Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) 10-Q 3 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
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)		26,977,437
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,147	$ 42,785
Contracts receivable, including retainage	91,089	84,132
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	34,475	32,705
Inventories	3,757	3,708
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	7,890	7,130
Other current assets	6,609	5,448
Total current assets	180,967	175,908
Property and equipment, net	65,821	68,127
Goodwill	54,820	54,820
Other assets, net	2,968	2,968
Total assets	304,576	301,823
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	71,448	67,097
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	62,656	64,100
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,939	3,845
Income taxes payable	105	78
Accrued compensation	7,885	5,322
Other current liabilities	6,745	6,150
Total current liabilities	151,778	146,592
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,358	1,549
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings	44,183	45,230
Other long-term liabilities	419	362
Total long-term liabilities	45,960	47,141
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
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, 25,050,501 and 24,987,306 shares issued	251	250
Additional paid in capital	209,555	208,922
Retained deficit	(103,995)	(101,738)
Total Sterling common stockholders’ equity	105,811	107,434
Noncontrolling interests	1,027	656
Total equity	106,838	108,090
Total liabilities and equity	$ 304,576	$ 301,823

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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)	25,050,501	24,987,306

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 153,416	$ 126,567
Cost of revenues	(144,129)	(123,019)
Gross profit	9,287	3,548
General and administrative expenses	(10,604)	(10,085)
Other operating (expense) income, net	(471)	71
Operating loss	(1,788)	(6,466)
Interest income	41	3
Interest expense	(112)	(873)
Loss before income taxes and earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,859)	(7,336)
Income tax expense	(27)
Net loss	(1,886)	(7,336)
Noncontrolling owners’ interests in earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures	(371)	8
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (2,257)	$ (7,328)
Net loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.37)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing per share amounts:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	25,022	19,760

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	24,987
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 250	$ 208,922	$ (101,738)	$ 656	$ 108,090
Net (loss) income			(2,257)	371	(1,886)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	64
Stock-based compensation	$ 1	639			640
Other		(6)			(6)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	25,051
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 251	$ 209,555	$ (103,995)	$ 1,027	$ 106,838

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (2,257)	$ (7,328)
Plus: Noncontrolling owners’ interests in earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures	371	(8)
Net loss	(1,886)	(7,336)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,070	4,162
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(358)	(175)
Stock-based compensation expense	640	400
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Contracts receivable	(6,957)	(12,646)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(1,770)	(1,283)
Inventories	(49)	(395)
Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	(760)	4,614
Other assets	(1,059)	297
Accounts payable	4,351	4,429
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(1,444)	8,527
Accrued compensation and other liabilities	3,207	4,123
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption and undistributed earnings	(1,047)	(4,227)
Net cash (used in) provided operating activities	(3,062)	490
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(1,825)	(2,818)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	588	1,065
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,237)	(1,753)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cumulative repayments – equipment-based term loan and other	(1,333)	(1,298)
Cumulative drawdowns – equipment-based revolver		14,000
Cumulative repayments – equipment-based revolver		(900)
Other	(6)	(46)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,339)	11,756
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(5,638)	10,493
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	42,785	4,426
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	37,147	14,919
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	113	820
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
Non-cash items:
Transportation and construction equipment acquired through financing arrangements	$ 70	$ 81

