. Under this method of accounting, the recorded value of the leased asset is amortized principally using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life and the obligation, including interest thereon, is reduced through payments over the life of the lease. Depreciation expense on equipment subject to capital leases and the related accumulated depreciation is included with that of owned equipment. The Company had two $0.4 December 31, 2016 one December 31, 2015 $0.5 Deferred Loan Costs Deferred loan costs represent loan origination fees paid to the lender and related professional fees such as legal fees related to drafting of loan agreements. In 2015, $1.3 9. $0.8 $1.1 December 31, 2016 2015, December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 $0.3 $0.3 $0.2 2016, 2015 03 Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of companies acquired over the fair value of their net assets at the dates of acquisition. GAAP requires that: (1) (2) (3) 8 Evaluating Impairment of Long-Lived Assets When events or changes in circumstances indicate that long-lived assets may 2016, 2015 2014. may 7 2015. Segment reporting We operate in one one one one The Company noted that even if our local offices were to be considered separate components of our heavy civil construction operating segment, those components could be aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment under Accounting Standards Codification 280 101 · The nature of the products and services — each of our local offices perform similar construction projects — they build, reconstruct and repair roads, highways, bridges, airfields, ports, light rail and water, waste water and storm drainage systems. · The nature of the production processes — our heavy civil construction services rendered in the construction process for each of our construction projects performed by each local office is the same — they excavate dirt, remove existing pavement and pipe, lay aggregate or concrete pavement, pipe and rail and build bridges and similar large structures in order to complete our projects. · The type or class of customer for products and services — substantially all of our customers are federal and state departments of transportation, cities, counties, and regional water, rail and toll-road authorities. A substantial portion of the funding for the state departments of transportation to finance the projects we construct is furnished by the federal government. · The methods used to distribute products or provide services — the heavy civil construction services rendered on our projects are performed by our hired sub-contractors or with our own field work crews (laborers, equipment operators and supervisors) and equipment (backhoes, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes, pug mills, crushers, and concrete and asphalt plants). · The nature of the regulatory environment — we perform substantially all of our projects for federal, state and municipal governmental agencies, and all of the projects that we perform are subject to substantially similar regulation under U.S. and state department of transportation rules, including prevailing wage and hour laws; codes established by the federal government and municipalities regarding water and waste water systems installation; and laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and to the employment of immigrants of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While profit margin objectives included in contract bids have some variability from contract to contract, our profit margin objectives are not differentiated by our CODM or our office management based on local office location. Instead, the projects undertaken by each local office are primarily competitively-bid, fixed unit or negotiated lump sum price contracts, all of which are bid based on achieving gross margin objectives that reflect the relevant skills required, the contract size and duration, the availability of our personnel and equipment, the makeup and level of our existing backlog, our competitive advantages and disadvantages, prior experience, the contracting agency or customer, the source of contract funding, anticipated start and completion dates, construction risks, penalties or incentives and general economic conditions. Federal and State Income Taxes We determine deferred income tax assets and liabilities using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 12 Stock-Based Compensation The Company’s stock-based incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee may Upon the vesting of unvested common stock the Company may 14 Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, 2016 09 718). (1) (2) December 15, 2016, In April 2015, issued 2015 03, December 15, 2015 December 15, 2015, first 2016 In August 2014, 2014 14, December 15, 2016 December 15, 2016, fourth 2016. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04 350) 2 two December 15, 2019. January 1, 2017. 2017 In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, he Company expects to adopt this guidance as required and does not expect a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than to the presentation of restricted cash on our consolidated statements of cash flows. In August 2016, 2016 15 230): December 15, 2018. In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). December 15, 2018, In May 2014, 2014 09, five (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) August 2015, 2015 14 2014 09 one 2014 09 December 15, 2017, 2016 08, 2016 10, 2016 12, The new revenue recognition standard prescribes a five January 1, 2018 2017.

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equivale

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	2. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three 6 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, $10.9 million and $0, Restricted cash of approximately $3.0 million is included in “other assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, 9 11 $2.0 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 The Company holds cash on deposit in U.S. banks, at times, in excess of federally insured limits. Management does not believe that the risk associated with keeping cash deposits in excess of federal deposit insurance limits represents a material risk.

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated Ea

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Costs and Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts Billing practices for our contracts are governed by the contract terms of each project based on progress toward completion approved by the owner, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. The current liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. The current asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts,” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed to the customer, which are usually billed during normal billing processes following achievement of contractual requirements. In addition, revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims is also included when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined. The two December 31, 2016 2015 As of December 31, 2016 2015 Costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts $ 1,749,328 $ 1,741,070 Billings on uncompleted contracts (1,780,723 ) (1,744,721 ) Excess of billings over costs incurred and estimated earnings $ (31,395 ) $ (3,651 ) Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 32,705 $ 26,905 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (64,100 ) (30,556 ) Net amount of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts below billings $ (31,395 ) $ (3,651 ) Revenues recognized and billings on uncompleted contracts include cumulative amounts recognized as revenues and billings in prior years.

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners’ Interests The Company is obligated to purchase its partners’ interests in two 50% As of December 31, 2016 2015 Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Net accumulated earnings 5,230 10,438 Total liability $ 45,230 $ 50,438 Due to an amendment to one November 28, 2015, $18.8 $18.8 $7.4 13. Earnings, subject to distribution by the Company, in these 50% 2016, 2015 2014 $8.9 $4.2 $2.1 2015 2014, $0.5 zero, November 2015. Changes in Noncontrolling Interests The Company also participates in majority-owned joint ventures. For these joint ventures, the equity held by the remaining owners and their portions of net income (loss) are reflected in the balance sheet line item “Noncontrolling interests” in “Equity” and the statement of operations line item “Noncontrolling owners’ interests in earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures,” respectively. See discussion above regarding the amendment of one 2015, $7.4 The following table summarizes the changes in the noncontrolling owners’ interests in subsidiaries and consolidated joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2014 2016 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ (91 ) $ 7,462 $ 4,097 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity 1,826 3,216 4,556 Change due to amendment -- (7,367 ) -- Distributions to noncontrolling interests owners (1,079 ) (3,402 ) (1,191 ) Balance, end of period $ 656 $ (91 ) $ 7,462

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ven

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Construction Joint Ventures We participate in joint ventures with other large construction companies and other partners, typically for large, technically complex projects, including design-build projects, when it is desirable to share risk and resources in order to seek a competitive advantage or when the project is too large for us to obtain sufficient bonding. Joint venture partners typically provide independently prepared estimates, furnish employees and equipment, enhance bonding capacity and often also bring local knowledge and expertise. We select our joint venture partners based on our analysis of their construction and financial capabilities, expertise in the type of work to be performed and past working relationships with us, among other criteria. Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to accomplish a specific project and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities that may Joint venture contracts with project owners typically impose joint and several liability on the joint venture partners. Although our agreements with our joint venture partners provide that each party will assume and pay its share of any losses resulting from a project, if one Under a joint venture agreement, one Under GAAP, the Company must determine whether each joint venture in which it participates is a variable interest entity. This determination focuses on identifying which joint venture partner, if any, has the power to direct the activities of a joint venture and the obligation to absorb losses of the joint venture or the right to receive benefits from the joint venture in excess of their ownership interests and could have the effect of requiring us to consolidate joint ventures in which we have a noncontrolling variable interest. At December 31, 2016, Where we are a noncontrolling venture partner, we account for our share of the operations of such construction joint ventures on a pro rata basis using proportionate consolidation on our consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures”) in the consolidated balance sheets. This method is an acceptable modification of the equity method of accounting which is a common practice in the construction industry. Combined financial amounts of joint ventures in which the Company has a noncontrolling interest and the Company’s share of such amounts which are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are shown below (amounts in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Total combined: Current assets $ 32,592 $ 17,312 Less current liabilities (57,598 ) (49,371 ) Net assets $ (25,006 ) $ (32,059 ) Backlog $ 107,333 $ 35,113 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog 52,992 11,748 Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures 7,130 12,930 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total combined: Revenues $ 62,440 $ 60,289 $ 51,015 Income before tax 5,144 6,909 3,606 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Share of revenues $ 25,537 $ 23,778 $ 20,243 Share of income before tax 1,980 2,502 2,111 Approximately $53 December 31, 2016 49% The caption “Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures,” includes undistributed earnings and receivables owed to the Company. Undistributed earnings are typically released to the joint venture partners after the customer accepts the project as completed and any warranty period, if any, has passed.

