Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ 925	$ 762	$ 650
Other nonoperating (expense) income, net	(2)	(69)	90
Net income attributable to CRH plc	3,178	3,862	2,630
Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to CRH plc	5	(54)	0
Cash flow hedges | Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of product revenues	12	(73)	(29)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(3)	13	0
Net income attributable to CRH plc	9	(60)	(29)
Pension and other postretirement plans | Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense	3	(2)	(7)
Other nonoperating (expense) income, net	(7)	8	36
Net income attributable to CRH plc	$ (4)	$ 6	$ 29