Note 1 - Summary of Business an

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 infrastructure, water infrastructure, and residential and commercial concrete projects in Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and other states where 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. Its residential and commercial concrete projects include concrete foundations for single-family and multi-family homes, commercial projects and parking structures. Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Sterling, without audit, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10 December 31, 2016 (“2016 10 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 may three March 31, 2017 On April 3, 2017, 100% Tealstone $85,000,000 April 4, 2022, June 30, 2017. 12 Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 2016 10 • revenue recognition • contracts receivable, including retainage • valuation of property and equipment, goodwill and other long-lived assets • income taxes • segment reporting There have been no material changes to significant accounting policies since December 31, 2016. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries and construction joint ventures in which the Company has a greater than 50% 50%. 3 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures”) in the condensed 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 4 Under 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 it has a noncontrolling variable interest. Refer to Note 5 Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated 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. Reclassification Reclassifications have been made to historical financial data in our condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to our current year presentation. 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. Our heavy civil construction 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 resulted in a net gain of $0.8 $1.2 three March 31, 2017 2016, . 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 customer approval for a change of scope but a price change associated with the scope change has not yet been agreed upon. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated costs 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 will be taken. 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 $0.4 $10.3 $3.9 March 31, 2017, $2.2 $9.2 $3.9 December 31, 2016, may Financial Instruments and Fair Value 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, contracts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, and until April 3, 2017, 12 The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, contracts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their liquidity and/or short-term nature. Refer to Note 7 10 2016 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 Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04 350) 2 two December 15, 2019. January 1, 2017. January 1, 2017. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 01 805): 606. December 15, 2017 In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, 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 and Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	2. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three 5 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, $18.4 $10.9 Restricted cash of approximately $3.0 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, 8 $2.0 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 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 - Subsidiaries and Joint

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners’ Interests The Company is obligated to purchase its partners’ interests in two 50% March 31, December 31, Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Net accumulated earnings 4,183 5,230 Total liability $ 44,183 $ 45,230 Earnings for the three March 31, 2017 2016 Changes in Noncontrolling Interests The following table summarizes the changes in the noncontrolling owners’ interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures (amounts in thousands): Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 656 $ (91 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity 371 (8 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners -- -- Balance, end of period $ 1,027 $ (99 ) The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity is due to the Company’s two

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ven

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Construction Joint Ventures The Company participates in various construction joint ventures. Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to construct a specific project and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. Refer to Note 5 2016 10 March 31, December 31, Total combined: Current assets $ 32,782 $ 32,592 Less current liabilities (53,883 ) (57,598 ) Net assets $ (21,101 ) $ (25,006 ) Backlog $ 92,724 $ 107,333 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog 46,504 52,992 Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures 7,890 7,130 Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Total combined: Revenues $ 14,609 $ 8,804 Income before tax 1,173 535 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Revenues $ 6,488 $ 3,780 Income before tax 553 258 Approximately $47 $53 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, March 31, 2017 50% 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 complete and the warranty period, if any, has passed.

Note 5 - Variable Interest Enti

Note 5 - Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]	5. Variable Interest Entities The Company owns a 50% August 1, 2011, 6 2016 10 The condensed financial information of Myers, which is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, is as follows (amounts in thousands): March 31, December 31, Assets: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,447 $ 9,655 Contracts receivable, including retainage 16,279 15,046 Other current assets 10,925 10,208 Total current assets 28,651 34,909 Property and equipment, net 9,450 9,824 Goodwill 1,501 1,501 Total assets $ 39,602 $ 46,234 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 18,906 $ 21,274 Other current liabilities 9,104 8,782 Total current liabilities 28,010 30,056 Long-term liabilities: Other long-term liabilities 399 5,373 Total liabilities $ 28,409 $ 35,429 Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Revenues $ 23,285 $ 26,943 Operating income 394 194 Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders 195 94

Note 6 - Property and Equipment

Note 6 - Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): March 31, December 31, Construction equipment $ 122,097 $ 121,441 Transportation equipment 18,161 19,017 Buildings 12,786 12,771 Office equipment 3,108 3,108 Leasehold improvement 914 914 Construction in progress 100 313 Land 3,509 3,509 Water rights 200 200 160,875 161,273 Less accumulated depreciation (95,054 ) (93,146 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 65,821 $ 68,127