Note 6 - Variable Interest Enti

Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]	6. Variable Interest Entities Under GAAP, the Company must determine whether each entity, including joint ventures in which it participates, is a VIE. This determination focuses on identifying which owner or joint venture partner, if any, has the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity disproportionate to its interest in the entity, which could have the effect of requiring the Company to consolidate the entity in which we have a noncontrolling variable interest. Where the Company has determined that it is appropriate to consolidate a VIE in which it owns a 50% 4 The Company owns a 50% The financial information of Myers, which is included in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, is as follows (amounts in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,655 $ 3,226 Contracts receivable, including retainage 15,046 19,941 Other current assets 10,208 15,887 Total current assets 34,909 39,054 Property and equipment, net 9,824 10,080 Goodwill 1,501 1,501 Total assets $ 46,234 $ 50,635 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 21,274 $ 20,596 Other current liabilities 8,782 10,986 Total current liabilities 30,056 31,582 Long-term liabilities: Other long-term liabilities 5,373 3,370 Total liabilities $ 35,429 $ 34,952 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues $ 156,202 $ 175,691 $ 144,837 Operating income 6,005 7,371 9,319 Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders 2,993 3,681 4,657

Note 7 - Property and Equipment

Note 7 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Construction equipment $ 121,441 $ 114,724 Transportation equipment 19,017 18,056 Buildings 12,771 10,860 Office equipment 3,108 2,810 Leasehold improvement 914 894 Construction in progress 313 1,986 Land 3,509 4,257 Water rights 200 200 161,273 153,787 Less accumulated depreciation (93,146 ) (80,312 ) $ 68,127 $ 73,475 Asset Sold - Land On August 24, 2015, $2.4 $1.4 Assets Held for Sale – Construction and Transportation Equipment At December 31, 2015, $1.1 December 31, 2016.

Note 8 - Goodwill

Note 8 - Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of companies acquired over the fair value of their net assets at the dates of acquisition. GAAP requires that goodwill not be amortized and that goodwill is to be tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually on October 1 st two first two To determine the fair value of the Company’s net assets, the Company used the weighted average of the following valuation techniques: the market approach, which uses market capitalization information plus a control premium and an income approach, which uses a discounted cash flow methodology. The market approach includes level one two three During the first third 2015, one 2016 2015 At December 31, 2016, $54.8 one 2015 2014

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Lon

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Equipment-based Facility $ 3,532 $ 17,957 Less deferred loan costs (803 ) (1,119 ) Equipment-based Facility, Net 2,729 16,838 Notes payable for transportation and construction equipment and other 2,665 3,342 5,394 20,180 Current maturities of long-term debt 4,648 5,192 Less current deferred loan costs (803 ) (336 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt, net (3,845 ) (4,856 ) Total long-term debt $ 1,549 $ 15,324 Equipment-based Facility In May 2015, $40.0 $20.0 $20.0 may $40.0 65% December 31, 2016, $24.4 65% may $20.0 $10.0 $20.0 $20.0 December 31, 2016. may The Equipment-based Facility bears interest at an initial fixed annual rate of 12%, two four four June 30, 2016; two December 31, 2015 four 12%. 47 May 29, 2019. may thirty The Equipment-based Facility is secured by all of the Company's personal property except accounts receivable, including all of its construction equipment, which forms the basis of availability under the Revolving Loan. The Equipment-based Facility is also secured by one 50% may The proceeds of the Term Loan of $20.0 $14.6 $1.3 The Company’s Equipment-based Facility has no financial covenants; however, it contains restrictions on the Company’s ability to: · Incur liens and encumbrances on equipment; · Incur further indebtedness; · Dispose of a material portion of assets or merge with a third · Make acquisitions; and · Make investments in securities. Due to this new Equipment-based Facility agreement, the Company’s Letter of Credit, which under our Prior Credit Facility reduced the Company’s borrowing availability, is now collateralized with cash. Refer to Note 2 During 2016, $10.0 $0.3 2015. Interest expense related to our Equipment-based Facility was $2.6 2016 $2.9 $1.0 2015 2014 2016 At December 31, 2016, $3.5 $20.0 December 31, 2015, $18.0 $11.6 Fair Value The Company’s debt is recorded at the carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses an income approach to determine the fair value of its 12% May 29, 2019 3 December 31, 2016 2015, $3.5 $18.0 December 31, 2016 2015. In order to extinguish our Prior Credit Facility debt, the Company incurred costs of $0.2 2015 Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment The Company has purchased and financed various transportation and construction equipment to enhance the Company’s fleet of equipment. The total long-term notes payable, including current maturities of long-term debt, related to the purchase of financed equipment was $2.7 December 31, 2016, $3.3 December 31, 2015. 3 5 3.12% 6.92%. Maturities of Debt The Company’s long-term obligations mature in future years as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ending Amount 2017 $ 3,845 2018 920 2019 566 2020 59 2021 4 Thereafter -- $ 5,394 The long-term obligations above include $0.4 two December 31, 2016. 1

Note 10 - Operating Leases

Note 10 - Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Operating Leases The Company leases certain property and equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable agreements including office space. Minimum annual rentals for all operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one Years Ending December 31, Amount 2017 $ 3,634 2018 2,971 2019 2,055 2020 1,654 2021 741 Thereafter 260 Total future minimum rental payments $ 11,315 Total expense for operating leases amounted to approximately $4.7 $1.5 $1.6 2016, 2015 2014,

Note 11 - Commitments and Conti

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Commitments and Contingencies Employment Agreements At December 31, 2016, one Self-Insurance The Company’s policy is to accrue the estimated liability for known claims and for estimated employee health claims, workers compensation claims, general liability claims and other claims that have been incurred but not reported as of each reporting date for our self-insured plans. At December 31, 2016 2015, $4.0 $2.9 In order to reduce the Company’s exposure to large self-insured health claims, it has obtained stop-loss coverage for the policy period. This covers medical and prescription drug claim amounts in excess of $55,000 $145,000 $5.2 In order to reduce the Company’s exposure to other large self-insured claims, it has obtained stop-loss coverage for the policy period for workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto claims in excess of $500,000, $250,000 $100,000 $5.0 For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, $3.0 $2.0 $2.2 The Company has a safety and training program in place to help prevent accidents and injuries and works closely with its employees and the insurance company to monitor all claims. In addition to the self-insurance items noted above, the Company is required by our insurance provider to obtain and hold a standby letter of credit. This letter of credit serves as a guarantee by the banking institution to pay our insurance provider the incurred claim costs attributable to our general liability, workers compensation and automobile liability claims, up to the amount stated in the standby letter of credit, in the event that these claims were not paid by the Company. As a result of entering into our Equipment-based Facility in 2015, 2 9 December 31, 2016 2015. Guarantees The Company obtains bonding on construction contracts through Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America (“Travelers”). As is customary in the construction industry, the Company indemnifies Travelers for any losses incurred by it in connection with bonds that are issued. The Company has granted Travelers a security interest in accounts receivable and contract rights for that obligation. The Company typically indemnifies contract owners for claims arising during the construction process and carries insurance coverage for such claims, which in the past have not been material. The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides for indemnification of its officers and directors. The Company has a directors and officers insurance policy that limits their exposure to litigation against them in their capacities as such. Litigation The Company is the subject of certain other claims and lawsuits occurring in the normal course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not believe that the outcome of these other actions will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. There are no significant unresolved legal issues as of December 31, 2016 2015. Purchase Commitments To manage the risk of changes in material prices and subcontracting costs used in tendering

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Defe

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal and various U.S. state income tax returns. Current income tax expense (or benefit) represents federal and state taxes based on tax paid or expected to be payable or receivable for the periods shown in the consolidated statements of operations. We have federal and state NOL carryforwards of $112.9 $56.1 20 5 20 Year Amount 2020 $ 15 2021 5 2028 8,745 2029 3,480 2033 72,046 2034 41,433 2035 30,635 2036 12,686 Total $ 169,045 Current income tax expense represents federal and state income tax paid or expected to be payable for the years shown in the consolidated statements of operations. The income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements consists of the following (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current tax expense $ 88 $ 7 $ 632 Deferred tax expense -- -- -- Total tax expense $ 88 $ 7 $ 632 The effective income tax rate varied from the statutory rate primarily as a result of the change in the valuation allowance, net income attributable to noncontrolling interest owners, which is taxable to those owners rather than to the Company, state income taxes and other permanent differences. The income tax provision differs from the amount using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % Tax benefit at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ (2,563 ) 35.0 % $ (6,013 ) 35.0 % $ (1,608 ) 35.0 % State tax based on income, net of refunds and federal benefits (113 ) 1.5 (860 ) 5.0 (155 ) 3.4 Taxes on subsidiaries’ and joint ventures’ earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests owners (3,786 ) 51.7 (2,620 ) 15.3 (2,365 ) 51.5 Valuation allowance 6,919 (94.5 ) 10,036 (58.4 ) 4,152 (90.4 ) Tax credits (1,258 ) 17.2 (551 ) 3.2 -- -- Reduction of tax receivable -- -- -- -- 524 (11.4 ) Return to provision 400 (5.5 ) -- -- -- -- Earn-out liability 433 (5.9 ) -- -- -- -- Other permanent differences 56 (0.8 ) 15 (0.1 ) 84 (1.9 ) Income tax expense $ 88 (1.3 )% $ 7 -- % $ 632 (13.8 )% Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (amounts in thousands): Long Term As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assets related to: Accrued compensation and other $ 4,490 $ 2,084 Goodwill 3,909 6,705 Noncontrolling interest 2,085 2,247 Deferred revenue 482 688 Revaluation of put/call liabilities 16,620 18,638 Net operating loss carryforwards 41,942 39,317 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (58,034 ) (56,399 ) Liabilities related to: Depreciation of property and equipment (11,471 ) (11,766 ) Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures -- (1,494 ) Other (23 ) (20 ) Net asset $ -- $ -- Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three December 31, 2016. three December 31, 2016 three December 31, 2016, $58.0 may If our assumptions change and we determine we will be able to realize these deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, $48.3 $9.7 As a result of the Company’s analysis, management has determined that the Company does not have any material uncertain tax positions. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest related to any underpayment of taxes as interest expense and penalties as administrative expenses. No December 31, 2016 2015. 2013 2012

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share At

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	13. Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders Basic net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Sterling common stockholders is the same as basic net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders but assumes the exercise of dilutive unvested common stock using the treasury stock method. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per common share computations for net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders for 2016, 2015 2014 Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders before noncontrolling interest revaluation $ (9,238 ) $ (20,402 ) $ (9,781 ) Revaluation of a noncontrolling interest due to a new agreement -- (18,774 ) -- $ (9,238 ) $ (39,176 ) $ (9,781 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic 23,140 19,375 18,063 Shares for dilutive unvested stock -- -- -- Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions— diluted 23,140 19,375 18,063 Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (0.40 ) $ (2.02 ) $ (0.54 ) In accordance with the treasury stock method, approximately 0.4 0.4 0.2 2016, 2015 2014,

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Stockholders’ Equity Holders of common stock are entitled to one may may The Board of Directors may one may Treasury and Forfeited Shares In October 2008, $5 August 2010, $5 $10 2016 2015 The Company accounts for the repurchase of treasury shares under the cost method. When shares are repurchased, cash is paid and the treasury stock account is debited for the price paid. Under the cost method, retirement of treasury stock would result in a debit to the common stock account for the original par value, a debit to additional paid-in capital for the excess between the par value and the original sales price, a debit to retained earnings for any excess amounts paid above the original sales price and a credit to the treasury stock account for the price paid. Forfeited shares are generally the result of an employee’s separation from the Company. Forfeitures of our service-, performance- and market-based share awards are discussed below. Such stock is held briefly as treasury stock and canceled during the year. At December 31, 2016 2015, Upon the vesting of unvested common stock (or restricted stock) the Company may 2016 2015, 18,229 96,076 Stock-based Compensation and Grants The Company has a stock-based incentive plan that is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “2001 2001 May 2021 May 2011 ten 2001 1,900,000 may At December 31, 2016, 555,785 2001 Common Stock Awards The following table summarizes the Company’s service-based share compensation awards: Number of Shares Weighted Average Nonvested at January 1, 2014 181,116 $ 10.61 Granted 61,957 9.05 Vested (73,190 ) 6.88 Forfeited (20,412 ) 11.66 Nonvested at December 31, 2014 149,471 11.65 Granted 978,526 4.53 Vested (166,622 ) 8.56 Forfeited (47,552 ) 6.91 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 913,823 4.83 Granted 79,240 4.36 Vested (351,855 ) 4.46 Forfeited -- -- Nonvested at December 31, 2016 641,208 4.97 In 2016, 2015 2014, 20,000, 917,851 18,536 $4.78, $4.55 $11.38 $0.1 $4.4 $0.2 three five May 2015, 600,000 three 2001 one Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares awarded to each non-employee director 11,848 12,135 6,203 Total shares awarded 59,240 60,675 43,421 Average grant-date market price per share $ 4.22 $ 4.12 $ 8.06 Total compensation cost attributable to shares awarded $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 350,000 Compensation cost recognized related to current and prior year awards $ 249,995 $ 266,667 $ 316,750 In addition to the service-based compensation awards discussed above, the Company also awarded performance-based awards. In 2016, 2015, 2014, 64,159, 10,000 7,500 2016 2015, 1,875 13,750 December 31, 2016, 2016 $0.1 On January 1, 2015, two 50% three 50% three 86,483 $1.2 December 31, 2015, 54,519 December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, $2.2 1.5 $1.8 $1.2 $0.8 2016, 2015 2014, The Company also awards common stock as part of its incentive plan with no service or performance vesting requirements which are expensed fully in the year granted. There were no such shares awarded in 2016, 119,343 $0.5 2015 2014. Stock Offerings On May 9, 2016, 5,175,000 $4.00 ($3.77 $19.1

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plan

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	15. Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains two (401(k) may may $1.8 $1.8 $1.3 December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, As of December 31, 2016, 1,684 1,364 1,364 366, 22% The Company contributes to a number of multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: · Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one may may · If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multi-employer plans, the Company may The following table presents our participation in these plans (amounts in thousands): Pension Plan Pension Protection 1 FIP / RP Contributions Surcharge Expiration 3 Pension Trust Identification 2016 2015 Pending / 2 2016 2015 2014 Pension Trust Fund for Operating Engineers Pension Plan 94-6090764 Red Red Yes $ 2,145 $ 2,151 $ 1,757 No Various Laborers Pension Trust for Northern California 94-6277608 Yellow Yellow Yes 1,059 966 1,447 No Various Carpenter Funds Administrative Office 94-6050970 Red Red Yes 636 842 1,015 No Various Cement Mason Pension Trust Fund For Northern California 94-6277669 Yellow Yellow Yes 311 371 322 No Various All other funds 4 8,487 10,204 6,267 Total Contributions: $ 12,638 $ 14,534 $ 10,808 1 2016 2015 2015 2014, 65 80 six 80 80 2 3 4 $1.2 $1.5 $0.9 2016, 2015 2014, We currently have no intention of withdrawing from any of the multi-employer pension plans in which we participate.

Note 16 - Concentration of Risk

Note 16 - Concentration of Risk and Enterprise-wide Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	16. Concentration of Risk and Enterprise-Wide Disclosures The following table shows contract revenues generated from the Company’s customers that accounted for more than 10% Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) $ 88,627 12.8 % $ 96,470 15.5 % $ 97,637 14.5 % Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”) 85,224 12.4 84,129 13.5 * * Utah Department of Transportation (“UDOT”) 79,421 11.5 * * * * *Represents less than 10% At December 31, 2016, $7.9 10% December 31, 2015, no 10% The Company’s revenue and receivables are entirely derived from the construction of U.S. projects and all of the Company’s assets are held domestically within the U.S. A portion of our labor force is subject to collective bargaining agreements. Refer to Note 15

Note 17 - Related Party Transac

Note 17 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	17. Related Party Transactions The Company has limited related party transactions. The most material transactions relate to the Company’s RLW subsidiary and its executive management who own or have an ownership interest in certain real estate and other companies. RLW has historically performed construction contracts, leased properties, or has provided professional and other services for entities owned by the executive managers of RLW. The total RLW related party revenue related to construction contracts totaled $4.1 $3.7 $0.5 2016, 2015 2014, $0.5 2022. $0.8 $0.2 $0.1 2016, 2015 2014, The Company had other individually immaterial miscellaneous transactions with related parties that totaled $0.6 $0.2 $0.4 2016, 2015 2014, In August 2015, $7.1 $1.4 1 In addition, in August 2015, $2.4 7 An independent member of senior management of the Company reviewed all related party sales and purchases before they were transacted.