Note 7 - Line of Credit and Lon

Note 7 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt Debt consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Equipment-based Facility $ 2,511 $ 3,532 Less deferred loan costs (602 ) (803 ) Equipment-based Facility, net 1,909 2,729 Notes payable for transportation and construction equipment and other 2,388 2,665 4,297 5,394 Current maturities of long-term debt 3,541 4,648 Less current deferred loan costs (602 ) (803 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt, net (2,939 ) (3,845 ) Total long-term debt $ 1,358 $ 1,549 Equipment-based Facility At March 31, 2017, $24.4 65% $20.0 $20.0 March 31, 2017. $2.5 March 31, 2017. 12 Fair Value The Company’s debt is recorded at its carrying amount in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses an income approach to determine the fair value of its 12% May 29, 2019 3 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, $2.5 $3.5 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016. 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 related to the purchase of financed equipment was $2.4 $2.7 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, 3 5 3.12% 7.13%. Interest Expense Interest expense related to our Equipment-based Facility and other debt for the three March 31, 2017 2016 $0.1 $0.9

Note 8 - Commitments and Contin

Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Commitments and Contingencies 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. We have cash collateralized the letter of credit, resulting in the cash being designated as restricted. Refer to Note 2 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 actions will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Note 9 - Income Taxes

Note 9 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Income Taxes 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company is not expecting a current federal tax liability due to sufficient net operating loss carry forwards. The Company may no three March 31, 2017 2016, The Company’s deferred tax expense or (benefit) reflects the change in deferred tax assets or liabilities. The Company performs an analysis at the end of each reporting period to determine whether it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets are expected to be realized in future years. Based upon this analysis, a full valuation allowance has been applied to our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016. no three March 31, 2017. As a result of the Company’s analysis, management has determined that the Company does not have any material uncertain tax positions.

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share At

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	10. 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 includes dilutive unvested 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 (amounts in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (2,257 ) $ (7,328 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic 25,022 19,760 Shares for dilutive unvested stock -- -- Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted 25,022 19,760 Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (0.09 ) $ (0.37 ) In accordance with the treasury stock method, 0.5 0.3 three March 31, 2017 2016,

Note 11 - Stock-based Compensat

Note 11 - Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	11. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has a stock-based incentive plan which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Refer to Note 14 2016 10 $0.6 three March 31, 2017 $0.4 three March 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, $1.7 1.4 March 31, 2017, 0.5

Note 12 - Subsequent Events

Note 12 - Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	12. Subsequent Events Purchase of Tealstone On April 3, 2017, 100% Tealstone $55,000,000 1,882,058 Placement Shares $5,000,000 $2,500,000 $7,500,000 second third $15,000,000 may first, second, third fourth The preliminary acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $83.7 Fair value of consideration transferred (amounts in thousands): Cash $ 55,000 Common stock (1,882,058 shares) 17,100 Promissory notes 4,400 Deferred payments 7,200 Total $ 83,700 The fair value of the 1,882,058 The promissory notes and deferred payments have been discounted using a preliminary 12% $15,000,000 first, second, third fourth The Company is in the process of estimating the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date and obtaining third Loan Agreement On April 3, 2017, Loan Agreement $85,000,000 Loan April 4, 2022, Interest on the Loan is equal to the one two three six 8.75% 75% The Loan Agreement contains various covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain loans, enter into acquisitions, incur capital expenditures, make investments, and pay dividends. In addition, the Company is required to maintain the following financial covenants: · a ratio of secured indebtedness to EBITDA of not more than 3.10 1.00 four June 30, 2017, 1.80 1.00 four September 30, 2019; · daily cash collateral of not less than $10,000,000 June 30, 2017, $15,000,000 October 1, 2017, $18,000,000 April 4, 2018; · a rolling four $60,000,000 June 30, 2017, $70,000,000 March 31, 2019; · the incurrence of net capital expenditures during each four $15,000,000; · bonding capacity shall be maintained at all times in an amount not less than $1,000,000,000; · the EBITDA of Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. shall not be less than $12,000,000 four June 30, 2017. The Loan Agreement also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal or interest, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, breaches of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid, calls under the Company’s bonds, failure of specified individuals to remain employed by the Company, and a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the Loan Agreement and exercise other rights and remedies. Warrants On April 3, 2017, Warrants Holders five 1,000,000 Warrant Shares $10.25