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial I

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	18. Quarterly Financial Information The following table summarizes the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2016 2015 2016 Quarters Ended (unaudited) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Revenues $ 126,567 $ 189,582 $ 205,629 $ 168,345 $ 690,123 Gross profit 3,830 16,089 17,032 6,903 43,854 Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (7,336 ) 2,570 3,196 (5,754 ) (7,324 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders (7,328 ) 2,023 2,415 (6,348 ) (9,238 ) Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders: Basic and diluted $ (0.37 ) $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ (0.25 ) $ (0.40 ) 2015 Quarters Ended (unaudited) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Revenues $ 117,682 $ 177,425 $ 176,000 $ 152,488 $ 623,595 Gross profit (loss) (6,836 ) 9,111 14,458 12,220 28,953 Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,697 ) (967 ) 1,326 (841 ) (17,179 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders (16,992 ) (2,542 ) 256 (19,898 ) (39,176 ) Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders: Basic and diluted $ (0.90 ) $ (0.13 ) $ 0.01 $ (1.01 ) $ (2.02 ) The Company’s operating revenues tend second third During the first 2016, fourth $2.5 In 2015, first 2015, second 2015, fourth

Note 19 - Subsequent Event - Co

Note 19 - Subsequent Event - Commitment to Purchase Concrete Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	19. On March 8, 2017, $85 Sterling plans to finance the acquisition through a combination of $15 1,882,058 $55 $85 second 2017

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries and construction joint ventures in which the Company has a greater than 50% 50%. 4 Where the Company is a noncontrolling joint venture partner, and otherwise not required to consolidate the joint venture entity, its share of the operations of such construction joint venture is accounted for on a pro rata basis in the consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures”) in the consolidated balance sheets. This method is an acceptable modification of the equity method of accounting which is a common practice in the construction industry. Refer to Note 5 Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the Company must determine whether each entity, including joint ventures in which it participates, is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). This determination focuses on identifying which owner or joint venture partner, if any, has the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity disproportionate to its interest in the entity, which could have the effect of requiring the Company to consolidate the entity in which we have a noncontrolling variable interest. Refer to Note 6
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain of the Company’s accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from construction contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, the valuation of long-term assets (including goodwill), and income taxes. Management continually evaluates all of its estimates and judgments based on available information and experience; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company is a general contractor which engages in various types of heavy civil construction projects principally for public (government) owners. Credit risk is minimal with public owners since the Company ascertains that funds have been appropriated by the governmental project owner prior to commencing work on such projects. While most public contracts are subject to termination at the election of the government entity, in the event of termination the Company is entitled to receive the contract price for completed work and reimbursement of termination-related costs. Credit risk with private owners is minimized because of statutory mechanics liens, which give the Company high priority in the event of lien foreclosures following financial difficulties of private owners. Refer to Note 16 Our contracts generally take 12 36 one two Revenues are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the ratio of costs incurred up to a given date to estimated total costs for each contract. This cost-to-cost measure is used because management considers it to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontract and other costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect salaries and wages, equipment repairs and depreciation, insurance and payroll taxes. Administrative and general expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those changes arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements may Changes in estimated revenues and gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2016 $6.3 $0.27 December 31, 2015 $9.7 $0.50 December 31, 2014 $9.1 $0.50 Change orders are modifications of an original contract that effectively change the existing provisions of the contract without adding new provisions or terms. Change orders may may The Company considers unapproved change orders to be contract variations for which we have a change of scope for which we believe we are contractually entitled to additional price but a price change associated with the scope change has not yet been agreed upon with the customer. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated cost to complete the contracts and are treated as project costs as incurred. The Company recognizes revenue equal to costs incurred on unapproved change orders when realization of price approval is probable. Unapproved change orders involve the use of estimates, and it is reasonably possible that revisions to the estimated costs and recoverable amounts may The Company considers claims to be amounts in excess of agreed contract prices that we seek to collect from our customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders that are either in dispute or are unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional contract costs. Claims are included in the calculation of revenue when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined to the extent costs are incurred. To support these requirements, the existence of the following items must be satisfied: 1. 2. 3. 4. may The Company has projects where we are in the process of negotiating, or awaiting final approval of, unapproved change orders and claims with our customers. The Company is proceeding with its contractual rights to recoup additional costs incurred from its customers based on completing work associated with change orders with pending change order pricing or claims related to significant changes in scope which resulted in substantial delays and additional costs in completing the work. Unapproved change order and claim information has been provided to our customers and negotiations with the customers are ongoing. If additional progress with an acceptable resolution is not reached, legal action may Based upon our review of the provisions of our contracts, specific costs incurred and other related evidence supporting the unapproved change orders, claims and our entitled unpaid project price, together with the views of the Company’s outside claim consultants, we concluded that including the unapproved change order, claim and entitled unpaid project price amounts of $2.2 $9.2 $3.9 December 31, 2016, $1.6 $5.2 $3.9 December 31, 2015, We expect these matters will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial statements. However, unapproved change order and claim amounts are subject to negotiations which may The asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed on these contracts and will be billed at a later date, usually due to contract terms. In addition, revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims is also included when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably determined. The liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized on these contracts.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassification Certain amounts in prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in the year ended December 31, 2016.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company’s financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash used as collateral for a letter of credit and restricted cash maintained in an escrow account, short-term and long-term contracts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, a revolving loan (the “Revolving Loan”) with Nations Fund I, LLC and Nations Equipment Finance, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lender (“Nations”), a term loan (the “Term Loan”) with Nations (combined, the “Equipment-based Facility”), and an earn-out liability related to the acquisition of JBC. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term contracts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their liquidity and/or short-term nature. The recorded value of the long-term contract receivable was based on the amount of future cash flows discounted using the creditor’s borrowing rate and such recorded value approximated fair value. The Company provides credit in the normal course of business, principally to public (government) owners, and performs ongoing credit evaluations, as deemed necessary, but generally does not require collateral to support such receivables. In an effort to reduce its credit exposure, as well as accelerate its cash flows, in August 2015, $7.1 $1.4 December 31, 2015. The Company has an earn-out agreement with JBC’s former owner. This earn-out liability is classified as a Level 3 December 31, 2017. 2016, $1.2 2015, December 31, 2015. The Company has the Revolving Loan and the Term Loan and also has long-term notes payable of $2.7 December 31, 2016 3 5 3.12% 6.92% 9). 10). In order to assess the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, the Company uses the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP which prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into the following three Level 1 Level 2 1) Level 3 For each financial instrument, the Company uses the highest priority level input that is available in order to appropriately value that particular instrument. In certain instances, Level 1 2 3
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Contracts Receivable Contracts receivable are generally based on amounts billed to the customer. At December 31, 2016 2015, $23.4 $19.8 December 31, 2016 2015, Many of the contracts under which the Company performs work contain retainage provisions. Retainage refers to that portion of billings made by the Company but held for payment by the customer pending satisfactory completion of the project. Unless reserved, the Company assumes that all amounts retained by customers under such provisions are fully collectible. Retainage on active contracts is classified as a current asset regardless of the term of the contract and is generally collected within one There are certain contracts that are completed in advance of full payment. When the receivable will not be collected within our normal operating cycle, we consider it a long-term contract receivable and it is recorded in “Other assets, net” in our balance sheet. In August 2015, December 31, 2015. 4.25% $0.2 $0.4 December 31, 2015 2014, Contracts receivable are written off based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer, when such treatment is warranted. There was no bad debt expense recorded in 2016 2014 2015. At year-end, the Company performs a review of outstanding contracts receivable, historical collection information and existing economic conditions to determine if there are potential uncollectible receivables. At December 31, 2016 2015, zero As is customary, we have agreed to indemnify our bonding company for all losses incurred by it in connection with bonds that are issued, and we have granted our bonding company a security interest in certain assets, including accounts receivable, as collateral for such obligation.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market as determined by the average cost method. Inventories at December 31, 2016 2015 $3.7 $2.5 third
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation and amortizations are as follows: Buildings (in years) 39 Construction equipment (in years) 5 - 15 Land improvements (in years) 5 - 15 Office furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 - 10 Leasehold improvements (in years or lease period, if shorter) 3 - 10 Transportation equipment (in years) 5 Depreciation expense was $15.7 $16.2 $18.2 2016, 2015 2014,
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Leases We lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business. Our leases have varying terms. Some may Equipment under Capital Leases The Company’s policy is to account for capital leases, which transfer substantially all the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the leased property to the Company, as the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of an obligation. Under this method of accounting, the recorded value of the leased asset is amortized principally using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life and the obligation, including interest thereon, is reduced through payments over the life of the lease. Depreciation expense on equipment subject to capital leases and the related accumulated depreciation is included with that of owned equipment. The Company had two $0.4 December 31, 2016 one December 31, 2015 $0.5
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Loan Costs Deferred loan costs represent loan origination fees paid to the lender and related professional fees such as legal fees related to drafting of loan agreements. In 2015, $1.3 9. $0.8 $1.1 December 31, 2016 2015, December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 $0.3 $0.3 $0.2 2016, 2015 03
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of companies acquired over the fair value of their net assets at the dates of acquisition. GAAP requires that: (1) (2) (3) 8
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Evaluating Impairment of Long-Lived Assets When events or changes in circumstances indicate that long-lived assets may 2016, 2015 2014. may 7 2015.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment reporting We operate in one one one one The Company noted that even if our local offices were to be considered separate components of our heavy civil construction operating segment, those components could be aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment under Accounting Standards Codification 280 101 · The nature of the products and services — each of our local offices perform similar construction projects — they build, reconstruct and repair roads, highways, bridges, airfields, ports, light rail and water, waste water and storm drainage systems. · The nature of the production processes — our heavy civil construction services rendered in the construction process for each of our construction projects performed by each local office is the same — they excavate dirt, remove existing pavement and pipe, lay aggregate or concrete pavement, pipe and rail and build bridges and similar large structures in order to complete our projects. · The type or class of customer for products and services — substantially all of our customers are federal and state departments of transportation, cities, counties, and regional water, rail and toll-road authorities. A substantial portion of the funding for the state departments of transportation to finance the projects we construct is furnished by the federal government. · The methods used to distribute products or provide services — the heavy civil construction services rendered on our projects are performed by our hired sub-contractors or with our own field work crews (laborers, equipment operators and supervisors) and equipment (backhoes, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes, pug mills, crushers, and concrete and asphalt plants). · The nature of the regulatory environment — we perform substantially all of our projects for federal, state and municipal governmental agencies, and all of the projects that we perform are subject to substantially similar regulation under U.S. and state department of transportation rules, including prevailing wage and hour laws; codes established by the federal government and municipalities regarding water and waste water systems installation; and laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and to the employment of immigrants of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While profit margin objectives included in contract bids have some variability from contract to contract, our profit margin objectives are not differentiated by our CODM or our office management based on local office location. Instead, the projects undertaken by each local office are primarily competitively-bid, fixed unit or negotiated lump sum price contracts, all of which are bid based on achieving gross margin objectives that reflect the relevant skills required, the contract size and duration, the availability of our personnel and equipment, the makeup and level of our existing backlog, our competitive advantages and disadvantages, prior experience, the contracting agency or customer, the source of contract funding, anticipated start and completion dates, construction risks, penalties or incentives and general economic conditions.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Federal and State Income Taxes We determine deferred income tax assets and liabilities using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 12
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation The Company’s stock-based incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee may Upon the vesting of unvested common stock the Company may 14
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, 2016 09 718). (1) (2) December 15, 2016, In April 2015, issued 2015 03, December 15, 2015 December 15, 2015, first 2016 In August 2014, 2014 14, December 15, 2016 December 15, 2016, fourth 2016. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04 350) 2 two December 15, 2019. January 1, 2017. 2017 In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, he Company expects to adopt this guidance as required and does not expect a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than to the presentation of restricted cash on our consolidated statements of cash flows. In August 2016, 2016 15 230): December 15, 2018. In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). December 15, 2018, In May 2014, 2014 09, five (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) August 2015, 2015 14 2014 09 one 2014 09 December 15, 2017, 2016 08, 2016 10, 2016 12, The new revenue recognition standard prescribes a five January 1, 2018 2017.

Note 1 - Summary of Business 28

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Useful Lives [Table Text Block]	Buildings (in years) 39 Construction equipment (in years) 5 - 15 Land improvements (in years) 5 - 15 Office furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 - 10 Leasehold improvements (in years or lease period, if shorter) 3 - 10 Transportation equipment (in years) 5

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated 29

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Excess Billings Over Earnings [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts $ 1,749,328 $ 1,741,070 Billings on uncompleted contracts (1,780,723 ) (1,744,721 ) Excess of billings over costs incurred and estimated earnings $ (31,395 ) $ (3,651 )
Schedule of Net Amount of Costs and Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 32,705 $ 26,905 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (64,100 ) (30,556 ) Net amount of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts below billings $ (31,395 ) $ (3,651 )

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joi30

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Agreement Obligation [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Net accumulated earnings 5,230 10,438 Total liability $ 45,230 $ 50,438
Schedule of Changes in Noncontrolling Interests and Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ (91 ) $ 7,462 $ 4,097 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity 1,826 3,216 4,556 Change due to amendment -- (7,367 ) -- Distributions to noncontrolling interests owners (1,079 ) (3,402 ) (1,191 ) Balance, end of period $ 656 $ (91 ) $ 7,462

Note 5 - Construction Joint V31

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Total combined: Current assets $ 32,592 $ 17,312 Less current liabilities (57,598 ) (49,371 ) Net assets $ (25,006 ) $ (32,059 ) Backlog $ 107,333 $ 35,113 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog 52,992 11,748 Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures 7,130 12,930
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total combined: Revenues $ 62,440 $ 60,289 $ 51,015 Income before tax 5,144 6,909 3,606 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Share of revenues $ 25,537 $ 23,778 $ 20,243 Share of income before tax 1,980 2,502 2,111

Note 6 - Variable Interest En32

Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,655 $ 3,226 Contracts receivable, including retainage 15,046 19,941 Other current assets 10,208 15,887 Total current assets 34,909 39,054 Property and equipment, net 9,824 10,080 Goodwill 1,501 1,501 Total assets $ 46,234 $ 50,635 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 21,274 $ 20,596 Other current liabilities 8,782 10,986 Total current liabilities 30,056 31,582 Long-term liabilities: Other long-term liabilities 5,373 3,370 Total liabilities $ 35,429 $ 34,952
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total combined: Revenues $ 62,440 $ 60,289 $ 51,015 Income before tax 5,144 6,909 3,606 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Share of revenues $ 25,537 $ 23,778 $ 20,243 Share of income before tax 1,980 2,502 2,111
Myers and Sons Construction [Member]
Notes Tables
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues $ 156,202 $ 175,691 $ 144,837 Operating income 6,005 7,371 9,319 Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders 2,993 3,681 4,657

Note 7 - Property and Equipme33

Note 7 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Construction equipment $ 121,441 $ 114,724 Transportation equipment 19,017 18,056 Buildings 12,771 10,860 Office equipment 3,108 2,810 Leasehold improvement 914 894 Construction in progress 313 1,986 Land 3,509 4,257 Water rights 200 200 161,273 153,787 Less accumulated depreciation (93,146 ) (80,312 ) $ 68,127 $ 73,475

Note 9 - Line of Credit and L34

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Equipment-based Facility $ 3,532 $ 17,957 Less deferred loan costs (803 ) (1,119 ) Equipment-based Facility, Net 2,729 16,838 Notes payable for transportation and construction equipment and other 2,665 3,342 5,394 20,180 Current maturities of long-term debt 4,648 5,192 Less current deferred loan costs (803 ) (336 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt, net (3,845 ) (4,856 ) Total long-term debt $ 1,549 $ 15,324
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Years Ending Amount 2017 $ 3,845 2018 920 2019 566 2020 59 2021 4 Thereafter -- $ 5,394

Note 10 - Operating Leases (Tab

Note 10 - Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Years Ending December 31, Amount 2017 $ 3,634 2018 2,971 2019 2,055 2020 1,654 2021 741 Thereafter 260 Total future minimum rental payments $ 11,315

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De36

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Year Amount 2020 $ 15 2021 5 2028 8,745 2029 3,480 2033 72,046 2034 41,433 2035 30,635 2036 12,686 Total $ 169,045
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current tax expense $ 88 $ 7 $ 632 Deferred tax expense -- -- -- Total tax expense $ 88 $ 7 $ 632
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % Tax benefit at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ (2,563 ) 35.0 % $ (6,013 ) 35.0 % $ (1,608 ) 35.0 % State tax based on income, net of refunds and federal benefits (113 ) 1.5 (860 ) 5.0 (155 ) 3.4 Taxes on subsidiaries’ and joint ventures’ earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests owners (3,786 ) 51.7 (2,620 ) 15.3 (2,365 ) 51.5 Valuation allowance 6,919 (94.5 ) 10,036 (58.4 ) 4,152 (90.4 ) Tax credits (1,258 ) 17.2 (551 ) 3.2 -- -- Reduction of tax receivable -- -- -- -- 524 (11.4 ) Return to provision 400 (5.5 ) -- -- -- -- Earn-out liability 433 (5.9 ) -- -- -- -- Other permanent differences 56 (0.8 ) 15 (0.1 ) 84 (1.9 ) Income tax expense $ 88 (1.3 )% $ 7 -- % $ 632 (13.8 )%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Long Term As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assets related to: Accrued compensation and other $ 4,490 $ 2,084 Goodwill 3,909 6,705 Noncontrolling interest 2,085 2,247 Deferred revenue 482 688 Revaluation of put/call liabilities 16,620 18,638 Net operating loss carryforwards 41,942 39,317 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (58,034 ) (56,399 ) Liabilities related to: Depreciation of property and equipment (11,471 ) (11,766 ) Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures -- (1,494 ) Other (23 ) (20 ) Net asset $ -- $ --