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries and construction joint ventures in which the Company has a greater than 50% 50%. 3 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item (“Receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures”) in the condensed 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 4 Under 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 it has a noncontrolling variable interest. Refer to Note 5
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated 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.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassification Reclassifications have been made to historical financial data in our condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to our current year presentation.
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. Our heavy civil construction 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 resulted in a net gain of $0.8 $1.2 three March 31, 2017 2016, . 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 customer approval for a change of scope but a price change associated with the scope change has not yet been agreed upon. Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated costs 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 will be taken. 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 $0.4 $10.3 $3.9 March 31, 2017, $2.2 $9.2 $3.9 December 31, 2016, may
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments and Fair Value 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, contracts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, and until April 3, 2017, 12 The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, contracts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values based on their liquidity and/or short-term nature. Refer to Note 7 10 2016 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
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04 350) 2 two December 15, 2019. January 1, 2017. January 1, 2017. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 01 805): 606. December 15, 2017 In November 2016, 2016 18 230): December 15, 2017, 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 3 - Subsidiaries and Joi20

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Agreement Obligation [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Net accumulated earnings 4,183 5,230 Total liability $ 44,183 $ 45,230
Schedule of Changes in Noncontrolling Interests and Joint Ventures [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 656 $ (91 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity 371 (8 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners -- -- Balance, end of period $ 1,027 $ (99 )

Note 4 - Construction Joint V21

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, Total combined: Current assets $ 32,782 $ 32,592 Less current liabilities (53,883 ) (57,598 ) Net assets $ (21,101 ) $ (25,006 ) Backlog $ 92,724 $ 107,333 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog 46,504 52,992 Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures 7,890 7,130
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Total combined: Revenues $ 14,609 $ 8,804 Income before tax 1,173 535 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Revenues $ 6,488 $ 3,780 Income before tax 553 258

Note 5 - Variable Interest En22

Note 5 - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, Assets: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,447 $ 9,655 Contracts receivable, including retainage 16,279 15,046 Other current assets 10,925 10,208 Total current assets 28,651 34,909 Property and equipment, net 9,450 9,824 Goodwill 1,501 1,501 Total assets $ 39,602 $ 46,234 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 18,906 $ 21,274 Other current liabilities 9,104 8,782 Total current liabilities 28,010 30,056 Long-term liabilities: Other long-term liabilities 399 5,373 Total liabilities $ 28,409 $ 35,429
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Total combined: Revenues $ 14,609 $ 8,804 Income before tax 1,173 535 Sterling’s noncontrolling interest: Revenues $ 6,488 $ 3,780 Income before tax 553 258
Myers and Sons Construction [Member]
Notes Tables
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Revenues $ 23,285 $ 26,943 Operating income 394 194 Net income attributable to Sterling common stockholders 195 94

Note 6 - Property and Equipme23

Note 6 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, Construction equipment $ 122,097 $ 121,441 Transportation equipment 18,161 19,017 Buildings 12,786 12,771 Office equipment 3,108 3,108 Leasehold improvement 914 914 Construction in progress 100 313 Land 3,509 3,509 Water rights 200 200 160,875 161,273 Less accumulated depreciation (95,054 ) (93,146 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 65,821 $ 68,127

Note 7 - Line of Credit and L24

Note 7 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, Equipment-based Facility $ 2,511 $ 3,532 Less deferred loan costs (602 ) (803 ) Equipment-based Facility, net 1,909 2,729 Notes payable for transportation and construction equipment and other 2,388 2,665 4,297 5,394 Current maturities of long-term debt 3,541 4,648 Less current deferred loan costs (602 ) (803 ) Less current maturities of long-term debt, net (2,939 ) (3,845 ) Total long-term debt $ 1,358 $ 1,549

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share 25

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (2,257 ) $ (7,328 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic 25,022 19,760 Shares for dilutive unvested stock -- -- Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted 25,022 19,760 Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders $ (0.09 ) $ (0.37 )

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Ta

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Cash $ 55,000 Common stock (1,882,058 shares) 17,100 Promissory notes 4,400 Deferred payments 7,200 Total $ 83,700