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share 37

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders before noncontrolling interest revaluation $ (9,238 ) $ (20,402 ) $ (9,781 ) Revaluation of a noncontrolling interest due to a new agreement -- (18,774 ) -- $ (9,238 ) $ (39,176 ) $ (9,781 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic 23,140 19,375 18,063 Shares for dilutive unvested stock -- -- -- Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions— diluted 23,140 19,375 18,063 Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (0.40 ) $ (2.02 ) $ (0.54 )

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Number of Shares Weighted Average Nonvested at January 1, 2014 181,116 $ 10.61 Granted 61,957 9.05 Vested (73,190 ) 6.88 Forfeited (20,412 ) 11.66 Nonvested at December 31, 2014 149,471 11.65 Granted 978,526 4.53 Vested (166,622 ) 8.56 Forfeited (47,552 ) 6.91 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 913,823 4.83 Granted 79,240 4.36 Vested (351,855 ) 4.46 Forfeited -- -- Nonvested at December 31, 2016 641,208 4.97
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares awarded to each non-employee director 11,848 12,135 6,203 Total shares awarded 59,240 60,675 43,421 Average grant-date market price per share $ 4.22 $ 4.12 $ 8.06 Total compensation cost attributable to shares awarded $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 350,000 Compensation cost recognized related to current and prior year awards $ 249,995 $ 266,667 $ 316,750

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Pl39

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Table Text Block]	Pension Plan Pension Protection 1 FIP / RP Contributions Surcharge Expiration 3 Pension Trust Identification 2016 2015 Pending / 2 2016 2015 2014 Pension Trust Fund for Operating Engineers Pension Plan 94-6090764 Red Red Yes $ 2,145 $ 2,151 $ 1,757 No Various Laborers Pension Trust for Northern California 94-6277608 Yellow Yellow Yes 1,059 966 1,447 No Various Carpenter Funds Administrative Office 94-6050970 Red Red Yes 636 842 1,015 No Various Cement Mason Pension Trust Fund For Northern California 94-6277669 Yellow Yellow Yes 311 371 322 No Various All other funds 4 8,487 10,204 6,267 Total Contributions: $ 12,638 $ 14,534 $ 10,808

Note 16 - Concentration of Ri40

Note 16 - Concentration of Risk and Enterprise-wide Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) $ 88,627 12.8 % $ 96,470 15.5 % $ 97,637 14.5 % Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”) 85,224 12.4 84,129 13.5 * * Utah Department of Transportation (“UDOT”) 79,421 11.5 * * * *

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial41

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	2016 Quarters Ended (unaudited) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Revenues $ 126,567 $ 189,582 $ 205,629 $ 168,345 $ 690,123 Gross profit 3,830 16,089 17,032 6,903 43,854 Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (7,336 ) 2,570 3,196 (5,754 ) (7,324 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders (7,328 ) 2,023 2,415 (6,348 ) (9,238 ) Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders: Basic and diluted $ (0.37 ) $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ (0.25 ) $ (0.40 ) 2015 Quarters Ended (unaudited) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Revenues $ 117,682 $ 177,425 $ 176,000 $ 152,488 $ 623,595 Gross profit (loss) (6,836 ) 9,111 14,458 12,220 28,953 Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,697 ) (967 ) 1,326 (841 ) (17,179 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders (16,992 ) (2,542 ) 256 (19,898 ) (39,176 ) Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders: Basic and diluted $ (0.90 ) $ (0.13 ) $ 0.01 $ (1.01 ) $ (2.02 )

Note 1 - Summary of Business 42

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Ownership Interest in Joint Venture		50.00%
Estimated Construction Gross Profit (Loss) Per Diluted Share		$ 0.27	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Contract	$ 7,100
Contract Receivable			$ 0
Notes Payable, Noncurrent		$ 2,700
Contract Receivable Retainage		23,400	19,800
Unbilled Contracts Receivable		0	0
Interest Income from Contracts Receivable			200	$ 400
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs		0	0	0
Inventory, Net		3,708	2,535
Depreciation		15,700	16,200	18,200
Capitalized Debt Fees			1,300
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		800	1,100
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs		300	300	200
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		$ 0	0	0
Number of Operating Segments		1
Number of Reportable Segments		1
Number of Reporting Units		1
Long-term Contract Receivable [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		4.25%
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings [Member]
Unapproved Change Orders, Amount		$ 2,200	1,600
Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts		9,200	5,200
Contracts Receivable, Unpaid Project Contract Price		3,900	3,900
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | JBC Former Owners [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			0
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations		400
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Maturities [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations			500
Operating Income (Loss) [Member]
Estimated Construction Gross (Loss) Profit, Before Tax		(6,300)	$ (9,700)	$ 9,100
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Long-term Contract	$ 1,400
Earn-out Expense		$ 1,200
Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition Percentage of Completion Range		12 years
Warranty Term		1 year
Minimum [Member] | Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term		3 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.12%
Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition Percentage of Completion Range		36 years
Warranty Term		2 years
Maximum [Member] | Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.92%

Note 1 - Summary of Business 43

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Useful Lives Used in Computing Depreciation and Amortization (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Building [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	39 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	5 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	15 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	5 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	10 years
Other Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (Year)	5 years

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equiva44

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Other Current Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,000,000	2,000,000
Majority Owned Joint Ventures [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 10,900,000	$ 0

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated 45

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Excess Billings Over Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 1,749,328	$ 1,741,070
Billings on uncompleted contracts	(1,780,723)	(1,744,721)
Excess of billings over costs incurred and estimated earnings	$ (31,395)	$ (3,651)

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated 46

Note 3 - Costs and Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Net Amount of Costs and Estimated Earning on Uncompleted Contracts Above (Below) Billings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$ 32,705	$ 26,905
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(64,100)	(30,556)
Net amount of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts below billings	$ (31,395)	$ (3,651)

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joi47

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 27, 2015
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Revaluation of Non-controlling Interest Put/Call Liability		$ (7,367,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 656,000	(91,000)
Myers [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Revaluation of Non-controlling Interest Put/Call Liability		18,800,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest				$ 7,400,000
Myers [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%
Undistributed Earnings, Basic		500,000	$ 0
Myers [Member] | Upon Death [Member]
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	$ 8,900,000	4,200,000	2,100,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Myers [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Changes in Fair Value, Gain (Loss)		$ (7,367,000)

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joi48

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests - Components of Noncontrolling Interest Subject to Mandatory Redemption (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption	$ 40,000	$ 40,000
Net accumulated earnings	5,230	10,438
Total liability	$ 45,230	$ 50,438

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joi49

Note 4 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests - Changes in Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Distributions to noncontrolling interests owners	$ (1,079)	$ (3,402)	$ (994)
Subsidiaries [Member]
Balance, beginning of period	(91)	7,462	4,097
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity	1,826	3,216	4,556
Distributions to noncontrolling interests owners	(1,079)	(3,402)	(1,191)
Balance, end of period	656	(91)	7,462
Subsidiaries [Member] | Myers [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Changes in Fair Value, Gain (Loss)		$ (7,367)

Note 5 - Construction Joint V50

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Construction Backlog Attributable to Project Performed by Joint Ventures	$ 53
Granite Construction Corporation [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	49.00%

Note 5 - Construction Joint V51

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ventures - Construction Joint Ventures, Partner Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total current assets	$ 175,908	$ 134,921
Less current liabilities	(146,592)	(104,311)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	7,130	12,930
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Total current assets	32,592	17,312
Less current liabilities	(57,598)	(49,371)
Net assets	(25,006)	(32,059)
Backlog	107,333	35,113
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	52,992	11,748
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	$ 7,130	$ 12,930