Note 1 - Summary of Business 27

Note 1 - Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 03, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Ownership Interest in Joint Venture	50.00%
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings [Member]
Unapproved Change Orders, Amount	$ 400,000			$ 2,200,000
Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts	10,300,000			9,200,000
Contracts Receivable, Unpaid Project Contract Price	3,900,000			$ 3,900,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Member]
Estimated Construction Gross (Loss) Profit, Before Tax	$ 800,000	$ (1,200,000)
Minimum [Member]
Ownership Interest in Joint Venture	50.00%
Revenue Recognition Percentage of Completion Range	1 year
Warranty Term	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition Percentage of Completion Range	3 years
Warranty Term	2 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Wilmington Trust, National Association [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 85,000,000
Tealstone Construction [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired			100.00%

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equiva28

Note 2 - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		$ 3
Other Current Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 2	2
Majority Owned Joint Ventures [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 18.4	$ 10.9

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joi29

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2017
Myers [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joi30

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests - Components of Noncontrolling Interest Subject to Mandatory Redemption (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Members’ interest subject to mandatory redemption	$ 40,000	$ 40,000
Net accumulated earnings	4,183	5,230
Total liability	$ 44,183	$ 45,230

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joi31

Note 3 - Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests - Changes in Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Details) - Subsidiaries [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$ 656	$ (91)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity	371	(8)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners
Balance, end of period	$ 1,027	$ (99)

Note 4 - Construction Joint V32

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ventures (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Construction Backlog Attributable to Project Performed by Joint Ventures	$ 47		$ 53
Steve P. Rados, Inc. [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Granite Construction Corporation [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		49.00%

Note 4 - Construction Joint V33

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ventures - Construction Joint Ventures, Partner Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets	$ 180,967	$ 175,908
Less current liabilities	(151,778)	(146,592)
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	7,890	7,130
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Current assets	32,782	32,592
Less current liabilities	(53,883)	(57,598)
Net assets	(21,101)	(25,006)
Backlog	92,724	107,333
Sterling’s noncontrolling interest in backlog	46,504	52,992
Sterling’s receivables from and equity in construction joint ventures	$ 7,890	$ 7,130

Note 4 - Construction Joint V34

Note 4 - Construction Joint Ventures - Construction Joint Ventures, Partner Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 153,416	$ 126,567
Revenues	371	(8)
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Revenues	14,609	8,804
Income before tax	1,173	535
Revenues	6,488	3,780
Income before tax	$ 553	$ 258

Note 5 - Variable Interest En35

Note 5 - Variable Interest Entities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Myers [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Note 5 - Variable Interest En36

Note 5 - Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet - Myers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,147	$ 42,785	$ 14,919	$ 4,426
Contracts receivable, including retainage	91,089	84,132
Other current assets	6,609	5,448
Total current assets	180,967	175,908
Property and equipment, net	65,821	68,127
Goodwill	54,820	54,820
Total assets	304,576	301,823
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	71,448	67,097
Total current liabilities	151,778	146,592
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,447	9,655
Contracts receivable, including retainage	16,279	15,046
Other current assets	10,925	10,208
Total current assets	28,651	34,909
Property and equipment, net	9,450	9,824
Goodwill	1,501	1,501
Total assets	39,602	46,234
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	18,906	21,274
Other current liabilities	9,104	8,782
Total current liabilities	28,010	30,056
Long-term liabilities:
Other long-term liabilities	399	5,373
Total liabilities	$ 28,409	$ 35,429

Note 5 - Variable Interest En37

Note 5 - Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Statements of Operations - Myers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 153,416	$ 126,567
Operating income	(1,788)	(6,466)
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	(2,257)	(7,328)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Revenues	23,285	26,943
Operating income	394	194
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ 195	$ 94

Note 6 - Property and Equipme38

Note 6 - Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 160,875	$ 161,273
Less accumulated depreciation	(95,054)	(93,146)
Total property and equipment, net	65,821	68,127
Construction Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	122,097	121,441
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	18,161	19,017
Building [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,786	12,771
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,108	3,108
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	914	914
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	100	313
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,509	3,509
Water Rights [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 200	$ 200