Note 5 - Construction Joint V52

Note 5 - Construction Joint Ventures - Construction Joint Ventures, Partner Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 168,345	$ 205,629	$ 189,582	$ 126,567	$ 152,488	$ 176,000	$ 177,425	$ 117,682	$ 690,123	$ 623,595	$ 672,230
Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ (5,754)	$ 3,196	$ 2,570	$ (7,336)	$ (841)	$ 1,326	$ (967)	$ (16,697)	(7,324)	(17,179)
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Revenues									62,440	60,289	51,015
Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									5,144	6,909	3,606
Share of revenues									25,537	23,778	20,243
Share of income before tax									$ 1,980	$ 2,502	$ 2,111

Note 6 - Variable Interest En53

Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Income Percentage	50.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Entity Maximum Loss Exposure, Percentage	50.00%
Myers [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Note 6 - Variable Interest En54

Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet - Myers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,785	$ 4,426	$ 22,843	$ 1,872
Contracts receivable, including retainage	84,132	82,112
Other current assets	5,448	6,013
Total current assets	175,908	134,921
Property and equipment, net	68,127	73,475
Goodwill	54,820	54,820
Total assets	301,823	266,165
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	67,097	58,959
Total current liabilities	146,592	104,311
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	9,655	3,226
Contracts receivable, including retainage	15,046	19,941
Other current assets	10,208	15,887
Total current assets	34,909	39,054
Property and equipment, net	9,824	10,080
Goodwill	1,501	1,501
Total assets	46,234	50,635
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	21,274	20,596
Other current liabilities	8,782	10,986
Total current liabilities	30,056	31,582
Long-term liabilities:
Other long-term liabilities	5,373	3,370
Total liabilities	$ 35,429	$ 34,952

Note 6 - Variable Interest En55

Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Statements of Operations - Myers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 168,345	$ 205,629	$ 189,582	$ 126,567	$ 152,488	$ 176,000	$ 177,425	$ 117,682	$ 690,123	$ 623,595	$ 672,230
Operating income									(4,729)	(14,387)	(4,224)
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (6,348)	$ 2,415	$ 2,023	$ (7,328)	$ (19,898)	$ 256	$ (2,542)	$ (16,992)	(9,238)	(39,176)	(9,781)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Revenues									156,202	175,691	144,837
Operating income									6,005	7,371	9,319
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders									$ 2,993	$ 3,681	$ 4,657

Note 7 - Property and Equipme56

Note 7 - Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 24, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current		$ 1.1
Former President and Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-use	$ 2.4
Former President and Chief Operating Officer [Member] | Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$ 1.4

Note 7 - Property and Equipme57

Note 7 - Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 161,273	$ 153,787
Less accumulated depreciation	(93,146)	(80,312)
	68,127	73,475
Construction Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	121,441	114,724
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	19,017	18,056
Building [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,771	10,860
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,108	2,810
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	914	894
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	313	1,986
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,509	4,257
Water Rights [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 200	$ 200

Note 8 - Goodwill (Details Text

Note 8 - Goodwill (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill	$ 54,820	$ 54,820

Note 9 - Line of Credit and L59

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	May 29, 2015
Long-term Debt	$ 5,394	$ 20,180
Repayments of Long-term Debt		3,217
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		20,000
Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit	(15,871)	14,550
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		(240)
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	2,700
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations	400
Credit Facility [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		200
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 2,700	3,300
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.12%
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.92%
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 40,000
Long-term Debt	$ 3,500	18,000		20,000
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 40,000
Debt Instrument, Percentage of Appraised Value of Collateral				65.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	24,400
Repayments of Long-term Debt	10,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	12.00%
Debt Instrument, Decrease in Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Increase in Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Number of Monthly Installments	47
Debt Instrument, Collateral as Percentage of Equipment	50.00%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 20,000
Interest Expense, Debt	2,600	2,900	$ 1,000
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt		0
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs	300
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	1,300
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	20,000	11,600
Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit	14,600
Long-term Line of Credit	0	0
Nations [Member] | Equipment-based Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt	2,729	16,838
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	803	1,119
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 3,500	$ 18,000

Note 9 - Line of Credit and L60

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term Debt	$ 5,394	$ 20,180
	5,394	20,180
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,648	5,192
Less current deferred loan costs	(803)	(336)
Less current maturities of long-term debt, net	(3,845)	(4,856)
Total long-term debt	1,549	15,324
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Notes payable	2,665	3,342
Nations [Member] | Equipment-based Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt	3,532	17,957
Less deferred loan costs	(803)	(1,119)
Long-term Debt	2,729	16,838
	$ 2,729	$ 16,838

Note 9 - Line of Credit and L61

Note 9 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt - Maturities of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2,017	$ 3,845
2,018	920
2,019	566
2,020	59
2,021	4
	$ 5,394	$ 20,180

Note 10 - Operating Leases (Det

Note 10 - Operating Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 4.7	$ 1.5	$ 1.6

Note 10 - Operating Leases - Mi

Note 10 - Operating Leases - Minimum Annual Rentals for Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 3,634
2,018	2,971
2,019	2,055
2,020	1,654
2,021	741
Thereafter	260
Total future minimum rental payments	$ 11,315

Note 11 - Commitments and Con64

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	$ 4,000,000	$ 2,900,000
Self Insurance Excess Reinsurance, Aggregate Deductible	5,200,000
Self Insurance Workers Compensation Claims, Amount Per Occurrence	500,000
Self Insurance General Liability, Amount Per Occurrence	250,000
Self Insurance Auto Claims, Amount Per Occurrence	100,000
Self Insurance Workers Compensation Claims, Maximum Liability	5,000,000
Self Insurance Plan Expenses	3,000,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,200,000
RLW and JBC [Member]
Self Insurance Excess Reinsurance	55,000
Other Entities [Member]
Self Insurance Excess Reinsurance	$ 145,000

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De65

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 169,045
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 58,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	0	$ 0
Will be Recognized as Reduction of Income Tax Expense [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	48,300
Will be Recorded as Increase in Equity [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	9,700
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 112,900
Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Period	20 years
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year	2,013
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 56,100
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year	2,012
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Period	5 years
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Period	20 years

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De66

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability - Federal and State Income Tax Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 169,045
Expires in 2020 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	15
Expire in 2021 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	5
Expires in 2028 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,745
Expires in 2029 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,480
Expires in 2033 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	72,046
Expires in 2034 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	41,433
ExpiresIn2035Member
Operating Loss Carryforwards	30,635
Expires in 2036 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 12,686

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De67

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current tax expense	$ 88	$ 7	$ 632
Deferred tax expense
Total tax expense	$ 88	$ 7	$ 632

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De68

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability - Summary Reconciliation Reported Amount of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax benefit at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$ (2,563)	$ (6,013)	$ (1,608)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax based on income, net of refunds and federal benefits	$ (113)	$ (860)	$ (155)
State tax based on income, net of refunds and federal benefits	1.50%	5.00%	3.40%
Taxes on subsidiaries’ and joint ventures’ earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests owners	$ (3,786)	$ (2,620)	$ (2,365)
Taxes on subsidiaries’ and joint ventures’ earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests owners	51.70%	15.30%	51.50%
Valuation allowance	$ 6,919	$ 10,036	$ 4,152
Valuation allowance	(94.50%)	(58.40%)	(90.40%)
Tax credits	$ (1,258)	$ (551)
Tax credits	17.20%	3.20%
Reduction of tax receivable			$ 524
Reduction of tax receivable			(11.40%)
Return to provision	$ 400
Return to provision	(5.50%)
Earn-out liability	$ 433
Earn-out liability	(5.90%)
Other permanent differences	$ 56	$ 15	$ 84
Other permanent differences	(0.80%)	(0.10%)	(1.90%)
Income tax expense	$ 88	$ 7	$ 632
Income tax expense	(1.30%)		(13.80%)

Note 12 - Income Taxes and De69

Note 12 - Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset/Liability - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets related to:
Goodwill	$ 3,909	$ 6,705
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(58,000)
Current [Member]
Assets related to:
Accrued compensation and other	4,490
Noncontrolling interest	2,085
Deferred revenue	482
Revaluation of put/call liabilities	16,620
Net operating loss carryforwards	41,942
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(58,034)
Liabilities related to:
Depreciation of property and equipment	(11,471)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures
Other	(23)
Net asset
Long-term [Member]
Assets related to:
Accrued compensation and other		2,084
Noncontrolling interest		2,247
Deferred revenue		688
Revaluation of put/call liabilities		18,638
Net operating loss carryforwards		39,317
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(56,399)
Liabilities related to:
Depreciation of property and equipment		(11,766)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures		(1,494)
Other		(20)
Net asset

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share 70

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.4	0.4	0.2

Note 13 - Net Loss Per Share 71

Note 13 - 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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders before noncontrolling interest revaluation									$ (9,238)	$ (20,402)	$ (9,781)
Revaluation of a noncontrolling interest due to a new agreement										(18,774)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (6,348)	$ 2,415	$ 2,023	$ (7,328)	$ (19,898)	$ 256	$ (2,542)	$ (16,992)	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)									23,140	19,375	18,063
Shares for dilutive unvested stock (in shares)
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions— diluted (in shares)									23,140	19,375	18,064
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.10	$ 0.09	$ (0.37)	$ (1.01)	$ 0.01	$ (0.13)	$ (0.90)	$ (0.40)	$ (2.02)	$ (0.54)

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equit72

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	May 09, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	May 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2008
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 10,000,000				$ 5,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Authorized Amount				$ 5,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					0	0
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares					18,229	96,076
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized					$ 2,200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition					1 year 182 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense					$ 1,800,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 800,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures					0	119,343	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures					$ 0	$ 500,000	$ 0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock					$ 19,142,000		$ 14,046,000
Treasury Stock, Shares					0	0
D.A. Davidson and Co. [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	5,175,000
Share Price	$ 4
Share Price, Net	$ 3.77
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$ 19,100,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			600,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					79,240	978,526	61,957
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 4.36	$ 4.53	$ 9.05
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense					$ 250,000	$ 250,000	$ 350,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition					3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition					5 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Key Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					20,000	917,851	18,536
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 4.78	$ 4.55	$ 11.38
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized					$ 100,000	$ 4,400,000	$ 200,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					64,159	10,000	7,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations					1,875	13,750
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense					$ 100,000
Plan 2001 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term					10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized					1,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant					555,785
Long-term Incentive Plan [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense						$ 1,200,000
Percentage of Incentive Plan Based on Service Completion		50.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period		3 years
Percentage of Incentive Plan Based on Shareholder Return		50.00%
Incentive Plan, Term for ShareholderReturn		3 years
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures						86,483
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited					0	54,519

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equit73

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity - Service-based Share Compensation (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Nonvested (in shares)	913,823	149,471	181,116
Nonvested, Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 4.83	$ 11.65	$ 10.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	79,240	978,526	61,957
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 4.36	$ 4.53	$ 9.05
Vested (in shares)	(351,855)	(166,622)	(73,190)
Vested, Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 4.46	$ 8.56	$ 6.88
Forfeited (in shares)		(47,552)	(20,412)
Forfeited, Fair Value (in dollars per share)		$ 6.91	$ 11.66
Nonvested (in shares)	641,208	913,823	149,471
Nonvested, Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 4.97	$ 4.83	$ 11.65

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equit74

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity - Summary of 2001 Plan for Restricted Stock Grants (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 800,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Shares awarded to each non-employee director (in shares)	59,240	60,675	43,421
Average grant-date market price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.22	$ 4.12	$ 8.06
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 250,000	$ 250,000	$ 350,000
Compensation cost recognized related to current and prior year awards	$ 249,995	$ 266,667	$ 316,750
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non Employee Director [Member]
Shares awarded to each non-employee director (in shares)	11,848	12,135	6,203

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Pl75

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$ 1,800	$ 1,800	$ 1,300
Entity Number of Employees	1,684
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	$ 12,638	14,534	10,808
Individually Insignificant Multiemployer Pension Costs [Member]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	$ 1,200	$ 1,500	$ 900
Red Zone [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Contributions	65.00%
Orange Zone [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Contributions	80.00%
Yellow Zone [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Contributions	80.00%
Yellow Zone [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Contributions	80.00%
Field Personnel [Member]
Entity Number of Employees	1,364
Union Members [Member] | Nevada, Arizona, California, and Hawaii [Member]
Entity Number of Employees	366
Number of Employees, Percent	22.00%

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Pl76

Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans - Participation in Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 12,638	$ 14,534	$ 10,808
Pension Trust Fund for Operating Engineers Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Protection Act Certified Zone Status	[1]	Red	Red
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 2,145	$ 2,151	1,757
Surcharge Imposed		No
Laborers Pension Trust for Northern California [Member]
Pension Protection Act Certified Zone Status	[1]	Yellow	Yellow
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 1,059	$ 966	1,447
Surcharge Imposed		No
Carpenter Funds Administrative Office [Member]
Pension Protection Act Certified Zone Status	[1]	Red	Red
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 636	$ 842	1,015
Surcharge Imposed		No
Cement Mason Pension Trust Fund for Northern California [Member]
Pension Protection Act Certified Zone Status	[1]	Yellow	Yellow
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 311	$ 371	322
Surcharge Imposed		No
All Other Funds [Member]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 8,487	$ 10,204	$ 6,267
[1]	The most recent PPA zone status available in 2016 and 2015 is for the plan’s year-end during 2015 and 2014, respectively. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the orange zone are less than 80 percent funded and have an Accumulated Funding Deficiency in the current year or projected into the next six years, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.

Note 16 - Concentration of Ri77

Note 16 - Concentration of Risk and Enterprise-wide Disclosures (Details Textual) xbrli-pure in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Receivables, Long-term Contracts or Programs	$ 82,112	$ 84,132
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Number of Major Customers	0
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | TxDOT [Member]
Receivables, Long-term Contracts or Programs		$ 7,900

Note 16 - Concentration of Ri78

Note 16 - Concentration of Risk and Enterprise-wide Disclosures - Contract Revenues by Customer (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Caltrans [Member]
Contract Revenues	$ 88,627	$ 96,470		$ 97,637
Caltrans [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk Percentage	12.80%	15.50%		14.50%
TxDOT [Member]
Contract Revenues	$ 85,224	$ 84,129
TxDOT [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk Percentage	12.40%	13.50%
UDOT [Member]
Contract Revenues	$ 79,421		[1]		[1]
UDOT [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk Percentage	11.50%		[1]		[1]
[1]	Represents less than 10% of revenues

Note 17 - Related Party Trans79

Note 17 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 4,700	$ 1,500	$ 1,600
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction		600	200	400
Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Contract	$ 7,100
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Long-term Contract	1,400
Factoring Agreement with a Related Party [Member]
Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Contract	7,100
Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-use	2,400
Factoring Agreement with a Related Party [Member] | Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Long-term Contract	$ 1,400
RLW [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties		4,100	3,700	500
RLW [Member] | Main Office [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense			500
RLW [Member] | Other Miscellaneous Transactions [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction		$ 800	$ 200	$ 100

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial80

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial Information (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Global Settlement Which Allowed Closeout of a Texas Project [Member]
Litigation Settlement, Expense	$ 2.5

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial81

Note 18 - Quarterly Financial Information - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 168,345	$ 205,629	$ 189,582	$ 126,567	$ 152,488	$ 176,000	$ 177,425	$ 117,682	$ 690,123	$ 623,595	$ 672,230
Gross profit	6,903	17,032	16,089	3,830	12,220	14,458	9,111	(6,836)	43,854	28,953	32,421
Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,754)	3,196	2,570	(7,336)	(841)	1,326	(967)	(16,697)	(7,324)	(17,179)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (6,348)	$ 2,415	$ 2,023	$ (7,328)	$ (19,898)	$ 256	$ (2,542)	$ (16,992)	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	$ 0.10	$ 0.09	$ (0.37)	$ (1.01)	$ 0.01	$ (0.13)	$ (0.90)	$ (0.40)	$ (2.02)	$ (0.54)
Revenues	$ 168,345	$ 205,629	$ 189,582	$ 126,567	$ 152,488	$ 176,000	$ 177,425	$ 117,682	$ 690,123	$ 623,595	$ 672,230
Gross profit	6,903	17,032	16,089	3,830	12,220	14,458	9,111	(6,836)	43,854	28,953	32,421
Income (loss) before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,754)	3,196	2,570	(7,336)	(841)	1,326	(967)	(16,697)	(7,324)	(17,179)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (6,348)	$ 2,415	$ 2,023	$ (7,328)	$ (19,898)	$ 256	$ (2,542)	$ (16,992)	$ (9,238)	$ (39,176)	$ (9,781)

Note 19 - Subsequent Event - 82

Note 19 - Subsequent Event - Commitment to Purchase Concrete Company (Details Textual) - Subsequent Event [Member]	Mar. 08, 2017USD ($)
New Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 85,000,000
Tealstone Construction [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	85,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	15,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	1,882,058
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred	$ 55,000,000