Note 7 - Line of Credit and L39

Note 7 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt	$ 4,297		$ 5,394
Interest Expense, Debt	100	$ 900
Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit		$ 14,000
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 2,400		2,700
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	7.13%
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 24,400
Debt Instrument, Percentage of Appraised Value of Collateral	65.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000
Long-term Debt	$ 2,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	12.00%
Nations [Member] | Asset-based Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000
Proceeds from Secured Lines of Credit	0
Long-term Line of Credit	0		0
Nations [Member] | Equipment-based Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt	1,909		2,729
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 2,500		$ 3,500

Note 7 - Line of Credit and L40

Note 7 - Line of Credit and Long-term Debt - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equipment-based Facility, net	$ 4,297	$ 5,394
Long-term Debt	4,297	5,394
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,541	4,648
Less current deferred loan costs	(602)	(803)
Less current maturities of long-term debt, net	(2,939)	(3,845)
Total long-term debt	1,358	1,549
Notes Payable for Transportation and Construction Equipment [Member]
Notes payable	2,388	2,665
Nations [Member] | Equipment-based Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt	2,511	3,532
Less deferred loan costs	(602)	(803)
Equipment-based Facility, net	1,909	2,729
Long-term Debt	$ 1,909	$ 2,729

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	$ 0

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share 42

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Sterling Common Stockholders (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.5	0.3

Note 10 - Net Loss Per Share 43

Note 10 - 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
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net loss attributable to Sterling common stockholders	$ (2,257)	$ (7,328)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic (in shares)	25,022	19,760
Weighted average common shares outstanding and incremental shares assumed repurchased— diluted (in shares)	25,022	19,760
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Sterling common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.37)

Note 11 - Stock-based Compens44

Note 11 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 0.6	$ 0.4
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 1.7
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 146 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	0.5

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)	Apr. 03, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Subsequent Event [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Warrants to the Lenders Under the Loan Agreement [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Term			5 years
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights | shares			1,000,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares			$ 10.25
Subsequent Event [Member] | Wilmington Trust, National Association [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 85,000,000
Loan Prepayment Offer Required to Make Quarterly, Percentage			75.00%
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Maximum Ratio of Secured Indebtedness to EBITDA, Period One			3.1
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Maximum Ratio of Secured Indebtedness to EBITDA, Period Two			0.018
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Daily Cash Collateral, Period One			$ 10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Daily Cash Collateral, Period Two			15,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Daily Cash Collateral, Potential Additional Period			18,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Rolling Four Quarter Gross Margin in Contract Backlog, Period One			60,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Rolling Four Quarter Gross Margin in Contract Backlog, Period Two			70,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Maximum Incurrence of Net Capital Expenditures During Each of Four Consecutive Fiscal Quarters			15,000,000
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum Bonding Capacity			1,000,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Wilmington Trust, National Association [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loans [Member] | Tealstone Residential Concrete, Inc. [Member]
Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants, Minimum EBITDA During Each Four Consecutive Fiscal Quarters			$ 12,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Wilmington Trust, National Association [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loans [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			8.75%
Tealstone Construction [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 7,500,000	$ 2,500,000
Tealstone Construction [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired			100.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			$ 55,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred			4,400,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			15,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 83,700,000
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate			12.00%
Tealstone Construction [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions | shares			1,882,058

Note 12 - Subsequent Events - A

Note 12 - Subsequent Events - Acquisition-date Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) - Tealstone Construction [Member] - Subsequent Event [Member]	Apr. 03, 2017USD ($)
Cash	$ 55,000,000
Common stock (1,882,058 shares)	17,100,000
Promissory notes	4,400,000
Deferred payments	7,200,000
Total	$ 83,700,000

Note 12 - Subsequent Events -47

Note 12 - Subsequent Events - Acquisition-date Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) (Parentheticals)	Apr. 03, 2017shares
Tealstone Construction [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Common stock, shares (in shares)	100,000